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Jack Massarik's rating
Muddy shades
By
Jack Massarik
3 Apr 2007
Always bold and unpredictable, Joan Armatrading has come to Muddy Waters relatively late, but better late than never.
For her debut at Ronnie Scott's she made no attempt to jazz up her act, but for the delectation of a celebrity-studded audience (Lennie and Dawn, since you ask) she did inject a whole mess of 21st-century blues into her rock-based repertoire.
Apart from a 12-string Ovation introduced late in the set, her old acoustic folk-guitar sound was gone. The new Joan reached for a couple of souped-up Fender Strats, producing slashing staccato riffs and penetrative Hendrix-style whines from them, plus an occasional finger-shake on slower numbers that owed more to BB King than Muddy Waters.
Mr Morganfield did not come to mind until Joan finished her hits (Love and Affection, Show Some Emotion, Me Myself I) and turned to A Woman in Love, Play the Blues, Something's Gotta Blow, Empty Highway and other numbers from her new album, Into the Blues. Suddenly there were obvious similarities between her harsh, uncompromising vocal delivery, fuelled by anger and pain, and his.
Bassist Scott Firth, keyboarder Spencer Cozens and drummer Gary Foote, deserved a mention, especially Foote, who doubled some Kenny G-style alto sax. Jazz fans might be in short supply this week, but any artist who can fill the Royal Albert Hall should have no trouble keeping this room rammed until Saturday.
• Until 7 April (020 7439 0747).
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (5)
It should be compulsory to see Joan at least once in a lifetime! She is just such an underated genius. I have seen her 11 times on the 'Blues' tour and wish I could have been to every show. No other artist in the world is so talented. She must be the greatest guitarist in the world and her lyrics put every other writer to shame. Long live Joan.
- Dorothy Hammerton, Huddersfield, Yorkshire., 10/08/2007 23:00
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Saw Joan last night at the Albert hall. Stunning, and fantastic came to mind. The new songs kept me on the edge of my seat, didn't know what would happen next. Thanks Joan.
- David Simmons, Sittingbourne, 09/05/2007 10:03
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Stunning. I wish I had tickets for every night. Also a word for the staff at Ronnie Scott's, made us all feel so welcome.
- Sue, Southampton, 04/04/2007 20:09
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Joan and Ronnie Scotts is a match made in heaven. The acoustics, the band, the voice and that guitar - made me melt. Pure talent rousing everyone in the audience to sing, dance and join her in the highs and lows of emotion. If you don't experience Joan you have missed out on pure joy and pure music. Make a beeline to see her or regret it forever.
- Lorraine, Chesham, 04/04/2007 11:05
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Armatrading's anger, pain, laughter and sheer talent shined yesterday at Ronnie Scott's, delivering an amazing show and sweeping the entire room to dance on its feet- it was a hell of an experience!
- Adam, London, 03/04/2007 12:58
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