Another eclectic evening of music at the Ent Shed Bedford saw respected songwriter Charlie Dore and The Drum Circle on the same bill. The Drum Circle is a group of 13 drummers that barely fitted the stage who beat out tunes on theirs drums ranging from African to Japanese beats. The members were equally mixed ranging seemingly from housewives to bonefide hippies. The result was a passionate, driving display led by their lead drummer who lept about in the audience playing various percussive instruments. This was very much a fun act that had the audience tapping their feet.

After a quick stage change around Charlie Dore came on having to immediately repair a broken string on her guitar. Probably best know for her 'Pilot of the Airwaves' she has been a highly successful songwriter, penning hits for the likes of Tina Turner, Cleine Dion and George Harrison. This was refelcted as she eased into the set. A gentle, engaging soul with a beautiful voice. Crystal clear with a hint of vibrato. Songs were sung with feeling, each seemingly baring a little about her: 'Last Night You Said' a unhappy youthful experience; 'Fifty Pound Father' relating to time with a therapist and the emotionally tense 'Australia' in which she thinks of her deceased father as being on the otherside of the world rather than gone. The songs whilst seemingly simple were complex and moving with intelligent lyrics. But she was no diva and clearly enjoyed being in a small intimate venue with the oportunity to interact with the crowd... indeed she had us singing the chorus to 'A Man Walks In to The bar'... a fiesty little number which was quite a tongue twister. Call it folk, country or roots... what ever you choose this was special. A gig that makes you laugh or cry because the music strikes a cord with you, where the artists are bouncing off each other and the crowd, each feeding off the others happiness and fun is a very good gig in my book.

I can't wait for the oportunity to see Charlie Dore again.

10/10