Will Young laid bare with his stripped back songs in intimate setting

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As a seasoned concert-goer with decades of live music experiences tucked under my belt, I can confidently say that Will Young’s Light It Up Live tour performance at Cambridge Junction was nothing short of exceptional. The intimate setting, combined with the stripped-down, unadorned presentation, truly showcased Young’s vocal prowess and versatility in a way that left me breathless.

I wrote recently about loving to see live performances. That view was refreshed and confirmed again with another trip to a great local venue, Cambridge Junction. This time it was to see Will Young on his Light It Up Live tour for his new album. He gets labeled at times as the first winner of Pop Idol in the UK, but that understates him totally. 

Before moving onto the headliner, a shout-out to Maddox Jones from Northampton who was about to launch his new second album, “Waiting For The World To Turn,” on November 1st. Engaging the audience effectively isn’t always easy, but Maddox did it admirably.

As a devoted fan, I must say that he showcased an impressive collection of tunes and was skillfully accompanied by Dave Crawford on the guitar, particularly during a stunning slide performance in one piece. Amanda Guiliano’s exceptional backing vocals added to the overall experience. Jones also took the time to introduce Livvy Lauren, as they have recently released a new single, “Another Sad Song.” The performance was truly captivating, and I eagerly awaited every note of his set.

Will Young laid bare

Initially, Will Young and his keyboardist nonchalantly strolled onto the stage, arriving a bit ahead of schedule, without any grand entrance or formal introduction. Aware of their early arrival, they joked about it, creating an amicable, entertaining, and incredibly laid-back atmosphere for the performance.

The event was marketed as a minimalistic performance featuring Neil Young conversing. Indeed, it lived up to the description. To deliver a solo performance with only keyboards for accompaniment requires self-assurance. Throughout the show, Young’s voice stood out prominently, particularly in these simplified, slowed-down songs that highlighted his unique singing style. Yet, he performed admirably, reminding us once more of his exceptional vocal talent.

Indeed, I may have downplayed a crucial aspect of the show by focusing on the keyboard player. In truth, Christian Dinh Gulino is not just a part but a pivotal figure in the performance. With an impressive resume as Musical Director for artists such as Kylie Minogue and Bryan Ferry, he brings a wealth of experience to the table. His versatile playing styles blended seamlessly with Young’s performance and the stripped-down songs, creating a harmonious atmosphere. The intimate setting of the small venue further heightened this connection between artist and audience.

Will Young – stylish, jazzy and accomplished

It appeared that the duo was genuinely enjoying themselves on stage, spreading their joy to everyone present. There were some conversations interspersed between songs, including a few question-and-answer segments. These interactions were more lighthearted and humorous, rather than introspective or revealing personal aspects of Young himself. In fact, we learned more about his two pets than about him. However, these anecdotes only served to enhance the overall experience, not diminish it.

In a playful manner, Young performed numerous hit tracks, suggesting he needs to combine them into medleys due to space constraints in his current set. He additionally showcased tunes from his recent album, “Light It Up.” Quite aptly, the performance concluded with an impressive rendition of “Leave Right Now,” his voice retaining its strength and maintaining the slightly jazzy yet sophisticated vibe throughout the act. As they began, so they ended, the duo nonchalantly exiting the stage, as they had already integrated their encore into the set itself.

From beginning to end, the audience showed their approval. It’s fantastic that smaller venues can host events like this. I encourage everyone to lend their support to the ones in your local area.

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2024-11-01 16:00