Music: Stephen Fretwell

“Has anyone ever been to Withenshaw?” asks Stephen Fretwell. “Well, this one’s based on a Withenshaw bossa nova. It’s called "Dead."”

Stephen Fretwell is of a dying breed of singer/songwriter. Sporting a haircut and a new suit (“My mum bought me this, in case you’re wondering”), he spends the first half hour of his set onstage alone with his guitar, a tactic which commands the attention of the whole room. Big hitters like "Run" and "Emily" take on a spine-tingling intimacy when stripped back, while his often hilarious between-song banter keeps the mood from slipping into melancholy.

When joined by his band, his playful side shines, as does his startling new material. But it’s Fretwell’s refreshingly old school approach to performance that really thrills tonight. A genuine talent creating simply beautiful music is increasingly rare, and that is why Fretwell should be treasured.

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