Elkie Brooks

Norwich Theatre Royal

It's her 45th year in the music business and boy, can she still work an audience.

Elkie Brooks, now over 60, showed her mettle by performing everything from ballads through to jazzy blues numbers and country-rock pieces.

She mixed new numbers from her latest album, Electric Lady, with classics from yesteryear such as Pearl's A Singer, Lilac Wine and Don't Cry Out Loud.

Her timing and vocal control remain first rate, and she can hit and hold a note with the best of them.

Her version of Billie Holiday's Travellin' Light was a real highlight.

Special note should go to her band, especially bass player Brian Badhams and keyboard supremo Jean Roussel, although backing singer/

go-go dancer Lee Noble caught the eye, too.

Dressed in black and with her trademark raven hair still gorgeous and unruly, Elkie strutted the stage like Tina Turner or Shirley Bassey - and her fans loved every moment.

They were on their feet for the encore which included Bob Seger's We've Got Tonight.

After a few years in the wilderness, back thanks to her appearance in Reborn in the USA, Elkie looks set to notch up plenty more years in the spotlight - which is no bad thing!