Ms Beverley Knight, lauded as one of Britain’s finest soul singers, took to the stage at the Palladium for the London leg of her I ♥ Soulsville tour. Having made a name for herself in recent years as a theatre performer, Knight’s career as a recording artist and solo performer is still going strong. However, she has been absent from the touring scene since 2011, hence the excitement amongst her fan base upon the announcement of I ♥ Soulsville.
Supporting Knight were Josh Daniels and Joel Culpepper. Daniels, a former X-Factor contestant, performed a crisp acoustic cover of Stevie Wonder’s ‘All I Do’ with impressive muscular vocals and groove. Culpepper, a rising star who supported Paloma Faith on tour in 2015, performed an entertaining, eclectic mix of jazz-rock-soul fusion numbers – although he was sometimes eclipsed by the belty, freight-train vocals of his backing singer.
Knight’s setlist revolved around her recent Soulsville album (2016) but also featured songs from Soul UK, 100%, and her earlier releases. The only songs regretfully absent from the set were her self-penned heartbreak song ‘No Man’s Land’, and her searing cover of Erma Franklin/Janis Joplin’s ‘Piece of My Heart’. The latter would have served as a much more welcome addition than the clichéd (yet inevitably crowd-pleasing) ‘I’m Every Woman’. While the balance between the high-octane and subtle numbers could perhaps have been more equitable, Knight’s command of the stage and vocal dynamism could not be faulted.
Beginning with her 2001 single ‘Get up!’, Knight performed with a ferocity unable to be fully realised within the confines of her theatre roles. Emanating pure joy for her craft with admirable respect for her band and background vocalists, Knight dominated the Palladium and was able to marry consistent energy with impeccable vocal control. Through impressed by her stage presence, it was ultimately her skill as a singer which stunned. Knight showcased all the delectable qualities about her voice: her intricate melismatic skill, the airy tenderness of her soft voice, her effortless growling, and her elastic range.
The many highlights included a cover of Ann Peebles’ ‘I Can’t Stand the Rain’, each lyric infused with romantic and sexual frustration, and the whispery and self-defiant ‘I Won’t Be Looking Back’. Yet the standout performance was her tribute to George Michael – a gospel-tinged cover of ‘One More Try’ from her Soul UK album. Her interpretation of this song stands alongside the finest of soul epics. Supported by warm backing vocals, a sonorous guitar solo, and an immense crescendo, Knight displayed her exquisite storytelling – earning her a rapturous applause and standing-ovation.
Once again, Knight re-asserted her prestigious status within British soul music.
Grade: A-
