Legends love Beverley. David Bowie referred to as her “little Aretha”. Prince adored her voice a lot he flew her to LA to sing at his Oscars after-party.
Wolverhampton-born Knight has been impressing audiences because the 90s along with her first-class gospel-powered soul vocals.
She has chalked up High 10 hits, gold and platinum albums, and sustained an extended parallel profession in musical theatre the place she has received three Olivier Awards.
Now the bona fide nationwide treasure celebrates turning 50 with a brand new studio album spanning the “kaleidoscope” of her soul influences.
Tracks vary from the 80s-inspired pop-funk of Systematic Overload to large ballads and irresistible northern soul. It’s a sensible mixture of Bev’s influences, all delivered with class and magnificence.
Queen Of Every part is constructed to pack out dancefloors, Not Ready For You is an old-school R&B ballad.
The opener Final One On My Thoughts begins deceptively slowly, simply Knight and a easy piano, earlier than constructing right into a glowing fashionable dance quantity overflowing with exuberance.
The beat goes on with retro disco The One I’m Gonna Love earlier than slowing down with Chilly World, an uplifting gospel ballad backed by the London Group Gospel Choir.
The choir returns on the insistent I’m On Fireplace with its explosive refrain, and on the jubilant nearer Every part’s Gonna Be Alright.
These 11 new numbers are a sworn statement to the artistic powers of the songwriters Knight has assembled – Diane Warren, Ollie Inexperienced, Andrew Roachford and Seb Coe (not the runner) – in addition to top-notch producers.
End result? An immaculate set from a world-class performer who is difficult to pigeonhole.