Jack-And-The-Box

Steve Grattan plus percussive genius Nick led to a great start to tonight’s awesome line-up. Just the 2 songs including ‘Let You Go’. Nick’s ‘box’ is one of the most effective percussion instruments we’ve had at ONSA.

Jo Collins

Confident, talented and popular as ever. Jo held the audience spellbound with ‘Twice the Man’ and ‘Bed of Roses’ plus one other (sorry forgot the title). She was in spectacular form tonight – Well done!

Sophie Henderson

Cool, composed and confident. This supremely talented performer is confident with either guitar or piano. ‘Cry’ and ‘High Flyer’ was complimented by a great cover of The Cranberries ‘Linger’.

James Lockhart

Last time James played he was pretty good…but what’s happened? He’s become quite awesome! He has a strong emotive delivery. The crowd really appreciated this. ‘Over The Edge’ and particularly ‘Alcatraz’ were excellent.

Christina and Neil

Oh yes, we enjoyed this. Christina has a marvellous vocal style and range. She also has great presence on stage…then she brings out the trumpet. Excellent! All this plus a very accomplished performance on guitar by Neil. We enjoyed ‘Glory Box’ and ‘Moondance’. Thanks.

Robert Brown

This accomplished troubadour is currently on a year long tour with an awesome list of events including dates in Marrakech and Glastonbury. His strident performance was really appreciated. Great songs, brilliant acoustic guitar playing and an easy charm that made him extremely likeable…great Led Zep cover to end the night as well.

Paul Castle

A welcome return for this solo artist. Popular as ever. Tonight we had some Police and ‘One’ (U2) just for Mark! He knows how to win him over. Once again Paul’s gentle charm was really appreciated.

Inside Information

We’ve not seen these Fleet-based boys for a while. They’ve reappeared in fine form. Very accomplished and business-like but still maintaining the power and intensity that is their trademark. Bongo’s work well too. Highlight was cover of ‘Superstition’.

Simon Williams

Simon is popular and a good songwriter. He cares about what he does which is great. His enthusiastic approach is infectious. Tonight the boys from ‘Raw Links’ who added a brilliant rapping finale, joined him on stage for the last song.

Rhapsadasical

A real top-notch quality act this. ‘Without You’ showed some great vocal stuff from Debbie. ‘Choose Me’ exhibited the bands splendid use of dynamics. Finally ‘Layla’ in a kind of ‘Bossanova’ style was quite brilliant – complete with some great dancing and a Bongo-solo. They’re jazzy, they’re cool, they’re a bit sassy and a worthy ‘Act of The Night’.

Escape

Escape sounded really solid tonight. Now fully established with drums and bass they have grown in stature as an act. ‘Before I Begin’ and ‘Alive’ were the highlights. A great bunch of guys too – you’re always welcome.

Jim Cuthbert

What can you say about Jim? A ‘lyrically superior’ artist certainly. A lesson here for all vocalists – go and see Jim and listen to him…you can hear every word he says…and the lyrics are well worth listening to as well. He has a swagger and roguish charm that can win over the hardest crowd – but tonight we were a push-over.

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