Nerina Pallot returns to Gorilla Manchester

Not fuelled by rose! Was the opening line from Nerina Pallot as she recalled her last gig in Manchester 2 years ago at the same venue when the wine left her memory a bit hazy!

Having Opened with a great new track 'Juno',the setlist then heavily focused on last year's album 'Stay Lucky' but we were also taken way back to her early successes with tracks like 'Daphne, Apollo and Everybodys gone to war', which were all warmly received by a busy and largely 30+ audience.

Highlights from the evening, included canal st's own request of 'Come Into My Room' from the new album, which seemed to channel one Amy Winehouse at her finest and oozes soul. Other highlights included the usual candidates like 'Geek Love' and 'Idaho', which was Might pretty..

As per usual, Pallot effortlessly switches between piano/keys and guitar, and with the backing of a small band (drums and guitar), produces a wonderful and very intimate atmosphere courtesy of the excellent acoustic at Gorilla.

Ms Pallot is still vocally stunning. Her voice shows no signs of losing its way, and actually sounded richer than previous outings.A clear delight to all attending.

Her characteristic humour was also firmly in evidence, with conversation/banter element in full flow her tales included a biased (but understandable) love for Manchester, shagging and unrequited love for some handsome (gay) waiters!

Indeed the wit and self- deprecation, peppered with anecdotes from her career to date, were all part of the sheer joy we were treated to for some 90 mins or so.

Ended of course with 'Put Your Hands Up' (with enforced clapping) and of course the encore of 'Sophia'.The latter probably the song that truly shows here beautiful voice at its very best.

Perhaps the only thing missing was a little cover - last time, we were treated to a great version of 'Love Will Tear Us Apart', so we always look forward to what she might try next.We both would love to hear a version of 'Both sides now' the Joni Mitchell classic.Hint, hint Nerina.

All and all, this was another superb evening in the company of an exceptional talent who is up there with the very best.

Iain Scott for Canal St Online.

For more about Nerina please click here 

For more about Gorilla please click here 

Published: 11-Apr-2018 (4832)