Russell Watson: Colston Hall

A character in Noel Coward’s one-act play Red Peppers declares: “Ever tried going into St Paul’s and offering to rewrite the bible”. That is how I feel about saying anything critical about Russell Watson after this concert.

The Colston Hall was packed to the rafters with his fans, who gave him a standing ovation as soon as he appeared. He responded by giving 100 per cent of himself only deserting the stage twice while the 15-strong choir, Sense of Sound, beautifully sang two unaccompanied numbers.

Otherwise despite the presence of  11 fine musicians including six mini-skirted lady violinists it was Russell Watson all the way.

He sang all his fans’ favourites and engaged warmly with them, even risking life and  limb by descending into the audience as he sang Volare. There he was engulfed by ladies wanting to hug and kiss him.

He took it all in a good natured way  and came back to sing more lovely Italian melodies ending with the almost obligatory Nessun Dorma.

Everyone had their own favourite, mine being an old gentle standard, Georgia, which is included on the new album and  showed the versatility of the man they call The Voice.

At the end no one wanted him to call it a day and I only wish I had the promotion rights to his next visit to Bristol because having delivered exactly what was on the package, I’m certain it will once again play to a capacity house.

Source: Crackerjack