MUSIC fans at the Promenade Suite in Douglas were treated to a mesmerising performance by the unique and exceptionally talented Nick Harper last night (Saturday).
Nick has been described as one of the finest guitarists of his generation by Mojo magazine and at last night's gig it was easy to see why.
But it wasn't just his amazing guitar playing that stood out but also his unbelievable voice and eclectic songs.
His acoustic guitar playing sounded like a whole orchestra and during the night he could easily swap from quiet introspective numbers to a thunderous noise more akin to a heavy rock band.
As a showman he showed why music is best when it is live. By the end of the night he was standing on a table to play and had walked round the whole audience at least twice.
Despite this there were some in the Promenade Suite who decided to stand at the back and chat loudly. Why anyone wants to go to a gig and chat all the way through it is beyond me.
Nick, who delivered his set with a combination of humour, eccentricity and - when required - intensity, very politely eluded to this only once but it is frustrating for the majority of people who are there to listen.
The truth was it didn't seem to bother Nick, who is the son of legendary guitarist Roy Harper, one bit.
He quite rightly deserved a standing ovation at the end of his set and it was clear he loves what he does.
The singer songwriter thanked the crowd for supporting live music and he spoke of his dislike of the TV show the X Factor.
I could see his point. We are very fortunate in the Isle of Man that we have a decent live music culture and a massive love for the arts and entertainment in general.
Some pubs still put on live music on a regular basis and we have a handful of other venues - such as the Villa Marina, Gaiety Theatre and Centenary Centre, which cater for it too.
It can't be allowed to die out as otherwise we would lose the sponteniety, surprise, showmanship and individuality a performance by an artist like Nick Harper gives.
The show was also a credit to promoter Jonno Gollow, of Jonno Promotions, who brought Nick over and there was a fine support slot from local duo The Twigs - who demonstrated their own songwriting talents by playing mostly original songs.
They quite rightly received a great reaction from the crowd in their own right.
