Lemar @ Apollo, Manchester

9:00am Saturday 17th March 2007

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"I'M a soul man," proclaimed Lemar as he introduced his slick sound to a sold-out crowd at Manchester Apollo on Friday night.

Staking his claim as a future godfather of soul, the 27-year-old former bank worker at the very least proved that he'd found his calling.

In a questionable metallic silver shirt, he entertained his principally female audience with ease, rousing screams before he even stepped on stage for the second Manchester date of his The Truth About Love UK tour.

advertisement"Thank you for coming to spend the evening with me," he wooed, before effortlessly exciting his audience with favourites, including 50/50, Fresh and Time to Grow.

Backed by a choice trio of soulsters and a five-piece band, there was something for everyone, as Lemar performed covers of Al Green's Let's Stay Together and hip-hop headliner Kanye West's Golddigger.

Five years after coming third in BBC talent show Fame Academy, the North London singer-songwriter demonstrated the star quality that has kept him in the charts longer than many of his TV peers.

With two Brit awards and three Mobo accolades under the bejeweled belt that held-together his Travolta-style white suit, his rich voice - and pretty eyes - have earned him a loyal fan-base and top 10 chart success with tracks from three albums.

And he knew it - showing-off his 'talent' in fine tailoring and tearing off his vest for the pleasure of the lucky lady who was invited on stage to touch his bicep.

He ended a generous 90-minute show with crowd-pleaser Dance (With U) and love ballad It's Not That Easy.