Johnny Flynn

Johnny Flynn has been patronisingly labelled as 'the poster boy of nu-folk', detracting from the fact that he is unquestionably a leading force in British songwriting. Sure, he may not have the mainstream success of the likes of Laura Marling or Mumford & Sons, but what he does have in abundance is an extraordinary way with words and a subtlety that is arguably lacking in his peers.

Having taken some time off since touring his second album to perform in a West End Production and start a family, Flynn made his comeback on Saturday night in a special one-off performance in the grand setting of St Mary's Church. Shuffling on the stage in his typically unassuming manner, he made no secret of his nerves. However, with the likes of 'The Box' and 'Lost And Found' unveiled early on the set it was nigh on impossible to not fall under his spell. On this kind of form, there really was nothing whatsoever to be nervous about.

Despite his timid demeanour when in conversation with the audience, there is a real power to Flynn's voice, which was noticeably evident during a spellbinding performance of 'Brown Trout Blues', which left the audience in a stunned silence - the kind of performance that raises the hairs on the back of your neck (if you have any, that is) and truly makes you wonder just what more he has to do to reach a wider audience.

Although he's obviously busy during his time off, there's still been time to write some new songs, one of which was reluctantly revealed as "a song which might end up being called 'The Lady Is Risen'." Despite having to pause mid-song to regain his composure, it proved to be a real highlight of the set with a gorgeous vocal delivery and irresistible melody. If the rest of his new material sounds anything like this, there is absolutely no doubt that album number three is going to be a very big deal indeed.

Ending his set with thrilling renditions of 'Tickle Me Pink' and the bizarrely titled 'Wayne Rooney', both of which received a standing ovation, Johnny Flynn proved beyond any shadow of a doubt that he is one of the very few modern day voices that really need to be heard. One suspects that he's quite happy playing these intimate settings rather than larger shows, but on tonight's evidence, quite why he is still not a household name remains one of life’s great mysteries.

FUTURE GIGS

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