Our first outing of 2013 was a much anticipated return to the Liverpool Philharmonic to see Richard Hawley. Last time we were there to see The Civil Wars at the end of 2012 and I'd never been surrounded by a quieter audience it would be interesting to see if this was a one off or if it was going to be a continuing trend.
The lights dimmed and the band strode on to take up their positions with an air of relaxed confidence safe in the knowledge that we were in for a treat. From the first sonic wave of 'Standing at The Sky's Edge' I was washed away on a sea of sound, all the everyday thoughts disappeared as I let the musical currents carry me away. The melodic trance was only briefly interrupted as someones phone rang out like a bell perfectly placed after Richard Hawley sang out 'The bells I hear them ring' from the song Soldier On the theatre was in uproar. It was one of those unexpected moments that will stick in the minds of everyone that was there but as funny as it was at the time I still think we lost out on hearing a beautiful song as the band couldn't even attempt it for laughing. Composure regained the band headed back into The Doors like psychedelic masterpiece which is 'Leave Your Body Behind You' which was very aptly named because that's exactly what it felt like as I was carried off again on wave after wave of wonderful music. Songs were interspersed with Richard Hawleys grounded and humble comments and remarks endearing him to this attentive but subdued audience. The standing applause welcomed the band back for the encore and they finished in style washing us away with 'The Ocean'
I new it had been a wonderful night because Richard Hawleys deep massaging tones were still drifting around my head as I floated off to sleep that night and anything that can transport you out of the humdrum of everyday living is priceless.
So if you want to be washed away in an ocean of wonderful sound go and see Richard Hawley......
http://richardhawley.co.uk/
By the way The Liverpool Philharmonic is a great place to go and LISTEN to music the audience is quiet but it seems to be in appreciation of the music they're listening to which can only be a good thing.
