Gray date

IT seems a long time since we heard Manchester’s own king of calm David Gray belting out an easy-listening classic.

So it’s a bit of a surprise to learn he plays The Ritz tonight in Manchester’s Whitworth Street West.

Highlights of new album “Draw The Line” are bound to feature alongside Gray classics such as “Babylon” and “Please Forgive Me”. In the support slot is Essex songster John Smith who’s gravelly growl of a voice is said to belie his 27 years.