It’s not until you see Joan Armatrading in concert that you realise just how much attention she lavishes on her guitar: perhaps a manifestation of the nerves this obviously shy person feels on stage. Her unpretentious skill and ability, coupled with the overall quality of her solos (never overblown, each one there for a purpose), rival any guitarist with their beauty.
This evening’s gig was, in part, a showcase for Armatrading’s new album Into The Blues. Judging from tonight, it will offer a powerhouse of driving blues, with songs such as Woman In Love and Something’s Gotta Blow. Despite the excellence of the new songs, an obvious apex was reached for this devoted crowd with the stunning Love & Affection and All The Way From America. The staples of Armatrading’s live shows (Willow; Drop The Pilot) were well received as old friends, rather than dull routine, but (I Love It When You) Call Me Names was the true highlight. Exciting and electric, it seemed to invigorate the audience into action, standing and screaming for more. Such is the devotion Armatrading inspires, and gives in return, the only disappointment for this partisan crowd was the lack of second encore.
