Gabrielle at The Lowry

‘Now and Always – 20 Years Of Dreaming’ marks 20 years since Gabrielle debuted at #1 with ‘Dreams.’ The new album includes a collection of Gabrielle’s biggest selling songs as well as seven brand new songs which Gabrielle has recently worked on with world renowned producers, such as Syience [Beyonce] Paddy Byrne [Paloma Faith] and Naughty Boy [Emeli Sande].

Last night she performed many of these at The Lowry as part of her first tour for several years.

This being the first live show of her tour, initially, nerves were evident. 

Gabrielle’s diverse crowd of mixed generations made her feel welcome and loved and so she very quickly eased into her comfort zone. She was helped also by a move onto more familiar material. Her down to earth, self-effacing attitude was so endearing. 

By now she had most of the audience on their feet, where they stayed throughout the show. Good interaction with fans, plenty of humour during the 90 minutes included her telling us of her son, who at 18 makes her feel old: in a comforting way. 

Gabrielle was dressed in her trademark black outfit with precariously high boots and of course her hair styled across her face. Eye patch and sunglasses suitably left in the 90's.

Her great band and backing singers were also given an opportunity to shine. Indeed the two girl backing singers, each performed well known classics, as Gabrielle generously took a short break.As for Gabrielle herself, 'Give Me A Little More Time' and 'Sunshine' were particular highlights, as was 'Happy' the recent massive hit for Pharrell. Encore, ‘Out Of Reach’, ‘Forget About The World’ (a great forgotten hit written about gay female friends of hers) and of course ‘Dreams’ now unbelievably 21 years old, also touched the right spot with her loyal and adoring fans.

Having not toured for some years, all in all this was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and demonstrates yet again that mature singer songwriters can still deliver when it comes to live performance.

For more about Gabrielle.Please visit here.

Published: 15-Mar-2014 (2324)