Order a drink, relax into the mellow vibe but come prepared to sing! Hannah Richards’ yearning version of ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’ was followed by ‘Natural Woman’, a commission for Aretha Franklin. In addition to the beautiful music, these committed performers told great stories about good friends King and Taylor’s complicated personal lives and stellar careers. After ‘It’s Too Late’, Dan Clews switched from backing vocals to full on James Taylor – shut your eyes and there was the singer/songwriter himself! ‘Night Owl’, naturally, was a highlight; ‘Fire And Rain’ and ‘You’ve Got A Friend’ transfixed the audience pulling us into the visceral shared experience of live music and, as the man sitting next to me said, “That was worth coming up from London for”.

theSpace @ Symposium Hall, until 28 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Louise Rodgers]