Liverpool Philharmonic, 15 May 2017

I’ve wanted to witness an Imelda May show for many years despite the fact that I’ve never heard her on record. The reason for my interest therefore has been through the multitude of good third-hand reviews May has received for both her recordings and live shows. But I have had my niggling tiny doubts, namely that 50’s hair and makeup together with her devotion to a style of music that I don’t exactly hate but don’t love either. A few months ago I received her latest album LIFE. LOVE. FLESH. BLOOD. which revealed a new and more natural look together with songs that were obviously deeply personal and more rock than billy. It seemed to me that a rather silly mask had been stripped away to reveal a very beautiful woman with a real talent for song-writing, and a voice to match.

The venue was the hallowed and acoustically sound Liverpool’s Philharmonic on what must have been one of the wettest nights of the year. The audience, somewhat predictably, was largely middle-aged with more youthful fans notable for their absence. Supporting May on the night was one of Ireland’s finest and most durable singer/songwriter talents. I first and only experience of Luke Jackman was a live recording of 1998’s Liss Ard Music Festival which included a couple of his songs. I was impressed but like May, this is my first real life opportunity to see him.

Playing alone with his guitar Lukeman proved to be an explosive live performer with a powerful voice. In addition, he quickly connected with his audience (who probably didn’t know him from Adam) at one point getting them to all stand up and join in on ‘King Of Soho’s’ rousing chorus. May couldn’t have picked a better warm-up act. I didn’t recognise his songs with the exception of one that that is a favourite of mine and reminds me of my deceased father. ‘Ol’ Man River’ is a classic song from the musical SHOW BOAT with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. It’s about the struggles of early African Americans: “I gets weary Sick of trying I’m tired of living Feared of dying But ol’ man river He’s rolling along.” It’s been covered by many artists including the late, great Sinatra and most notably by baritone Paul Robeson. Lukeman’s version was very good and my highlight of his delightful set. Then came another of my favourite songs, this time from Jacques Brel. ‘Amsterdam’ is nothing short of epic and Lukeman’s version no less passionate. Judging from the large number of punters buying from his merch stand afterwards he had made many new friends.