By: David Schultz

During the nineties, Richard Ashcroft fronted the superb Britpop group The Verve, peaking in 1997 with the release of the Beatle-esque Urban Hymns. The band split at the apex of their success and since then Ashcroft has struggled to regain his past critical and popular acclaim. Following his high profile appearance with Coldplay at the Hyde Park Live 8 concert, Ashcroft has rejoined Gwyneth Paltrow's favorite band as their opening act while he tours in support of his third solo release, Keys To The World.

While in town for a pair of arena extravaganzas with Coldplay, Ashcroft detoured to the more intimate Webster Hall in New York City for a headlining show of his own. Taking the stage in a candy-cane colored striped shirt, Ashcroft offered a ninety-plus minute set consisting primarily of his solo material with beloved Verve tunes sprinkled throughout. The sold-out hall warmly received Ashcroft's solo material but saved their overwhelming enthusiasm for his Verve classics from Urban Hymns. In between songs, Ashcroft's excitement burst through as he spoke freely about enjoying his return to smaller halls, claiming that this is where rock and roll really lives. Not all of Ashcroft's interludes proved as informative: his rant on proceeding through American customs, which including a frisk of his infant child, rambled on without focus, failing to reach a coherent point.

After dedicating the song to his wife, Ashcroft offered an inspired "Lucky Man" but it was his seemingly spontaneous acoustic "Space And Time" that provided the evening's most stunning moment. Remaining alone on stage, Ashcroft accompanied himself on guitar providing an emotional rendition of his urban hymn creating a communal experience as the crowd came in startlingly strong on the choruses. Unfortunately, after concluding his jaw-dropping "Space And Time," Ashcroft followed it up with a rap-influenced interpretation of "Lonely Souls." Ashcroft's quirky dancing during his performance quickly replaced the image of "rock shaman" with that of a goofy "Napoleon Dynamite." Saving the best for last, Ashcroft closed the show with his crowning achievement, "Bittersweet Symphony."

The material from Keys To The World didn't disappoint but paled in comparison to Ashcroft's Verve material. Having played "Sonnet" earlier in the set made it much more pronounced that Ashcroft lifted the chorus' melody for his set closing version of "Words Just Get In The Away." Though enjoyable, "Break The Night With Colour" and "Keys To The World," standout tracks from Keys To The World failed to captivate. An intended heartfelt version of "New York" also fell flat.

Half John Lennon and half Andy Samberg, Ashcroft exudes a charismatic presence and couldn't be any more comfortable on stage. With his support dates with Coldplay concluding later this week, Ashcroft will return to England for series of solo dates, including a June appearance at the Isle of Wight Festival. Before starting his solo tour, Ashcroft will participate in England v. Germany: The Legends, a 90 minute charity soccer match alongside international athletes like soccer star Paul Gascoigne, Rugby World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio and boxer Nigel Benn. Former tennis great Boris Becker will captain the German squad. The May 3 match will take place at Madejski Stadium in Reading and ticket proceeds will go to the Red Cross and The Bobby Moore Fund.

Labels: Richard Ashcroft