Connor Selby – Live @ Kola, 20th September 2025
Live at Portsmouth’s newest venue, Kola, Connor Selby brought an evening of wonderful blues music to the former Southsea nightclub.
I’d missed out on seeing Connor during his previous visits to Portsmouth, but back on tour for his latest album, “The Truth Comes Out Eventually“, this gig certainly lived up to the reviews.
As for Kola, the 300ish capacity venue is a welcome addition to the local music scene. One which already has a few more interesting bookings during the upcoming months.
Support tonight came from the impressive young voice of Rosie Hollins and her equally talented band. Delivering a set of both covers and originals, Rosie made for a soulful opening act.
Photo Credit: Dean Cachia
Love Letter to the Blues
As for Connor Selby, this was a self-penned homage to the blues, and one in which you could feel the passion ring out in every note.
Although moments into the set, it soon became clear this wasn’t all about his splendid guitar work. For on the keys was the incredible Stevie Watts, who seemed to be given almost a free rein, demonstrating his own virtuoso playing throughout the set.
In terms of his own musical background, Connor spoke of American artists he’d grown up on, but there were also touches of Gary Moore in his delivery. The only slight tangent was when the rest of the band left momentarily, enabling a solo performance on the acoustic track “Amelia“.
It wasn’t so much the blues, but despite being slightly out of place, it certainly showcased another side of the singer-songwriter. However, if you were in any doubt which sort of music influenced the man on stage, then “Love Letter to the Blues” was exactly as the title suggests.
After all, let’s be honest, blues music hasn’t really changed a great deal over the years, and why should it? Yet, cliche as the lyrics may sound, you knew Connor Selby meant every single word.
When it comes straight from the heart, few artists can stand alongside the greats and lay claim to keeping the blues alive — yet, in 2025, Connor Selby is without doubt doing just that.
Mr Teeth Reviews
“The Truth Comes Out Eventually” by Connor Selby, out now.
