Celebrating a career spanning over two decades, double BRIT Award winner Gabrielle is on tour once again following the release of her latest album, Now and Always – 20 Years of Dreaming.
The London born singer has become of the UK's most beloved performers, having sold ten million records since her debut back in 1993.
Opening act, alternative R&B duo Dora Martin, impressed the audience with songs from their Coalition EP, delivering strong, soulful vocals combined with a simple acoustic accompaniment.
Gabrielle herself was met on stage with thunderous applause, the crowd's anticipation and excitement made clear by their cheering, which turned out to be entirely justified. Gabrielle unleashed a phenomenal performance, her powerful voice laden with emotion as she delighted the crowd with new songs and old favourites that had the audience on their feet and dancing before we knew it. The affection that Gabrielle has for her fans was also clear, her funny, larger-than-life attitude and the pure unadulterated joy she took in engaging directly with the crowd making even the moments of down time between songs enjoyable.
We were also given an unexpected treat in the form of two solo performances from backing singers Malika London and Phebe Edwards, allowing them to showcase their own exceptional talents, before Gabrielle returned to finish off the night with more of her own stellar singing.
To paraphrase the singer's own words, this was definitely a good way to spend Saturday night. Gabrielle delivered an excellent show, both moving and massively entertaining.
Review by Robert Mckelvey
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