JAMES - Britain's top band - blasted into New York, taking an ecstatic crowd at packed Webster Hall on a rocking musical voyage of unity, rhythm and emotion.
The group roared out selections - so loud that earplugs were essential - from their pair of mini-cd albums, "The Morning After" and "The Night Before", both very recently released. Among the songs from their newest music were "The Line Of Best Fit", "Crazy", "Kaleidoscope" and "Made For This City".
The set began with Tim Booth - the lead singer and firebrand of JAMES - up among the VIP crowd on the 3rd level of Webster Hall. He walked through to a pagoda-like stage, belted out an opening number, and then made his way down to the main level, where the rest of the group awaited him.
Tim Booth has had some fascinating accomplishments in periods when he has branched out from JAMES, including featured roles in the films "Batman Begins" and the upcoming "Poor Wee Me" along with his very successful solo album - "Bone." Tim is also skilled in performing 5Rhythms, a movement meditation practice.
The band drove the audience into a pulsating stream with their all-time favourite, "Sit Down", along with such other anthems as "Upside" and "Bubbles".
Originally from Manchester - and setting records at the fabulous MEN's ( Manchester Evening News ) Arena there - JAMES attained million seller status with their legendary album, "Seven".
With a style often referred to as "Stadium Rock", JAMES was formed in 1982, and has undergone numerous transformations in its musician's line-up, as well extended periods apart.
It's a powerful testimony to JAMES - and their legion of devoted fans - that the energy and love between the group and the audience was positive, rollicking, loving and powerfully charged.