see full set here: click click
After nearly twelve years, James returns to the 9:30 Club with, in my opinion, one of the best performances I have ever seen – from anyone! Yes, I say that very confidently. But, seriously, this show was amazing on so many different levels.
First, this band has been on quite an extensive break and still managed to PACK the 9:30 Club with seriously devoted fans! Not only was the crowd 100% there to support James, but in return, the band showed their sincere gratitude by taking the time to make the audience feel special. There were so many moments where Tim Booth just smiled out into the crowd, making a particular effort to make eye contact with the fans. I can’t even tell you how elated I was when during Tomorrow, Saul Davies (an excellent violinist and guitarist) looked up to me in my little corner on the balcony and sang the whole chorus of the song with me, looking directly into my eyes.
What an experience! And I wasn’t the only fan receiving such personal attention. I watched, as this happened to several fans throughout the night. Everyone in the audience seemed to know every lyric to every song and rarely stood still the entire night!
Not only did the fans emit such energy, but the band’s performance let us all know that they were happy to be there AND with each other. The band members played so well together and moved on the stage like they had been touring for years! It was very impressive and refreshing to see such an enthusiastic performance from a band that has been around for 20+ years! The set list was amazing – including a never before played live, Dream Thrum, an excellent version of Sit Down, Say Something performed by standing on the barricade holding onto a fan’s hand for support, and a fan request, Don’t Wait That Long. Towards the end of their set, Tim Booth even commented “Does this place have a curfew?” It was very obvious that the band was having just as much fun as the fans and clearly did not want the night to end. Their departure from stage spent several minutes waving buy, saying thank you, and again, making sincere eye contact with the audience to show their appreciating.
Finally, from a musical stand point – the sound quality was amazing. I mean, every vocal was sharp and clear, it was loud without any one instrument drowning out the other, and the performance was so tight! It was just an amazing show. I was so grateful to be able to photograph this wonderful band. I only wish that I could’ve shot all night instead of the first three songs. The amount of fantastic moments I could’ve caught was numerous! If you missed this show, I’m sorry. If you ever get the chance to see them play again, go. You won’t be disappointed!
The opener, Uncle Bob, was very good. They were worth catching and a nice prelude to James. Unfortunately, James’ performance over-powered theirs… guess I should’ve taken notes! But, then again – I’m not really a writer!
I would have gone but everyone trying to hit the falsetto on “LAID” would have destroyed my hearing so I didn’t.
September 22, 2008 at 12:20 pmthey only had two songs anyway. ‘laid’ and that ’say something’ shizzy.
September 22, 2008 at 12:36 pmThe cool thing about art - in any form - it is all interpretive! ;-) James has far better songs than any of their “hits” on the radio!
September 22, 2008 at 3:16 pmwhat’s the price of the tickets?
September 22, 2008 at 3:58 pmwrong, post. opps.
September 22, 2008 at 3:58 pmGreat photos. Good to hear a similar experience from another city on this tour. If you want to read the Toronto review, check this out:
http://blogto.com/music/2008/09/getting_intimate_and_emotional_with_james/
September 25, 2008 at 5:07 pm
James’s “Getting Away With It… Live” — a recording of their last live show in Manchester — is an absolute must-have for even casual fans. I’m bummed that I missed this show, as I’m sure it was great.
September 22, 2008 at 12:14 pm