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MUSIC: Beverley Knight, Apollo, Saturday 3rd

2/11/2007

IN A genre that’s generally known for its loudness and brashness, Brit star Beverley Knight has always stood out in the soul/R&B world for her genuine and endearing sense of understatedness.

One of the true stalwarts of British soul, MOBO-winning Knight has plugged away gamely for over a decade, producing a steady, solid stream of minor R&B hits.

Knight is indisputably the quiet lady of British soul, which might be a noble quality, but it’d be fair to say she’s sometimes underachieved because of it.

Her 2004 album Affirmation saw her hook up with the songwriter Guy Chambers (best known for writing Robbie Williams’ first three albums), and the result was bland, middle-of-the-road soul fodder.

Last year she appeared on BBC1 celeb talent contest Just The Two of Us, teaming up with the presenter Nicky Campbell.

Frankly, seeing Britain’s greatest contemporary soul voice sing alongside the presenter of Watchdog was just too much to bear for many. 

But when you’re dealing with one of the greatest soul voices on the planet, sometimes all you need are just great songs.

Knight’s latest album is boldly entitled Music City Soul and thankfully sees her hook up with much finer company – a band of authentic Nashville blues and soul musicians.

After all the attempts to go more ‘radio-friendly’, it seems Knight is getting back to doing what she does best – full-throated soul that manages to be both rabble-rousing and sexy in her own modest British way.

Let’s hope we see much of that at the Apollo this week – and pray that she leaves Nicky Campbell at home.