Kris Drever, playing his first ever solo gig opened the show. Accompanied only by his acoustic guitar, Kris’s powerful but mellow voice was perfectly suited to the rich melodies of the traditional songs he was performing. Kris then performed some newer compositions accompanied by the accordion, as he claimed he was nervous about playing solo after previously only appearing onstage in bands, although the nerves weren’t visible during any of the songs. It was band mate and former Mercury Music Prize Nominee Kate Rusby who then joined Kris on stage to help alleviate his nervousness and added an extra depth to the performance. Kris then finished the set with his latest single Beads and Feathers to a rapturous reception. Deep Elem were next up playing a mix of bluesy country with English folk thrown in for good measure.
 | | Deep Elem |
The set started slowly, but built up with a greater crowd reaction to a bluesy Muddy Waters cover. New single 'Lost in the Woods' stood out from the set with a Dylan-esque harmonica accompaniment. Joan As Policewoman, better known as Joan Wasser from Antony and The Johnsons and Rufus Wainwrights touring bands took to the stage. Looking like a Mary Poppins era Julie Andrews with a Chrissie Hynde swagger, she introduced her backing band and got her set underway. Very much like Martha Wainwright in style the set starts of at laid back pace. The set warmed up as Joan swapped guitar for Wurlitzer organ, an instrument she describes as a 'strange old machine'. Stand out tracks from the set were 'Feed the Light' and 'Save Me', a song, apparently about going out with bad boys. The crowd were very receptive to these songs and new single 'My Gurl' which preceded a more up-tempo encore. The last few songs having more than a fleeting nod towards Blondie during their Parallel lines peak. If this showcase proves anything it’s that, these artists will be moving on to bigger and better things in the near future. Rob Cowley | 
