Tonight sees the return of the Black Country's own Beverley Knight to Symphony Hall Birmingham. She's the 'Queen' of the West End, after starring in such classics as 'The Bodyguard', 'Memphis' and 'Cats' over the last few years, I must admit to seeing both The Bodyguard and Cats and actually weeping at Ms. Knight's performances in both. She's become a household favourite and starring in such west end shows her popularity has soared somewhat.
I had thought we'd lost Ms. Knight to the West End, never to be seen again in the Live music arena, due to her captivating performances in the West End. BUT, thankfully, she's back with a vengeance with her new album 'Soulsville', which is out on the 10th June, her first studio album in five years, yes I did say five years. It's been a long road for fans, the wait has been worth it though after listening to a few tit bits on You Tube with latest offerings which includes, the first single off the album, 'Middle of Love', which is well funky, and, cover 'I Can't Stand the Rain' (Ann Peebles Cover) which Knight nails and sings perfectly. This whets your appetite for more to come from the album, a week to go.
Beverley Knight is back with a definite bang tonight, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, it's hard to believe she's a mere 43 years old and looking at what she's achieved as an artist over her 20 year+ career is astonishing. I've had many a conversation as to why Ms. Knight isn't a much bigger artist playing much bigger venues, especially after all her years in the music business, but I guess it's about longevity and coming up with the goods time after time and Ms. Knight certainly does this, especially after the release of seven studio albums.
'Soulsville' is a celebration of Memphis and was recorded at the Royal Studios where legends Al Green and Willie Mitchell played in the 60's. Ms. Knight certainly has done them justice and tonight was gonna prove that.
I must admit here that I have seen the Soulsville show a bit earlier in the tour, the Slade Rooms gig (Wolverhampton), which was a very sweaty affair, but one of the best live Beverley Knight shows I've ever seen. Very personal and intimate, and it helped, that I managed to squeeze to the front and see everything.
Talent oozes out of this woman and she is so natural on stage, one of the most genuine stars around, very down-to-earth and she is so proud of her Black Country heritage, hailing from Wolverhampton. What's not to love about Beverley Knight?
Ms. Knight graced the stage in the tightest leather trousers I've ever seen, plus a rocker's jacket and see through top, topped off with a pair of ankle boots, BUT she can carry an outfit like that off as she has a figure to die for. With three costume changes throughout the night, every one as good as the one before, Knight looking stunning in each.
The 90 minute set was electric, people were on their feet instantaneously, you couldn't not tap your feet or move your body or even swing your pants, unless you were dead inside, it was so addictive. (Even the posse of Knight-ettes, Bev's coach load of family and friends occupying three complete rows of symphony hall, were on their feet). 'Soul Survivor' was the first track on the set list and by god did Bev give it some welly, as my dear old Dad would say "That woman's got a set of lungs on her", and he would be right in every instance. She can definitely sing and hold a note.
It was obvious from the starting gun that this show was gonna be a stonker, a journey of Knight's career with a few new songs thrown in for good measure. Classics 'Made It Back' and 'Greatest Day' followed and every seat in the house was left empty cause everyone was on their feet, too right to.
One of the songs of the night for me was old favourite and Knight classic 'Gold', Knight explained the story behind the song and said it was very special to her, even much so when the audience were on their feet giving her a rousing reception she became a tad emotional.
We heard songs from Knight's heroes including a fitting tribute to Maurice Wright, founder member of Earth, Wind and Fire with 'Fantasy' and 'After the Love Has Gone', which showcased all three backing singers vocals including Bryan Chambers, Tasita D'Mour and Janet Ramus, and it gave Knight a well-earned breather and enough time for a costume change.
If you're a Bev fan you'll know she adored Prince, even posting on Twitter and Facebook her own thoughts and comments due to his passing, So a tribute to the man she adored and whom she called a friend was a fitting tribute indeed. Prince would be so proud of the 'Alphabet Street' cover, he would be there clapping like a good 'un.
The show was topped off by another Knight classic 'Keep This Fire Burning' could we expect any more tonight from Knight and her band, Oh Yes we could. After introductions to the band, the encore went in to full swing. This was Knight at her very best. Pure Class.
Another handful of songs for the encore, We were treated to a West End spectacular with Songs from Knight's performances in The Bodyguard and Memphis, 'Love Will Stand When All Else Fails', 'I Have Nothing' and 'I'm Every Woman', these were masterpieces and if people hadn't seen Knight in the West End so far, this would make sure they did. Buy your tickets now folks!!
Show stopper 'Come as you Are' put the icing on the cake to a truly epic night. The whole audience were on their feet yet again with roars and cheers, it's a shame this party had to come to an end, but hopefully it won't be another five years until we see Beverley Knight again!
The whole show for me was such a polished performance, the band were the epitome of Knight herself, all artists in their own right, Musical Director Paul Reid has been with Knight 20 years and you can see this with how all the musicians gel on stage. Most of the musicians are Midlands based, with the exception of Bryan Chambers and Janet Ramus who are London based.
Tonight's show proved to me what an absolute star Beverley Knight is, her voice is so finely tuned, like a grand piano, you never tire of listening to it. She could sing to me and my wife all night, wonder if she's free for my tenth wedding anniversary!