SI Cranstoun plays the Rayner Rock'n'Roll York summer special at Riley Smith Hall, Tadcaster, on Friday night with a vocal style reminiscent of Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke and a sound that blends Northern Soul, Motown and classic pop.

The South London retro singer and his big band are touring his Modern Life album in the wake of regular airplay on BBC Radio 2 and his rising status on the British underground vintage scene, after headlining the Twinwood Festival and the Rivoli Ballroom in London. He has played BluesFest, Proms In The Park and Lounge On The Farm too and crossed into the mainstream market at the Secret Garden Party festival in Cambridgeshire.

Cranstoun had spent his formative years busking on the streets of Croydon with his brother and  released his debut album, Dancehalls And Supper Clubs, on his own label. By 2013, he was invited to perform with Little Richard in Las Vegas and came to the attention of Warner Music Entertainment, subsequently being signed to the label in a million-pound deal.

Last year, Cranstoun developed his writing skills, working with writers and producers ranging from Ivor Novello award winners to those responsible for helping Cara Emerald and Keane achieve success.

His support slot on The Overtones' tour brought further attention to his vintage voice, dance moves and natural stage banter, as he tested out songs from Modern Life, such as Caught In The Moonlight, Tick Tock and Like It Like That.

York Press:

Si Cranstoun and his retro big band

Friday's 7.45pm gig at Rayner Rock'n'Roll's August Dance @ Riley Smith Hall has sold out but Cranstoun will return to Yorkshire to open Selby Town Hall's autumn season on September 12. Tickets for this 8pm show are on sale £14 on 01757 708449 or at selbytownhall.co.uk or £16 on the door.

"Si Cranstoun was described by superfan Chris Evans as 'a squeeze of The Bee Gees, a bit of Billy Joel, a dash of Dean Friedman and a ripple of Rodriguez'," says Chris Jones, Selby Town Council's arts officer. "With his hugely catchy hooks and a contemporary pop sound capturing the look and feel of a golden era in soul and R&B, he brings the classic energy and verve of a bygone era up to the present day."

Meanwhile, Rayner Rock'n'Roll York will hold its fifth annual Retro Sunday in the York Designer Outlet coach park, in Fulford, on Sunday from 11am to 4pm in a day of vintage cars, motorbikes, stalls, music and dancing.

"This year we have the fabulous Diamond Darlings entertaining us at intervals throughout the day and we're pleased to welcome the Kingston Swing performance team, from Hull, demonstrating the Lindy Hop," says co-organiser Eileen Rayner, who encourages everyone to dress up in their best rock'n'roll attire.

"We'll have rock'n'roll dancing all day with DJs John and Brian and, for the first time with us, Stuart Hardy will bring his collection of rock'n'roll coasters, ceramic jukebox tiles, fridge magnets and more."

If you intend to bring a retro car or bike, contact Eileen on 07752 333094. Admission is free but donations to Starlight Children are welcome.