GRAND THEATRE, SWANSEA (2007)
SWANSEA EVENING POST (29 June, 2007)
Before the start of this one-night show from songstress Elkie Brooks, it was apparent that a tiny minority of the crowd seemed to be under the impression that this was not the real thing, but a tribute act ("I thought she was dead," was one comment).
Within seconds of striding on stage, however, Elkie managed to persuade everyone that not only was she very much the real thing but that her voice was every bit as rich and gutsy as it was when she was riding high in the British recording charts.
All the old favourites were here, including Pearl's a Singer, Lilac Wine, Sunshine After the Rain and many others, and all were performed in Elkie's inimitable bluesy style.
One of the most surprising aspects of the evening was that for all her surface gloss and sophistication, here is a performer with a down-to-earth sense of humour and a talent for communicating with her audience in a warm and engaging way. Well worth catching this talented lady next time she comes to town.
(By Graham Williams)
