Last night in Oxford, British singer/songwriter proved that, at the age of 71, he has still got it.
Grammy-winning Ocean has sold over 30 million records and is described by Blues and Soul magazine as “without question the biggest black recording artist Britain has ever produced”. He rocked the full New Theatre with all his hits and some tracks from his latest album “One World”.
Billy’s voice was absolutely stunning and in first class form. The audience was electrified as he went through his songs with the crystal clear voice that we are all familiar with.
He has a great line in dance moves, and is quite a showman. The presentation of “Get out of my dreams and into my car” was priceless, complete with raunchy backing, car sounds and Billy’s little “steering wheel” mime. It was quite brilliant.
Billy was supported by an excellent backing band and three female backing singers who included his daughter, Cherie.
All the songs combined serious soul/R&B musical backing with articulate and catchy lyrics.
Born in Trinidad in 1950, Billy moved to England with his family when he was eight years old and grew up in Romford, East London.
He is currently on a 21 date tour taking in London’s Royal Albert Hall, Glasgow, Newcastle, Liverpool, Cardiff etc.
