Muted Black magic

THERE is a keen sense of Mary Black's music which is only rarely overcome, especially so in a live setting. Two such moments presented themselves last night - when she sang Trespass Shoes, a song written by Welsh singer David Gray, and a brooding version of The Holy Ground. Throughout these songs she seemed to show more emotional commitment and passion than at any other point in her two-hour show. If ever there was proof that Mary needs material as strong as this to maintain her interest as much as that of the audience, then this was it.

Of course, that isn't to say that the remainder of the concert wasn't the usual above-average, consummately-professional show Mary Black always gives. It was, but what it lacked was an edge. Mary's inconsequential between-songs chat appeared to hide a nervousness which surely wasn't down to first-night jitters. Initial sound problems didn't help.

The overall result? What you pay for nice lights, seamless if somewhat lacklustre soft rock, and songs mostly of emotional disenchantment - is what you get. Fans will love it.