Drums, three electric guitars and a diatonic accordion. It can only be a folk rock concert.

To be fair, there were more traditional instruments on display when the Phil Beer band showcased a night of mainly cover versions at Rugby Roots.

There were songs written by Bruce Springsteen, Richard Thompson, Steve Earle and a delicious pared-back rendition of Paul Simon's Still Crazy After All These Years.

The musicians were clearly having fun though some of the covers packed more of a punch than others.

A thrilling encore saw support act, singer songwriter Tom Palmer, back on stage for a tub-thumping finale, That Thing. What an interesting voice he's got and it added something special to an impressive line-up.

I have to say that Phil Beer in acoustic mode would always be my first choice, but it was great to see him having so much fun with a talented band of musicians - and the guitar solos were stunning.

Next up at Rugby Roots is the acclaimed Martyn Joseph on March 15 when he will not only play songs from his back catalogue but answer questions from the audience.

q www.rugbyroots.co.uk

John Howes

Verdict: Folk rock lives on