A warm Monday night in Cambridge saw Beth Hart play the penultimate date of her current UK tour at the City's Corn Exchange venue. Only seemingly around half full, the intial impression was that the gig would have been a more hot and steamy affair in the smaller Junction venue down the road.
As it quickly turned out though, there was no need to fear for any lack of atmosphere because as soon a Beth started singing it becomes apparent that the larger venue is needed anyway, to contain with her amazing vocal range.
A four piece band behind her with two guitarists, really power from the off and the first few numbers are literally, primal rock. Like any fine album where your appreciation of the record grows with more listens, as this gig progressed and the pace changed from rock to blues to gentle and soaring ballads, so did the gig grow into something much more interesting than an average rock concert.
By mid-point of the evening it was easy to recognise that we were witnessing a very special talent indeed. Beth is a Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and someone who has collaborated with the likes of Jeff Beck, Slash, Joe Bonamassa and Buddy Guy in the past.
New album, 'Better than Home' was well represented in the set which was just fine for such a solid record. The power of the band with Beth in full flight out front was really something to behold. The ballads however with Beth at the piano or just on a stood sitting centre stage were the most captivating moments of this diverse show. Songs that were gentle, spin-tingling and heart wrenching in equal measure really emphasised the depth of range that Beth's signing voce contains.
The complete set lasted 1 and 3/4 hours and during that time there was barely a gap between songs. Beth certainly seemed at ease with the crowd and genuinely happy to be back on our shores.
This was a special Monday night for sure!
Pete
photo: Ant May