HARROGATE THEATRE, HARROGATE (2007)
JEWISH TELEGRAPH (27 July, 2007)
From her first husky, bluesy sounds delivered centre stage in a cool little black dress, with a strand of pearls around her neck, Elkie Brooks proved to be the hottest thing around this summer.
The singing diva, born in Salford 62 years ago and formerly vocalist with Vinegar Joe, managed to knock the socks off a Harrogate
audience more conditioned to staid and decorous than smouldering and sultry.
Playing to a 90 per cent non-Jewish capacity crowd, Elkie, with her strong Manchester accent, told of her Jewish background, her
family (she was born Elaine Bookbinder) and her career (she was spotted and signed in the early Sixties by impresario Don Arden, the formidable dad of Sharon Osbourne).
Elkie has never been in better voice, whether belting out old favourites like No More the Fool
and We’ve Got Tonight or crowd pleasers such as Lilac Wine and Pearl’s a Singer (this classic song celebrated its 30th birthday this week).
She also paid homage to her idol, Billie
Holiday, with a heart-rending version of Trav’lin’
Light that made the hairs rise on the back of the neck.
Moreover, one wondered how a blistering senior citizen songstress can not only entertain in full
throttle for an hour and a half but manage to hold a note for half a minute without passing out.
Daily workouts in the gym, perhaps, a magical Harry Potter potion — or is it merely a supreme artist in complete control of her craft?
I have rarely seen a performer who engaged so easily with her audience.
Her generosity knew no bounds - and there was evidence, too, of her appreciation of the group of superb musicians who accompanied her.
For the most part, what Elkie achieved with every sizzling standout number she belts across at us was the emotional neediness the songs express.
This quality, as well as her distinctive delivery and texture of voice, makes her the outstanding
performer she so truly is.
(By John Fisher)
