The UK’s favourite blue-eyed soulster is coming to the end of his epic, annual tour and SJF caught the show at Liverpool’s prestigious Philharmonic Hall. The evening opened with a performance from the brothers TINLIN – offering a distinctive take on harmonic balladry. Low-key, they were the perfect foil for the energized CARRACK who bounded on with the title track of his current album, ‘Good Feelin’ About It’.
The genial Yorkshireman’s set naturally focused on the album and – as usual – his fans were already familiar with song s like ‘If I Should Fall Behind’, ‘I Can Hear Ray’, ‘I Don’t Wanna Lose Your Love’ and the pop classic ‘When My Little Girl Is Smiling’. For one of the new songs – ‘Make It Right’, CARRACK brought the TINLIN brothers back on stage… a nice touch, they penned the song.
The new stuff was interspersed with familiar CARRACK chestnuts like ‘Eyes Of Blue’, ‘Over My Shoulder’ and the song that was famously covered by the EAGLES, ‘Love Will Keep Us Alive’. ‘The Living Years’ and ‘How Long’ remain the big set pieces though the loudest applause was saved for a Merseybeat tribute in the form of PAUL’S beautiful version of GERRY AND THE PACEMAKERS’ ‘Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying’ and the show-climaxing, moving rendition of ‘He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother’ – that much more poignant in this venue given that the song’s been adopted by the Hillsborough Justice Campaign.
Ever the consummate musician (guitar, organ, piano, vocoder, mouth organ) and self-deprecating performer, CARRACK was supported by a fabulous band that included son JACK on drums and the wonderful STEVE BEIGHTON on saxes. The tour ends in March and you can check out the remaining dates @ www.paulcarrack.net . The album ‘Good Feeling’ is still available and you can find a review of it in our archive along with an in-depth interview.
