At sixty-seven years of age, Justin Hayward is most definitely still going strong.
Justin Hayward's first ever solo DVD has just been released featuring a show at the Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta from his U.S. tour in 2013. The concept of the show was to promote his recent album 'Spirits Of The Western Sky' but of course the inevitable Moody Blues songs were not forgotten and probably the main draw for the audience (like any classic act in fairness).
Indeed, an early entrant is the jaunty 'Tuesday Afternoon' written many Tuesdays ago in 1967. That said, the more recent songs come off well played by a talented band; Hayward's consummate writings skills are well showcased and they clearly haven't diminished. Out of the new songs, 'In Your Blue Eyes' and 'The Western Sky' stood out.
The concert is a low key, almost acoustic affair, with lots of jangling guitars and some lavish keyboards supplied by a small band comprising of Mike Dawes, Julie Ragins and Alan Hewitt. The style as you would expect is soft, almost Folk Rock, music; I should say Hayward retains his distinctive voice, there are no strained vocals anywhere – just his recognisable tone with a hint of a twang. Also, it should be noted that Hayward is a talented acoustic guitarist.
Impossible to ignore, the giant 'Nights In White Satin' is delivered keenly and he clearly isn't bored by still playing it. Probably eclipsing it was 'Forever Autumn' which was his solo hit from 'War Of The Worlds' and it has some great keyboard twiddly bits supplied by Hewitt and supporting vocals by Ragins.
Witnessed by very appreciative fans in a plush and intimate venue, this DVD gives a close up view of Hayward and shouldn't disappoint fans of him and/or MB. Also included in the DVD is an hour long "behind the scenes" documentary accompanied by some bonus tracks. A CD "audio-version" of the live show is also available.
At sixty-seven years of age, Justin Hayward is most definitely still going strong.
Rob McKenzie
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