Thanks to Colin Hall of What's On In London and Get Rhythm for this review

Tams' gift as a singer/songwriter is legend. Barry Coope's reputation with Folk supergroup Blue Murder and as a member of the acapella virtuosos Coope, Boyes and Simpson is equally formidable. Few who attended their sold out gig at the Fishpond could have anticipated the evening would be so special. Tams is a man who has paid his dues, honed his craft and still has plenty to say. His partnership with Coope is pure delight - their superbly paced set takes the audience on a memorable and wondrous journey as they present a thrilling and at times extremely humorous and ultimately moving testament to the riches of England's popular musical heritage. In the current Folk scene it's easy to dismiss the English tradition as the poor cousin to the vibrancy of Celtic music - an evening with Tams and Coope waves no national flag but it does redress the balance.

Tapping into traditional material and Tams' own great body of work the duo also pulled in songs from John B Spencer - a contemporary of Tams - together with a wonderfully delivered monologue from Marriott Edgar and a poem by John Clare. In between Tams' introductions to the songs, tales from his own life and his wry comments on topical events were entertaining and humorous. The audience at the Fishpond - like that in Nettlebed not so long ago - were rapt and there was much friendly between song banter and no hesitation in joining in when vocal participation was requested. Throughout Tams is wonderfully supported by Barry Coope whose masterful, understated keyboard and harmony vocals add depth and resonance to the narrative drive and melodic heart of each song.

It runs against the success of the evening to pick out highlights - such was the excellence of Tams and Coope's performance throughout but their versions of Tams' award-winning song 'Harry Stone' and John B. Spencer's 'Cruising On A Saturday Night' were utterly spellbinding. It is incredible to reflect therefore that Tams could resist including songs from his superb new album - 'Home' - in the set. Surely there must be place here for the excellent 'Right On Line' and 'Hugh Stenson & Molly Green'? Songs this good deserve to be heard.

The thunderous applause that erupted at the end of their last song ensured that Tams and Coope could not leave without an encore. And so the evening finished with everyone joining in on 'Rolling Home', which - given half the chance - would have continued until dawn! Such nights are rare - they should be bottled and made available on the National Health.