Alex James - Britpop Classical - Piece Hall - Halifax
Walking into Piece Hall on Sunday evening with the sun shining, the anticipation and readiness to party was palpable. DJ Dan was warming up the crowd with a wonderful mix of bouncing tunes and sing-along favourites, plus lots of jumping up and down and arm waving from behind the desk. A renown indie DJ, Dan knew what the crowd wanted and delivered. The crowd was ready to go!
Job well done, Dan
Then, with the fastest turnaround time ever seen, it was time for the main event. The orchestra appeared, backing singers, band and then Alex James. The band and orchestra launched into The Riverboat Song, as Simon Fowler (Ocean Colour Scene) appeared and with the immediate help of the crowd, launched into song.
Rattling through Riverboat, hands were in the air, voices singing along, Simon’s vocals were outstanding, providing exactly what the crowd was waiting for.
Then, before they could even catch breath Saffron Sprackling (Republica) appeared as the opening bars of the next song started.
A beautiful mirrored jacket announced her sparkling appearance on the stage and we were “Ready To Go”. With her powerful voice banging out the lyrics and her energy dancing across the stage, the crowd stepped up another gear.
Almost breathless after two songs, Gary Stringer (Reef) appeared next and we now headed on a who’s who journey of indie hits from his own song “Place Your Hands” through Supergrass, Oasis, Joy Division, The Stone Roses and of course Blur.
The list just kept on going with the crowd becoming more and more invested and animated.
Phil Daniels appearance for Parklife (though not a surprise) was welcomed with massive cheers and more joining in to lyrics.
Throughout the show, the sound of each song was complimented by the orchestra, providing a fullness that ensured you had never heard your favourite songs with an arrangement like this before.
However, what provided my favorite moment of the night was when the orchestra introduced “Bitter Sweet Symphony”. This was the magic of live music, fantastic introduction and amazing version of one of your all-time anthems.
The orchestra shone at this point.
It also allowed a brief moment of tranquility before “Common People” and “Don’t Look Back In Anger” amongst others, led up to the finish of the main set. Both of these songs enjoying crowd participation that must have been heard across the whole of Halifax.
The final encore included all the artists and a very loud crowd who came away knowing it really, really, really did happen.
A great night in a very happy Piece Hall.
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