One stage, 3 virtuoso's - Carl Verhayen

I haven't written a review for a while. Amazingly, after 2009's excesses this is my first 'proper' concert this year, and even then I didn't have to pay having won the tickets from an ad in the local paper.

However, I would have gladly paid to see Carl Verhayen and his band. If he is coming to a town near you - catch him - it is well worth it.

Such a fluid easy style. Fast? his hands are a blur at times, and yet his whole technique seems so unflustered. They say the greats make the difficult look easy so that means CH is a giant in his field then. What impressed me at the Garage in Lueneburg was how he had perfectly judged his sound and volume to meet the demands of the venue. I found he was pitch perfect on the night.

Being a newcomer to his work I can't offer much in the way of a set list other than to say he puntuated the songs with some nice anecdotes and stories and came across as a warm and welcoming personality on an otherwise chilly night! He clearly enjoys what he does, smiling and I have to say getting off on performing his music live.

If CH is a virtuoso performer then step forward Dave Marotta (Bass) and Walfredo Reyes Jr. (Drums). Real musicians musicians. Marotta is an inventive and yet stalwart bassist.Loved his solo on the start of 'Slang Justice' in the middle of which he created a riff which he looped to then accompany himself. Cool.

I could watch Walfredo Reyes Jr all on his own. Cut from the Stewart Copeland manual of drumming, with irregular patterns and a delicacy of touch that was an absolute delight. This is a guy that can create theatre from drumming and percussion, an all action absolute joy to behold. All 3 improvise and interact at the drop of the hat. Wonderful.

An additional bonus for us was that after his set the band jammed with some local musicians on a couple of Stevie Wonder songs and a blistering version of Jimi H's 'Little Wing'. Shout outs to Chris Thornton Jr. (vocals), Peer Frentzke (Guitar) and Jan-Heie Erchinger. They were in pretty exalted company and stood the test and how.

Hats off to the organisers to for suggesting this twist and all credit to CH for being prepared to go with the flow. They looked like they were having a mess of fun and so did those of us watching.

German forum members - he is touring now. Catch him while you can. You won't be disappointed