Sweet n Sour at the Welly Club 29/07/2004 Har Mar Superstar Salako The Paddingtons By Andy Dykes

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Har Mar Superstar opens with Transit, the first track on his new album, The Handler. A slick, funky number, it's a great start to what proves to be a great set. From the off, the crowd are boogying and grooving, loving every minute. At the start of the second song, Back the Camel Up Har Mar is signing autographs for people at the front. It's a nice touch and shows just why he's so popular. The song itself is a crazy affair. Har Mar raps his way through most of it, and I have to wonder what in the world he's going on about. By track three, he's lost his shirt and is gyrating like the sweaty love god he's famed to be. It becomes clear that aside from the great stage performance, Har Mar Superstar is an excellent musician.

His voice is strong, powerful and soulful, and he's got a really great range. He announces new song Sugar Pie as for the ladies and performs it like the 80s love machine pop cliché you'd expect. And the ladies love it. Har Mar classic Brothers and Sisters is the highlight of the set, played out like The Artist Formerly Known As Prince beating Scissor Sisters with the Jackson 5 funky stick, shooting infectious party vibes all over the room. It rocks.

The only fault I can find is that Har Mar Superstar performs over a backing track. This is none more evident than in Brothers and Sisters when the drummer stands up and waves at the crowd during the drum solo. It's a little tacky and detracts a bit from the live experience. The encore ends with fan favourite EZ Pass. It's hip, groovy and catchy. Frankly, it's very Har Mar Superstar. The house goes wild, and the band leave the stage, Hr Mar blowing kisses and waving as he walks.

Most of tonight's set is comprised of material from Har Mar Superstar's new album The Handler which is out on September 6. Though it's new listening, the audience responds brilliantly, which I guess is all you can do to music from what Har Mar himself dubs, the most rock 'n' roll r&b album ever. And by the sound of things, it's going to be a great record. Big thanks to The Welly for another great Sweet 'n' Sour night. The night's attracting some great acts to Hull, while showcasing a load of home-grown talent as well. If you haven't been already, I suggest you get on the bandwagon and check it out.

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Photographs courtsey and Copyright © Elsie 2004

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