****

The venue was packed for this return visit of Canadian singer-songwriter Ben Caplan and his band The Casual Smokers.

From the upbeat Birds With Broken Wings to the more country I Got Me A Woman to the soulful 40 Days And 40 Nights, the band refuse to be pigeon-holed.

Folk, jazz, vaudeville – the line-up featured acoustic guitar, piano, melodica and double bass, and not a Fender Stratocaster or Gibson Les Paul in sight.

With his massive beard, Caplan is a striking presence onstage, with his raspy lyrics contrasting and complementing the silky tones of fellow vocalist Taryn Kawaya.

The only shame was that the venue was too cramped to get a clear view of the band – a testament to their ability to pull in a crowd whenever they play.

For the first encore, Caplan took to the stage alone for a piano solo that showcased his remarkably rich vocals before being joined by the rest of the band for a rousing finale.

This a bunch of musicians who sparkle live. Looking forward to seeing them at a larger venue.