GABRIELLE is a chirpy Cockney who has made pop music history by having the highest ever chart entry for a debut artist. That surprise hit single, Dreams - and the subsequent debut album, Find Your Way - introduced a singular pop talent who, nevertheless, took a two year break to look after a new bouncing baby, a genuinely brave move that proved her pop career took second place to motherhood.
Babysitter at the ready, then, Gabrielle was undoubtedly one of the highlights of Heineken Weekender Liffey Beat. She has a small stage presence, with delicate pop gestures, and her unpretentious between song patter had the audience warming to her by the third song.
Gabrielle, however, wears her influences on her black satin sleeves, and if it wasn't for the fact that these are of the top notch soul variety, then her charm might come across as faded rather than sparkling. Classic Tamla Motown, Stax, and Philly sounds more or less cover all bases here, but it's Gabrielle's slinky, slightly guitar edged assimilations of same that ultimately undermine accusations of plagiarism.
From beginning to end, the show is eminently rhythmic and distinctly groovy, all of the songs (including the aforementioned Dreams, Going Nowhere, Have You Ever Wondered If You Really Cared, and Give Me A Little More Time) underpinned by an eight piece Revue type band. The mood is relaxed, loose knit, and calm, the music some of the best chill out pop to be currently heard.
Gabrielle returns to Ireland in November as part of the seemingly never ending Smash Hits teen scream tour. Wrong move she's far too subtle.
