LIVERPOOL - PHILHARMONIC HALL - 31.05.77
(Liverpool Echo - 1st June, 1977)
Once upon a time a Scots folk singer named Barbara Dickson was asked to do some Beatles songs at an Everyman Theatre musical.
She took on the work with the help of her piano, moved to London's Lyric Theatre when the show transferred to the West End and has never looked back.
Well, Barbara was back in Hope Street last night and at the Philharmonic Hall, where according to Willy Russell's 'John, Paul, George, Ringo and Bert', the long-awaited Beatles reunion is to take place.
If we have to wait around for that prediction to come true we can at least congratulate ourselves that another of the show's promises has already been realised.
Barbara Dickson, whose interpretation of the musical world of Lennon and McCartney was such a vital spark in the Everyman's success, is on the way to the top. And, according to many critics, she will make the summit itself.
Main concern of her touring programme last night was (not surprisingly) to plug the new LP, 'Morning Comes Quickly', and her latest single, 'Lovers' Serenade', both of which have strong potential.
But her two big hits to date, 'Answer Me' and 'Another Suitcase In Another Hall', seemed oddly placed in the overall scheme of things. The first was even cut short for a heavy rock link.
While Miss Dickson's voice is immediately distinguishable by its strength, range and bell-like clarity in the higher registers, it can also purr down to almost Edith Piaf depth of drama.
As a singer she does quite a lot tor her songs, and as she gains more hits - as doubtless she will - the music will start to work more for her own identity and individuality. At least, time is on Barbara Dickson's side.
(Joe Riley)
