02 December 2010 (gig)
03 December 2010
Walking into The Deaf Institute is a bit like walking into something from a gaudy children’s book. It’s both exquisite and random. There are massive parrots on the wallpaper, a glass balcony that is set off by an enormous glitter ball hanging from the ceiling and old wooden floors. Huge red velvet curtains adorn the windows, while opposite the stage there are pews set in a little alcove for those audience members not wishing to stand. It truly is an intimate venue holding just 260 people, and it makes you feel like you are in Elton John's living room rather than in the heart of –10 degree Manchester. It is the ideal setting then for Paul Smith to air his new solo material and thankfully the freezing weather and snow hasn't put anybody off and tonight is a sell out.
As Paul, dressed simply in a white shirt, blue trousers and in his ever-present signature hat, takes to the tiny stage with his band you know something special is about to happen. Every song from his new album 'Margins' gets an outing this evening, with notable performances of 'North Atlantic Drift', 'Drew You Sleeping' and 'The Crush And The Shatter' which features Paul getting a little indulgent in a crafty little guitar solo. Every song is delivered with passion and emotion and Paul chats comfortably with the audience between each song and guitar change. He also takes time to make an example of a few members in the crowd that are talking loudly throughout his set, asking them why they came if they are going to spoil it for everyone by making so much noise, which is met by rapturous applause by the rest of the audience.
The evening draws to a close and 'Our Lady of Lourdes' is a beautiful, intense and perfect way to round off the main set with Paul's voice in spectacular form. Looking around the room, there are actually a few people that are so moved by what they are witnessing and hearing, they have tears rolling down their faces, and for a musician to create such a reaction with emotional, personal words and melodies, is an amazing thing.
We are treated to a small but perfectly formed encore, made up of just Paul and his acoustic guitar and after some audience participation he gives us an off the cuff, improv snippet of the Prince hit 'Diamonds and Pearls' before he plays stripped back versions of Maximo Park's 'Tanned', 'By The Monument' and 'Apply Some Pressure'.
It's a simply stunning evening of music and it's safe to say that Paul Smith will have made a lasting impression on many tonight after showcasing his resplendent brilliance. Pure genius in action.
