CityLife

I agree with the reviewer that the real highlight of the night was Cyndi herself and her captivating stage presence. I was disappointed with the selection of material, six (six!) songs from her debut solo album She's So Unusual seemed a bit excessive, the inclusion of 'Change of Heart' over 'That's What I Think' or 'Who Let in the Rain' mystified and the poor translation of the new dance material in the restrictive, fully seated Bridgewater Hall all detracted from what could have been a triumphant evening. Still, at least there was ice-cream...

This gig is right up there with Portishead as one of my favourites of 2008. Tracy Chapman is such a gracious and spirited performer, it is just so nice to see someone play who chats between songs, takes requests from the audience and all the time (and despite having a cold!) has a massive smile on their face! Highlights for me were the cover of House of the Rising Sun (played on electric guitar and dedicated to those in New Orleans rebuilding lives after Hurricane Katrina), the sing-a-long She's Got a Ticket and a passionate take on Say Hallelujah. I would have liked to hear more tracks from Tracy's new album Our Bright Future although on the 20 year anniversary of her debut it was fitting that there were 8 tracks from that first album. The reaction to these songs 2 decades later is testament to the strength of those songs, all delivered faultlessly by an amazing talent. On her second cover of the night, Stand By Me, Tracy beamed as the audience sang and clapped along. Here's to standing by Tracy for another twenty years!