MARTI Pellow waltzes on to stage, mic stand in hand, and with a smile bright enough to light up York city centre.

He is the people's showman, and after three decades in the business, knows how to show an audience a good time.

The Wet Wet Wet frontman is on a solo tour, promoting is new album, Mysterious – the title track of which opens tonight's two-hour set.

Pellow's nine-piece band is as tight as his black T-shirt, the three-piece brass section lending a sophisticated and soulful note to proceedings.

York Press:

Fans of the Wets have instant gratification as the Scot launches into a double fix of Wishing I Was Lucky and Lip Service, which get a few diehards on their feet.

Pellow is a chatty man, and intersperses songs with tales from his past and stories about his musical journey. He is frank about his demons, about being sober and clean for 20 years - which draws a massive cheer - and says how he still likes pubs, but is the designated driver.

He hits the balance about right, performing songs from his solo career as well as hits from his WWW days. He turns 52 on Thursday and boasts his voice is just as strong as it was in his early career. That is evident throughout tonight's gig, but especially on the piano ballad I Surrender, which is one of the highlights of the night. One surprise was his cover of Songbird, which may have had more impact had it been given the same pared down treatment.

For the encore, he came back promising: "a whole bunch of number ones". The all-conquering Love Is All Around drew the crowd to their feet and they kept standing for Goodnight Girl and With a Little Help From My Friends.

Then Pellow waltzed off stage again - still smiling.