Orton in Concert

Last night E and I and Nick and Helen hit the Corn Exchange to see Beth Orton in Concert, with support act 'Clayhill'.

Firstly, it was our first time to the Corn Exchange here in Cambridge. The venue is good, a nice size, not to big, not to small. It is great to have a venue that plays international acts at your front door. From all my days giging in Sydney whereby half the night is spent getting to the event and getting home it was a nice change.

We picked our tickets up at the box office, purchased a pint in a plastic cup and headed into the standing area.

Clayhill were unknowns to us. They seemed to have a reasonable following. We had no expectations.... What a great act! The lead singer was to cool with airy vocals and delicious lyrics, a fantastic double bass player with lots of energy, and a confident lead guitar and a drumer and keyboardist. The tunes were good and we were impressed. First track Figure 8 and Hang on were memorable.

Beth came out after a small wait, but played a full set mixed with lots of old stuff as well as the new album. During the middle of the concert she seemed to flag, but picked up again by the end. Her voice seemed to be suffering a little... maybe over-strained? But, some of her new tracks are great (like Absinthe and A Place Aside), and being the first time I've heard them I think I'll be getting the new album. Her classics like Central Reservation and Stolen Car were also great.

Overall a great night out... 4 star.