Barbara Dickson

ALISON CROOSE

> King's Lynn Corn Exchange

In 1996 Barbara Dickson became the first of a very long list of stars to appear on the stage of the refurbished Corn Exchange.

That gala concert gave the new-look venue a flying start – and nine years on, Barbara Dickson returned to underline the success of both the venue and her own career.

A sell-out audience welcomed her – and was clearly impressed by the variety and interest of her act, which has matured over the years.

The singer takes her music very seriously and carefully selects songs with tunes and lyrics rich in meaning, so her concert was packed with haunting melodies and poignant words.

If proof was needed that Dickson, with her rich, distinctive voice, can sing a good song, her repertoire ranged from Bob Dylan to Vaughan Williams, from a 16th century carol to the Beatles. It just had to include her anthems, Caravans, Another Suitcase, Another Hall and I Know Him So Well.

The strong folk theme demanded multi-talented musicians and the backing quartet proved a class act. From Bob Dylan's Blowing in the Wind to Vaughan Williams's The Sky Above the Roof, the audience loved it all.f