Back in the late eighties and early nineties a new generation of blue eyed soul singers emerged from the country, the most famous being Rick Astley whose pop songs tinged with a touch of soul elevated him to the top of the singles and album charts.

Following an even more soulful path was Kenny Thomas who before finding fame was an amateur boxer. Marking the 35th anniversary of his debut album Thomas arrived at the Manchester Apollo for what was surprisingly his first time playing the legendary venue.

Thomas still proved he had plenty to offer, commendably he recently released a new album, Unstoppable produced by dance music supremacy artist Opolopo. On a Friday night in Manchester a rowdy audience really do not want to hear anything new - they want to be transported back to their younger days which Thomas admirably took them back in time to.

Thomas could always cover other artists songs and make them his own, his version of Fat Larry’s Act Like You Know provided a powerful opening number. With his talented band the audience were soon up and dancing in the aisles.

His cover of the Lou Rawls soul standard You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine was a highlight in a set that showcased Thomas’ voice for this underrated artist.

Stand Up, the lead single from his latest album performed with Kim Wilde on record was tonight performed by himself giving the track a new dimension.

Rather than take the easy route and perform as part of the nineties music package tours Thomas has maintained his own persona and rightly so - he can still carry a ninety minutes set with his band.

As the night ended with two of his biggest hits Thinking About Your Love and I Found Loving Thomas and his soulful voice - as rich as ever, was still Outstanding, aptly a song which gave Thomas a big hit thirty five years ago.


Kenny Thomas returns to the north at York Grand Opera House on Friday 28th August.