St George's Church was the perfect venue for Benjamin Clementine, who performed with the joy and openness of a gospel singer.

Although often melancholic, the Mercury Prize winner’s songs were delivered with such a genuine smile and underlying warmth that they filled the listener with positivity.

His staggering vocal range was a bit like a skilful child flying a kite: you felt free, then lifted up and down, and his voice and piano were so perfectly coupled they became one.

Like all great art his music did not chatter but spoke: There was quiet, then a building of atmosphere, the rolling of the piano at times almost a percussion instrument, at times almost virtuoso classical, and yet with the soul and musicality of Nina Simone.

With Won't Complain one could feel the integrity of the lyrics and the joy of his singing coursing through your body.

When he spoke to the audience (who knew they were witnessing something special) it was with the voice of a church mouse – again, a lovely contrast to the power of his singing.

After a frenzied standing ovation he played the haunting London, then the Nick Drake song, River Man, one of the few people to do this song true justice.

The audience was transported.

Five stars