Finley Quaye – Central Methodist Hall, Manchester: Live Review

By Howard King on 12th April 2024 • ( Leave a comment )

Finley Quaye sets out to reignite his performing career with echoes from his brilliant past blended with intimate chat.

The condition of the venue, Manchester’s Central Methodist Hall, may reflect the precarious current musical position of the fabulous Finley Quaye. It has seen better days, yet similarly it is attempting some refurbishment.

Quaye comes over as a charming man reliving his successful past. Reaching the 50’s landmark, the heady days of 1997’s Maverick A Strike may be long gone but his voice is still as tuneful. The aforementioned record which went double platinum and saw Quaye collect the MOBO Award for Best Reggae Album in 1997, and a Brit Award for Best Male Solo Artist in 1998.

Armed only with a six string acoustic guitar, no amplification and no microphone or PA, Finley Quaye sits for an hour telling tales and playing in busker like fashion . His tales intrigue the cosy audience with many hanging around to meet, greet and get selfies after the performance.

It sets quite a stark setting as he sits alone on the huge stage; the audience collecting chairs from the side to form a few rows. He could quite easily have invited us to sit on stage or have joined his faithful followers on the floor in a circle.

Quaye’s manner during this intimate performance was full of humility with his pleasant personality showing much appreciation for folk to take time out of their lives to come and see him. This endeared him to the audience as he played snippets of his discography from the past. His set may have been devoid of any accompaniment but still retained its warmth.

The show was a benefit for the worthwhile charity, CALM. He now moves on to Glasgow for another charity event before returning to London when he will be accompanied by Beth Orton.

There is clearly love out there for Finlay Quaye as he seeks to re-establish himself in the music world.

To find out more about the brilliant work that CALM do, you can click here.