HAVING narrowly missed performing in a thunder storm that briefly took the electricity, a fulsome few were treated to a wonderful evening’s music and bonhomie at this house concert.

Wes Finch hails from Coventry, but his worldview tilts towards white lines of Americana’s well travelled routes. Finch has a writerly knack with words, an ability to grab and to tease, and the ability to conjure something from a few phrases.

A passable singer, with a passable beard, he and his band (Ben Haines on drums and Bradley Blackwell on double bass) exude a warmth and musicality that makes them a pleasure to listen to - and notoriously difficult to record.

The opening songs were a joy, an instant connection to the audience, exemplified by Silver Sparkle. While this wasn’t sustained for the duration, with a couple of tunes veering the towards the workmanlike, this hugely likeable character also showed an ability to capture real pathos, with the night’s standout song about visiting the war poet and composer Ivor Gurney.

Such lyrical punch eluded the opener, hotly tipped Elliott Morris, who shone instead on guitar; able to create complex instrumentals that somehow used every part of the instrument. Clearly inspired by John Martyn, he has a rare ability to eclipse his idol’s playing.

Something’s Got To Give was a real bravura performance that left all in the small room stunned. For now he is underpowered as a singer, and at best an average lyricist, but his potential and charm, perhaps as a foil for another is undeniable.

All in all, a night full of sparkle.