Since the release of prolific producer Will 'Quantic' Holland's third solo album 'Mishaps Happening' in 2004, his 'Don't Joke with a Hungry Man' collaboration with acclaimed soul singer Spanky Wilson has become something of a modern funk classic.

With this in mind, when a full-length album featuring Wilson recorded under Holland's live guise of the Quantic Soul Orchestra surfaced this year, it hardly came as a surprise. But news of a tour did. Keen to see whether the aging Philadelphian songstress could cut it live, fans packed each and every one of the four London Jazz Café dates for what could certainly have been a once-in-a-lifetime show. The first notable point is that the band members have changed since the last tour. Gone is Limp Twins collaborator, charismatic compere and former frontman-of-sorts Russell Porter. And most obviously, silky-voiced singer Alice Russell, who has since enjoyed solo success, is also absent. But taking their places as the most prevalent personalities on stage is an enigmatic and perhaps overly-enthusiastic character on keys and, of course, Wilson herself, both of whom are worthy of stealing the limelight.

Holland stands further back, directing the band with his guitar worn high, beside the drummer, bassist and percussionist, and the horn section who deliver brassy stabs and solos from the far right. The incredible thing about the live incarnation of Quantic Soul Orchestra is the balance between musicianship and, well, fun. When they perform 'You Can't Judge a Book by it's Cover,' the crowd is jumping frantically to a super-quick tempo and Wilson is busy belting out the vocals. The band, too, are bouncing - but their expert musical aptitude is never compromised. Downtempo tracks are just as well received by the Jazz Café masses and when Wilson puts her all into 'That's How it Was,' a woe-filled tune about 2005's deadly Hurricane Katrina, I notice I’m not the only one with a trembling bottom lip, blinking away a teary eye. Picking the pace right back up is a rousing rendition of 'Don't Joke with a Hungry Man' as the encore. The audience is singing loudly and Wilson gives an appreciative smile. It seems fitting that the track which catapulted her back into the hearts and lugholes of the public sphere is the one which ends the show. As the band members leave the stage, the fans scramble for the merchandise stall. An unforgettably impressive evening.