Beverley Knight / Mamas Gun

The Black Country's very own Beverley Knight came home to the West Midlands on Thursday night to bring her 100% tour to a close. And my, what a closing show it was! I'd missed the first leg of the tour due to getting married on the day of the Midlands date last year, so I couldn't have been happier when these extra dates were announced. (Of course I'm not saying I didn't want to get married!)

The Leamington Assembly in Leamington Spa is an amazing venue. This was my first visit and I was totally blown away. I literally felt like I stepped back in time as I entered this small concert hall with a balcony at the rear for all the oldies who didn't want to get involved in any shenanigans' or standing behind a 6ft 6 giant who infringed their view! Another great thing was that it was really easy to park and even if you came by train, the train station was only a stone's throw away.

When I got inside the venue the first support act was already on stage, Billie Godfrey who is actually one of Ms Knights backing singers and a bloody good one at that. She didn't disappoint with her vocal range, unfortunately I only caught the last song.

Second support slot went to Mamas Gun, a five piece band described as 'gorgeous, melting soft rock'. They've supported acts like De La Soul and Taio Cruz on their travels, so tonight's show would give them a chance to show their wares to the Beverley Knight faithful. Showcasing tracks from their album 'Routes to Riches' they didn't disappoint and warmed the audience up thoroughly for Beverley Knight.



9pm came and Beverley Knight's band graced the stage as the crowd went wild. Ms Knight came on stage in a glitzy, sparkly dress and the highest high heels I've ever seen. One of the most glamorous female vocalists I've ever experienced. The first chords struck up for 'Break Out' from the '100%' album, followed by old favourites 'Keep this Fire Burning' and 'Greatest Day'.

I have never seen a female vocalist sing with so much energy, I needed a Lucozade just watching! Throughout the blistering 90 minute set and 4 risqué costume changes Ms Knight never stopped.

The whole show was jam packed with energy fuelled songs ranging from the old classics and to latest tunes from '100%'. I was astounded at how much passion and vigour every single song was given.

The whole 17 song set just blew me away. Personal favourites were 'Bare' as this bought a tear to my eye and just showed how versatile Ms Knight's voice is. With only a keyboard for accompaniment the audience dwelled on every lyric, I was mesmerised totally.



'Beautiful Night', '100%' 'Gold Chain' and the fantastic 'Soul Survivor' came next. 'Soul Survivor' was originally a duet with Chaka Khan but backing singer Mary Pearce took her place tonight. By God did she do the song justice; sorry to say this but I thought she was better than Chaka Khan in the original song!

The encore was absolutely unbelievable too; an astounding version of 'Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda' followed up by Beverley Knight anthems 'Made it Back' and 'Flavour of the Old School'. They were absolute peaches in the set and I never tire of hearing them.

The quality of the band and the backing singers made the show all the more awesome. Paul Reid from Birmingham provided lead guitar as well being the Musical Director of the show. Keyboard was played by Ashley Kingsley, Bass was provided by Paul Bruce and Drums by Carlos Hercules. The backing singers Mary Pearce, Billie Godfrey and Bryan Chambers are pure quality and at times throughout the show took the spotlight during the costume changes.

This is by far the best performance I have ever seen of Ms Knight. The whole show packed a punch right in between the eyes. It was well worth the ticket price and much, much more.

It still puzzles me when a singer from 'The Black Country' who has a voice with such balls and such range gets pigeon holed in with the legendary greats such as Aretha and Whitney and still plays such small venues . She should be packing out arenas - Not that I'm complaining of course as seeing such a great in such an intimate venue is amazing. All I'm getting at is - is everyone else missing out on what a gem Beverly Knight is?

If you haven't got '100%' in your album collection go out and buy it, it's a rollercoaster ride believe me and that's what the live experience was all about. If you didn't catch Beverley on tour, well shame on you, you missed an absolute treat. It's very rare your find an absolute superstar in your own back garden who still has her feet on the ground and loves every minute of performing – good on Bev Knight I say.

FUTURE GIGS