Live Review

Andrea Corr – Lowry, Salford

• 2nd Jun 2011

Andrea Corr took to the road this week to promote the release of her new solo album ‘Lifelines’. Glasswerk checked out the Salford leg of the tour last night at the Lowry Theatre.

The evening kicks off with a surprisingly heavy version of John Lennon’s ‘No. 9 Dream’. Andrea is backed by a versatile six piece band consisting of acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drums, bass, violin and keys and is welcomed onto the stage with a rapturous reception from the Salford audience

‘Lifelines’ is a diverse collection. With interpretations of the songs of Nick Drake, The Blue Nile and The Velvet Underground amongst many others, the live showcase was always going to be an eclectic affair. With so much quality new material to choose from as well as The Corrs back catalogue the tricky thing is fitting it all together to produce a smooth, cohesive show.

On the upbeat ‘State of Independence’ and new single ‘Tinsletown in the Rain’ Andrea and the band let loose, breathing new life into the songs and clearly enjoying the experience. However it is on the more delicate tracks that Andrea’s talent for interpreting a song really shines through. Ron Sexsmiths ‘Tomorrow In Her Eyes’ is flawlessly delivered as is Daniel Johnston’s ‘Some Things Last A Long Time.’ The ethereal qualities of the latter are beautifully observed and shows that these really are songs Andrea has lived and loved.

It’s not all new stuff however as The Corrs hits are given an airing too. ‘Runaway’ and ‘Dreams’ nearly bring the house down and serve as a reminder of just how massive these songs were and why Andrea and her family sold a gazillion records in the first place. Number 1 smash ‘Breathless’ closes the show and is met with a well deserved standing ovation.

‘Lifelines’ is available now. Head to [link] for details.