Brighton-based Cathryn Stone was the support on this night and it started with an extremely minor catastrophe, namely that Cathryn and her band had difficulty in finding The Ravenswood. I sympathise with them entirely, because I have been in that position myself, but with all the running around, I fear that the stress might have taken its toll, just slightly, in their performance. Even so, here were three musicians, albeit in an unusual line-up, who have a lot to offer. 

The line-up was Cathryn on acoustic guitar and main vocals; James Lyndsey on cello, keyboards and vocals, and Michael Wood on guitar. They gave us a very entertaining sound, with lots of interweaving melodies, turning this way and that like a spiral helix. Cathryn’s voice had me intrigued, likewise her elphin good looks, and on some of the more jazzy songbits, her voice pointed me in the direction of Rickie Lee Jones. Now’s there’s someone I haven’t heard of lately. Numbers performed; Still Moving, Hanging In My Heart, Breaking My Heart, Keep On, I Hope I Don’t Fall In Love With You (a really fine Tom Waits' number), and Butterfly. 

If that’s what she does under stress, I would really like to see her on a good night! I think all of the band’s numbers came across well and Cathryn and the band are a fine addition to the burgeoning Brighton-music scene! 

The main event of the evening was the welcome return of Clive Gregson. Just to meet Clive, let alone listening to him play music is enough for you know that here is a guy at peace with himself. He is warm, friendly, humorous, easy-going, a smooth, smooth musical ride. 

Clive showed us his dexterity with his guitar work and how did he make it look so-o easy. Nimble fingers on the fretboard and demon picking fingers near the sound box. Clive is luckily given the opportunity to cruise around doing nice things, like touring solo because he is normally the guitarist with Nanci Griffith, the American Country/Rocky style from Nashville, TE where Clive now lives and talking to him, it seems he has a good time. 

Welcome back Clive, and we’d like to see you a third time, please sometime. Numbers performed; Right Back To You, Door Is Open, I Think I’m Falling In Love, Cornerstone, All My Stories; Cool, Cool Rain, I Love This Town, We’re Not Over Yet (a charming song performed by Mary Chapin-Carpenter ), Footsteps Fall (the highlight of the first set), Music To Watch Girls By (yes, that old horrible Andy Williams song, but done tastefully, if that’s possible) Antidote For Love, I’m There For You, Over The Garden Wall, I Will Always Play The Fool ( a cheeky request of Martin and Al, with reference to myself - but thanks!), I’m Going Walk Away From It All, When My Ship Comes In, Camden Town. Fred Astaire, Barefooting and finishing in fully unplugged mode with the magnificent Richard Thompson song, Withered And Died.

Review courtesy of Bob Preece