Would be surprised how many pundits even remember Mari Wilson, but we spent last night at the Wolsey, largely based on hazy recollections of a couple of 80s hit singles and the very fine album “Rhythm Romance“, which I bought when it came out in 1991!!….
Not much to say really. She had some new Wilsations (plus Stewart Curtis, the original saxophonist), all stellar, her own voice was as superb as it had been in its pomp and she and the band put on a fantastic show. She understandably majored on her last release “Pop Deluxe” (covers of Cilla, Dusty, Petula and others), interspersed with live favourites, both old and new and of course the hit(s). Obviously, she has been working in the intervening years (more really a case of me losing touch with her career) but she is really at her best live and showcasing her stellar voice on a wide and diverse range of material. The stately interpretation of ’24 Hours to Tulsa’ was a revelation. Kudos to the band and I hope at the ripe old age of ** she gets the credit her talent richly deserves. Nothing from the Rhythm Romance album though – how very dare she :-). (P.S Sorry about the crap photo – useful reminder though….)