His previous gig at the Arc Theatre, Trowbridge, had been Bluesy and strangely low key but, for me, no less enjoyable. As I approached the venue that some people class as my second home, I pondered what Ralph McTell would have in store second time around.

The stage set suggested something different. There was the expected seat which was surrounded by guitars, a mandolin and a banjo. The latter two had not taken to the stage with Ralph on his previous Arc appearance, but the difference lay to the left of this group, where there was an extra microphone and a lectern.

Before the entertainment came an explanation, during which Ralph McTell made me aware of a second string to his artistic bow, namely, I was about to be introduced to the work of Ralph McTell, the autobiographical author.

Yes, there would be music and song from our skilled guest, but tonight they would be given greater meaning through thoughtful linkage with family and personal events, chronicled in two volumes of memories and expounded on this Trowbridge stage often with emotionally charged humour.

This approach worked because it provided a glimpse of the man behind his music. It was equally an approach that provided an urge that would compel me to add more reading material to my growing collection. This multipurpose effect could be seen to be echoing and enhancing the meaning behind each carefully crafted brilliantly performed composition on offer tonight, my favourite of which was The Skipping Song.

Ralph McTell seemed particularly at ease, undoubtedly due to the nature of the evening. The excerpts chosen from the books were not only read but performed with a passion that made me feel as though I was meeting characters from another life.

At the end of the evening Ralph did a rare thing, he acknowledged his instruments, underlining the fact that, even for a soloist, any concert or public performance is a partnership.

Those expecting a rendition of Streets Of London were left expecting. In his previous performance at The Arc this acclaimed artiste had referred to this landmark as his blip', thereby providing a clue as to why it did not appear on the set list.

This was a most enjoyable evening of folk, with a difference.

Neill Cadmore