ENGLISH folk rock is an acquired taste, its eccentricities not widely appreciated by fans of Abba, AC/DC or Madonna.

For those who like it, however, their commitment is unequivocal. Joshua Burnell is one such devotee. Launching his third album, Songs From The Seasons, in York, Burnell’s long hair and blast of eye shadow made him look like Peter Gabriel, circa 1973.

Fronting a band of excellent York musicians, Burnell played keyboards and guitar and sang in a mellow and unaffected style, alongside singer Frances Sladen, guitarist Nathan Greaves, mandolin player Jack Woods, double bass player Matthew Metford and drummer Ed Simpson.

The influences of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and other Seventies' bands was palpable, with Burnell talking enthusiastically about influences and telling the audience about a pilgrimage to meet and hear Shelagh McDonald, a legendary folk musician who, for a long time, was nomadic and reclusive.

The arrangements of the songs were executed superbly by the well-drilled band, the rhythm section in particular providing power and bounce. A cover of Jacques Brel's Amsterdam was one highlight.

All of the band were good, enjoying the moment, looking and feeling like local heroes. The 150 or so people in the room responded with genuine warmth and excitement. Burnell works at a York school, but on the strength of this gig, he should really be out in the world, touring to the devotees who love the kind of thing he does.

This was excellent stuff. They would go down a storm at Cropredy, Fairport Convention’s annual celebration of folk-rock. Burnell and the band deserve all the success they get.