IF you head to The Sage Gateshead on Tuesday you'll be in the company of an artist who links The Earl Scruggs Review, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Ricky Skaggs, George Strait, The Everly Brothers, David Allan Coe and Rodney Crowell.

All have recorded songs written by Guy Clark. Having taught himself to play guitar, Clark moved from Texas to Los Angeles where he made dobros in the Dopyera Brother guitar factory and it was not until the 1970s, when he moved to Nashville with his wife, that he started pitching songs at the music industry.

His break came when Jerry Jeff Walker recorded LA Freeway and That Old Time Feelin' on his first album and recorded the classic Desperadoes Waiting For A Train. In 1975 Clark recorded his solo Old No 1 album to much acclaim and rave reviews.

However, later releases have never given him the chart placings that he has deserved in his own right. Accompanying Guy Clark on his tour is Jace Everett whose first self-titled album over here offers the listener a hard edge rocky feel to modern-style country music. It should be a great evening with a mix of music to suit a wide spectrum of tastes. Tickets: 0191-4434661