When the first song is called Looking For James Joyce’s Grave, you know you are in for a literary evening.

Andy White is a 21st-century troubadour from Belfast, who sits comfortably in the erudite political tradition of the Irish balladeer.

The small crowd contained some hardcore fans who shouted requests, sang along and lapped up both sets.

There were no drum machines or fancy looping for White, who relies on the quality of his songs. And he has good reason to do so. Everyone’s In Love from his latest album How Things Are was simply beautiful. White writes a fine lyric that constantly draws you in. His melodies are infectious and his guitar playing unpretentious while creating a variety of backdrops for his honest and effortless vocal.

Whether playing to a packed Italian crowd under the impression that he is a member of Bruce Springsteen’s backing band or a scattered few on a cold wet Monday at The Greys, his enthusiasm for and commitment to his material is a delight.

Tom Locke, February 2014