LET'S make it clear from the start. This is a review of a Ryan Adams gig. No, not Bryan ... he's the Canadian rocker who did Summer of 69 and the Everything I Do theme song from the Robin Hood film that was number one for 16 weeks in 1991.

He's the guy that plays (and sells out) the big arena venues rather than the Civic. Bryan's good, very good ... but Ryan Adams is different class and not to be confused with his near namesake in any way, as he proved to a packed Civic Hall on Saturday night.

It irritates me (and him, apparently) when people confuse Ryan with Bryan because the the 40-year-old from Jacksonville, North Carolina, deserves recognition in his own right as one of the most talented singer songwriters around.

Throughout his set, Adams displayed his class and undoubted talent, letting his music speak for itself. There was no flashy light show to distract the attention - Adams suffers from Meniere's Disease, a disorder of the inner ear, and bright flickering lights can trigger vertigo episodes.

The relatively subdued stage lighting did not detract from the show one iota and in fact added to the intimate bar room atmosphere.

Adam's kicked of his set with a rousing version of Give Me Something Good from his latest album, a song which set the standard for the rest of the gig. His versatility was illustrated by a stunning solo acoustic version of Winding Wheel which earned tumultuous applause from an appreciative audience.

Adams can rock with the best of them but his real forte is the heartachingly beautiful, tear jerking ballad of love and loss. Such songs provided the evening's highlights.

La Cienega Just Smiled might just be the most beautiful song ever written and his live version was simply unforgettable.

I Love You But I Don't Know What To Say, Stars Go Blue, Oh My Sweet Carolina and Come Pick Me Up will also live long in the memory.

For the latter two songs Adams was joined on stage by the up-and-coming Natalie Prass who provided vocal accompaniment.

Prass also opened the gig with her own impressive set and Adam's paid her the compliment of covering one of her songs, Your Fool.

A great evening of high quality music at a much loved venue. Perfect.

GKH