An acoustic gig very often proves to be a very special event. By the very nature of having just one man and a guitar on stage the whole evening becomes a much more intimate affair than the more normal full band shows. By stripping songs back to their most basic essence it becomes obvious whether a piece of music is a true work of art or simply musical bluster hidden behind overblown production and studio trickery.

In the case of Mitch Malloy at The Archer, the gig was indeed truly special and the material proved equally as good in the acoustic format as they are in the recorded versions available. From the opening bars of 'You Lift Me', taken from the 2001 studio album 'Shine', it was more than obvious that the small crowd was in for a treat. Malloy has a voice that many more celebrated vocalists would die for. Powerful, yet soulful, his vocals excelled whether on up-tempo numbers, ballads or the occasional bluesy number thrown into the set.

The second track of the night, 'Cowboy & The Ballerina', in its electric form is one of the best tracks Malloy has ever laid down, and laid bare acoustically it proved equally compelling listening, chocked full of hooks and a melody that was instantly infectious. As with a large portion of tonight's set, 'Cowboy & The Ballerina' appeared on Malloy's self titled debut album and it was the remainder of songs aired from that album which were greeted most enthusiastically by those in attendance 'Forever', Nobody Wins In This War & 'Stranded In The Middle Of Nowhere' were all served up and delivered with assured aplomb. However, of all the songs from the debut album, the highlight proved to be the bluesy 'Over The Water' which melded a superb vocal delivery with some very neat guitar licks.

Rounding out the set Malloy showcased tracks from the aforementioned 'Shine' album and the title track from the 'Ceilings & Walls' release, as well as throwing in a Bonnie Raitt number in the shape of 'I Can't Make You Love Me' from her 1991 album 'Luck Of The Draw'. Malloy did full justice, to what is a beautiful song, delivering the heartfelt lyrics with a deep emotion.

Malloy however, as with any consummate live performer, kept the best till last. After a short time offstage, and with loud applause and cheers ringing round the venue he returned to the small stage to offer up, allegedly for the first time in public, his version of the Journey classic 'Open Arms'  taken from the 'Escape' album. Now as most people who are fans of the AOR/melodic rock scene will admit Steve Perry has one of the greatest voices ever to be committed to record. For Malloy to attempt, never mind succeed, in performing such a song is brave to say the least, however succeed he did quite magnificently. Only one song could have topped that, and with the classic 'Anything At All' , complimented with full audience participation, Malloy finally said goodnight on the highest note possible.

Whilst it is a shame that artists, of the calibre of Mitch Malloy, do not receive the recognition they deserve, all those in attendance tonight were treated to a performance right out of the top draw. For fans of the man they got exactly what they wanted and more besides, while for the other punters dragged along with us, it was an eye opening event proving that top quality music is waiting out there to be found, if only you care to take a closer look.

Hopefully Malloy will return again in the not too distant future and should you happen to see his name pop up at a venue near, or even far, from you do yourself a favour and get along. It is something you will not regret.

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