Ruby Turner gives red-hot performance (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Ruby Turner gives red-hot performance

4:15pm Monday 9th June 2008 in Leisure

AN enthusiastic audience packed the Corn Exchange on Friday night to see the much sought-after British Soul icon Ruby Turner who, on her first visit to the town, delivered a highly polished and professional performance.

Since the 1980s, Ruby Turner has emerged to become one of the finest soul singers on the British music scene and it is no surprise that she has appeared onstage with Jools Holland and his Big Band.

Backed by a quartet comprising guitar, keyboards, electric bass and drums, Miss Turner kicked off the show with Pouring Water, a blistering blues number which had the audience out of their seats and dancing in front of the large stage.

Slower soul numbers, including the classic Stay With Me Baby, followed, demonstrating the range of Ms Turner's extraordinary voice. The 11-song set was completed by a breathtaking version of the soul ballad I'd Rather Go Blind and Miss Turner and company reappeared to tumultuous applause to finish the evening with a pulsating encore entitled If You're Ready.

There was a fully justified standing ovation. This had been a fantastic gig, a truly remarkable performance only marred during the quieter passages by the reverberations from the disco downstairs.

Hey, who cares? Nobody who was there will ever forget this remarkable show.

Submitted by Chris Smith

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