Ben Folds & yMusic

Ben Folds’ idiosyncratic piano-led indie songs sat well among the yMusic chamber orchestra in a thrilling collaboration. Sitting centre stage at an upright piano, with strings to his right and reeds to his left, the first half showcased their ‘So There’ collaboration; a winning hybrid of Folds’ trademark irony with modern classical accompaniment. His back catalogue was given a reboot with jaunty, theatrical arrangements and he soliloquised on plagiarism and how to write the blues between songs while applying finger plasters. A riotous swing number ended the set before a solo encore and an explosive ensemble ‘Army’ received a standing ovation.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 23 June 2016
Rating:
Steve Clements