14 September 2018 (gig)
15 September 2018
Sari Schorr is probably the most explosive live talent I have seen this year.
I saw her in January with her then new band and was blown away by the cohesiveness of the new players and the comfort she was already showing, playing with Ash Wilson and Bob Fridzema.
This time she has had a while to get used to the band and to work out exactly how the combination works and the result was 90 minute plus of non-stop passion, soul and joy.
The Borderline was packed with a crowd that was there for fireworks and she gave it to them one number after another.
When she is ‘on’ there are very few frontpeople who can deliver like Sari Schorr, hair whipping around her head and a massive smile on her face, she grabs the eye like no-one else these days and her voice was as strong as I’ve heard it.
She opened with a number from her brilliant new album ‘The New Revolution’ and grabbed the audience right from the off, stamping her feet and almost beckoning them on..
Bassist Matt Beable and drummer Roy Martin kept the whole set steaming and delivered some powerful rhythms to back up Wilson’s guitar and Fridzema’s Hammond & piano
The set combined numbers from her debut album as well as the new one and while the band did a sterling job on the older material it was easy to see why the new album is getting so many rave reviews – the songs are stronger and the band really fire on all cylinders with numbers like ‘King Of Rock And Roll’ and a stunning version of ‘Valentina’. ‘Freedom’ is a belter that works so well on stage.
‘Beautiful’ showed just how well she sings a slow Blues, shuddering emotion in her voice and some delightful guitar from Ash as well.
The two covers from the album were both featured, She really does something with Bad Company’s ‘Ready For Love’ that turns it on its head and makes it a naïve and gentle number and the title track from the album ‘Never Say Never’ touched all the heartstrings with its purity and soul.
The encores were both crowd favourites – ‘Black Betty’ was a harsh and deep as it deserves to be and she finished on an uproarious ‘Aunt Hazel’.
Schorr is a genuine star, loaded with talent and that rare ability to hold an audience no matter what the material. A great night in old London Town.
Mickleton Live Music Club - Sept 15
The Robin 2, Bilston - Sept 18
The Louisiana, Bristol - Sep 19
Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd, Sept 21
THE FLOWERPOT DERBY - Sept 22
The Bullingdon, Oxford - Sept 27
Bluefunk Rhythm and Blues Club, Poynton - Sept 28
Wilfrid Noyce Community Centre, Godalming - Sept 29
Tickets - www.saarischorr.com
Picture by Nina Hanssen
