He modestly calls himself ‘the frog with the happy blues’, which endears him to you immediately, yet no one was really prepared for the incredible talent that this Frenchman has - at times it seemed there were three or four guitarists on the stage, not just one. His fingers became a blur as he produced medleys that incorporated what he terms ‘medieval blues’ (and that’s exactly what it sounded like) and personal interpretations of classical, folk, jazz and footstompin’ blues numbers. His musicianship is ‘premier league’ and leaves many better-known artists wanting.

But Claude can do sad as well as happy; he is also a master of the ‘chanson triste’ and songs like ‘there’s somebody missing tonight’, ‘ghost’ and ‘I see your face’ (it’s worth buying his album ‘Stop breaking down’ for this alone) mark him down as a great songwriter and lyricist.

The evening was truly memorable; the delivery sincere and effortless and he also has the best agent that we have worked with in two years of running the club. All in all, it’s no surprise that he has a gig list as long as your arm for 2010.

Our advice – book him if you run a club, and go and see him somewhere else, if you missed him at ours.