'She was the most courageous performer'

THE Amy Winehouse Band, the singer's original band who were with her live and on record all the way from her very beginnings performing in London pubs to the Grammys and Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage, will be coming to the West Country in November as part of a major UK tour.

- JEFFREY DAVIES

Keeping songwriter and musician Amy's musical legacy alive, and providing younger fans with the chance to hear her modern classic songs played live, The Amy Winehouse Band perform numbers from throughout her extraordinary career including the star's biggest hits Rehab, Back to Black, Tears Dry On Their Own, Valerie and Love Is A Losing Game, as well as many others.

The band is led by Amy's long term musical director and bass player Dale Davis, a musical consultant on the singer's recent biopic Back to Black starring Marisa Abela and directed by Sam-Taylor Johnson.

The band is fronted by the "incredible vocalist" Bronte Shande who Dale came across in much the same way he originally came across Amy Winehouse, while the show itself features onscreen visuals and unique footage.

On performing Amy Whitehouse's distinctive contralto vocals music again, a spokesperson for the band said: "We're enjoying the music afresh, and seeing it played for new ears and old ears," with audiences telling them: "This is the closest we can get to seeing Amy." Praise indeed.

So, a nostalgic trip down memory lane for Amy's original fans and an exciting journey of exploration for the late singer's many newly acquired followers I remarked to Dale Davis who, it is said, knows more about the much-celebrated songstress than anyone else.

"Yes it most definitely will be a nostalgic evening. The closest experience you'll get of the real Amy. And it's a really good show," a friendly and most welcoming Dale Davis enthused to me. "Myself and Amy's band are so excited to be touring the UK, celebrating Amy Winehouse's music and legacy with you all. But this time in the company of some of the country's greatest symphony orchestras.