"WE love you Donovan" screams a less than sober Geordie and the whisper-soft drift of the great singer-songwriter halts momentarily to acknowledge he has a half-full hall of support out there.

The 59-year-old has chosen this tour to discuss his career and the event opens with black and white footage of the young elfin-like sixties performer complete with CND badge and hippy lifestyle.

He's also a proud father and allows middle daughter Astrella Celeste to occupy the first half-hour supported by Kevin Hunter (guitar) and Joe Atkinson (keyboards).

The family resemblance and voice are there but she still lacks the showmanship of dear old dad. The man born Donovan Phillips Leitch steps out into the spotlight with little ceremony and soon the hooked-on harmonica and green-faced guitar take us for a stroll down memory lane.

Perhaps the introduction style of the Beat Caf - the title of his latest album - performance poet grates a little but this is a master songsmith who can turn even the most unpromising material into time-suspending entertainment.

So we sing along with the glorious Colours, Universal Soldier and Catch The Wind and hear references to Buffy Sainte-Marie, Joan Baez, the Beatles and the city's own Animals.

It's been said that Donovan's career reflects the history of 20th century pop music, but it appears he has a little more to say in the 21st.

* Donovan's Beat Caf tour plays York's Grand Opera House on June 4. Box office: 0870 6063595.

Published: 26/05/2005