Paul McWilliams Review & Images
There are nights when live music simply entertains, and there are others that feel almost transformative. Connor Selby’s performance at Hallé St Peter’s in Manchester fell into the latter category — a show that will linger in the memory long after the final note has faded. With his soulful playing, velvety vocals, and an instinctive command of the blues, Selby delivered a performance that could only be described as a masterclass.
A Venue Steeped in Atmosphere
Hallé St Peter’s is no ordinary gig space. Nestled in the heart of Ancoats, the converted church is steeped in history and blessed with natural beauty. Its soaring ceilings, exposed brickwork, and stunning stained glass create an atmosphere both reverent and raw, the kind of setting that seems made for music that reaches into the soul. The acoustics in particular are remarkable, every note floating and blooming in the space as though the building itself were part of the performance.
For a blues artist like Selby, this setting was perfection. It was intimate enough to feel personal, yet grand enough to elevate the music into something almost spiritual. From the first strum of the guitar, it was clear this was going to be more than just another gig.
Commanding the Stage
When Selby stepped into the stage lights, guitar slung across his shoulder, there was a calm assurance about him. He didn’t need theatrics or bravado — his presence alone drew the audience in. Backed by a supremely tight band, he wasted no time setting the tone for the night. The opening number immediately showcased the hallmarks of his style: heartfelt delivery, expressive phrasing, and a sound that straddles tradition and modernity.
Selby’s guitar playing is, in a word, effortless. Whether easing into a slow-burning solo or letting loose with bursts of fiery intensity, his touch remained fluid and precise, never once tipping into indulgence. Every phrase felt deliberate, every bend carried weight, and every pause allowed space for emotion to breathe.
A Band in Perfect Sync
Of course, a great blues show relies not only on the frontman but on the strength of the ensemble. Selby’s band provided exactly what was needed — a rich, soulful backdrop that enhanced rather than overshadowed his playing. The rhythm section kept things grounded, laying down grooves that were both steady and dynamic. The keys added warmth and colour, their gospel-like swells filling the room, while the subtle accents of guitar and bass fleshed out the sound into something full and immersive.
What made it work so well was the chemistry. There was an unspoken dialogue between the players, an intuitive sense of when to step forward and when to hold back. This kind of cohesion only comes with trust and a shared love of the music, and it elevated the evening beyond a solo performance into a genuine collective experience.
Two Sets of Pure Emotion
The structure of the night — two distinct sets — gave Selby the chance to showcase different sides of his artistry. The first set leaned into the more reflective, soul-baring corners of his catalogue. Songs built slowly, wrapping the room in waves of melancholy and longing. The acoustics of Hallé St Peter’s amplified every nuance, the silence of the audience allowing the music to resonate with even greater impact. People sat almost motionless, mesmerised, as if afraid to break the spell.
The second set brought a shift in energy. While still rooted in blues tradition, there was more grit and drive here. The tempos picked up, the solos grew wilder, and the band locked into grooves that made heads nod and feet tap. Yet even in these more energetic moments, there was never a sense of showboating. Selby’s playing remained anchored in expression rather than flash, and his vocals — soulful and smooth, but with an undercurrent of rawness — carried the weight of lived experience.
An Audience Captivated
What was most striking wasn’t just the performance itself but the way the audience responded. From the first song to the last, the room was silent save for the music. No chatter, no distractions — just complete attention. It takes a special kind of artist to command that level of respect, particularly in a world where audiences are often restless, but Selby managed it with apparent ease.
The quiet was not the silence of indifference but of reverence. Every pause between songs was followed by applause that felt both warm and deeply appreciative. By the end of the night, the connection between artist and audience was undeniable — a shared experience of something rare and powerful.
Beyond “Rising Star”
Connor Selby has often been described as one of the most promising young talents in British blues, and while that label is flattering, this performance made it clear that it is already outdated. He is not simply “one to watch” — he has arrived. His command of his instrument, his ability to connect with a crowd, and his knack for crafting moments of genuine emotion place him not just in the lineage of British blues but firmly within its present.
A Tour Not to Miss
As the final notes reverberated around the hall and the band took their bows, it felt like the audience had witnessed something significant. For those who were there, it was a night to savour. For those who weren’t, there is still a chance. Selby is in the midst of a UK tour, and if this Manchester date was anything to go by, the shows ahead promise to be just as unforgettable.
Catch him while you can — not because he’s on the verge of becoming great, but because he already is. Nights like this prove that Connor Selby doesn’t just play the blues; he inhabits it, breathes it, and brings it to life for everyone in the room.
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