Bristol

Friday night at “The Forum” brought a surge of soul-soaked energy as The Signatures, one of the UK’s leading Northern Soul live acts, took to the stage. Rooted in the East of England but with a reputation that stretches across the UK and Europe, the band has become synonymous with recreating the authentic atmosphere of the 1960’s and 1970’s soul clubs. Their trademark is a big, brassy line-up including rhythm, horns, and vocals combining to deliver the irresistible drive of the Northern Soul sound.

Originally, the evening was to feature a special guest appearance from Northern Soul legend Lorraine Silver, but illness sadly kept her away. That left the spotlight firmly on Freddy Gilmore, the band’s rising star vocalist. It was a daunting task: a full programme of classics, usually shared with guest singers, now resting on his shoulders alone. Yet, as Music Director and drummer Gavin Creates-Webb assured me beforehand, Freddy was more than capable which he proved with honours.

From the opening bars, Gilmore’s stylish stage presence and soulful delivery had the audience in his hands. He not only sang with power and conviction but also engaged warmly with the crowd, encouraging singalongs and sparking dancing at the front of the stage. His stamina was remarkable song after song delivered with verve, yet still finding breath to banter with fans. Already a familiar face at major venues like Camden’s Electric Ballroom, Freddy is fast becoming the “new blood” energising Northern Soul for today’s audiences.

The band behind him was equally impressive. Gavin Creates-Webb (Drums) with his superb Drum Kit , Ben Pegley (lead guitar), with his great solo riffs Dave Fosters (keyboards), highly skilled playing Mooty (bass), and Pablo Paraccino(percussion) laid down a rhythm section, pablo using his impressive set of Floor Drums, Tabla and Congo Drums, while the wind trio James Millar (sax), Austin Caroll (trumpet), and Adam Quilter(trombone[BO1] )  punched out melody that lifted the roof. Adding depth and colour, Sharon Creates-Webb provided both solo and backing vocals, her harmonies weaving seamlessly with Gilmore’s lead. At the heart of it all, Gavin Creates-Webb drove the band with crisp, propulsive drumming, his dual role as manager and musical anchor clear in the group’s cohesion.

The setlist was a Northern Soul dream, each number greeted with cheers of recognition their programme began with” “Time” with appropriately “Time will pass you bye” ending the first act. Starting the second act was “A little bit of Hurt” and the the massive hit “Higher and higher “as their final number the audience just did not want them to leave the stage.

By the time the final notes rang out, the audience was on its feet, cheering long and loud for a night that had delivered everything Northern Soul promises. That being rhythm, passion, and community. Even without the much-anticipated guest appearance, The Signatures and Freddy Gilmore gave a performance that was both authentic and electrifying. Which lays down a reminder that this music, born in another era, still burns brightly today.