Sorry to read about the car crash, Jo ….
--------------------------
Anyway, in the style of Ossie's footie reports, but not the so-called beautiful game this time …..
Sunday 01/07/08 @ 7:30
Gillfest (venue: Gillingham High School Main Hall)
Ralph McTell - tickets £28.
Programme free, raffle £1, licensed bar you couldn't get anywhere near

, attendance 211 (the Ostrich's headcount

) - near sell-out.
First up, (Ben) Smith & (Jimmy) Brewer, a rather engaging country-rock duo, originally talent-spotted by Joan Armatrading, and booked by her as support on her first solo tour. They write all their own material, definitely Nashville-flavoured, and very much at their best on up-tempo pickin' numbers. Recommended if that's your interest. Bought an autographed CD for a fiver.
Ralph McTell started performing in 1965 and at the age of 73, he's still touring. A little rambly in the introductions, but still a very powerful voice. You'll know him for the iconic "Streets of London", which was slipped in half-way through the second half almost as an afterthought, but there was a interesting and varied selection of songs from folk to classic Blues style, including "The Ghost of Robert Johnson" played on a National resonator guitar. Fairport Convention classic "The Girl from the Hiring Fair", powerful tracks like "Lost Boys" and "Peppers and Tomatoes", and a couple of songs in homage to Bob Dylan, including harmonica.
Thoroughly enjoyable evening and well worth the cost.