Tom Odell is indeed an accomplished singer-songwriter but beyond that, he is not the retiring performer one would expect from a pianoman. Far from it. The elegance of the stage setting, framed in targeted lighting at the Cambridge Corn Exchange on Monday night, set your mind to think that potentially this was just an eloquent platform to deliver his thoughtful, soulful songs. But, Odell couldn’t and did not refrain from pouring out completely.
With songs like, ‘You’re Going To Break My Heart Tonight’, which Odell declared before he began as ‘the saddest song on the new album, and that is saying something!’, he wove the enchanting ballad through the keys of his piano and rendered such a strong, soulful atmosphere with it that all listening were just still and spellbound.
And, rather than stay sedentary behind the keys, Odell takes centre stage and at one point, climbed onto the piano itself to riotous applause. And the applause and love are constant, its undeniably clear his fans are entranced. Looking the dapper gentleman, befitting the singular and sleek staging, Odell created such a scene with his musicianship and vocal strength, ably expressing through his massive vocal range.
The performance just went from strength to strength, with Odell the consummate conductor of the journey. Hitting all the favourites, along with injecting plenty from new the album, Jubilee Road, had everyone singing (and at one point whistling!) along. Odell’s affability mixed with his genuine talent made for some very happy fans.
The entire performance exhibited quite plainly that Odell is not only a gifted singer-songwriter but a creative performer all adding up to a memorable night.
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