aaamusic | On 28, Feb 2011

London, 16th February

Teddy Thompson chooses the Barbican to unveil his album Bella. In spite of the vast, daunting stage, which seems even bigger than the usual as Thompson and his band occupy only the centre of it. What strikes the viewer is the lack of strong personalities in this band: no Mercury demanding attention, no ego guitarist axing his guitar around the stage. Instead, the focus of the night is concentrated only on the bands’ talent and their music.

Thompson proves he has, finally, evolved into the mature artist his earlier work seemed to suggest he would one day be. Bella is a beautifully crafted record, filled with mature songwriting and melodies. Tonight’s performance also proves that Thompson has achieved maturity also as a performer: his voice moves the audience, bringing to life gems such as Over And Over, I should get up and Looking for a girl. One of the highlights of the show though has to be when his sister and mother join him on stage for a singalong written and dedicated to Pete Doherty. Beautiful moment, which marks the occasion of Thompson finally breaking free from comparisons with his family members and step into the wild on his own.

All in all, a very pleasant concert, which has allowed Thompson to spread his wings and trying flying solo, leaving the heritage of his family behind.

Author: James Oliver