GEORGE EZRA // SHOREDITCH TOWN HALL, LONDON
'GEORGE EZRA' performs a one-off performance at London's Shoreditch Town Hall ahead of release of his brand new album 'Staying at Tamara's' and upcoming his UK Tour this spring.
GEORGE EZRA PERFORMING AT LONDON'S SHOREDITCH TOWN HALL - 31.01.2018
PICTURE BY: NICOLE STEWART-RUSHWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY
★★★★★
2018 looks set to be George Ezra’s year, with a headline set at Boardmasters Festival in August, a spring UK tour, and a second album on the horizon, there’s little the ‘Budapest’ singer can do wrong. Launching the new year with a sold out show at Shoreditch Town Hall it was a guaranteed good night. Releasing his debut album in 2014 the time between albums has given George Ezra the space to grow as an artist. In a world of consecutive years and consecutive albums it is revitalising to see an artist not rushing to the finishing post.
FERRIS & SYLVESTER PERFORMING AT LONDON'S SHOREDITCH TOWN HALL - 31.01.2018
PICTURE BY: NICOLE STEWART-RUSHWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY
The night started with support from Ferris & Sylvester, a London based duo who blew the crowd away. Folky, bluesy, and a little bit country they effortlessly got the crowd going. It is easy to see why they were included on the BBC Introducing’s “Best of 2017” for their single ‘Better in Yellow’ and topped Rolling Stone’s ‘Top 10 New Artists You Need To Know.’ They are undeniably charming, with a great stage presence and they gave enchanting performance. Ferris & Sylvester have amazing things coming their way, incredibly talented and putting on an enchanting performance – you should definitely check them out.
As the house lights went dark and George Ezra came to the stage it was clear that his fans had missed him in the short time he had been gone. Shoreditch Town Hall was the perfect venue for starting the new year with new music, intimate and informal Ezra’s music filled every corner of the hall. The set a good mix of old and new tracks, punctuated with anecdotes throughout, it was a lesson in how to please your crowd. Ezra had us in the palm of his hand. Backed by a full band, and brass section, from the start it was upbeat and lively, perfect for a rainy Wednesday night in January.
The set ebbed and flowed beautifully with quieter, intimate moments with the inclusion of ‘Leaving It Up To You’, it was beautiful to see couples, friends, and everyone in between singing the lyrics to each other and dancing to the music. From intimate moments to upbeat sing-a-longs from with crowd favourite Cassy O’. Debuting his latest single ‘Paradise’ it made me want to dance and now I cannot wait for summer. It’s cheeky, fun, and an instant hit. It has been bopping around my mind since the moment I heard it. From the stalls to the balcony everyone was having a marvellous time, dusting off the dancing shoes and warming up the vocal chords, everybody was invited to the party. George Ezra is a true showman.
Understanding the limitations of the space, faking the encore was the best way around it. Goading the audience with a “just pretend we walked off and you want more”, he is so at home on stage in front of a crowd. The audience were happy to comply, screaming their lungs out for more as he lapped it up on stage. Closing the night ‘Budapest’, 2014’s undisputable song of the summer, the night ended on a high.
If you’re even contemplating seeing George Ezra this year, I can only highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed.
Setlist: - George Ezra | Shoreditch Town Hall, London - 31.01.2018
Don't Matter Now
Shotgun
Pretty Shining People
Song 6
Barcelona
Paradise (Live Debut)
Listen to the Man
Hold My Girl
Blame It on Me
Cassy O'
Saviour
Get Away
Encore:
Leaving It Up to You
Budapest