Tom McRae – Matt Thorpe Photography Every word counts with Tom McRae, lyrically perfect as befits someone who has delivered a TED talk on songwriting. The son of two Church of England vicars, he sang in the church choir as a boy. McRae said he wanted to take a photo of this audience to “show my parents what a full church looks like”. McRae played to a packed venue, mainly of adoring fans, for his last concert in the UK this year. Fans had come from as far as Ireland and Holland to see his renowned songwriting talents. Beginning a marathon … Continue reading Tom McRae – Live at Holy Trinity Church, Guildford ****

In her dressing room before the show Lilly Hiatt pondered her setlist. “I wait until I get to the venue to make a setlist. I like to make it a little different every night …. if people are coming to a couple of shows I want the set to be a little different each night”. There is an interview with Hiatt coming shortly on this site. Support came from the talented 19 year-old singer Molly Armstrong from Cambridgeshire, accompanied by guitar and keys. A confident performance with tracks including Rabbit In The Headlights. Working her way around the capital at open mic nights this was a … Continue reading Lilly Hiatt – Charisma to burn – Live in London *****

Rising Americana star Courtney Marie Andrews gave a sensational performance to a rapturous reception at Brighton’s Komedia club. The evening began with a great solo support set by the talented singer-songwriter Twain aka Matt Davidson from Virginia, who warmed to his task after admitting to having imbibed to … Continue reading Assured brilliance from Courtney Marie Andrews – Live in Brighton ★★★★★

RISING AMERICANA star Courtney Marie Andrews gave a consummate performance to a rapturous reception at Brighton’s Komedia. Touring with her band to promote her critically acclaimed new album May Your Kindness Remain, Andrews added three songs to her setlist to make … Continue reading Brighton Argus. Review: Courtney Marie Andrews, Komedia, Brighton, April 23 ★★★★★

Lisa Stansfield Guildford G Live **** Soul sensation Lisa Stansfield gave a flawless and energetic show at Guildford’s G Live. She is on the road to promote her latest album, four years after Seven, arguably her finest. The support act … Continue reading Lisa Stansfield. Review. Guildford G Live ****

With two original group members, Jean-Jacques Burnell and Dave Greenfield, Baz Warne on vocals/guitar and Jim MacAulay filling in for Jet Black on drums for live performances, the Stranglers gave a fabulous show at Guildford’s G Live. When I saw … Continue reading The Stranglers. G Live Guildford. Surrey Advertiser review ****

Local indie band Flight Brigade gave a stunning performance to an audience largely based of loyal followers. Kicking off an energetic and impressive show was 39 Steps, followed by Housefire and Wolves. In a 14-song set the band played songs … Continue reading Flight Brigade. The Star, Guildford ****