Joan Armatrading 19/4/10

I hadn't listened to my Joan Armatrading albums for a few years but I didn't hesitate when I saw she was playing at De Montfort Hall. The only previous time I had seen her was at the Blackbushe Picnic in 1978 when she came on between sets from Clapton and Dylan and when she had a burgeoning reputation as a singer/songwriter

I didn't know any of her recent stuff but that didn't matter. The newer songs were largely uptempo and featured Joan playing a loud and bluesy rock guitar style. Outstanding of these newer songs was "Something's Gotta Blow". Another uptempo song that sticks in the mind was "Best Dress On". The bluesy guitar was confident and straightforward and reminiscent of an american chicago-style bluesman. She definitely has a unique mix; sensitive, emotionally-honest songwriting, a superb singing talent and bluesy lead guitar, all done with an English sensitivity.

All of the famous songs were in the set, "Love and Affection" done sparingly, "Me, Myself, I" done with gusto, "The Weakness in Me" with anguish. She basically does feelings in an upfront way but is very English in her approach at the same time (despite being from St Kitts originally). "Love and Affection" is the only song I remember from Blackbushe but thirty two years later it still stands out as a classic piece of songwriting.

The encore was the beautiful "Willow" and then the raucous "Drop the Pilot" which highlighted her ability to do both the romantic and the ballsy. I am delighted I clicked on "Buy" when I cam across the gig.