By Brendan McCusker

Over the years, it’s been a huge pleasure and privilege to review certain shows for the Southern Daily Echo, the Bournemouth Echo, and others.

These occasional shows have been genuinely world-class, have held an audience spellbound from start to finish, and these stars have all been supremely polished and professional.

These very few geniuses have included David Gates (from the magnificent band Bread), Neil Sedaka, Rita Coolidge, Andy Williams, Frankie Valli, (interesting that they’re all American) and now joining them is Gladys Knight.

Playing a short five-venue UK tour, we were fortunate to see her in Bournemouth, bearing in mind fans had travelled from all over Europe.

With a superb six-piece band, and three phenomenal backing vocalists, Gladys Knight is stylishly energetic, charismatically compelling, and a powerfully moving vocalist.

Opening with David Gates’ gorgeous ballad Part-time Love, Knight follows with the hooky You’re The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me, and the symphonic Stay With Me.

More Knight vocal magic includes Kris Kristopherson’s ever-fresh Help Me Make It Through The Night, the thrilling James Bond theme Licence To Kill, and Lionel Richie’s aching Hello.

With nods to her Motown and soul roots, Knight nails the poppy Heard It Through The Grapevine and the bittersweet The Way We Were with delicious control.

With her little black dress, high-heeled shoes, and delightful warmth and humour, Gladys Knight encored with her gospel anthem Midnight Train To Georgia.

Gladys Knight is one of the few!