More laughter when she explained she wasn’t a great harmonica player, another story, and another heartbreaking song in ‘I Need You Love’ with Beth now playing the Bazouki, followed by the mesmerising love ballad ‘I’ll Give My Heart’ with her at the keyboards, and which reminded me of those classic American standards, and was just as good.

Stories about touring the locality, an introduction to her Cardiff-based producer who appeared to accompany her on guitar, a traditional Gaelic song sung in Welsh, followed by her song from the movie WHERE THE HEART IS called ‘Shake My Soul.’ Beth then played new song ‘Shadows’, a contemplative beauty if ever there was one before dived into her back-catalogue with ‘Free.’ Then ‘This Kiss’, the huge hit and Grammy-nominated song that she wrote for Faith Hill, closed the show.

Well nearly… An encore was demanded in the strongest possible terms by the largely elderly audience. Beth returned to the stage alone asking the audience what they wanted to hear. ‘Emily’ won the vote and was delivered in impeccable style. She was then joined on stage by her two supporting players to deliver three more songs including ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Happy Girl.’

I have covered many hundreds of concerts over a period of twelve years, but very few have left an indelible mark; that will remain with me for an eternity. This show, performed in a wonderful Welsh coastal theatre, with the icy Irish Sea as its intimate neighbour, was one such show. The set list was inspired and as it comprised of most of the songs from the new album, BACK TO LOVE, with a few from SAND AND WATER, I’ll be able to relive the show many times. Beth Nielsen Chapman is the consummate singer/songwriter and effectively, comprehensively and honestly took us all on a musical journey through the highs and lows of her life, with wit, sincerity and supreme skill. I was deeply moved and mightily entertained. My expectations were set high, but after witnessing the show I realised that they were set way too low. It wasn’t Snowden Beth had climbed that night, it was the highest peaks of Everest, and I feel privileged to have shared the climb with her.

Setlist

More Than Love, Hallelujah, Sand And Water, Happiness, How We Love, I Can See You Loving Me, I Need Your Love, I’ll Give My Heart, Gaelic Song, Free, Shake My Soul, This Kiss, Emily, Amazing Grace, Happy Girl, Every December Sky.