Chris Rea

Chris Rea is one of those durable, dependable, does-exactly-what-it-says-on-the-tin musicians, and last night’s show gave us Rea at his best: blisteringly emotional and technically dazzling slide guitar work driving songs on loss, love and one man against the elements. He was in fine vocal shape, too, his voice only occasionally submerged beneath the music. Inevitably, ‘Road to Hell’ wound up the set, before Rea and his band gave us a generous three song encore. The only downside was his interaction, or lack of, with the audience. When you return to Brighton, Chris, don’t forget to give us at least a, ‘Hello’.

Brighton Centre, 22 March 2012

Rating: