Chris Tavener — Live in Manchester | Live Show Review by Bucket List Music UK
This review has taken longer to write than I wanted. I know that someday I will dedicate time to write about my writing process. However, the focus of this review is not on me and how late I am — it’s on the brilliant opportunity to write once again about an artist that I have previously reviewed, and this time talking not only about a new album, but a live album.
Chris Tavener, an incredible (and I cannot emphasise enough — incredible) songwriter from Northwich in Cheshire played a live show launching his latest album and DVD: “Is He Joking? (Live)”. I made a quick trip from London to Manchester on the evening of 27 April, making sure to arrive in time for his act (and I do apologise to the opening acts, as I was unable to watch them play).
Excited about this concert, knowing most of his tracks by heart — not all yet — I came prepared for an evening of great music, and I was not disappointed. In fact, I was the complete opposite of what disappointed is. A full house, sold-out concert, where I actually had to stay in the back since I arrived later than I wanted.
If you haven’t listened to any of his songs, Chris can be described as a satirical and witty singer/songwriter, who takes elements and stories of everyday life and transforms them in to beautifully and funny songs. He has been known to play nearly 350 gigs in a single year. That is absolute dedication to his passion. He recently was interviewed by BBC Radio Manchester and has many of his songs played on national radio. I’m absolutely sure it won’t take much longer until his albums are praised everywhere.
