I got to Alexander's in Chester a bit late last night and had to content myself with a seat viewing through an archway from the side. This was a bit of a come down from my centre front row circle seat at the Bridgewater Hall for Steve Earle on Monday, but at least I could hear all of the words tonight. The acoustics in Alexanders are quite good, and in a nice intimate gig of about 90 people, Steve managed to deliver a couple of songs completely off-mike, always a good test of both acoustics and that the audience is attentive.

The set list was well chosen. Obviously, he was "showcasing" his new(ish) solo CD Cruel River, but he also included older songs like Track of Words from his eponymous first solo album and the beautifully detailed observations on long term relationships of Hook of Love. I don't hear either of those last two nearly often enough live in the Show of Hands set.

It was really good to hear the songs stripped back. Much as I enjoy the drama of the modern Show of Hands sens et lumière exposition, I sometimes miss the intimate atmosphere of old.

Jenna's contributions to the evening were made by her playing on some of Steve's songs (e.g., a particularly fine, quiet variation of Country Life with a piano accompaniment accompaniment) and then remaining on stage solo for several of her own songs. Jenna has a superb "big" voice, which works for me on CD but given she is quite petite can take some getting adjusted to on stage. I'd like her to hear her essay more covers while she is building up her stock of self-written songs.

All in all, an excellent gig.