Joan Baez, Symphony Hall, Birmingham - review

It was clear we were in the presence of a true icon when she took to the Symphony Hall stage last night as I was uplifted, inspired and almost brought to tears by her phenomenally emotive show.

Joan may be 77 in age, but looked absolutely stunning throughout her 90-minute set, her slender frame dressed in a shirt and black jeans; as she exuded strength and power from start to end.

As she first took to the stage alone and strapped on her acoustic guitar, the Birmingham city centre venue erupted with applause. And I've never seen the hall so packed. One crowd member even cried out 'I love you', to which a beaming Joan whispered 'ditto' into her mic.

The audience were treated to a beautiful set packed with songs old and new - some of Joan's, others by contemporary artists and a few by the legends of her heyday, such as Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin.

Joan's voice was as gorgeous as ever, with a tremendous range, soft-yet-rich tone and clear definition of her often hard-hitting lyrics.

The Staten Island star was joined on stage by what she jokingly referred to as her 'big band'; her son Gabe Harris on percussion and multi-instrumentalist Dirk Howell.

And though she performed an array of stunning numbers without a great deal of explanation, some came with intriguing tales and others in recognition of current affairs and political issues. The latter is where Joan shone brightest; her endearing nature putting across her messages of anti-violence, pro-feminism and rights for immigrants in the most perfectly charming way. Even if some didn't agree with everything she had to say, Joan didn't force issues, but instead provoked thought and emotion.

"One of the most cheerful things happening at the moment is the students walk-out in Florida today," said Joan, who was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year.

"Thousands walked out because schools should be somewhere you learn, not face bullets.

"They even faced down the National Rifle Association."

And with that, Joan launched into a spine-tingling, empowering solo rendition of Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A Changin', showing the songs evergreen validity and timeless power; despite the fact it was released back in 1964.

Another song used in this way by Joan was Zoe Mulford's The President Sang Amazing Grace, written about President Obama's visit to the Emanuel African Methodist Church in Charleston, South Carolina, following the mass shooting in 2015 - a song which very nearly moved me to tears.

Other highlights of the show included a lovely performance of Joan's 1965 hit Farewell Angelina, and a gorgeous rendition of her 1975 number Diamonds and Rust which Joan sang alongside supremely-talented backing vocalist Grace Stumberg whose incredibly strong voice was unexpectedly jaw-dropping.

Joan also treated her fans to an excellent, smooth, slowed-down rendition of Janis Joplin's Bobby McGee, as well as a bluesy, soulful performance of traditional folk song made famous by The Animals, House Of The Rising Sun - sang in a style reminiscent of the likes of icons Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone.

"With your help the evening is flying by - that's what happens when you're having fun," smiled Joan.

"Thanks for coming here."

As Joan left the stage the whole room sprung to their feet in a very well-deserved standing ovation.

She then returned to perform a beautiful, poignant rendition of John Lennon's Imagine, during which she said each line shortly before singing them; encouraging the crowd to join in.

The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down followed, before Joan left and returned to the stage for her final song Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.

A tremendous show which words can hardly do justice.

And though this world tour was intended to be Joan's last year of 'formal extended touring', I can only hope we will see her play the Midlands again sometime soon.