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Review: Bryan Ferry, Colston Hall
Bryan Ferry’s performance at Colston Hall is as slick and sumptuous as you might expect from the most refined gentleman ever to tip-toe out of Tyneside. Still suited and booted with sartorial elegance, he delivers a truly decadent set, in turn, crooning and rocking every Roxy Music and solo hit from an outstanding back catalogue.
Howling Bells front-woman, Juanita Stein, opens for Bryan Ferry tonight, touring a debut solo album America. Her new band proves to be as tight as her former and Juanita’s guitar full of pathos and heartache. Drawing on influences from country and blues, her songwriting is full of melancholy in a way that makes you luxuriate in the sadness. Supporting an icon is no mean feat and Stein executes the task at hand in a neat thirty minutes, preparing an eager crowd for the big entrance.
The enduring image of Bryan Ferry as a refined, classy fellow has not tarnished, nor depleted with age. As chic as ever, he cuts a dashing figure as he walks out on stage, received with a deafening thunder of approval. Ferry’s distinctive voice is still in fine fettle, perhaps showing a little age here and there and a slightly reduced vocal range. A grueling tour schedule can also take its toll on a man now in his 70’s. Although he still very much remins the handsome devil he has always been.
is needed now More than ever
His sizeable band is excellent and backs the vocalist with skill and precision, tearing through hit after hit after hit: Virginia Plain, Jealous Guy, Editions of You, Avalon…the crowd really couldn’t ask for more. Particularly noteworthy performances are dispensed by guitarist Chris Spedding, violinist Marina Moore and saxophonist Jorja Chalmers who’s solos are breathtaking.
Perhaps ever so slightly skewed towards Roxy Music’s eponymous album and Avalon, the reason could be the reissue of Roxy’s Music’s 1972 debut in February. If we can take the train to Nerd Central for just a moment, the 45th anniversary super deluxe edition features demos, outtakes, Peel Sessions, DVD, artwork and so much more. It also checks out at well over £100, but I think I know what my birthday present will be this year.
A string of huge crowd pleasers are delivered one after the other towards the end of the set and by the time Love is the Drug and Let’s Stick Together are played, Ferry beams throughout, clearly touched and charmed by the Bristol bunch. When the set is over, he blows us kisses from the stage and bows deeply before exiting stage right. A true gent.
Photo: Shona Cutt
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