George Ezra has had a busy couple of years. His success is well-earned – he’s spent the past four years touring tiny venues across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, and he’s showing no sign of slowing down any time soon. He’s already scored a slew of top twenty singles, sold out a handful of UK tours, and had cinematic legend Sir Ian McKellen star in the music video for his single Listen To The Man, and he’s still only 22. His sold-out show at Truro’s intimate Hall For Cornwall serves as a Glastonbury warm-up show for Ezra and his band, but for the Cornish fans it’s a rare opportunity to see one of music’s hottest talents on their home turf.
Ezra is a man at the top of his game. Set opener Cassy ‘O is a barnstorming start to the set, while tender fan favourite Blind Man In Amsterdam goes down a storm with the Cornish crowd. The majority of the crowd’s love is reserved for the singles – Listen To The Man and Blame It On Me are screamed back in the face of the visibly overjoyed singer-songwriter, while smash hit Budapest is greeted with a roar to rival that heard at any stadium-sized show.
It’s impossible to get bored at a George Ezra gig. He’s an energetic and entertaining performer, and his between-song chatter is as warm and friendly as his songs are catchy. Tales of missing trains to Budapest and holidaying in Cornish cottages ensure that each and every audience member immediately warm to Ezra, while the backing vocals and musical skills of his formidable backing band serve as the perfect companion to Ezra’s dulcet tones.
Covers of Bob Dylan’s Girl From The North Country and Macy Gray’s I Try give us a taste of Ezra’s influences, while bluesy set closer Did You Hear The Rain? (featuring a stunning a capella introduction) is a shining example of Ezra’s serious songwriting skills. He’s young and talented, and his live show is one of the best around today. George Ezra is not going away any time soon.