ONE of the UK’s best loved soul queens, Gabrielle, is looking forward to getting close up and personal with her fans when she performs in Bournemouth next week.

Following her highly acclaimed performances supporting the legendary Michael Bolton on his nationwide tour, the multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter announced a string of UK shows including a date at the Pavilion on Monday November 7.

Fans will see Gabrielle heading out on stage with her stripped back band performing all of her greatest hits up close and personal.

She said: “There are songs I haven’t performed for years that I think it’s time to bring out of the archives and who knows by then I may have a couple of new ones to add as well, I love performing live, when I’m at home being mum it’s so easy to forget that there are people who come along to see me and sing along to songs I’ve written, it’s an amazing feeling.

“I’m so grateful that after 23 years I still have the chance to perform and record, it’s what I know and what I love, when I said dreams can come true, I wasn’t wrong!”

Gabrielle’s career got off to a flying start when she first arrived on the scene and won Best Newcomer Brit Award back in 1993 for her million-selling debut album, Find Your Way. That same year her debut single ‘Dream’ had gone straight into the chart at number two breaking the record for the highest chart debut by a female before rising to number one.

Gabrielle is unique as an artist, with that instantly familiar shimmery voice which has earned her a comparison with Eartha Kitt. The soulful chanteuse is renowned for her tender-tough lyrics and way of phrasing that makes every song feel deeply intimate.

Following her dreams Gabrielle launched her career wearing an eye patch that made her visually striking a voice that made her distinctive – and her differences contributed to her becoming Britain’s most successful soul singer.

In an industry where longevity is becoming increasingly rare, the hits have been unstoppable: ‘Give Me A Little More Time’, ‘If You Ever’, ‘When A Woman’, ‘Sunshine’ and ‘Out Of Reach’ which she wrote for the soundtrack of Bridget Jones’ Diary. Then there are the multi-platinum albums; ‘Gabrielle’ ‘Rise’ and ‘Dreams Can Come True’.

It’s no surprise this success has seen Gabrielle pick up a number of prestigious awards over the years including Brit Awards for Best Newcomer and Best Female Vocalist, MOBOs for Best Single and Best Album, and an Ivor Novello for Outstanding Song Collection. Having already worked with the likes of Paul Wellar and Al Green she recently featured on Naughty Boy’s album Hotel Cabana alongside the likes of Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and Emeli Sande.

Bournemouth audiences can expect to hear Gabrielle perform all of her greatest hits and favourite album tracks up close and personal with her live band.