Lisa Stansfield Supported By Mama's Gun

Mama's Gun are one of those groups who are more successful in other parts of the world than in their native UK.

Their musical style fits in well with that of Lisa Stansfield, so it was pleasing to hear that the band were the support act of her current UK tour.

To introduce themselves to her audience the band plays a 30 minute "best of" set. Their last single, Red Cassette which was play listed by Radio 2 this summer is a good starting point to discover the band. It sounded as good live as on record. The band play too the title track of their new album Cheap Hotel which shows a strong influence from Prince.

After over a 10 year absence from recording Lisa Stansfield released her new album Seven at the start of this year. Her audience has not forgotten her as tonight's sell out gig confirmed. Wearing a long turquoise dress she arrives on stage singing Can't Dance, a track off her new album.

She still has the voice and tonight's performance was very polished. Like visiting old friends you have not seen for a long time, you soon remember how good things were as she sings her old hits like Set Your Loving Free, The Real Thing and Change.

It is not all nostalgia though as she sings Stupid Heart a track off the new album in-between her older tracks.

A 6 piece string section arrive on stage halfway through the concert to accompany her on So Be It, one of the standout tracks off her new album, giving the track a lush production.

Paying homage to her Northern Soul routes and the Northern Soul film she appeared in a few years ago, 4 Northern Soul dancers make the track Carry On seem like a night at the legendary Wigan Casino with their fancy footwork.

Of course there was only ever going to be one way to end the concert. "I've sung all night, now it's your turn" she informs the largely female audience as All Around the World sounds perfect with the string section intact.

A welcome and triumphant return.

The tour visits York Barbican on Friday 12 September.
Tickets are available from:
www.yorkbarbican.co.uk