November 8, 2005 | Category: Happy

November 7th, Manchester Apollo theater, Tracy Chapman playing live, I’m so there.

Yes the area around Manchester Apollo theater is a dump and the people there aren’t ‘the crowed’ to be seen with. But a special singer song writer, was to lift the entire theater to new heights.

Although not strictly a fan before the night, one can’t help to admire talent such as this.

An unsigned artist opened the set, Ben Taylor who was quite a treat. Him on stage with just an acoustic guitar was quite something. Definitely worth keeping an ear out for.

Tracy Chapman arrived an hour after, to leave no doubt in any mind, how powerful and emotional her tracks are. Arriving with 2 others to complete her 3 piece band.

At one point after the stage suffered electrical problems. Chapman took the opportunity to sing ‘Behind the wall’ which is a solo track with no backing music. It was pretty awesome, very moving hard hitting lyrics, coupled with her powerful voice really made itself felt around the small theater. The cheers from the crowed showed its appreciation.

She plays the electric and acoustic guitar, amongst others, pausing between tracks to pick up different instruments. There were a few notable tracks played. ‘America’ was a new track with hard hitting drums. ‘Fastcar’ which everyone expected, was electric. ‘Change’ was the track which gave me chills. Along with others which I must admit not being familiar with.

The Manchester Apollo isn’t the best theater out there but the smaller crowed and being sat a few feet away from the stage really made a difference in appreciating a talented singer song writer as Tracy Chapman.