The packed crowd was standing, desperate to catch even the merest glimpse, for she was not easy to see on the low stage.

The vocal rang sweet but had a kick, even though it was not always clear to pick out the lyric.

She was Samantha Crain from Shawnee, Oklahoma, and she was utterly compelling.

Outside The Pale, from her latest album Under Branch & Thorn & Tree, stuck it to the man; Crane is both feet in, she has something to say and with a passionate voice to say it.

Kathleen, another stand out track, was delivered with love and tenderness, as if each line were a new born baby.

Backed by an additional steel string guitar and occasional backing vocal, Crain's voice sailed through a resonate warm acoustic sound.

The lady could play too; when solo for Elk City her guitar was there alongside the voice, not trailing behind.

Crane is at home on stage with a talent to back up her confidence. This was the last date of a UK tour and at 29 Crane has toured for 11 years, including support for Buffy Sainte-Marie.

If she is not quite the finished article she very soon will be.

Four stars