"I'd heard a lot of reports about this act. The first unusual thing was that they were all extraordinarily good. However, far more unusual than this was the sheer range of people from whom I'd continually receive these glowing reports. From the most fresh-faced youth to the most ingrained old blues fanatics, the reports were always good. Not only that but they were delivered with a genuine sense of excitement… every time!! Then I hear that the line up for Alistair's band includes not only Nigel Davies Patrick (only one of the finest bass players I've ever heard!), but also Nigel Rippon, front man and lead guitarist from the psychedelic underground rock band 'Stone Cold'…? Not only that but Mr Rippon is not to play guitar… oh no… but electric Cello!! Indeed if I hadn't been so intrigued to find out what on earth was going on and what all the fuss was about, there is little chance if any that I'd have ventured out at all on the night that I did. It was wet, it was dark and it was horrible by the time I eventually arrived at the Edge of the Wedge on Albert Road, Southsea for the weekly 'Acoustic night'.

By the time Alistair's band came on I'd overheard various excited conversations around the small bar including the table next to me. They'd travelled all the way down from Reading just to catch his 40 minute set. I'd also heard some stunning original music from 'Maria' and some classic covers from 'Greg Lines', the first two acts. The night seems well organised with both acts being clearly very talented and not for the weak hearted to follow on stage. Then Alistair took to the stage. It's difficult toknow where to start. Perhaps I should begin by saying that it took me no time whatsoever to see where all the excitement about this act has come from. Alistair's guitar work is impeccable and his vocal melodies are both controlled and powerful. Add to this the outstanding Bass work of Nigel Davies-Patrick and the unlikely electric Cello of Nigel Rippon and you have one of the biggest sounds ever to come from what is basically an acoustic act. When they are joined on stage by percussionist Paul Booth (on an instrument that looks like a wooden box and sounds like a drum kit!) and saxophonist and backing vocalist 'Josie' all musical hell seems to break loose. They are simply jaw-hangingly, gob-smackingly good. Understand that no usual words can describe them.

Alistair has a unique and wholly original talent. His live performances are now creating a serious stir in the music scene and generating a dedicated following wherever and whenever he performs. His exceptional gift has attracted the collaboration of some of the finest up and coming musicians to create a sound that is extraordinarily rounded and full. There is little doubt that he is destined for greater things.

I felt my musical journey into a new 'unknown' was over all too soon and as I stumbled out into the continuous rain I realised that if it were ever possible to have a rainbow at night then I may well have just visited its end."

Music Eye Magazine