WITH her sultry husky tones, Gabrielle must surely boast one of the most distinguishable voices in this country.

Kate McGrath

WITH her sultry husky tones, Gabrielle must surely boast one of the most distinguishable voices in this country.

Since hitting the headlines 15 years ago, the soul diva has had a host of big hits and - as a packed audience at the Ipswich Regent on Thursday will testify - her popularity certainly hasn't diminished with time.

A self-confessed “scaredy cat”, she certainly didn't show any hint of nerves when she launched into her performance.

In her trademark black sunglasses and a funky trouser and waistcoat combo, Gabrielle made sure her fans were dancing in the aisles as she belted out all the favourites like When a Woman, Fallen Angel, Rise, Out of Reach - from the Bridget Jones's Diary soundtrack - Every Little Teardrop and Give me Just a Little More Time.

Britain's soul queen first arrived on the scene when she won the Best Newcomer Brit award back in 1993 for her debut album, Find Your Way. That same year her debut single Dreams had gone straight into the chart at number two before rising to number one.

Gabrielle last toured three years ago. In the meantime, she's been writing and producing her new album, Always, which she admits is “about staying true to me” rather than the more poppy-soul we're used to.

For Gabrielle, it's all about the music, no fancy gimmicks or skimpy outfits. She was accompanied by a forceful five-man band and two backing singers.

She finished the show with a version of her first hit Dreams, which cleverly merged into Tracy Chapman's Cars.