While The Hur present as a band eager to impress and grow their reputation as an energetic live act, the follow up performance by Hugh Kearns is as understated as talent can get. The gifted multi-instrumentalist and songwriter delivers his music with a calm confidence that is often portrayed by more mature artists. Beginning his set as a bluesy one-man-band, it's the introduction of his sister, Lily, on guitar and vocals that allows him to step up to the piano and really showcase the strength of his songwriting. The honky tonk and jazz elements of his playing shine through here, giving his songs an authentic country flavour and exhibiting a scholastic appreciation for roots music that should be embraced by Americana audiences everywhere. His choice of cover, John Prine's Angel From Montgomery, tells you the kind of songwriter Hugh Kearns aspires to be, and performances like tonight 's suggest he's on the right path.
