MusicReviewScotland

The Northern Soul Classics Orchestra – Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow

Reviewer: Lauren Humphreys

From the moment the twelve piece band and four singers take to the stage and those first notes ring out, you know you are going to be on a high energy, high octane, high quality, roller-coaster ride through the greatest hits of Northern Soul.
The Northern Soul Classics Orchestra programme has been carefully curated by Musical Director Kevin Cunningham to cater to those wanting to hear the biggest hits of the scene and for those die hard fans, some of the more niche numbers in the genre.
It hardly needs saying but Tainted Love, The Snake, The Night, Landslide, Out on the Floor and Do I love You are played with energy and to rapturous applause from the crowd. There are some more familiar mainstream soul classics woven through too – Midnight Hour and Land of a Thousand Dances to name a few.
The quality is on show from the start as the sound soars through the auditorium and rumbles through your feet. This is music that is intrinsically linked to dance and it takes a few tentative numbers for the audience who are itching to get the party started, to get up on their feet. They spill from their rows to the aisles, busting some of those moves synonymous with Northern Soul.
There’s a fantastic atmosphere, a fellowship with common ground, a tribe of fans who are keeping the faith, and the joy just spreads throughout the auditorium.
The singers are top-notch, each with a different range and speciality, there’s not a weak link among them, and they cover the gamut of the genre with ease. The warmth of their personalities shine. At no point does the band overshadow the singers.
For purists the famous “Three Before Eight” is included, though thankfully not at the traditional 8am after an all-night session of dancing.
There’s a real joy to this music and it never fails to uplift your spirit. The Northern Soul Classics Orchestra are playing their part in ‘keeping the faith’ and spreading the love throughout the UK on this not-to-be-missed tour.
Continues Touring | Image: Apex Light and Sound
The Reviews Hub Score

Gloriously keeping the faith

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The Reviews Hub - Scotland

The Scotland team is under the editorship of Lauren Humphreys. The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. We aim to review all professional types of theatre, whether that be Commercial, Repertory or Fringe as well as Comedy, Music, Gigs etc.

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