What a remarkable body of work Sir Edmund Kuepper has produced since forming The Saints way back when. Tonight was another unique performance and thoroughly enjoyable. Alongside the brilliant Jeffrey Wegener (the original Saints drummer and Laughing Clowns mainstay) and imposing Peter Oxley (bassist from The Sunnyboys), Ed was in electric guitar mode, rocking the Corner Hotel with both recent and past highlights. He looked energised to boot, leaner and full of intent, whirling about the stage and wieldng his axe.

It was a relaxed and warm vibe to accompany this balmy evening and we were treated to extended and gloriously ragged versions of La Di Doh, Little Fiddle, Laughing Clowns and Messin' Pt 2. These stripped-down offerings were barely recognisable in parts, devoid of course of the multi-instrumentation Ed usually employs.

By the time the instantly recognisable building intro to Honey Steel's Gold rolled around, it was clear we were blessed to be witnessing a consummate performer in great form. It was the kind of show that could have continued for at least another hour, such was the mood in the room and the knowledge that Kuepper has such an extensive back catalogue to draw from.

He finished the regular set with two Laughing Clowns classics, Collapse Board (and gave that a 10-minute full-throttle workout) and Eternally Yours. After a short break, the veteran trio returned to encore with Ed's stunning The Way I Made You Feel as a farewell.

Review by E J Cartledge

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