PAUL CARRACK KICKS OFF HIS UK TOUR AT
SOUTHAMPTON’S O2 GUILDHALL

★★★★★ (5/5)

PAUL CARRACK PERFORMING LIVE AT SOUTHAMPTON’S O2 GUILDHALL
PHOTOCREDIT: CHARIS LYDIA BAGIOKI

Festival season is officially over, the autumnal rain is starting to catch up with most parts of the UK and while one might think that Southampton on a Friday night is not necessarily where the action is at, I say think again. Paul Carrack, whose career spans across several decades through bands like Ace, Squeeze and Mike + The Mechanics, has just started his UK tour, with Southampton being the first stop.

Worth noting is to say that he has not embarked on this tour by himself, but he has brought a young up-and-coming talent with him, KATYA. Katya describes herself as a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, and she is exactly that. Taking the stage with multiple keyboards, guitars and her captivating vocals, she fills the stage despite being a solo singer. Influenced from jazz, beats, atmospheric sounds and a slight Florence + The Machine feel, she performed her self-written and self-produced songs with mastery and soul. KATYA had taken some of the biggest stages in the UK in the past year – from Glastonbury’s Acoustic Stage to BBC Radio 1, she is no stranger to performances. Making playful banter between her songs, explaining her sources of inspiration like documentaries about telescopes or personal experiences, she entertains the crowd and knows how to perform. Her newest single ‘Garden in the Sky’ is a song that is a testament to her art and mastery, while the performance by her ‘friend’ or alter ego Kiki, wearing funk glasses and Woodstock clothing provided a very pleasant spin and a great way to end her set.

Paul Carrack was welcomed on stage with a heart-felt applause, as him and his band took their positions in the theatre. Paul has been dubbed ‘The Man with the Golden Voice’, and has been compared to legends such as Phil Collins and Elton John. These comparisons are not unfounded – Paul Carrack has for an excellent voice and immense musical talent. Blending soulful vocals with timeless hits from his extensive catalogue, he draws fans of all ages, who know that his ability to deliver flawless performances is worth it.

Opening up with soulful songs and engaging hits, his talent as a vocalist and pianist does not go unnoticed. His voice is still rich and warm, perfectly complemented by the intimate venue of the Guildhall, as he goes through his setlist which contains hits such as ‘Eyes of Blue’, and ‘Good Feelin’ About it’. As the night goes through, he receives applause for every single song, as he delivers the setlist with the same energy that first made it a classic.

Highlights of the night were not only the lights that created a perfect set-up for Paul and his band to shine through the performance, but also the band’s excellent musicianship. Every member of the band got their own solos to showcase their unique and special talents, while the crowd seemed to not only enjoy the soulful tones of the songs, but also the stories behind them and the light banter. The show felt very personal and intimate, yet reaffirmed Paul Carrack’s status as a musical icon with undeniable talent.