IT was a civilised sit-down affair for performers and listeners alike, but hardly a tame one. For flanking the Irish-born singer were two of the most ardent musicians on the modern folk scene, John McCusker performing mostly on fiddle, Boo Hewerdine on guitar.

All have played the city before, but not as a threesome. Currently they're on tour together to showcase Talbot's album The Last Star, featuring songs of her own and co-writes.

Like Kate Rusby, she sometimes fits new words to an old tune, while a couple of tunes came from McCusker. The samples presented, such as the title ballad, had an agreeably traditional feel.

Talbot gave us the story line of The Shepherd Lad in advance, and very spicy it was. In a pause between numbers, she also updated us on the long-running saga of the Italian fan to whom her mother responded on her behalf, with a rather too friendly message.

The two sets included covers like Tim O'Brien's Music Tree: our first inducement to join in. Later, the chorus of Sally Brown provided another, following a request number where the blonde singer sounded at her most lyrical.

At one point John McCusker's fiddle claimed the limelight with Christchurch – a melody deriving from one of The Dubliners – and a reel guaranteed to set the feet tapping.

Boo Hewerdine, well established as a songwriter, chipped in with several vocal solos. We heard the poignant Cherokee Rose and a hit that he'd penned for Eddi Reader. Harvest Gipsies drew one of the night's biggest hands.

After his New Year's Eve, the trio's finale brought calls for more. Sandy Denny's little known At The End Of The Day offered a fine vehicle for Talbot's unaffected charm and artistry.

Peter Palmer