New York’s Blues Rock sensation Sari Schorr swept into Bilston for a welcome return to The Robin 2, backed by her terrific band that included guitarist Ash Wilson and bassist Roger Inniss, along with Ash’s brother Phil on drums and Adrian Gautrey on keyboards. The crowd lapped up every note as Sari delivered a curfew breaking 100 minute set that mixed up songs from both her 2016 debut A Force of Nature and 2018’s Never Say Never, in addition to highlighting some new numbers that will no doubt feature on her long-awaited third album.
It had been twelve months since Sari was last here at The Robin and as she led the band into the opening ‘Freedom’ it was evident she is simply a must-see performer, possessing a dynamic stage presence to go alongside her soulful vocals. Adrian’s Hammond was well to the forefront of the mix and the band were clearly well rehearsed, providing some accomplished playing to back up the main performer. Sari engaged with the audience throughout, and gave a much appreciated shout out to the various members of the press who had come along to help spread the word about her music. Upbeat new song ‘Where Have You Been My Friend’ made a strong impression, highlighted by a soaring chorus and crisp guitar riff and when album number three does appear it is sure to be well worth the wait.
Sari and her band dropped the pace mid-set for a stylish cover of ‘I Just Want to Make Love to You’, immediately followed by singer and guitarist being left alone on stage for a stirring duet of the emotionally charged ‘Damn the Reason’. As if one great cover version in the set wasn’t enough, Sari led the band into the show stopping ‘Black Betty’ that left both band, singer and audience breathless. Robert Johnson tribute ‘King of Rock and Roll’ and the good time sing-a-long of ‘Valentina’ closed out the main set before they was summoned back for an encore, the heart warming ballad ‘Beautiful’ ending what was a very special performance.
Setlist:-
Freedom
Demolition Man
Ain’t Got No Money
Where Have You Been My Friend
Coal River
Cat and Mouse
Back to L.A.
Ordinary Life
Oklahoma
I Just Want to Make Love to You
Damn the Reason
Black Betty
King of Rock and Roll
Valentina
Suicidal Nation
Beautiful
