The beautiful grounds of The Ravenswood at Sharpthorne were the setting  for a very rare performance by Pete Atkin, friend and long-time musical collaborator with the writer and TV personality, Clive James. 

Since the early 1970s, when John Peel was a big fan, Pete and Clive have together written a huge collection of songs that have become known as the 'English Chanson'. Pete is a fine musician and an accomplished vocalist, with a keen ear for melodies that get you hooked. With Clive James providing the lyrics, the resulting songs are among the best ever written. Occasionally, the pair perform together, cabaret style, but tonight it was just Pete with guitar and piano. He delighted the audience, some of whom had travelled considerable distances, with a varied selection of songs from his back catalogue of around a dozen albums, many of which are no longer available. 

Highlights for me included the humorous and lyrically wonderful tale of the fortune teller, Beware of the Beautiful Stranger ("...I can't even get the Lone Ranger...") and Payday Evenings ("...liquid circles on formica tables..") There was new material too, showing that the pair have lost none of their early sparkle. What was most surprising was the confident performance, as Pete rarely performs these days (he mainly works for BBC radio, producing programmes such as This Sceptred Isle). 

Opening the show was a gorgeous singer called Liz Simcock, who I hadn't seen live before. A songwriter of considerable charm and ability, Liz is the first musician to be signed to Angelic Music (www.angelicmusic.co.uk) a new specialist label for female singer songwriters. Set up in response to the homogeneity of the pop industry and backed by Katie Melua, the label seeks out artists with talent and individuality, rather than those who fit the build of a stereotypical pop princess. Liz showed why she's been chosen for the label, performing a gorgeous and varied set, including songs of loss and unrequited love among more upbeat numbers. Her voice and melodies are sweet without being cloying and her tunes have a habit of sticking in your mind afterwards. Favourites for me were Masterpiece and a song about the life of Joni Mitchell, The Sand That makes the Pearl. 

This was a wonderful evening's entertainment and a treat for anyone looking to turn off the mobile phones and enjoy the 'real thing'. 

This review also appeared in the local press - Mid Sussex Times - view here.