It was a civilised seated affair for the American R&B crooner Macy Gray at Manchester’s New Century Hall on Tuesday evening, until about song two that is. The catchy lyrics and soulful gravelly voice of Gray was too much for some fans who were already out of their seats and dancing in the aisles.
The show has sold out with some gig-goers made to stand against the side aisle wall in order to catch a glimpse of Gray who was dressed to the nines in a stunning feathered ensemble, accompanied by a small band who complimented her distinctive vocals.
By track three the crowd were under Gray’s spell and she had the whole crowd singing in unison, conducting them from the stage and gleefully enjoying this interaction. Heavily influenced by R&B, Hip-Hop and an element of Jazz, the whole scenario and the character of the venue with warmly lit stage lighting gave for a very retro, cosy vibe like a large musical hug.
There was a surprise in the set, a set which makes you realise just how many outstanding songs Gray has released in her 30 years of performing. A cover of Right Said Fred’s ‘I’m Too Sexy’ was certainly not on my bingo card this evening, and also sneaked into the set for good measure was ‘Creep’. by Radiohead. Gray has an ability to transform any track into soul.
The end of the evening came Gray’s most famous hit, ‘I Try’ which was mashed up with ‘Everything’s Gonna be Alright’ and after tonight and the cosy ambient setting in this great hall full of like-minded music fans, for just a second it does feel like everything could be alright.
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