Concert Review: Take Me To The River, Barbican Centre, London

The Barbican Centre in London was transported straight to the heart of Memphis for one unforgettable evening as Take Me To The River rolled into town. Backed by the legendary Hi Rhythm Section and guided by Grammy winners Boo Mitchell and Martin Shore, the night promised an authentic slice of Southern soul—and it delivered in every possible way.

The show opened with an instrumental groove, “20-75,” easing the audience into the warm, unmistakable Memphis sound. The rhythm section laid down that deep, rolling pocket that only they can, every note rich with history and feel. The stage was bathed in soft light, and you could feel the anticipation in the room.

Lina Beach was the first to step into the spotlight, bringing a silky yet powerful delivery to “Stars” before tearing into the attitude-driven “Bullshit.” Her voice set the tone perfectly soulful but modern, carrying the lineage of the music while injecting fresh energy.

Then came Jerome Chism, a true powerhouse whose voice carried both the gospel fire of the church and the grit of the blues. He launched into “Nickel and a Nail” with a raw, aching intensity that silenced the room, before moving seamlessly into “Blind, Crippled and Crazy,” “Into Something I Can’t Shake Loose,” and “Trying to Live My Life.” Each song flowed naturally into the next, Jerome never over-singing, just delivering pure emotion with effortless control.

The energy shifted as Acantha Lang took center stage, her presence commanding from the moment she opened her mouth. “Breakin’ Up Somebody’s Home” came alive with her fiery vocals, dripping with heartache and power. She left the stage to rapturous applause, but the momentum didn’t dip for a second.

Jerome returned, joined by Mississippi Macdonald, with “I Can’t Stand the Rain.” Their voices intertwined beautifully, paying homage to the blues great with reverence and soul. Then Jerome carried the audience further into the journey with a tribute to BB King with “The Thrill Is Gone” and “Never Make a Move Too Soon,” then Al Green’s “Let’s Get Married,” and “Let’s Stay Together,” each number keeping the room locked in the groove, swaying with the pulse of the music.

And then, in a moment that felt almost sacred, Carla Thomas—The Queen of Memphis Soul herself—took the stage. The room erupted. She radiated warmth and grace, her voice instantly recognizable yet still vibrant and alive. She moved through “Love and Happiness” with joy, offered the tender “Something Good,” and turned up the playful banter with “Tramp.” “B-A-B-Y” was pure magic, a reminder of just how timeless her music truly is.

Finally, the entire ensemble came together for a rousing, cathartic “Take Me to the River.” The crowd was on its feet, clapping, singing, lost in the moment as London and Memphis became one for those final few minutes.

There were no intermissions, no wasted seconds—just two hours of pure, uninterrupted soul, played by musicians who live and breathe this music. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a living history, a celebration of a sound that still resonates as deeply today as it ever did. The Barbican audience didn’t just witness a performance—they experienced the very heartbeat of Memphis soul.

Setlist

20-75

Stars

Bullshit

Nickel and a Nail

Blind, Crippled and Crazy

Into Something I Can’t Shake Loose

Trying to Live My Life

Breakin’ Up Somebody’s Home

I Can’t Stand the Rain

The Thrill Is Gone

Never Make a Move Too Soon

Let’s Get Married

Let’s Stay Together

Love and Happiness

Something Good

Tramp

B-A-B-Y

Take Me to the River