Chris Farlowe and The Norman Beaker Band      

The New Roscoe Leeds Easter 2002           

                                                                                                                  I had never seen Chris Farlowe perform live before so I was very excited to go to see “The Voice” exercise his tonsils on Easter Sunday evening. My wife and I arrived at the Roscoe to find a long queue before us. I wasn't too perturbed by this, as most of the gigs run by John Keenan of JFK Promotions are quality affairs. It wasn't too long before we were in the thick of things and moaning to each other about all the jostling of the punters.

Pretty soon the lone figure of Brendan Croker (of Notting Hillbillies fame with Mark Knopfler) opened up the evenings musical proceedings with his own brand of blues. Brendan did an entertaining but short set of four songs before The Norman Beaker Band arrived on stage.

This quality band did a two song warm up from their new CD. Norman 's staccato early Bluesbreakers -style guitar playing was a joy to hear. My wife thought he was similar in style to Eric Clapton but I opted to compare Norman with Peter Green and his classic style. Either way, Norman is a fine exponent of the 1970's Stratocaster. This particular large headstock model was finished in black with a maple neck. His refined picking was amplified by a modern Marshall Valvestate. A lovely tone it was too.

Before long “The Voice” aka Chris Farlowe stylishly arrived on stage to the claps and whistles of what seemed like the Chris Farlowe Fan Club! My wife and I were quite thrilled to see this living legend, resplendent in a blue Hawaiian shirt and certainly as large as life itself, suddenly gain command of the room.

Opening up with Don't Wanna Sing The Blues no more, ( -oh yeah?) Chris's dramatic and distinctive vocals sent cold shivers down our backs. The Norman Beaker Band, whom I cannot praise enough, complemented the song to perfection. The organ and saxophone added soul to the mix.

Chris continued to thrill his captive audience with the inclusion of Lonesome, another beautiful composition which included some ad-lib lyrics to suit the Leeds audience. It was also pleasure to hear Chris and the Band interacting with the audience during the intervals between songs. The “Craique” between the Band and Chris Farlowe was also very entertaining. These experienced entertainers bonded with the audience immediately. This was illustrated during the next song, Tough on Me , Tough on You . Towards the end of this brilliant song, Chris altered the lyrics to tell the small minority of jabbering punters that it would be Tough on You lot talking in the corner! This prompted a huge cheer from the rest of the appreciative audience. Well Done Chris!

The rapport with the audience was a bonus. Chris told the crowd that the next song was by a close friend who had now departed from this world. The song was All or Nothing, by the late lamented Steve Marriott. Given the Farlowe treatment, this was a classic of the first order. Well known and well sang, it brought pleasant memories flooding back.

Recently resurrected by the Stereophonics, Chris made it quite clear that the next song was written for him and nobody else. Mike D'Abo's Gladrags and Handbags was the song in question and Chris sang this composition with more grace and style than either the Stereophonics or Rod Stewart could have done in a million years. Chris Farlowe's phrasing is really special and completely distinctive to him.

From Chris's latest CD on the Delicious Records label, Glory Bound, the band eased into Blues as Blues Can Get. This song floats along with a superb groove showcasing the wonderful skills of the band's smooth S axophone player! The organ fills and tinkling guitar make this song something very special indeed. The rhythm section added their own blend, while Chris Farlowe's vocally excellent contributions completed this beautiful Knoblach/Krekell composition.

Keeping in the same atmospheric conditions, the Band also played another meaningful song from the Glory Bound CD. A Morgan/Sharkey penned song by the name of Miss You Fever , the audience continued to be mesmerised by the beautiful, moody saxophone and Chris Farlowe's soulful and emotionally charged voice. It is a wonderful song and one that was appreciated by the very receptive audience, judging by the extended applause.

I found that Chris has some very loyal fans as one generous lady in the audience handed him a rather large Jack Daniels! Chris seemed very humbled by this act and later ad-libbed his thanks during a song! What a talent!The same lady was shouting to Chris, “ Go On- Sing IT” to which Chris would say “Sing What?”…..”IT” was of course, his classic hit, Out of Time ! As Chris and the band rocked through this golden oldie, the audience sang the chorus with equal amounts of enthusiasm and reverence! This Jagger/Richards classic has really stood the test of time.

Before long Chris and the Band had worked through two encores and it was almost time to go home, but not before I had a quick word and had my photograph taken with “The Voice”. I was so impressed by the talents of this friendly and approachable man, I bought the Glory Bound CD and Chris obligingly autographed it! I came to the gig as a reporter and went home a firm fan!

Chris Farlowe is a real trooper. His voice is very special. He sings with fantastic emotion. He also sings with rhythm and when backed by a great band as we had seen on this night, he must rank among the best acts in Great Britain today. I feel priviliged to have had this opportunity to see and hear this legendary artist.

Steve Lally