Jack Savoretti, Forest Live, Cannock Chase - review with pictures

Prior to last night I had very little knowledge of the 35-year-old star, but after witnessing what was one of the most tranquil, yet captivating concerts I’ve ever attended, I’ve most certainly been converted.

With that in mind, and the weather so fine, it’s no surprise huge crowds turned out to see him at what was the last of this year’s local Forest Live shows - and I’d go as far as to say the weekend’s best performance.

Supporting Jack at the stunning Staffordshire beauty spot was country act The Wandering Hearts, whose lovely vocal harmonies and good selection of songs opened the night in the perfect way; their strong voices and often toe-tapping tunes warming up the crowd superbly as they tucked into their picnics and drinks beneath the sun.

Songs such as Fire and Water and Devil sounded excellent as their talented backing musicians performed on double bass, drums and guitar.

But when Jack Savoretti took to the stage, the crowd at Forestry England-organised event was instantly mesmerised.

As he kicked off his tremendous set with 2019 hit Candlelight, his lusciously deep, velvety vocals and magnetic stage presence commanded every ounce of the massive audience’s attention. At times the 4,500-plus crowd fell into absolute silence - which is certainly no mean feat for such a huge outdoor event and unlike any other I’ve attended.

Dressed in a black suit and white shirt, Jack looked suave and distinguished as he delivered his stellar set backed by a truly excellent band of drums, keys, guitar and violin, while stood in the picturesque surroundings of the Chase.

“You have no idea how beautiful you guys look from here,” he beamed.

“This is literally a fairytale setting.”

Songs such as Dying For Your Love, Love Is On The Line, and Better Off Without Me had fans watching on in awe; each and every breathtaking performance putting the crowd firmly in Jack’s palm as they heartily swayed, danced and sang along.

And though they were brilliantly talented and certainly added to the blissful, yet often thrilling atmosphere, it was clear Jack didn’t really need his band, as he stunned on Soldier’s Eyes with the backing of just his acoustic guitar and the violinist, and on Catapult alongside just the violin and piano.

He’s an absolutely phenomenal singer and performer - with or without accompaniment - and boasts a catalogue of music which is almost of a bygone era, yet sounds fresh and powerful in the modern day.

Jack Savoretti went down an absolute storm - and he’s most certainly a star I cannot wait to see again. Simply sublime.