The mix is right...

The fact that almost everything sounds fresh is thanks to a brilliant band and the fun everyone has together on stage.

In front of this stage on Coburg's Schlossplatz, right at the front of the barrier, is a group of young women, some of whom must have been in kindergarten when 'The Dream Of The Blue Turtles', Sting's first solo album, came out in 1985. The opening track, 'If You Love Somebody Set Them Free,' comes from this album. Despite all his ironic nonchalance, the muscular blond man with the orange-tinted glasses and the jagged Fender bass doesn't seem to mind being cheered like the singer of a boy band. At the request of many, he even briefly sings 'Happy Birthday' to someone in the front row.

For those who grew up with his music since 'Police,' Sting gives many fond memories. He effortlessly mixes old and new; 'Roxanne' or 'I'm Mad About You' blend perfectly with 'After The Rain Has Fallen' or 'Perfect Love' from the latest album, 'Brand New Day'.

The latter's title track arrives after just under an hour, not quite as delicate as on CD, but no less captivating for that. Much has been rearranged, tailored to the six-piece band, of which guitarist Dominic Miller stands out with his meticulous nuances and dry, precise rhythm work. And trumpeter Chris Botti, who, like Miller, zips up and down seamlessly, lends a touch of brilliance to the excursions into jazz and soul. But Sting, the perfectionist, only brings along absolute talent anyway. Every song, every solo, every transition is spot on.

The show is refreshingly simple. A bit of subtle fog, the framework with the speakers and the pointed gable remains uncovered. The trusses, cleverly lit, change colour with the stage. Some songs also feature unusual colours, such as a jazzy "Moon Over Bourbon Street," for which Sting lends his voice to Satchmo.

"Every Breath You Take" comes across as a bit mushy, but no one is in the mood for the bitterness inherent in this song anyway. Rather, one is infected by Sting's vitality. The obligatory lighters are lit during "Fields Of Gold," and the trend of streaming concerts live via cell phone seems to be new.

After a good hour and a half, the band leaves the stage for the first time, but returns without fuss to play five more songs in two sets, including a beautiful "Fragile" with Sting on guitar. What hardly anyone else manages: Despite all the professionalism, the impression of genuine warmth remains.

(c) Mainpost by Mathias Wiedemann