Heather Small - Cheltenham Town Hall

Monday 1st June 2009

This is a Crackerjack review of Heather Small. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.

Crackerjack rating: 10 / 10.

It was a balmy summer evening, following the hottest day of the year so far, and things were about to get hotter.

A capacity crowd filled Cheltenham Town Hall, all eagerly awaiting the appearance of Heather Small.  The iconic singer’s arrival on stage was greeted by thunderous applause as she launched into Dinah Washington’s I Don’t Hurt Anymore followed by an intriguing rendition of Heartbreak Hotel.

Fans of M-People were not to be disappointed as Heather treated the audience to the classic Another Surprise; by the time she moved on to One Night In Heaven most of the audience were on their feet having a boogie.

With a voice like warm honey, Heather slowed the tempo down again for blues numbers such as Summertime and Take Me For A Buggy Ride. Inspired choices; close your eyes, it could have been Bessie Smith singing.

Looking every inch the soul diva, the singer had the audience in the palm of her hand as she returned to M-People’s back catalogue with Moving On Up. Small proved that age has not diminished her talent; her voice is as strong as ever, now overlaid with a richness and subtlety of tone that is quite beautiful.

Heather and the Snake Davis Band received a standing ovation for their truly outstanding performance. Personally, I would love to have an evening of Heather simply singing the old jazz and blues numbers she does so well.

George Brown Stewart

This is a Crackerjack review of Heather Small. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.