Entering the auditorium, seeing the plethora of instruments arranged on their stands filled me with wonder and excitement. Having not been accustomed to the music of Emily Barker, I looked around the room to try and establish the demographic that had congregated to hear her offerings, to say it was a mixed bag would be an understatement, the likes of young singles, courting couples and older folk all sat together, patiently awaiting the evenings event to unfold in front of them.

The evening started with two members of The Red Clay Halo (Gill Sandell & Anna Jenkins) arriving on stage and telling the audience that they 'nearly didn't make it to Exeter', owing to them acquiring a puncture on the motorway and had it not been for the kind hand of a strategically positioned 'AA' man (the popular motor breakdown company not Alcoholics Anonymous), they would still be sat sipping overpriced lukewarm coffee in Styrofoam cups whilst fans sat looking at an empty stage. Gill played guitar and sang whilst Anna accompanied on the violin and provided backing vocals, the sound that emanated from just the two of them was simply captivating. They played songs from Gill's recent release 'Tarry Awhile', including, 'Wrap Your Treasure', 'Fingers & Toes' and 'The message' all executed perfectly, Gill's pitch perfect, pretty voice shimmering over the beautiful wall of sound that was produced.

After a brief interlude to refresh your glass, Emily Barker made her entrance accompanied with Gill, Anna and Jo Silverston to make up the foursome that would entice and entertain for the remainder of the evening. More entertaining talk on the puncture and the fact that they had to hire a larger van to accomodate luggage (you know what girls are like!) prior to Emily leading her band into song.

They covered a multitude of tracks, mainly from Emily's recent album 'Almanac' (available now from all good record shops), much instrument switching ensued and with this, different styles came through, ranging from almost whispered songs backed with haunting melody from the cello and violin to upbeat guitar led tracks that had the crowd tapping their feet and clapping along.

Highlights for me included 'Billowing Sea', 'Reckless' and 'Calendar' and the latter part of their set was bolstered more so with the introduction of Dom Coyote (budding guitar technician) who joined them on stage to perform a couple of tracks, resulting in a great version of 'Witch of Pittenween' which seemed to please the crowd no end.

The evening was wrapped up with their 'last song', prior to them regrouping on stage for a three song encore that was very well received by the audience.

Overall, I felt moved by the sound produced by Emily and her band, the talent they demonstrated, not only individually but as a group was surely world class and I am confident that they will go on to 'woo' many folk throughout the land on their current tour of the UK.

Be sure to check her WEBSITE to see the list of dates available and CLICK HERE to buy her album.

Gill Sandell's album 'Tarry Awhile' can be purchased HERE