LAST week I finally got to see the Coen Brothers film about the early days of the American folk scene, Inside Llewyn Davis, a movie which I first mentioned in this column around 18 months ago, when friends in America alerted me that the project was on the cards.

Upon release a few months ago, reviews were very mixed, and people I know, who were around the US folk scene in the early 1960s, were in turn disappointed, confused and downright angry about many aspects of the film. I have to say, I too was somewhat disappointed, and occasionally baffled by it, despite most of the music in it being very enjoyable and well done.

Strange really, as I’m a fan of the Coen Brothers, and obviously a fan of the music, yet somehow this time they seem somewhat off the mark. If anyone reading this wants to share their impression of the film, I’d be glad to hear it, at jez@jezlowe.com.

Meanwhile, live music highlights in the region this week include three Celtic offerings from The Sage Gateshead, with Dougie MacLean tonight, The Peatbog Faeries on Sunday and Runrig on Monday.

Sunday also sees Di Henderson at Guisborough Rugby Club, and Broadband at South Shields Customs House. On Monday, the fine singer and multiinstrumentalist Brian Peters is at The Iron Horse, in Newton Aycliffe. I notice, however, that on Saturday, Washington’s Davy Lamp is closed for one week only, due to their venue being needed for another function. I should also give advance notice that on Thursday April 3, the Canadian trio The Once are at The Beamish Mary, in No Place, near Stanley. Tickets are limited for this rare chance to see one of North America’s top folk trios, and full marks go to the enterprising Jack Burness for snagging them for this concert.