David (McAlmont) and Bernard (Butler) played an absolute blinder of a set a the Kings Head in Crouch End last night. The venue is small and intimate and from my vantage point, seated in the second row, it felt like being at a private party at which the guys had just turned up to play. However this informality did nothing to diminish the quality of the performance. As with all their other performances I have seen so far this year, it was an example of their talent and musicianship to adapt their performance to the venue and the audience.

As soon as the first song finished David connected with the audience by telling us that the songs were "coming home" as they had all been written "just up the road". He even named where they were written but I am sure it was just a slip of the tongue and I am certainly not going to repeat it here for fear of eroding their privacy! This friendly and almost unguarded style of talking between the numbers continued throughout the evening.

During the set they played some of 1995 songs, as well as those off the latest album.

The acoustic version of "The Theme..." had a totally different beat. I thought the intro sounded a lot like "Way On Down" by Elvis P, and was getting ready to hear a cover version of that when David sung the first line. Thoroughly enjoyable and the audience were clapping along with the catchy beat.

Of special note is the performance of "Don't Call It Soul". Stunningly beautiful as a song in itself, David's delivery on this occasion was breathtaking. The finale included a cover version of "Zoom" and the ever fresh "Yes!"

After a brief interval, and a raffle for some great goodies including signed records, Bert Jansch began his set. He played several numbers on his own and then was joined by Johnny Hodge for a couple more. Bert's set was a real treat. Music from a master and performed in his inimitable self effacing style.

The evening became really special when Bert was joined onstage by Bernard and Makoto Sakamoto. We were even treated to Bernard's singing. (Why doesn't he sing more? He has such a beautiful voice!) For the penultimate number David again took the mike and his crystal clear vocals added the vital ingredient to Ewan McColl's "The first time ever I saw your face". Pure magic!

The whole evening was for charity, in support of the Foundation for Conductive Education, which meant all the artists had all given of their time, and the raffle prizes had been donated by local or supporting businesses - including M&B's record company who gave away some lovely boxed sets. Sadly I didn't win one of those but I did end up being the only bidder for a unique poster of the event signed by David, Bernard and Bert. My opening bid was so high no-one else bid against me. Does that make me a flash git? Probably, but then it was for charity and the poster is MINE! (^_^)

If you weren't there, you missed probably the best music event of the year - but then we still have the Marquee to look forward to on Tuesday. Well I be seeing you there?