Solomon Burke Review, Barbican, 3rd July 2008

Father to 21, Grandfather to 89, owner of a chain of funeral directors, active preacher, and saviour of Atlantic Records in the early 1960s, Solomon Burke is a living legend, a force of nature and a magnificent performer, whose diem must well and truly be carped. His show at the Barbican was less of a concert, more of an experience, that those who were are unlikely to forget.

First to the stage was the band, led by the extraordinarily talented Hammond B-3 player Rudy Copeland, whose mannerisms and appearance led to you believe Ray Charles had returned from the great gig in the sky. Burke himself made a dignified and touching entrance, helped to an enormous throne under dimmed lights. When the lights came up, he was surrounded by roses, and dressed in a silver-lame suit wearing shades. Beyond cool.

Burke played for two hours, taking requests from the audience, preaching in between songs, and teasing every ounce of emotion from his still strong voice. The majority of his set was material from two recent album's, "Don't Give Up On Me", the title track of which bought tears to grown men's eyes, and "Nashville". Burke's late career material is superbly strong and well crafted (Paul McCartney take note), and his super tight band cut a sharp southern soul groove throughout. Great, and very special stuff.