“The Solicitors” are the kings of Northern Soul offering the ultimate “good-time” to dance the night away, with a line in banter and audience rapport that sends the crowds home happy time and time again.
A top international act, recently returning from a tour of the Far East (and we are not talking about Hull), with a set spanning the golden years of Motown and Stax, a touch of James Brown, a twist of what's been dubbed “Celtic Soul”, mixed with the upbeat 90's dance classics. Throw in some Geordie humour– and there is something for everyone.
One minute the crowd are getting up and getting down to “Soul Man” and “I Feel Good”, the next they are spinning to the Irish reels of Riverdance with attitude.
Legend has it that the band was formed over the greasy spoons at a motorway service station, when professional musicians Bob Thomas and Mick Doonan’s tours crossed paths. From this unlikely encounter emerged a common interest in the great soul sounds and an ambition to give it a new dimension for the 21st century.
Two highly acclaimed albums later, “Caught in Session” and “Save our Souls” they have just recorded their
third, “Respect”. The band has emerged with a line up which can boast a three-piece horn section, one of the hottest rhythm, sections around, Irish dancing and the rasping vocals of the “King of Northern Soul”, Mr. Bobby Thomas.
Also featured are the legendary Mickey Doonan on tenor sax, piccolo, flute and vocals, Steve Reynolds on guitar, Craig “Alf” Garnett on trumpet, Simon White on drums, Graham “The Banker” (because of his financial acumen) Burton on bass, Tony “Biffa” Bacon on keyboards and accordion and Tony Swain on trumpet and occasional Irish-dancing.
