Sunday night’s DJ nodded to David McAlmont’s commercially successful period of Brit-Pop.

He played Weller and Co, and you were reminded that the success of the singer’s current gigs is born of collaborations with Suede guitarist and more recently Duffy producer, Bernard Butler, a duo who spawned the Motown- driven hit Yes I Do Feel Better.

There was a respectful awe at the man’s striking voice, backed only by pianist Guy Davies, as he launched into opener My Funny Valentine.

With audible relief, the atmosphere lightened as he joked abut speaking in an American accent (he’s from Croydon, the suburb, resting like a concrete wart on the peripheries of London).

A drummer and double bass player joined him and deep blues grooves raised the tempo.

There is much theatricality about McAlmont’s performance: arms raised as the choruses hit highs; sparkly shirts; fluorescent specs and glow sticks, but it’s never over the top.

He understands the intimacy of small venues and avoids excess.

Broodingly, the set played with the audience’s emotions. A cover of George Harrison’s Isn’t It A Pity? stood out.

Then there was delight as the Butler collaboration followed – but not in its Phil Spector wall-of-sound form on this night. Instead, it provided a jazz influenced peak.

From there on, McAlmont hit every note exactingly, passionately, never workmanlike.

There’s no doubting his vocal talent, but one has to wonder why there aren’t more songwriters crying out for his incredible tone.

- David Potter