Review by Eric Hobson.

 

SOME 7,000 fans came out of the woods to see the sell out concert by Paloma Faith at Westonbirt Arboretum on Friday, June 19 with many of the fans coming equipped for a full blown picnic.

When Paloma came on stage to a huge roar from the fans she was dressed as you would expect for one of the world’s top performers. Full of sparkle, razzamatazz and behind her on stage a band of real musical quality adding to the occasion.

Paloma started her performance with songs instantly recognisable from her most successful and third album A Perfect Contradiction - Can't Rely on You, Take Me.

Paloma performs with such energy and later chatting to the fans clearly has real rapport with them.

After four songs Paloma gave an insight into the thinking of her next album with a rendition of Jimi Hendrix's Purple Haze.

Paloma sung it very much in her style and some great musical backing particularly guitar work. It will be interesting to see where here music journey goes following such a big selling album as A perfect Contradiction.

Paloma is a very captivating performer to watch, has a great voice, what more could you ask for. Even a hiccup with the running order that she couldn't hear herself and the lights didn't have the right sequence, all sorted and off she went.

The evening was opened up by Liam Bailey, singer guitarist and songwriter who sang with great passion playing his style of blues, reggae and soul with bass and lead guitarist.

Never easy to play ahead of such a big star but he did a great job was really well received and I am sure we will hear much more from him.

Good on the Forestry Commission for holding these concerts bringing world stars to the heart of Gloucestershire.

 

  • Next concerts at Forest Live Westonbirt are Friday 10 July- Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters, Saturday, July 11 - Spandau Ballet, Sunday, July 12- McBusted.
  • For more details go to forestry.gov.uk/music