The early birds were rewarded with a fine half hour semi-acoustic support set by a stripped back incarnation of Wille And The Bandits; just one Bandit on the night as leader Wille Edwards’ vocal and guitars (acoustic and lap steel) were ably backed by Harry Mackaill (uke bass & acoustic guitar). They played the six songs which constitute the EP length CD which was available in the foyer and merch sales during the interval seemed to be deservedly brisk.

Beth Hart’s visits to these shores are eagerly anticipated and this rescheduled gig was no exception. Her shows are always memorable and, given her well publicised health issues, there’s a palpable sense of not wanting to miss a gig, just in case there might be a significant wait for her next tour.

As she often does, Beth began the show singing while hidden from view (quite possibly in the theatre’s foyer), before strolling down the aisle from the rear stalls. Fortunately, the sea of raised smartphones was not too intrusive on this occasion and we were able to appreciate just how impressively strong and clear the lady’s voice is, even when the microphone is lowered to waist level.

That opening number was the title track of her latest album 'You Still Got Me' (2024) and it was dedicated by Beth to her husband Scott, who is always nearby. The same album also provided the second song 'Wanna Be Big Bad Johnny Cash'.

Seating herself near the edge of the stage, Beth moved on to a beautiful reading of 'If I Tell You I Love You', a Melody Gardot composition first covered by Beth with Joe Bonamassa on 'Seesaw' (2013). The intimacy with the audience was maintained as bassist Tom Lilly moved to keyboards and Beth knelt to perform 'I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know' from the same 2013 release (although originally associated with Blood, Sweat & Tears’ 1968 debut 'Child Is Father To The Man').

'Waterfalls' provided a wonderful, heavy trip down memory lane (all the way back to '37 Days', 2007) and showed stylistically why Beth was ready for her Led Zeppelin tribute album years before it was ever recorded. Fine work by everyone, but a special mention for Jon Nichols’ electric guitar work. For me, it was the highlight of the show!

At this point Beth departed from the setlist for the first time and sat at the piano to sing 'Baddest Blues' (from 'Bang Bang Boom Boom', 2012) as a largely solo tribute to Billie Holiday. This led seamlessly into 'Bad Woman Blues' (from 'War In My Mind', 2019). Remaining at her piano, Beth mined her latest release for 'Pimp Like That' and 'Never Underestimate A Gal', although the whistling interludes in the latter do tend to give it the feel of a novelty tune.

Before leaving her keyboard, Beth departed from the setlist again and returned to '37 Days' for 'Crashing Down', with drummer Todd Wolf showcasing his mallet skills. By contrast, the show tune (from '1932') 'Lullaby Of The Leaves' was sung as a duet with Nichols’ acoustic guitar, having been discovered by Beth hidden away in a compilation of Ella Fitzgerald recordings.

'War In My Mind' provided the next trio of songs: 'I Need A Hero' was followed by the piano and upright bass duet on 'Woman Down', before the same duo performed the first half of the unscheduled 'Without Words In The Way' until Nichols and Wolf joined in on acoustic guitar and a stripped down percussion kit.

If there is a downside to Beth’s willingness to depart from the setlist and to sing all night for her audience (if only venue curfews would permit it!), it’s that time management is not her strongest attribute. After performing 'The Ugliest House On The Block' (from 'Bang Bang Boom Boom') on her acoustic guitar and the unrecorded 'Boogyman', she received the news that she could only squeeze in two more numbers.

[The songs jettisoned from the setlist were 'Fatman', 'Baby Shot Me Down' and 'Trouble' (which meant that 'Fire On The Floor', 2016 and 'Better Than Home', 2015 were ultimately unrepresented on the night), plus the seldom played 'Thru The Window Of My Mind' ('Bang Bang Boom Boom') and 'Rub Me For Luck' ('War In My Mind').]

Repeated audience calls for it meant that 'I’d Rather Go Blind' (from 'Live In Amsterdam', 2014 with Joe Bonamassa) could not be left out; indeed, Beth’s renditions of the song are fast becoming as popular as the classic ones by Etta James and Rod Stewart. Sadly, it also made the closing 'Don’t Call The Police' (which references the killing of George Floyd and appears in her latest album) feel a little bit like an afterthought, as 11pm was fast approaching and audience members had half an eye on the departure times of their homeward transport.

Make no mistake, though, despite the rather rushed finish and the fact that no song can easily hope to follow Etta James’ classic, it was another terrific and well received show by an artist who continues to develop a deservedly loyal following. Here’s to the next time!

Setlists:

BH – You Still Got Me; Wanna Be Big Bad Johnny Cash; If I Tell You I Love
You; I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know; Waterfalls; Baddest
Blues; Bad Woman Blues; Pimp Like That; Never Underestimate A Gal;
Crashing Down; Lullaby Of The Leaves; I Need A Hero; Woman Down;
Without Words In The Way; The Ugliest House On The Block;
Boogyman; I’d Rather Go Blind; Don’t Call The Police.

WB – Love Me When The Fire’s Out; Got To Do Better; Four Million Days;
When The World Stood Still; Trouble Round The Bend; Crossroads.

Review: Gary Smith