Crispin Bateman

So many people have said how great it is to see Julianne, Andy and Marty on stage doing their thing. I have read and heard numerous comments about how relaxed and fun it all is; how much the Eves are enjoying themselves and all I can do is heartily agree.

All About Eve walked onto the stage in the Artezium last night to a small audience of loyal and loving fans. As Julianne commented a number of times in the evening it was like visiting them at home and sitting down while they played to their friends. So much was it like that that we were even invited to stay the night on the 300 person sofa bed so that no one had to rush home. Marty's fingers were cold from holding his pint and the start to Scarlet was a little false and accompanied with giggles from all involved. Third time lucky and they launch into the beginning of yet another acoustic gig. These gigs are going to go down in Eves history.

Marty's excellent guitar on Scarlet really shines out and makes it feel all a little bit Spanish (which is actually no bad thing). Cold fingers or not, this man is on top form. The setlist remains the same as previous nights and Scarlet leads the way to the only other song from the album. More Than The Blues has a happily jigging Julianne and beaming smiles from the audience. I sit back and relax and smile as waves of nostalgia join the new feelings of excitement and pleasure to result in a truly wonderful experience.

The craftsmanship evident in the Eves music is almost unsurpassed. Julianne's heavenly voice joins with Marty and Andy's exquisite playing to ensure the music of the evening is something beyond professional. It is art of the very highest calibre.

As the songs float past, the mood gets even better. Every single person in that room felt as if the Eves were their just for them. This wasn't a gig with an audience and a band, this was a gig with a group of friends getting together to have a great time. In the Clouds makes everyone feel just so, Miss World brings smiles to all, especially Julianne and the Marty song which follows it (now what was that called...?) is divine. The moment in the first set, however, goes to Are You Lonely. Perfection. Absolutely unsurpassed musicianship.

The interval is accompanied by a request from Julianne to 'not go through her lingerie draw' as she further perpetuates the illusion that we are sitting in her front room. Toilet break, and for the smokers out there, a fifteen minute recess from the strict smoking policy of the venue (not so strict that Marty took notice though..!). On our return we are greeted by Julianne in a change of clothes (now in a blue dress) and it all starts to feel a bit like a play; interval and costume change! Back into the music though and those that have been before know that Freeze is soon coming. Forget the rest of the music for a moment, and let yourself be overtaken by this incredible version of a seriously underrated song. 'This is dedicated to any young lovers out there,' quips Julianne and only one false start...

Freeze acoustic is something really special. It begs the question 'How do they do that?' and also screams out for a studio version. Smiles on every face in the audience.

Though the banter had been pretty constant throughout, it really takes over for the second set. Marty and Andy are the main culprits for the evening and we are informed that the bass player is considered the 'bricklayer' of the band, whereas Marty, as the lead guitar, is the 'architect'. Andy's response said it all really...

And then Marty declares that on the next unplugged tour they should write a song on stage. Someone (was that me?) shouts out that they should do one now and they break out into total chaos for five minutes as Marty tries to convince the other's that this is a good idea. No, really! In the end he gives up and sighing, turns to us and says 'Sod it, let's play the hit.'

Martha's Harbour was astonishing. Julianne, though she had been ill for a week, has the voice of an angel.

There was still more; Wishing The Hours Away with its altered vocal was almost on par with Are You Lonely. Wild Hearted Woman simply rocked and the stuff Marty does in Shelter From the Rain has a certain relaxed style that proves his ability beyond all doubt. What an awesome gig.

By the time Share It With Me had finished, we all knew that those lucky enough to have tickets for the next night were on for a great Friday night. Shame I'm not one of them.