![]() The production of the album is even more lush, epic and grand. Whilst I obviously enjoyed the live stream and BBC showing of the concert (and numerous replays since) the sound without the visuals is outstanding. I’ll save how I think it stacks up against Paul’s other live albums for another article, but it’s fair to say that this is something very special. Most of them are popular enough that people would know them and there’s also enough things in there that I find interesting that people might not know, but I think the should hear. You’re The Best Thing probably last time I played that was 1985 or something, but they are all choices that I felt I could do justice to. There’s a lot of things I’ve not played for God knows how long, a long time. There were certain things that I wouldn’t have thought of putting in the set, but I’m glad they were picked. Talking during in rehearsals to the BBC, Paul said “It was nice to revisit some of the old songs. The first time that Paul has sung an entire set with an orchestra this size and reading the sleeve notes for the album it was clearly a real privilege for him. This extraordinary performance takes 18 songs from his vast catalogue and reworks them for a sonically beautiful experience that really takes your breath away. How much this change of date ended up tweaking the setlist is unknown by me but at a guess he may not have included the two tracks that feature from that new album – and so holding off for a few months actually gives us the chance to experience to incredible new highlights in a frankly already ridiculously high-quality back catalogue – and the inclusion of Glad Times and She Glides The Stream – which are both simply beautiful. A fact mentioned on the live stream of the gig – along with the upcoming European Cup Final (which they did win!) – as Paul’s Chelsea scarf (a gift from Steve Ellis) lay on the piano – all content that didn’t make the cut of the album by the way! The concert at London’s Barbican, was originally scheduled for February 2021, but shifted due to lockdown and so it ended up instead being performed just one day after the release of the brilliant chart-topping Fat Pop (Vol 1) album.ġ5th May 2021 – I remember it well because my team – Chelsea – lost the FA Cup Final to Leicester. This eclectic assortment of compositions from Paul’s illustrious career, invigorated by Jules Bickley’s sumptuous arrangements made for a visual and aural delight.Īs a co-production with the BBC, the show was performed in the grand setting of London’s Barbican on May 15th and originally went out live online, later to be broadcast in full on Radio 2 on 13th June, 6Music on the 16th June and then on 19th June on BBC2.Where as that performance featured the full band, with the brilliant Hannah Peel as arranger and conductor with the London Met Orchestra, this sees Paul with Steve Cradock from his usual line up, backed by three fabulous BVs (more on that later) and the BBC Symphony Orchestra with Jules Buckley. The set comes to a close with sublime versions of the classic “You Do Something To Me” and the majestic “White Horses” from the album True Meanings.Īlongside the orchestra, Paul was also accompanied by long-term collaborator and guitarist Steve Cradock. To top things off, national treasure Boy George joins Paul for a version of The Style Council’s hit single “You’re The Best Thing”. Special guest Celeste adds even more elegance to the classic “Wild Wood”, while fan favourite “Broken Stones” soulfully shimmers with a scene stealing guest duet performance from James Morrison. Conductor Jules Buckley has clearly done his homework with a stunning atmospheric interpretation of The Jam’s “English Rose” with sweeping strings showcasing its sparse beauty. All tracks are given the most sublime orchestral treatments. It also features choice cuts from Paul’s last three studio albums, (including his recent No 1 album’s On Sunset and Fat Pop Volume 1). The setlist includes classic tracks across Paul’s The Jam, Style Council and solos career. This live album is the first to be released which features Paul performing with an orchestra. More news on vinyl release coming on 24th June. Heavyweight double LP on heavyweight tip-on gatefold sleeve with 8-page booklet.Īnd now, this wonderful concert will be released by Polydor Records on December 3rd on Vinyl, CD and Deluxe CD. This extraordinary performance was a first for Paul, performing with a full orchestra, and saw a quintessential selection of his vast catalogue exquisitely reworked and updated into 75 minutes of breath-taking music that was broadcast across the BBC. On May 15th 2021 Paul Weller performed an exceptional concert with the hugely talented BBC Symphony Orchestra and award winning arranger Jules Buckley.
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