LONDON - RONNIE SCOTTS - PRESS SHOW
(Record Mirror - 8th May, 1976)
With one hit single and a well-received album out, the timing seemed right to launch Barbara Dickson on a critical audience of journalists. She passed with flying colours. A lot of people are waking up to the fact that in Ms. Dickson Britain might finally have found an answer to the seemingly endless successful stream of American female vocalists.
Ably assisted by a small band of musicians (with the exception of the drummer who sometimes seemed keener on making a noise than playing in sympathy with the song) she sang a selection of numbers from her album, including her new single, 'People Get Ready'.
She also made Bill Withers' 'Lean On Me' sound fresh - no mean feat. A very natural lady with a very pure voice - and no small talent at writing songs either.
For the encore, she was joined by her producer Junior Campbell, who took over piano duties and finished to well-earned applause. Whatever happens on the singles front,
Barbara Dickson should be secured a lasting place in the album chart and on stage.
(Sue Byrom)
LONDON - RONNIE SCOTTS - 02.05.76
(Record Mirror - 8th May, 1976)
Barbara Dickson's performance on Sunday was similar to the preview she gave the press a couple of weeks ago, but obviously extended. She used the same band, including the fine pedal steel guitarist Martin Jenner.
She opened with her single 'Answer Me', pulling the audience to her very quickly. The material from her album was prominently featured, but she laced it cleverly with other people's songs which she handled well. She's gained confidence since her last show at Ronnie's and this time looked as if she was really enjoying the evening. By the time she got into 'People Get Ready', she reminded me strongly of Maggie Bell.
She left the piano and came to the front of the stage to sing
Bernie Leadon's 'My Man'. Her interpretation of the song was
superb. She sang Bill Withers' 'Lean On Me' with the same feeling.
Barbara is ready to take on a full scale British tour and impress the country in the same way she impressed the crowd at Ronnie Scott's.
(Rosalind Russell)
