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	Komedia (venue website) Music 13 May, 7:30pm-9:30pm
2-for-1 tickets for Friends of the Fringe members.

Singer and showman “Movin’ Melvin” Brown is well on his way to being a Fringe institution; named the best international act back in 2005, he’s returned repeatedly and he’s still going strong.  In this year’s show, the timeless performer combines storytelling, songs and dance, to tell an energetic history of soul music – from its origins in African-American slavery, right through to the glory days of Motown.

When “Movin’ Melvin” performed Edinburgh last year, our reviewer Lee Zhao revelled in the nostalgia of a recreated age.  Brown didn’t shy away from the unhappier side of America’s past – but inspired by his own fond memories of the 50’s and 60’s, he turned in believable impressions of his heroes, men like Otis Redding and James Brown.  He has the voice of a wise old sage, wrote Lee, paired with an ever-present grin and a contagiously cheeky laugh.  And, at a stage of life when most of us will be shuffling in a quite different way, we’re happy to confirm that Movin’ Melvin can indeed move: tap, twist, and jive all took their place on his restlessly joyful dance card.

If there’s one disappointment, it’s that Soul To Soul isn’t exactly new – in fact, it’s a return to the well-tested show which graced the Brighton Fringe last year.  We didn’t catch that appearance ourselves, but a scan of fellow critics’ websites proves reassuring, with a clean sweep of positive reviews for its previous run.  His evident passion for his music is a recurring theme – and even the most cynical of hacks admit that they danced along.  So maybe it’s time that you danced too, but watch out: he’s in Brighton for one night only this year.