Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

Liverpool will always welcome back those who make the point, who express the truth of their love for the city; it can only ever hoped that such sentiment is always given and not neglected like other cities that turn their back on you. It is a sentiment that it is articulated with musical brilliance by Paul Carrack, a genuine man, a special musician, and one who understands just how much the city relishes in seeing its heroes on the stage.

An almost unprecedented two nights of high class music by the same visiting musician on the same sold out stage is to be applauded and one that at other times would have many reaching out for the phone of The Royal Albert Hall and suggesting that it has nothing on the appreciative audience of the Philharmonic Hall.

It is a feat that shows exactly how Paul Carrack excels at his guitar and piano, a gesture of profound love from a man who gives the city its huge due in the upbringing and nurturing of his love of music.

Accompanied by Jeremy Meek, Dean Duke, Jack Carrack, Paul Copley and Steve Beighton, who was absolutely riveting as he performed several high class pieces on saxophone, Mr. Carrack took the Philharmonic audience down a route of terrific beauty, with lyrics that not only captured feelings and needs from the crowd but which held closely the sensitivity of each stirring line. The sympathy and the empathy of such intense belief, a rare commodity in a world willing to take itself down a path of ever increasing selfishness.

In songs such as Another Cup of Coffee, Satisfy My Soul, Sleep On It, Eyes of Blue, the Gerry Marsden dedicated Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying, One In A Million, Bet Your Life, the haunting Living Years and the committed to thanks to the Eagles and especially the life of Glen Frey, the fantastic Love Will Keep Us Alive, Paul Carrack and his band gave so many reasons to live. To feel humble in the face of all that life may throw at you, all it may tempt you with; it was a humble gesture wrapped in musical silk that made the evening flow with absolute pleasure.

Musicians and artists keep coming back to Liverpool because they understand that if the audience love you, they will defend you to the end; for Paul Carrack it is always seen as an honour that he comes back to sing and entertain.

Ian D. Hall