TEXAS-BASED Americana legendary producer and top-notch musician Gurf Morlix brought his earthy fare to Newcastle’s Jumpin’ Hot Club and, while people in close proximity partied, Morlix was singing about death, murder and revenge.

Forever pressing forward with his music and stories, Morlix, playing acoustic guitar (some superb finger-picking included) and porch board bass, his restless style of music came at you from all angles.

Gritty, wholesome and honest, his rough-edged tones accompanied by countless stories – some of his late friend, Blaze Foley, held the attention of the audience.

Having gained greater confidence as a performer, and with his current album, Last Exit To Happyland, likewise raising the bar, I came expecting a fantastic night and didn’t go home disappointed.

Not only did we have his own songs – One More Second, Drums Of New Orleans, Crossroads, and the requested, humour-filled, Your Sister – but also Foley’s Wouldn’t That Be Nice and a spellbinding version of Marty Robbins’ They’re Hangin’ Me Tonight!

Unlike previous shows I have seen by Gurf, this time he did not close with Dylan’s With God On My Side, but with a soulful version of Blind Boys Of Alabama’s The Last Time.

Canadian act Don Brownrigg, with a fine, mature tone and songs to match, did all and more as the opening act. As for Morlix, he enriched the lives of all present as he shared both his music and wisdom.

Maurice Hope