Preview

Opening proceedings will be Jurgen Bichlmeier, a.k.a Mr Jones, the German "ambassador of American acoustic music in Europe", whose latest CD was produced by none other than - Eric Taylor.

Note the early start to Mr Jones' set.

Review

The gods were unquestionably onside for this much anticipated singer-songwriter feast. Not only were Martin and Toby Levan of Red Kite Records on hand to record proceedings for the forthcoming live CD, but HTV were also in attendance - mercifully unobtrusive they were too - filming the first of two gigs that will feature in a documentary on Cambria Arts' activities, to be screened early in 2004. To cap it all, the clouds rolled back and a propitious full moon gleamed on the ancient rooftops of the Talbot, as if to convey her own astral approval of the stellar line-up within (You've been on one of your weekend creative writing courses again, haven't you? Get a grip. - Ed.)

First on stage was Jurgen Bichlmeier, a.k.a. Mr Jones, the German ambassador of American acoustic music (and Eric Taylor's regular European driver and support act). By necessity, his set was restricted to a mere quartet of songs, but it was enough to demonstrate his worth as an excellent writer and guitarist, with a line in straightforward imagery that nestles very comfortably alongside the equivalent output of his American peers/heroes.