Sara Petite duly arrived with her superb band of Rick Wilkins on electric guitar and backing vocals, Wade Maurer on bass and John Kuhlken on drums. Sara has a hugely appealing, self-deprecating personality that matches her heart-on-sleeve, tell it like it is descriptive songs. The weighting at this gig was naturally on the side of her new album, DOGHOUSE ROSE, which is currently in perpetual motion on my c.d player! Her voice is reminiscent of Carrie Rodriguez or Nanci Griffith with its lovely twang and ability to wrest every last drop of emotion out of every word. The big difference is that many of her songs are confessional and in some cases are about subjects that can be a little edgy. Without exception they draw you into the real life tales, almost enabling you to feel and certainly to sympathise with what the song's subject must be feeling. An excellent example is The Secret, a tale of illicit love that no young female would want her mother to know about, although Sara's obviously does now! Dead Man Walking can sound quite harrowing with its imagery of a violent end to life and with its big sound giving it an almost epic feel of hopelessness; a classic in waiting? Imagery is probably what makes her stand so far out from the crowd, with her songs painting pictures and emotions that very few can match. There is considerable humour as well, with her between songs patter making her seem more like 'the girl next door' who is telling stories to her close friends. Every song was a highlight, be it the put down of Doghouse Rose, the self-explanatory Moonshine or the beautiful heart rending tribute to her grandfather Flying In Our Dreams.

Sara is an incredibly gifted artist Who defines what country music should be. No frills, no gloss, great songs. great singing and great playing. One of the best gigs of this century so far.