Review Zoo check out brilliant Blues Singer Songwriter Connor Selby at Bristol Beacon

Lee (Review Zoo)
6 days ago
3 min read

This evening, Review Zoo ventured out to the prestigious Bristol Beacon—formerly The Colston Hall—now reborn after a five-year, £132 million transformation. The venue glows with pride, and tonight it plays host to a shining star: the incredibly talented Connor Selby.

The rootsy singer-songwriter released his new album, The Truth Comes Out Eventually, on August 29th, and is now out on the road for a packed tour celebrating its release.

Speaking of the record, Selby has said: “The songs are about my feelings of being in the world and not really feeling like I belong.” Deep, introspective words from a soulful man—and words that he transforms into beautifully smooth, musical masterpieces. Songs that don’t just sound right, they feel right.

On arrival, Bristol Beacon is alive with energy. People eagerly find their seats, determined not to miss a second of Selby’s performance. Tonight is a special treat—Connor will play two full sets, separated by a short interval.

As I sit down, the anticipation is palpable. The gentleman next to me tells me it’s his third time seeing Selby, and his excitement mirrors my own.

The stage is quietly set: two Gibson Les Pauls and an acoustic guitar wait patiently under the warm amber glow of stage lights, giving off a welcoming vibe. The sight of real amps on stage feels like a statement in itself—tonight will be about authenticity.

Selby steps onto the stage, and within moments it’s clear this will be a special evening. His vocals are crisp and airy, immaculate and true to his recordings. The dynamics are stunning—from delicate, pin-drop passages to roaring guitar solos that send shivers through the room.

The whole band is perfectly in sync, weaving together effortlessly, clearly enjoying every moment of each other’s brilliance. They play with the clarity of Selby’s studio recordings but with the added rawness and organic energy that only live music can bring.

Unlike many modern acts who lean heavily on technology, this show is refreshingly pure. Eyes closed, lost in the music, Selby and his band rely solely on their passion and instinct. The result is an atmosphere where both musicians and audience share the same journey.

Even during the break, the audience barely stirs—nobody wants to miss Selby’s return. His guitars sit silently on stage, yet it’s impossible not to marvel at how, in his hands, they seem to breathe and sing.

I mention this to my neighbour, who proudly reveals a Gibson T-shirt under his jacket. “I love his guitars,” he says. It’s clear Selby isn’t just captivating audiences—he’s inspiring guitarists too.

Selby takes us on a journey through his catalogue, blending old favourites with brand-new material. What strikes me most is the consistency of his songwriting—every track is faultlessly crafted, brilliantly delivered, and warmly received.

His rich tone, both vocally and instrumentally, stands out. One moment he’s soothing the audience with caramel-smooth vocals, the next he’s tugging heartstrings with his expressive guitar work. When Selby closes his eyes and steps away from the mic, his guitar speaks for him—each note carrying emotion that the audience eagerly drinks in.

The band bounce off one another with ease, making it feel less like a concert and more like a private glimpse into their rehearsal room—relaxed, joyful, yet flawlessly tight.

As the evening draws to a close, Selby announces his final song. But, after rapturous applause, he returns for an encore, much to the delight of the crowd. He thanks his band, the sound engineer, the venue staff, and the audience—gestures that are met with a standing ovation.

In that moment, it feels like we’re in the presence of greatness. Connor Selby is not just a rising talent—he is destined to be a huge name.

This was suave, sophisticated Blues at its finest—exceptional musicianship, impeccable songs, and a performance that left the audience both satisfied and hungry for more.

If you love masterful songwriting and the timeless pull of organic live music, Connor Selby is for you. In fact, if you simply love great music, Connor Selby is for you.

His new album The Truth Comes Out Eventually is out now—don’t miss it.

https://www.connorselby.com/music