Vintage Explosion @ Scala, London - Jan. 24

William Hitchell (vocals, guitar); Conor Smith (guitar); Dan Brown (piano); Jimmy Steele (tenor sax); Barry Steele (baritone sax); Richard Anderson (double bass); Douglas Macfarlane (drums)

A first visit to Scala, King's Cross. Occupying a corner site on Pentonville Road, the former 1000 capacity cinema has undergone many changes during its one hundred plus years - King's Cross Cinema, Gaumont Cinema, Odeon, La Scala Cinema. Now simply 'Scala', its principal function is that of a gig venue. 

The reason for a first visit? Vintage Explosion! Mr William Hitchell, Glasgow's viral sensation is, as near as damn it, the 'real deal' soulful voice. Hitchell's suited and booted, six piece band hit the ground running. For something like two and half hours, including two encores, Vintage Explosion kept a capacity audience on its dancing feet. 

The Wanderer, Runaround Sue, the rock 'n' roll, jump-jive die was cast. Hitchell's a mover, that's for sure. Hip-shaking, a choreographed comb through slicked-back hair and all that, the thing is, this guy can sing! The band can play, no question: Jimmy Steele's honkin' tenor, Conor Smith's spot on rhythm guitar, Douglas Macfarlane's rock 'n' roll drum masterclass. 

Two hours plus of audience singalong tells a story - no one, but no one wasn't having a good time! Right on cue, Steele's familiar tenor sax intro momentarily quietened the crowd: I was born by the river. Few, if any, in the room would have heard Sam Cooke live, in concert. A Change is Gonna Come, as sung by William Hitchell is the closest anyone has, or will, get to the late, great Sam Cooke. Remarkable, quite remarkable.

Minnie the Moocher (what a contrast to what had just gone before!), Shake, Rattle and Roll (Big Joe Turner lives!), Vintage Explosion is the band to see and hear. As Hitchell and co left the stage, it was odds on there would be an encore. The 'Main Man' returned to the stage, black tuxedo discarded in favour of a pristine white jacket. Standing in the spotlight, Hitchell sang My Way, conducting the audience as he went. Departing the scene once more, the audience wanted more - More! More! And so Hitchell returned with his band in tow. An unlikely Hey Jude with everyone on the premises singing along, it had been quite an evening.

For readers in the BSH area (twixt the Tweed and the Tees), Vintage Explosion will be at Whitley Bay Playhouse on Friday 6th March, but be quick, it's all but sold out! Book now at: www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk Russell