Live
Ray Lewis and the Drifters: Old Market Hall, Brighton 05/12/09
It was cold and wet when I arrived at the beautiful regency style Old Market Hall in Brighton. All of a sudden I was transported back to the 17th Century when the doors were opened by handsome young men in 17th century costumes, with white powdered wigs - designed by the charming John Rames.
This was my introduction to the glittering, white, 17th Century Masque Ball celebrating 21 years of the Kids Appeal Charity for children with cancer and leukemia. In aid of the charity the fabulous, legendary Ray Lewis and the Drifters were performing. For those of you that don't know, Ray Lewis is an original '70s band member of the legendary soul group 'The Drifters' and patron of The Kids Appeal Charity.
I was here to interview the man himself and review his live performance. So I was worried when I heard Ray was suffering from a bad chest cold, and may not be able to do an interview. After an eventful evening of champagne, wine and entertainment, finally Ray Lewis and the Drifters walked onto the stage to loud cheers and applause. This in turn sparked a great dash of gorgeously dressed women dragging their male partners on to the dance floor, while I lead the stampede to get to the front of the stage.
Dressed in smart, sexy, purple suits (Ray looking particularly fit and handsome in a cream and gold suit) the Drifters came onto the stage looking hot! The faithful fans knew what to expect and danced non-stop to the classic hits. The performance began with a shaky start from the sound man (not the Old Markets usual sound man), but he got has act together in time as hit after hit came - starting with: 'Come On Over To My Place' and 'There Goes My First Love'. All songs were perfectly in beat, rhythm and tempo for my style of Northern Soul dancing!
I was impressed by all their voices and in particular Ray's smooth, powerful range and Leroy Davis singing 'Under the Broadwalk'). Martell O'Neill was just as formidable with 'You're More Than A Number In My Little Red Book' and last but by no means least, a mention has to go to Jason Henry for 'Going Loco Down In Acapulco'. My own personal highlight of the performance: being allowed to sing on stage with them and Ray holding my hand and singing to me.
After three encores they were soon back meeting and greeting and I got to finally meet these consummate professionals - my backstage interview with Ray was definitely worth waiting for. Amongst other things I found out that Ray and the Drifters were performing for the sixth time at this event without fee, in order to raise money for the wonderful charity called the 'Kids Appeal. This impressive event was organised by the hard work of a few individuals, including founding member Rosalind Webster, President: Chris Ellison (actor), Vice President: Michael Jayston (actor) and the continuing, generosity of June Brown (actress) + local businesses people, including Derek Carpenter.
A great evening and roll on next year!
Words Kath Newman
