Stunning Sting and young American giants...
Sting proved he will remain a musical force with or without The Police for years to come with a superb performance at the NEC Birmingham at the weekend.
The former blond bomb-shell will give audiences at this week's six-night stint at London's Royal Albert Hall, more than their money's worth.
Flanked by some of America's finest young jazz musicians, he enraptured more than 10,000 people with over two-and-a-quarter hours of top-notch music.
The show included all his impressive solo album the 'Dream of the Blue Turtles' - Police songs from all stages of their career, and some bluesy cover versions.
But all were transformed by the brilliance of the band Weather Report drummer Omar Hakim, Miles Davis Group bass player Darryl Jones, keyboard player Kenny Kirkland and brilliant saxophonist Branford Marsalis.
Quite simply, they are the most technically brilliant outfit I have ever seen.
The shimmering sax of Marsalis was itself almost worth the price of admission and when Kirkland launched into an awesome piano assault during 'When The World Is Running Down', the audience was dumbstruck.
Sting coolly managed to lead these musical giants, and ended with a solo version of 'Message in a Bottle' which was far more atmospheric and moving than his acclaimed Live Aid appearance.
(c) Evening Telegraphy by Sean Hewitt
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