Review: Hugh Laurie, Birmingham Symphony Hall
At first it seems odd that the exceptionally successful actor and writer Hugh Laurie has decided to take to the stage with his music.
In fact when he stepped out onto the stage at Birmingham Symphony Hall last night he actually compared himself to a playboy who had been given the keys to a Ferrari that he did not know how to drive and told the audience 'watch me crash it'.
But within minutes of opening the show it is clear that it is Laurie's passion for the blues and his musical talent which has driven him to create two albums, and embark on a world tour.
He told the crowd that music was 'America's greatest gift to the world' and used his performance to showcase some of the best it had to offer. He performed songs by Earl King, Ray Charles, Bessie Smith and Elvis Presley to name a few.
Laurie seemed to easily manage the gritty sounds of the New Orleans Blues, and he was a natural front man to the six strong Copper Bottom Band.
His voice was good but it was clear he needed the strong vocals, and exceptional musical talents of the band to back him up.
Laurie is clearly an accomplished pianist but the piano never took centre stage and for the majority of the show he let the talents of his fellow musicians on the trombone, saxophone, guitars and drums lead the way.
The star of hit US drama House interspersed the fantastic music with comic banter, and danced around the stage and even treated the crowd to a tango.
The audience which had packed out Symphony Hall lapped up his performance and were delighted he returned on stage for two encores.
It is clear Laurie's aim is to showcase his favourite music and to encourage everyone else to love it as much as he does. His enthusiasm was infectious and it was bound to encourage every audience member to go home and listen again to those favourite bluesy hits.
By Naomi Dunning
