A TEAROOM in the centre of Kirkby Stephen seemed an odd venue for me to see my first gig by The Strawbs, a band I admired in the 1970s but which I had never previously caught live, writes Andrew Thomas.

Around 70 people packed into candlelit Rattan and Rush, owned by Penny Milligan and her partner Paul Rocke, who first started putting on concerts there around ten years ago.

I have to say the intimate venue worked, particularly for a band like The Strawbs where much of the interest lies in the detail be it intricate guitarwork or lead singer Dave Cousins's imaginative lyrics.

It was a filthy, rain-drenched night outside Cousins remarked that the band did not play too many northern gigs and the "permafrost" they had discovered as they arrived in the Eden town was one reason why not but, inside, the atmosphere was warm and cosy.

The Strawbs enjoyed their biggest commercial success in the early 1970s, with single hits like Lay Down and Part Of The Union and albums like Ghosts, Hero and Heroine and Bursting At The Seams, the latter of which was only kept off the top spot by Elton John's Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only The Piano Player.

The acoustic set kicked off with the hymnal Benedictus, with Dave and guitarists Dave Lambert and Chas Cronk harmonising effectively on the chorus.

The mystical Witchwood followed, along with the lovely Shine On Silver Sun. Of the latter, Cousins remarked that it entered the singles charts at number 32, the band appeared on Top of the Pops to promote it and the song promptly plummeted out of the charts, one of the reasons the group did not then play it live for 25 years.

Other highlights of a very strong first half were Cold Steel from the band's new album Deja Fou, and the Autumn suite, featuring some excellent guitarwork from Lambert and the catchy, melodic chorus of The Winter Long.

The second set seemed more folky' and included renditions of Tears and Pavan, Blue Angel and Grace Darling.

Highlights of the second half for me were Ghosts, a real progressive folk-rock song; the simplicity of If (another new song); and, of course, the superb Lay Me Down, which featured an a cappella opening. This is one of those songs which it would be hard to improve it made number 12 in the UK charts but should have gone higher.

The Strawbs might not be household names anymore but it's always a pleasure to witness such a talented outfit. It's also good to know that, with live performances like this, and a decent album just out, they are still playing some excellent music.

The next gig being promoted by The Acoustic Tearoom Promotions is Brian Willoughby and Cathryn Craig at The Penrith Playhouse on October 28. For more details, contact 017683 72123.