Ward Thomas and The Shires - pure delight

Bush Hall is an old dance hall. I'm sure it's had many great nights in its 110-year history, but it can't have had many as fun and filled with vocal talent as last Monday night (10 November).

The Shires and then headliners Ward Thomas gave us more than two hours of delightful melodies and wonderful harmonies in their own UK country style.

Solo singer Jess Roberts firstly gave us 20 minutes of songs, backed by Ward Thomas's guitarist Dan Gordon. She did a fine job and was a worthy starter for the evening.

The Shires - Crissie Rhodes and Ben Earle, backed by a three-piece band - are a fairly new act, but could well be destined for bigger things. I had not seen them in action before, but was impressed  by their songs and harmonies and they were a definite hit for this audience. I'll be searching their album out on its release in January.

Headliners for this evening were Ward Thomas - the singing twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas, from Hampshire - which must by definition be the heart of English country music! Since I discovered these two at Guilfest in July, I have been smitten by their music. Hearing it on CD is one thing, but live it is so much better! Good singers in their own right, the real magic kicks in when they sing together with exquisite harmonies on soaring melodies. It gives you a tingling sensation. I love all their songs, but was particularly delighted to hear 'Wasted Words' live for the first time. Current single 'Way Back When' and 'Push For The Stride' are real crowd pleasers, and the poignant 'From Where I Stand' could almost bring a tear to the eye. A cover off Taylor Swift's 'Shake It Off' was lively and the girls did a cracking job. Their fun demeanour and on-stage charisma helps bring a smile to the faces of all those in the audience. It is pure joy.

I cannot tire of these two, and the evening was always going to be too short!

The Shires joined Ward Thomas on stage for a joint encore of The Striking Matches' 'I Ain't Leavin' Without Your Love' - great fun and a perfect round-off for the evening.

This tour of The Shires and Ward Thomas is tagged #homegrowntour and stretches from London to Belfast, and Bristol to Glasgow. There are points in between - but there are simply not enough! Demand for these two acts will grow and grow. Do yourself a favour and get along to see them as soon as you can.

Roll on the next one!