Simply Red have come a long way since their first hit Moneys too tight to mention a whopping 21 years ago in 1985. When the flame-haired crooner arrived on stage at Ronnie Scotts in slim trousers and a flowing shirt with that unmistakable twinkle in his eye, it was amazing to see how little those 21 years showed. After a triumphant 18 months which saw them earn their tenth Top Ten album, play three sold-out dates at Londons Royal Albert Hall and perform at Oslos Nobel Peace Prize concert, Simply Red are making a blazing return with the stunning new single So Not Over You on March 5th. Taken from the bands all new studio album Stay, March 12th, its a welcome return for the band who remain one of the UKs most enduring, definitive and successful talents. Mick Hucknall and his crew were previewing the new album for fans and media alike with a five-piece band at Londons legendary Ronnie Scotts on 31st January. It was the perfect venue for Micks soulfully unique voice, which was set off by intimate candle lit tables and sumptuous décor. Highlights included: Ronnie Lanes classic Debris; Good Times Have Done Me Wrong, The World And You Tonight and of course title track Stay. Particular crowd favourites were Oh What A Girl and So Not Over You. He ended the forty minute gig on a high with Home which really brought the house down. Propelled by Mick Hucknalls voice and passion, Simply Red are unique among their peers. The group effortlessly glide between highly original material and totally exceptional covers of other peoples songs that suddenly become their own. Simply Reds new album Stay will be released in the Spring (2007).
By Liz Frost
Tagged in Mick Hucknall