ALL seats were taken when famed guitarist, producer and recording act Ry Cooder came to the area on tour for the first time, an experience people will be reliving in their minds for many years.

Wearing a trademark Hawaiian shirt, Cooder, in hornrimed glasses and beanie hat, apart from the occasional wry comment, let his music – combining blues, Tex-Mex, rock and country etc – do the talking.

He was supported by England’s own Nick Lowe, who was in fantastic form as he fronted the likes of Half A Man And Half A Boy. Then, after receiving a standing ovation, he played (What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding as an encore.

For the main event, Cooder’s son, drummer Joaquin, and female backing singers Juliette Commagree and Alex Lilly Ry helped to orchestrate the show with minimal fuss – as quality oozed from the stage.

Cooder went through an assortment of guitars, but the result was always the same, playing of an extraordinary quality performed by a man of great humility.

When he plays the room listens, and this was most evident when the band served up, late in the day, Little Sister.

Then a fantastic end-piece, which sent the audience home happy, featured Blind Alfred Reed’s How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live.

Maurice Hope