IN A world where Gary Barlow decides who will be famous for the next 15 minutes it is reassuring to find a 40-year CV – Paul Carrack.

Carrack’s loyal following took their seats in anticipation not knowing what dishes would be served up from such a vast back catalogue.

Carrack’s usual banter with the crowd was replaced with an urgency to play the many new songs from his new album, Good Feeling.

It is refreshing to see the band, sound crew and production as one team, not puppets of a record company.

With such a distinctive voice many overlook his keyboard playing having worked with Roxy Music, The Eagles, The Smiths, The Pretenders and for BB King and Elton John.

The crowd were treated to flashes of brilliance on both piano and Hammond that more than explained his prestigious Christmas card list.

Carrack performed hits like, The Living Years, Tempted, Eyes of Blue, but also surprised with a beautiful Springsteen ballad, If I Should Fall Behind – one from the specials board.

When My Little Girl Is Smiling with its retro tip of the hat to Needles & Pins and infectious 60s chorus had all of the crowd joining in.

His band play with an understanding of the importance of the song, never overplaying, with flashes of sublime genius from Steve Beighton on the saxophone.

After a rousing standing ovation Carrack effortlessly hit all the notes to lift the hairs on all 1,000 necks in the house with Over My Shoulder.

Carrack sits comfortably at the top table of music somewhere between Don Henley and Ray Charles, having been given a voice with a rich depth and a sincerity with a melody yet he still looks like any other bloke in the pub.

Unlike many of his peers Carrack still loves it.. He is still writing, still performing and still improving.

The Times described Carrack as “the best soul singer Britain has ever produced”. That would be a millstone around anyone else’s neck, but it isn’t when it’s true.

- Ian Donaghy