When you hear Jont play live, you can understand why the "Unlit" gigs work so well for his music.

On stage he comes across as someone who really values his connection with the audience and he acts as if he has just "come along to play a few tunes" rather than give a "performance", which, in such small venues, is really a gift.

Accompanied by Ed Hogston from The Visitors on pedal steel, Jont showcased songs from his album, Supernatural, as well as some new material. Those songs that stood out included Don't Waste All Your Tears, Follow My Heart, Supernatural and Hotel Telephone, to name a few.

It is a cliche, but his songs are the sort that paint pictures in your head, and with Ed's pedal steel playing (which he made look unbelievably easy), both managed to create a wide, expansive sound in the room. Jont has an unusual voice too, with shades of Bruce Springsteen here and there at times, and it is certainly very powerful.

In between songs, he was chatty and witty and shared his stories on songwriting (especially writing at unsociable hours of the morning), "connections to the Cosmos" and US TV Cop shows. The latter was a talking point because one of his songs had just been picked up for use in a US detective drama.

Jont's description of the Unlit gigs as "a travelling house party, gig thing" is about right. You got the feeling he had a great time singing, and the audience had a great time listening. There was a real friendly atmosphere in the packed room, and as the set drew to a close, he thanked us all for coming, adding "it was nice to meet you all."

Copyright Kate Steaggles, February 2009

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