David Gray brings brightness to city

Published on Tuesday 4 March 2008 09:18

David Gray **** Corn Exchange

WITH his relaxing vocals and pleasing melodies, David Gray is the last person in the world you'd expect to enrage anyone.

Nevertheless, that's exactly what the Sale singer-songwriter managed to do at the Corn Exchange last night.

"I had tickets for this but I'm having to work," wailed a member of the venue's security staff. "I'm absolutely raging."

Those not hindered by employment obligations were treated to a terrific evening of folk rock, which was kicked off by talented newcomer Beth Rowley.

The Bristol singer's support slot coincided with the release of her new single, Oh My Life.

Backed by a band that includes saxophonist Ben Castle, son of Record Breakers legend Roy, Rowley proved that she has a voice equal in volume to her bouncing blonde locks.

Her debut album, Little Dreamer, is due out in May and, on this evidence, it should be well worth a listen.

But while the audience gave Rowley an enthusiastic reception, there was only one musician they really wanted to see.

Dressed in a black suit, Gray made a low-key entrance, walking on stage alone with his acoustic guitar and giving the briefest of introductions to his first song.

"I'm going to start at the beginning," he said, before playing Shine, a particularly mellow number from A Century Ends, his 1993 debut album.

This was greeted with rapturous applause.

Gray was then joined on stage by his backing group for Living Room, another of the musician's early efforts.

It was perhaps telling that Gray performed Babylon, still his biggest hit, so early in the set. While he's probably morally obliged to give it an airing at every gig, he was determined not to let his fans leave with "for crying out loud" ringing in their ears – although similar sentiments were expressed by gridlocked motorists trying to leave the venue afterwards.

While he's undoubtedly an extremely talented musician and lyricist, Gray may need to work a little on some of his banter. One meandering introduction, which included musings on "the hypocrisy of society", caused one fan to mumble: "Blah, blah, blah. Stop talking and just get on with it."

Thankfully, he seemed to get the message and launched into the considerably rockier, at least by Gray's standards, You're the World to Me.

Along with Babylon, The One I Love is one of only two songs to have given Gray a top-ten hit.

Its lyrics certainly struck a chord with the romantics in the crowd.

Gray then showed his versatility as a musician by taking a seat behind the piano for Life In Slow Motion, a beautiful song that truly lives up to its name.

Last year, Gray released a greatest hits album, but don't let that fool you into thinking his career is winding down.

He's not had three chart-topping records for nothing and, at least as far as last night's audience and a disgruntled security guard are concerned, he's still the one they love.