91Èȱ¬

The arts centre wasn't packed for this gig, but that didn't calm the sense of eager anticipation among the crowd for Catherine Feeny's home-coming gig.

There was a slightly older turnout, possibly showing that the American singer-songwriter could get the recognition that similar acts miss out on.

Supported by an accomplished band, her style is melancholic and folk-tinged. Her voice is perfect for the songs she sings. The heartfelt lyrics are given extra weight by her vocal style – melodic but not too sickly-sweet.

The songs are confessional but believable and when sung live the whole package comes together with impressive results. She seems to be the type of artist who thrives on live performances.

The Norwich stop on Catherine's UK tour

91Èȱ¬ show

This Norwich date was factored into her UK tour, and it seemed Catherine was happy to be on familiar territory.

"This is my home town," declared the singer, who moved here from Los Angeles a few years ago to work with local producer Sebastian Rogers and ended up staying to record most of her album, Hurricane Glass, at The Mill in Winfarthing, near Diss.

Her album has been re-released on EMI this year after a limited run on a different label, and she played most of its tracks – each as strong as the last.

She even threw in some new material and, going on one listen, it sounded strong enough to indicate that she could be returning to a gig venue near you soon.

Gig highlight

One of the highlights was new single, Mr Blue. With its lilting horns backed up with mandolin, it is slightly reminiscent of an ELO track.

Catherine is working on her new album

It was featured on the Hollywood movie Running With Scissors' soundtrack and has been picked up by several national radio stations, so you should hear a lot of this track in the coming weeks.

The consensus as people left was that Catherine Feeny's performance was worth a Tuesday night out. Hurricane Glass proved to be one her most popular songs – probably why she left it until last to play it!

Although there is a glut of female singer-songwriters - from the sublime to the ridiculous - there seems to be room for Catherine Feeny within the genre. Luckily for her – and for us – she fits in closer to the sublime end!

Catherine Feeny played Norwich Arts Centre on Tuesday, 4 September, 2007.