Sunjay Brayne

It was an extraordinary night at Jurassic Folk at the Grove, Seaton, on Wednesday, May 2, with two major and highly contrasting performers entertaining a highly appreciative crowd.

Big Al Whittle

Starting off there was Big Al Whittle, who is big in every sense, with his individual and uproariously funny songs, such as Buster, the Line Dancing Dog.

One listener wrote afterwards “ ..my first really good laugh in a while, Al. Thank you very much..”

Big Al is a seasoned entertainer and is probably three times the age of the main guest of the evening, Sunjay Brayne, who’s tender age of just 18 belies the maturity of his guitar playing and singing.

His genre may largely fall within the “blues” category, with his powerful, resonant guitar accompanying songs with strong lyrics and evocative story lines, and if he is as good as this at 18, the mind boggles at what he might achieve as he develops.

The weekend after appearing at Jurassic Folk, he went on the win the Young Performers Award at the prestigious Wath Festival in South Yorkshire, and is clearly someone to watch for the future.

The next Jurassic Folk Guest Night is on Wednesday, June 6, with another brilliant young musician and singer, Jess Morgan, but before that is the monthly singers night on Wednesday May 16.

As always, this is free admission and performers of any type are most welcome but best phone first to reserve a spot. It all starts at 7.45pm at the Grove, Seaton, and more info is available from 01297 20064 or visit www.midweekherald.co.uk and click on the link.

Peter Arnold