BARBARA DICKSON @ STOCKPORT PLAZA
(Manchester Evening News - 13th February, 2007)
By Belinda Hanks
Barbara Dickson has always been able to touch an audience with her emotive voice.
Flawless technique and honest delivery offer great insight into whatever she performs, which has covered everything from folk, classical, pop and musical theatre.
Her first recorded album since 1995, last year's Full Circle, revisited and rediscovered Dickson's Scottish folk roots.
She followed that with a collection of songs from Lennon, McCartney and Harrison, Nothing's Gonna Change My World.
Sunday's gig was a culmination of it all and joining her on this celebratory tour was a truly incredible band, including composer and arranger Troy Donockley.
They begin with an effortless rendition of George Harrison's, If I Needed Someone and an original arrangement of Here Comes The Sun, including a few bars of Bleak Midwinter.
As you would expect, Dickson gives delightful assurance and, for added enjoyment, introduces every track.
Other songs of note include Boudleaux Bryant's Love Hurts and Another Suitcase in Another Hall from Evita.
Thoughtful arrangements by Troy blend seamlessly with Dickson's extraordinary vocal on songs such as McCartney's exquisite I Will, and a simple acoustic of Chess' I Know Him So Well.
Still a class act: Barbara is back
