REVIEW: Jamie Lawson at Portsmouth Guildhall

The stage setting, complete with record player and intimate lighting set a close atmosphere for the crowd.

Walking out to Moon River by Audrey Hepburn, Jamie opened with The Only Conclusion.

Jamie often spoke to the audience, putting them at ease, despite the true meaning behind some of his songs. Speaking about Mental Health Awareness month, he politely asked a group of rowdy males to be quiet for at least the one song, the moving Sometimes It’s Hard.

Jamie got the audience waltzing around the guildhall to the upbeat Let Love Hold You Now, and an hour in, this is where the gig shifted up a gear.

Letter Never Sent was a new song which morphed into a cover of Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl, providing a ‘wow’ moment for many in the crowd.

My favourite Jamie Lawson song, Cold In Ohio, was followed up by set closer and crowd favourite, the top 10 hit Wasn’t Expecting That, which everyone sang.

Jamie and his band returned for an encore, treating them to something he had never done before, a rousing rendition of Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers.

Closing with Ahead Of Myself he takes a picture with the crowd and thanks all who came.

With a new album expected next year, we should all look forward to big things from Jamie.