On tonight's evidence this review of The Answer's performance could quite easily be summed up in two word's: "Truly Superb".

Having previously already seen the band open for Deep Purple & then again at a local gig in Southend, tonight they showed the live force they are very quickly becoming. Totally unfazed by the heady heights of the Royal Albert Hall, The Answer delivered a stirring seven song set in front of near full auditorium that showed just what they are capable of achieving.

     

It's was great to see the surprise in people's face's when vocalist Cormac Neeson's voice hit the auditorium. The strength & passion in his voice was as consistent throughout, be it on the driving rock of the opening track from their recently released debut album 'Rise', namely 'Come Follow Me', or on the more blues orientated 'Preaching'. Mind you the musical backdrop Neeson was given to work against was equally impressive, bassist and drummer, Michael Waters & James Heatley  respectively, drove the band forward all night and with guitarist Paul Mahon showcasing his wide range of guitar styles and skills it was simply a pleasure to sit back and listen. Thankfully there is still time to witness this great band in the coming week's in more intimate venues as they tour the UK with Roadstar. In the future anyone wanting to see The Answer will be  heading to far larger venues and perhaps even the Albert Hall itself....

     

After some three and a half decades in the music business Paul Rodgers is still the possessor of an incredible voice, he has obviously looked after his vocal chords as well as he looked after his physique. Walking slowly onto the stage, smiling from ear to ear, and in total control of the situation Rodgers and band broke loose with 'Creepin' - even taking the time to kiss a female fan on the front row. Early Free song's 'Stealer' & 'Pony' followed warming the audience up nicely before Closer was dedicated to Jimmy Page and was followed by War Boys. In Rodger's own words a new "Prayer For Peace"....

The band Rodgers' had put together for this show was, to coin a football term, made up of a mixture of youth & experience. Seventeen year old Kurtis Dengler certainly didn't look out of his depth playing alongside former Heart guitarist Howard Leese, a man in total control of the Les Paul based on this performance, whilst Ryan Hoyle on drums & Lynn Sorensen on bass completed a perfect rhythm section and two bars into 'Feel Like Makin' Love' most of the crowd was on it's feet. However if Rodgers et al himself wasn't attraction enough the reggae to Hendrix style version of 'Smile' led to the introduction of a very special guest, one Gary Moore, coming out on stage to a rapturous welcome. Anyone lucky enough to be here tonight witnessed, in Moore, a true master of their art who is still at the top of his game. Many have tried to copy him down the year's but I doubt anyone will become his equal - genius. The introduction of Moore led the band into 'Standing Around', a mixture of amazing vocal & guitar solo's, each  playing off of the other to tremendous effect. Moore stayed on stage for Louisiana Blue's before departing as the band launched into yet another classic, 'Wishing Well', dedicated to all the members of Queen who were backstage. Closing out the main set 'Saving Grace' gave way to the unmistakable guitar intro of 'All Right Now' which quite rightfully brought the house down.  

  

After all that had gone before, encores were a mere formality of course. 'Distant Shore', a sea shanty accompanied by bongo's & mandolin led into a magical rendition of Hendrix's 'Little Wing' followed by two more genuine classics in the shape of 'I'm A Mover' & 'Hunter'. The finall surprise though was kept right till the end of the night with Rodgers' returning to the stage for a solo, acoustic version of Seagull to send the masses home more than happy.  

Speaking with Rodgers afterwards he enthused about how great the audience had been, but equally as importantly how pleased he was with the way the new members of the band seemed to gel together immediately giving a tight & enjoyable performance. I would hazard everyone who was here felt exactly the same way.. The term legend is sometimes overused but, in the case of Paul Rodgers, one that is fully justified.