"Over two nights last week, lucky Londoners were able to get more than a hint of what to expect from this autumn's New Blood album when Peter took to the stage at the HMV Apollo (nee Hammersmith Odeon) in the company of the 46-strong New Blood Orchestra.

A handful of cover versions from last year's Scratch My Back project were played on both nights.... But New Blood's task is... [read more]

"Over two nights last week, lucky Londoners were able to get more than a hint of what to expect from this autumn's New Blood album when Peter took to the stage at the HMV Apollo (nee Hammersmith Odeon) in the company of the 46-strong New Blood Orchestra.

A handful of cover versions from last year's Scratch My Back project were played on both nights.... But New Blood's task is to present Peter's songs, culled from right across his solo career, in an orchestral setting. And again, dispensing with the traditional weapons of the rock armoury - no guitar, bass or drums - the lyrics were exposed and laid bare, often taking new meaning with the passing of the years.

"The New Blood Orchestra were simply superb. Under the energetic conductorship of Ben Foster, they pushed and pulled, soared and plummeted."