WALKING into Komedia was like stepping into a warm hug. Candles twinkled as Ethan Johns, a man who has worked with some of the biggest names in music, humbly stepped on to the stage, unaware of the awe that surrounded him.

His set started off with a few acoustic songs, his soft vocals reminiscent of Van Morrison and Neil Young.

Occasionally he swapped to an electric guitar and drum machine, and at one point even a handheld pump organ.

His songs were philosophical and spiritual with an American blues and gospel influence running through them. They were at times bleak, but still depicted ineffable wonder at the beauty of life.

His sound was quite rough and raw, not the slickness you might expect from a world-renowned producer, but it just highlighted his unashamed raconteur nature.

Ethan Johns presented himself as a genuinely charming guy, funny at times and heart-warming at others, such as when he talked proudly about his father.

A truly skilled songwriter, his set was poetic and intelligent, captivating and thought-provoking.