George Ezra, Resorts World Arena, Birmingham - review with pictures

And the standard lamps and gramophone featured on George Ezra's vintage stage set wouldn't be out of place in her living room.

There were even plenty of grandmas in the audience at Birmingham's Resorts World Arena last night. But, make no mistake - Ezra's appeal is ageless, as popular with primary school pupils as pensioners and all ages in between.

At only 25 this gifted songwriter has already penned an impressive array of 'earworm' hits, such as Paradise, Budapest and his Number One single Shotgun - and his mature bass-baritone voice is one that belies his age.

Dressed in black and armed with his guitar, Ezra kicked off his show with Don't Matter Now and immediately built up a rapport with the audience - sharing anecdotes about the inspiration behind the songs from his albums Wanted on Voyage and Staying at Tamara's, many of which have been inspired by his travels around the world.

The fans responded with a show of mobile phone flashlights, while singing and dancing along to a range of music from soulful laid back ballads to upbeat, bright and breezy tunes.

Highlights included Paradise, Pretty Shining People, Blame it on Me, Hold My Girl - where giant lanterns floated over the sell-out crowd - and the encore of Cassy O' and Shotgun.

Credit must also go to Ezra's very talented and lively band, including the brass section which added to the show's feel-good factor.

This may have been a huge arena gig, but the Brit award winner managed to give the surroundings a cosy and intimate feel.

He signed off by saying he couldn't think of a better way to spend a Sunday - and judging by the reaction of the crowd, his fans would heartily agree.