Howard Jones in concert at the o2 Academy, Liverpool. Photograph by Ian D. Hall

Originally published by L.S. Media. April 14th 2012

L.S. Media Rating ****

To say Howard Jones is a consummate professional would be something of an understatement. Even though he appears to be one of the most laid back men to ever play to a packed o2 Academy Liverpool crowd, don’t let the easy going nature fool you. This is a model musician who wants his night to be as memorable and enjoyable as possible.

Arriving on stage to huge applause and the odd expected moment of good natured Liverpool banter, Howard wasted no time in giving the audience an evening of good cheer by performing the first two of his albums in entirety. There may be resurgence for this type of evening, and to be honest why not? If you have been around entertaining your loyal fans and receiving the type of adoration that Howard receives, then sometimes you have to take stock of where you have been and show the fans that you still care for their memories and the past.

No one would have blamed Howard if, instead of playing the whole of Human’s Lib and 1985’s Dream into Action, he had played new songs or showcased the new album that is due. However by rolling back the years to when tracks such as Look Mama, Like To Get To Know You Well and the brilliantly dark Hunger For The Flesh that formed the backbone to the first half of the show Howard showed his warmth to the past and his ability to perform the songs with passion and a knowing smile on his face.

The second half of the evening was devoted to Howard’s debut album, Human’s Lib and astonishingly for time, due to being a first album,  a massive success that resulted not only in Howard achieving a number record at the first attempt but also selling over a 100,000 copies in its first week alone. There were some touchingly beautiful moments during the night, including a superb version of the song Pearl In The Shell, the title track and rarely played Human’s Lib and What is Love?

Howard Jones finished a great evening out for his fans with the tremendous New Song. It’s been a while since Howard played in Liverpool but his recollections of playing at the Royal Court were moments to savour in a high quality evening.

Ian D. Hall