David Gray at the Royal Albert Hall
Following the immense success of his 1998 album White Ladder, which became one of the best-selling UK albums of the 21st century, Gray has been a respected figure in British music. Having started the year by releasing his 13th studio album Dear Life, Gray embarked on a world tour entitled the Past & Present Tour, with the intent of celebrating and showcasing his past discography, whilst also spotlighting the present and the excitement and joy he has for his new music. This intention was visceral in the performance by Gray and his musicians at the Royal Albert Hall in London. With a set full of passion and energy, Gray proved why he is so beloved by British audiences.
Gray kicked off the night with two songs from his most recent album, After the Harvest and Leave Taking. The latter is a song he credits for pulling him out of his post-COVID low and getting him inspired to create music again, and you could sense that delight throughout the performance. With a wistful melody and heartfelt lyrics, strong harmonies and backing vocals, it was a powerful start to the evening. Not forgetful of his past, Gray proceeded to deep dive into some of his older albums, honouring the love his fans have for songs such as The One I Love, Please Forgive Me, Heart and Soul, This Year’s Love and Babylon. For these renditions, Gray was accompanied not only by his band, but by the cheerful jubilation of the Royal Albert Hall audience, who readily joined in, singing and dancing along with him.
In a set full of highlights, one of the standout moments was the performance of That Day Must Surely Come; a song from his latest record, which he dedicated to his longtime guitarist Neill MacColl. This song, with its wonderfully sincere lyrics, illuminated the core of Gray’s talent and his ability to connect to something in the spirit of each person listening to his music.
For a couple of songs, Gray and his band were joined by a full horn section, but these musicians sadly felt quite under-utilised, and the big band energy and musical complexity they could have brought to certain performances wasn’t fully actualised. Additionally, the two songs in which Gray was accompanied by his supporting act, Talia Rae, felt and sounded weaker dynamically. Both Gray and Rae are strong vocalists respectively, but the blend of their voices together lacked the balance and vocal chemistry characteristic of a good duet.
At the heart of the crafting of Gray’s songs are the lyrics. He writes words and paints pictures about life that are simple and direct but undoubtedly poignant and affecting. Over his career, both past and present, his songs have been able to reach of multitude of audiences of varying backgrounds and ages, and that impact was realised through the joyous applause in the Royal Albert Hall. It was a truly wonderful show.
Sunny Morgan
Photos: Virginie Viche
For further information and future events, visit David Gray’s website here.
Watch the video for the single Leave Taking here:
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