The Argus: Brighton Festival 2012

When you're paying tribute to a talent like the late Gil Scott-Heron, it requires something a little different.

And that's certainly what was provided by this Brighton Festival show, combining readings of the pioneer proto-rapper's poetry and new memoir The Last Holiday with excellent video clips and live performance.

Scott-Heron died last May, and it was clear from his long-time publisher Jamie Byng that he is much missed.

After eulogising the songwriter and poet's talents, he gave tantalisingly brief insights into the man himself, from his late-night phone calls to his reaction to his later years in prison as a "drag".

Byng was also behind some of the best video clips on the night, recorded in an intimate setting while Scott-Heron was on his final tour. The white-bearded singer-songwriter, with his cap pulled firmly over his eyes, held court with his philosophies and played stripped-back versions of Winter In America and The Other Side on his Rhodes piano.

Almost as good were Barry Adamson's contributions, reworking tracks from Scott-Heron's final album with the help of a boom box, acoustic guitarist and a variety of vocal effects.

Poet Salena Godden's tribute was slight but appropriate - a personal poem referencing classic Scott-Heron lyrics and song titles.

But while host Lemn Sissay began the night well with a brilliant reading of B Movie, he slightly spoilt the atmosphere with overlong introductions, needless interjections (Chuck D was in Public Enemy in case anyone at a Gil Scott-Heron tribute night didn't know) and a slightly cloying overeagerness to whip the audience into a frenzy.