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.

Hard to know what to expect when the guest turns up looking a little like ‘Doc’ out of Back To The Future, hefting a huge holdall full of props, a tiny guitar and an electronic box of tricks and then proceeds to tickle every rib in sight with two sets of hilarious songs and great banter. It’ll be a long time before anyone forgets his Buddy Holly impersonation (which features a xylophone attached to his neck on a coat hanger, played with a little mallet stuck to the side of his glasses) or his five part harmonies on ‘At The Hop’ - which he changes to ‘At the shop’ or ‘duelling banjos’ (a single fretboard with a banjo at each end) or a rousing River Dance, complete with plastic bottle bodhran and castanets tied to his feet. We’ll also remember the charm and fine musicianship. And the condom bagpipes. Another great night.

It was no surprise that we sold out of tickets for this event 10 days before it was held. So Steve played to a full house - and an audience of devotees. It was possibly quite a nostalgic gig for him. The Open House, or the Springfield as it used to be known, witnessed many performances in the seventies of people like him. But not many of them went on to become national folk heroes or to produce world-class music. It was a nostalgic evening for the audience as well. They knew the words when it was time to sing along and they lapped up any references to past times.

Steve always gives a great performance and this was one of his best. He has a collection of beautiful instruments and he produces an eclectic repertoire that includes ballads, contemporary folk songs, traditional numbers, with and without instruments, and the occasional very tasteful cover. He writes everything from haunting ballads to songs for the audience to join in with; he puts poetry to music and he brings tales of humour and hardship to those who come to listen. But what is most memorable when you walk away is his obvious passion for life and his ability to write that passion into his music. Many of his songs are stories and they make you sit up and think about who you are and where you come from - they get right to the soul.

So our second club night was everything we had hoped for and more. We’re very grateful to the bar staff, who looked after us all so well, and to Stuart Reed, Pete and Annie, and Chloe, who gave quality floor spots. But most of all, we give a very special vote of thanks to Steve Knightley.

Tags: Ness, Alan

What a delight it was to see Helen Watson last night. Her presence was warm, witty, gentle and understated, but her performance was outstanding. From the moment she started singing, we were there with her, locked into a beautiful unaccompanied version of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘I aint got you’ and then treated to a magical mix of original songs from her new album ‘Headrest’ (which sold like hot cakes) and haunting blues and soul numbers such as ‘That’s all it took’ (George Jones) and ‘I thought you should know’ (Steve Earle). You realise straight away that Helen is a professional artist, someone who thinks about her audience and delivers a mesmerising repertoire with charm and ease. We will definitely be having Helen back; if you missed her this time, don’t miss her again

This was our first club night since December, we were in our new venue and the atmosphere was great. So thanks to the Open House bar staff who made us very welcome and helped us out during the evening, and thanks to all our floor singers: Mike Ainscough, Chloe, Pete Cartlidge and Tim Broadbent, for contributing their range of styles and musical talent to this extremely enjoyable evening.

Ness and Alan

Tags: Alan, review, Helen Watson, Ness