Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Robert Vincent is one of the great acoustic artists playing in Liverpool right now. He also has been very busy in recent months, so busy that it makes you wonder when he finds time to catch his breath, let alone do any recording. Aside from getting ready to unleash his new album, Life In Easy Steps, he has been interviewed by the London press and those whose musical knowledge is second to none.

The reason why he is so popular is easy to see as soon as he steps foot on stage and at the Unity Theatre, his music is infectious and it really gets beneath the skin. No matter the mood you may be experiencing as you sit and wait patiently for the music to start, he will lift your spirits with a voice that oozes sentiment, knowing and kindness. A rare feat in this day and age and no wonder that he was quite rightly nominated as part of the inaugural Liverpool Music Awards last year.

Robert Vincent was accompanied by the excellent Emily Jackson on keys and the talented Michael Gay on guitar and with all three combining to give the audience a good start to their evening, it was a night that was just simply beautiful.

Opening the evening with denial and the excellent Light of the Star, the music was heartfelt and sublime. Even if you have only caught the musician on his own or with the accompanying double bass player, this set was made special with inclusion of Emily Jackson who played the keyboard as if she was cradling the most sensitive of souls. It was a sight to behold.

Amongst other songs to be played on the night was the superb Blue, the title track of the new album Life In Easy Steps, the excellent The Passage before finishing of a 40 minute set with the outrageously good Demons.

A wonderful way for the Unity Theatre to see in their highly enjoyable music nights and in Robert Vincent they picked a real music star to kick 2013 off.

Robert Vincent releases his new album next week.

Ian D. Hall