NASHVILLE singersongwriter, hit-maker and more, Beth Nielsen Chapman delighted the Sage audience with one of the most entertaining shows likely to take place there this year.

In fine voice, the good humoured and hugely talented Chapman enjoyed the support of her duo performing percussion, and guitar, slide, bass mandolin, and her special guest, Belfast’s Ruth Trimble, on keyboards, piano, guitar.

The opening act was Red Sky July.

By tying in what was going on her life at the time she wrote her new album, Uncovered, it was compelling listening.

Chapman’s love of life and generous praise of others radiated much warmth and was reciprocated by an audience in love with her music.

Chapman’s journey through life and music has seen its share of ups and downs, but on hearing her and band rip with songs Here We Are, Faith Hill, This Kiss and her wonderful fiddle-warmed country song Strong Enough To Bend, few would have thought it. BNC’s encore, Sand And Water, was written after her first husband died, and was something you wanted to hear again and again.

Maurice Hope