AIMEE Ann, professionally known as Duffy, is famous for her retro-soul singing.

As soon as she stepped on stage she oozed style that might even overshadow the vintage divas with whom she has been favourably compared.

She was accompanied by two backing singers originally from Newcastle, and a 1960s band, and at the beginning of the set, Duffy mentioned that she loved being in Newcastle and she feels at home here, even though she’s Welsh born and bred.

Opening with Rockferry, she released her sexy retro dance moves to the funky beats made by her band and encouraged the audience to jive along. Duffy played a set mostly featuring tracks from Rockferry, but among them she played a few new songs that the audience really seemed to enjoy. Obviously, the tracks the audience wanted to hear were Warwick Avenue and the wonderfully catchy Mercy. As the chords kicked in, the audience cheered and the floor really started to bounce, the lyrics “I’m begging you for mercy” filled the academy, and Duffy looked like she was really having a great time.

She even came back for an encore, playing some of her softer, more delicate songs.

These brought the show to a nice close and people were leaving the venue still singing the well-known lyrics. Duffy showed us true style, class and powerful vocals. She’s pure vintage.

Sophie Stratford