Geraint Watkins at the Tuesday Night Music Club, Coulsdon

Review and Images by Ken Kackson

Arriving shortly after 6pm last night at the Tuesday Night Music Club, I joined the shortish queue. It was no surprise to see the usual familiar faces right at the front, but only a few minutes later the line began slowly snaking down the road, filled with even more familiar faces calling out cheerful greetings to friends. Shortly after 7pm we were inside, drinks in hand, and settling in for the evening. Looking around, I could see that yet again Richard Dunning would be announcing a full house. I must confess that I knew very little about tonight’s band.

I’d watched a few clips on YouTube before leaving home, and, to be truthful, I didn’t think the evening would end with me leaping to my feet along with the rest of the audience in appreciation of their talents, nor did I expect to find myself singing along at the top of my voice to songs I’d never heard before! Geraint Watkins is, quite seriously, the most relaxed musician I’ve ever seen. They had a setlist, of course, but it almost seemed superfluous as Geraint mulled over what to play next with his band of superbly talented musicians.

His humour and easy rapport with the audience soon won me over, and it quickly became clear that this was just one of Geraint’s many talents and his band trusts him implicitly. By the midway point of the first set, I could feel myself relaxing into their groove and “getting it”. As the second set got underway, I found myself marvelling at the combined talents of Oliver Darling on guitar and vocals, Bob Loveday on fiddle, Malcolm Mills on drums, and Paul Riley on bass. Geraint himself commanded the keyboard, squeeze box, and vocals with effortless charm and charisma.

I enjoyed the second set in its entirety as The Mosquitos, with Geraint at the helm, eased into their stride and steered, somewhat erratically at times, toward a fantastic finale and a well-deserved ovation. Today, I’ve spent a couple of hours reading up on Geraint Watkins, and I’m amazed at what I’ve found. This man has seen and done it all; it’s easier to list the people he hasn’t played with than those he has! It was an absolute pleasure to hear him and his band play last night, and if you haven’t seen or heard this band before, check them out; I guarantee a great evening.

Ross and Martin Davey were also at the top of their game, ensuring the sound was spot on throughout. A superb night spent with friends — is there a better way to spend an evening? I don’t think so.