Okay I have calmed down enough now to blog about the pure fabness that was Beverley Knight last night at the Royal Albert Hall.

She was the best I have seen her - and this was my 8th time.
The last time I was a bit disappointed... it was coming to the end of the VOICE tour and maybe even she was a bit tired of singing her "Best of.." however last night she was showcasing songs from her MUSIC CITY SOUL album and seemed absolutely On It. The fact Owen and I were also in the centre of the 2nd row from the stage also added to how good the show was - we got full-force Bev.

She appeared to be channelling an early 70s Tina Turner - long hair swirling, a vibrant short wraparound dress showing off her great fishnetted legs, spikey heels - and didn't stop working the audience or that amazing voice. We were all up for it too... indeed several times she was visibly moved by the rapturous reception she received.

The set list consisted mostly MCS - "Ain't That A Lot of Love", "After You", "No Man's Land", "Queen of Starting Over", "Time Is On My Side", "Back To You", "Saviour" where she recruited us all as her backing singers and it sounded pretty fierce, "Every Time You See Me Smile" and a stomping version of "Black Butta".

Of course Beverley dipped into her back catalogue - a great "Flava Of The Old School" which also incorporated snatches from "And The Beat Goes On" and "One Nation Under A Groove", a deep soul version of "Sista Sista", "Piece Of My Heart", "Made It Back" which she now does stripped down and with a Latin vibe which didn't *quite* work, a thudding "Keep This Fire Burning", an anthemic "Come As You Are" and again had us all as her backing singers on "Shoulda Woulda Coulda".

She sang a magnificent version of "Gold" wringing every ounce of soul from this great song and ended with my all-time Bev favourite "Greatest Day" that had everyone in the house screaming for more. She left the stage in floods of grateful tears.

I'm sorry I made you cry Bev!

There have been constant rumours for a long time now of record company problems and indeed the choice of singles and general promotion of MUSIC CITY SOUL have been dubious.

If anyone from Parlophone was there then I hope it made them realise what a fantastic performer Beverley is and start to give her the backing she deserves.

When she sang in Gold "You're looking at the real thing" I thought damn right. Beverley is the real thing and needs to be given her props as such.

Oh there were enormous signs everywhere about no photography. Indeed the usher told us the same when he showed us to seats.

Hope you like my photographs - for once mine came out good!