I had initially thought that Siskin had replaced David Saw on the menu and continued to think so when Ben Taylor arrived on stage with his three band members (playing guitar, bass and percussion). But then my suspicions were aroused with the seated guitarist just a few feet away from me. Could it be that Saw was in fact part of the band and along for the ride? My attention then focused on Taylor and the family resemblance was clear. He’s one tall, thin fella whose visual features were a cross between mum (Carly Simon) and dad (James Taylor). One song into the show and Taylor decided that shoes and socks weren’t necessary and made him feel uncomfortable. So off they came in well rehearsed fashion. Taylor’s performance style reminded me of his dad with each song arriving with a family story and introduction. It reminded me of a radio show where the links between chat and songs is so vital to get right. It was cute, arguably too cute - thinly disguised formality while trying to give the impression of easy, informality. There was a moment when Taylor invited the audience to stop by the merch stand on the way out and pay what they thought would be a fair price for CDs and whatever, in other words no fixed price. Clever since this older, folk-loving audience were bound to pay good bucks. To me it was another attempt to appear cool that didn’t quite come off.

Musically, Taylor has a very good voice that reminded me of his dad’s easy tones and wide range. In fact it was faultless and while I was not overly impressed listening to the new album’s songs, I felt live they were bestowed with a new, more interesting life. Very early in the piece Taylor introduced his band and sure enough my suspicions on who was David Saw were confirmed. Taylor went further in introducing Saw’s songs with the album title track ‘Broken Down Figure’ and ‘Buy My Record’ arriving very soon in the show. Saw impressed me with both his guitar playing and expressive vocal performance as he played songs that seemed better than Taylor’s; somewhat darker and more thoughtful. I think I would have been happier for Saw to have performed on his own, as main support, later joining Taylor for his set.

Criticisms aside, I really enjoyed the show and was sorry to have to leave a few minutes before its end to make the long 70 mile trek home. Taylor offered real value as an entertainer and performer, with a few songs hitting the bulls-eye fair and square. For me, music has always represented a journey of discovery and on this night I was rewarded with excellent new artists and music. I couldn’t really ask for more…