They say good things come to those who wait and after many years of trying we managed to get Steve Knightley to Mottram, and it really was worth the long wait. Mixing tracks from his two latest albums, The Winter Yards and Positively Folk Street, with a classic selection of Show of Hands material, he delivered an outstanding set of music. Every song had a meaning, a resonance and a back story which combined to create a truly memorable and joyous evening which was delivered to a sold out and spellbound audience.

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He opened with You'll Get By, followed by Remember This Kiss, Honey He's Lying and Brunton Town before he played a completely new song, It's Okay if it's a Folk Song. The sooner it's available the better. It should be a staple for every folk club singer in the country, though I doubt it would get played before 9pm on any radio station! The first half closed with a tremendous version of Girl from the North Country and Transactions, from his latest album.

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Suitably refreshed the second half opened with Roots, Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed (sadly more pertinent now than when it was written almost 20 years ago), and the Dive. Senior (Tales of Yankee Power) followed and I'll Never Forgive You for Helping Me. A frantic Gallway Farmer was followed by the magnificent The Rides (Winter Yards) and the mass sing along of the anthemic Cousin Jack. The encore of Country Life had the crowd on their feet and Steve left to a standing ovation. Another wonderful night at Mottram. It really doesn't get much better than this, musicianship of the highest quality such as this really was worth the wait!