Sir Tom Jones with Gabrielle, The Selecter, and Kezia Gill performing at the Derby Summer Sessions at Markeaton Park Derby on Saturday 13th July 2024.

Images and Review by Kevin Cooper

On Saturday night at Markeaton Park in Derby, the Welsh legend Sir Tom Jones brought his hip shaking style to the second of the Derby Summer Sessions and showed that at aged 84 he can still headline a show.

First up in the Big Tent was Nottingham born singer songwriter Kezia Gill who having moved to Derby with her family, she explained that she was no stranger to the venue. With her lovely Irish lilt she entertained with songs from her 2020 EP, Best Worst Year which included the likes of Whiskey Over Ice, Misfit and the countrified Whiskey Drinkin’ Woman. No stranger to the Festival circuit she certainly entertained the crowd who had entered the Park early.

Pauline Black and fellow members of The Selecter were one of the most successful Ska bands from back in the Two Tone era, and some forty years after they were formed they are still a top notch class act. When The Selecter grace the stage the crowd are undoubtedly invited to a huge party, although perhaps this time it was tinged with a little sadness after founding member Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson passed away in June.

Black along with original drummer, Charlie Bembridge, had the crowd in the palms of their hands from the get go with the likes of The Avengers, Three Minute Hero and Frontline. Still snappily dressed and as effortlessly energetic as ever, the queen of Ska was an absolute cracker on stage. She still has that voice which was showcased on the likes of Missing Words, On My Radio and set closer Too Much Pressure as the band delivered an absolute high energy performance that defied the crowd to keep still.

It is over thirty years since the South Londoner’s first single, Dreams, reached number one and the fact that Gabrielle graced the Summer Sessions stage is testament to her longevity. With her hair cascading in trademark fashion over her right eye, the Mobo-winning singer sashayed on to the stage and there was no holding back as the first musical swathes of opener Thank You filled the Big Top.

When A Woman was really upbeat and infectious fun and early hit Give Me A Little More Time had a funky edge whilst her hit Sunshine was drenched in nostalgia. Chart toppers Rise and Dreams turned into epic arm waving sing alongs whilst for Out Of Reach she stood to one side letting the crowd belt out the words.

A hush seemed to envelope the Big Top as the crowd seemed to be waiting for musical royalty to make an appearance and Sir Tom Jones did not disappoint. Acknowledging his advancing years, he opened his set with the gorgeous and poignant I’m Growing Old which saw him bathed in a spotlight for the start of a very classy show.

Throughout the set which featured a mix of covers spanning decades and genres, he charmed the crowd with his trademark wit, humour and undeniable charisma. And between songs the headliner, backed by a group of outstanding musicians, chatted to the packed crowd, reinforcing that he’s just a Valley’s boy, still in awe of meeting Elvis Presley.

There was a Bossa Nova styled It’s Not Unusual that went down a treat as did the classic Delilah. There were some lesser know gems like Talking Reality Television Blues and One More Cup Of Coffee which saw his voice as powerful and resonant as ever which had the crowd spellbound, each note delivered with strength, grace and a lifetime of experience.

He defied the crowd to keep quiet during the likes of Sex Bomb, Green Green Grass Of Home and You Can Leave Your Hat On, who failed miserably, and as the final chords of Kiss filled the air, Tom Jones had delivered a performance for the ages, reminding this very appreciative crowd why he has been a beloved icon for over six decades.

Gabrielle performing her Evening With Gabrielle Tour at The Town Hall Birmingham on Wednesday 2nd November 2016

Images and Review by Kevin Cooper

Last night many at the packed Town Hall in Birmingham left feeling a little disappointed after spending their hard earned money on a ticket to see their idol, Gabrielle.

Best known for that eye patch which she used to wear at the beginning of her career, she had an incredible start when in 1992 she broke the record for the highest chart debut by a female with her massive single hit Dreams. Now, the eye patch has gone and with her hair falling over one eye, this once incredible singer displayed real problems during her performance.

Starting well with When A Woman, it wasn’t long before she informed this audience that she was experiencing difficulties. Stumbling around the stage and mumbling into the mic, she was heard to say “how life can change in a few hours”.

But she persevered as she delivered Sunshine and Say Goodbye as she sat on a stool for a few minutes before getting up again to come to the front of the stage to inform the crowd that she had wanted to cancel the show but didn’t want to let them, her fans down.

Nobody should judge Gabrielle on this performance. It was very clear that something was wrong. Any fan will know that she always delivers a beautiful version of her hit Fallen Angel and a powerful Out Of Reach, but not so last night. Backed by two backing singers, guitarist, drummer and keyboardist, she regularly left them confused as they started one song only for Gabrielle to sing another. She often argued with them before songs like Heartbreaker, Give And Take and mass sing along Rise, were finally agreed upon.

When the closer Dreams finally came, it was a bit of a relief. Whilst the crowd were forgiving as they stood and sang along with her, the whole performance was a far cry from what she is capable of. Having recently supported Michael Bolton on his tour of the UK, we all know that on those occasions she stole the show from Bolton with her excellent acoustic set.

Gabrielle can without doubt do better. Let us hope that whatever was troubling her in Birmingham is put aside very quickly and the Gabrielle that we all know and love will soon be back to entertain us in the way that only she can.