Al Green
Manchester MEN Arena
11th November, 2008

View: close to the action, stage-right

Despite a disappointingly half-full Arena, Green’s voice was still in fantastic nick, as evidenced on his new album, Lay It Down. Selections from it peppered a set in which the sharp-suited soul-man revelled in the waves of love shared between the stage and his followers. Tired Of Being Alone was just one highlight from a selection that served as a reminder that soul is best sung by its originators. Green can lay claim to that, although the humility of the man would prevent him ever saying so. Soul music can be uplifting in itself, but in the hands, voice and manner of someone of the stature of Al Green, it becomes something spiritual. A gig, then, but an experience, a vibe, and a treasure.

Reviewed by Joe Shooman
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