ON his albums, the dilemma with Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith has always been how to present his songs.

Different approaches have been made, some more successful than others.

On the strength of last night's solo performance, the solution is simple.

Just put Sexsmith in a studio with his guitar and leave him to it; oh, and let him play the piano too occasionally, if he insists.

The revelation of seeing

Sexsmith live, especially on a hot, close night with 25 songs played in some 90 minutes, is just how robust his songs seem. They still chime with a certain melancholy, but the hesitancy of the recordings is gone, banished by a strong, emotional voice, backed by ringing acoustic guitar.

The accomplished guitar playing is a revelation, lifting the songs and pushing his voice further and deeper.

These intimate songs capture the burnished ordinary moment.

Sexsmith was too generous with his repertoire for his songs to be mentioned in full, or even half full.

He started with Former Glory, went through Least That I Can Do, Gold In Them Hills, This Song, Just My Heart Talking - on these lovely songs rolled, ending with Secret Heart, from the eponymous 1995 album.

First track on the album, last one here.

Ron Sexsmith seems forever condemned to inhabit the cult chapel, and it's a crying shame he isn't better known.

But maybe that's where he belongs, playing his simple- seeming yet affecting songs to those in on the quiet, happy secret.

Updated: 09:25 Saturday, July 19, 2003