Live Review: Joan Armatrading, Cowboy X

British singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading, after more than four decades of game-changing tracks, mega-successful albums and sold-out performances internationally, is going out on top.

The icon’s latest and final tour is a celebration of one of music history’s most remarkable careers. The Astor Theatre, given two shows thanks to popular demand, gave her Perth audience two last chances to fully embrace her presence.

Australian blues-roots group Cowboy X were tasked to warm up the impatient crowd. The band’s enjoyable dynamic and rambunctious sense of humour, led by singer and guitarist David Sofield, kept everyone enthralled. The band dove straight into gritty numbers Love’s Gonna Burn and I’m Coming Back (To Try Again). Sofield, dedicating specific renditions to his wife and daughter, poured everything into each sterling note, lyric and guitar riff. His band’s true blue, Paul Kelly/Bob Dylan vibe resonated with the stunned crowd. The group, performing hits from their new album, solidified its all-too-brief set with spirited renditions of Whiskey And Water and Away From Home.

Soon after, Joan Armatrading – donning silky, black attire – sauntered up on stage and into an overwhelming spotlight to thunderous applause. The 64-year-old blues-rock-pop-folk-reggae-jazz sensation, embracing her well-deserved notoriety throughout the intimate solo performance, struck a balance between modesty and snarky wit. Armatrading’s lively persona and beaming smile gave her complete control over the excitable crowd, while her ethereal presence elevated soulful renditions of City Girl and Promise Land. The mega-star, playing the piano on stage for the first time since 1976, revelled in the opportunity. Her digging-into-the-keys rendition of More Than One Kind Of Love became a show-stopping ballad. Animated graphics and stock footage – displayed across the stage background – enhanced each track’s effect.

Despite the odd technical issue, Armatrading’s haunting, distinctive vocals echoed harmoniously around the venue. Throughout this once-in-a-lifetime occasion, she displayed a wide array of talents, flourishes and emotions, jumping from a blue electric guitar to black acoustic guitar to piano between each song. Switching the tempo up between tracks and verses, the scintillating guitar riffs and solos boosted the experience. In addition, tracks, including All The Way From America and In These Times, told valuable, gut-punch-like stories about war, society and humanity. Jaunty jazz-pop hits Mama Mercy, My Baby’s Gone and Down To Zero alleviated the tension. Armatrading ended the first half with a fascinating slideshow chronicling famous photo shoots, her MBE and meetings with the late Nelson Mandela.

Armatrading then explored a vast range of uber-hits and underrated gems. She reached searing high notes and gritty lows in Kissin’ And A Huggin’ and Empty Highway. However, The Weakness In Me became the performance’s standout number. Her head-and-heart approach elicited a well-deserved, thunderous reaction. The tempo drastically changed thanks to upbeat and pulsating versions of the soul-blues star’s biggest hits Love And Affection, Back To The Night and Drop The Pilot, while Rosie and Me Myself I harmoniously unified the audience. Her heartfelt encore, Willow, received a warranted standing ovation. Truly, this was a brilliant performance and fond farewell from one of music’s biggest hitters. Bravo Joan!