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The Stylistics, Truro, UK, 31st October 2007

Some of these musicians are massive, I mean American massive. One of them forces his bulk through the coffee shop holding a piece of cake and a drink, and drops his napkin. It is returned to him with the comment, ‘You may want to get a fresh one.’ He doesn’t respond, even with a glance, but collects another and sits down with his co-singers exuding the attitude of a spoilt child. Moments later, when one of the other band members asks what the cake’s like, he says, ‘It’s sum kinda baaaed sheeeit.’ He doesn’t finish it.

Who would have expected black Americans to be so precious but it’s the Health and Safety culture that’s to blame, when a perfectly good piece of cake is simply not good enough and a paper napkin that has touched the floor is a noxious thing.

On stage, the Stylistics exude professionalism and charm. The huge guys are the Style Orchestra; the Stylistics are up front in matching suits, shirts and shoes and look in pretty good shape for a band that’s been together for 39 years. They spin, step and move in perfect synchronicity, running through a set packed with old favourites for over an hour.

Playing to a packed house of dewy eyed oldsters with glowing memories of seventies discos, they’re in crowd pleasing mood. The glitter ball turns above the stage flashing beams of white light around the auditorium and everyone’s on their feet, clapping and dancing. You can just feel the lurve.
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