SOUL II SOUL

We might think that the first of November will see the return of Soul II Soul, but in truth they’ve never been away. Off the road for periods, sure but a band who have remained a firm favourite on playlists for the last 30. This anniversary tour celebrates Soul II Soul’s first album Club Classics Vol 1. Released in early 1989, Soul II Soul lynchpin Jazzie B explains, “The album was always intended to withstand the test of time, and 30 years later, it’s come full circle.”

Jazzie regards Soul II Soul as a collective: a group of people from all colours, classes and backgrounds coming together to share their love of music. And, just as this was needed back in the late 1980s, it’s still needed today. “Soul II Soul highlights the unique diversity that the UK already has, and everyone has something to bring to the table. Once that’s shared – great things happen.”

Without a doubt, that era saw the British music scene explode with incredible talent and Soul II Soul were a crucial part of it. Jazzie recalls it as a time that we can’t get back to: “We were on the brink of the new digital era back then, but we were still drawing on our books at school. The Berlin wall was coming down, there was an element of freedom that seems lost. To bring that feeling back to our followers, is our way of giving back.”

What better way could there be of transporting us back to this iconic time? With their biggest hits like Back To Life and Keep On Movin’ featuring soulful and smooth vocals from Caron Wheeler, it’s the perfect way of enabling us to feel a memory that can’t be described. Jazzie mentions how he’s looking forward to seeing a variety of generations coming together on the tour: “We have fans from back in the day, but we have gained so many more over the years. You are all part of the collective – it’s a true compliment.” SARAH-JANE REEVES

Soul II Soul, St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Thurs 1 Nov. Tickets: £28.50-£34.50. Info: 029 2087 8444 / www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk