The Free Candy Session @ Liquid Ship

The Free Candy Sessions put on performers three nights a week: it is unfair to review any single night as typical - and as most of the performers are still honing their skills, it is unreasonable to expect too much polish. Both acts - Jon Roniger from the States and Glasgow's Crawford Smith - rely on strummed acoustic guitar to accompany their original compositions. Smith's bursts of martial rhythm and sly introductions belie his fey love songs, while Roniger's two guitar attack allowed him to carve delicate melodies behind his high voice. Despite a grasp of subtle melody, Roniger's political songs are so weak that they undermine the liberal cause that they represent. Smith's strengths would be better served in the reworking of other songs. Strange to say, less originality for both artists would increase their charm. But the Liquid Ship is an intimate and delightful venue, and the Free Candy Sessions should be congratulated for its persistent support of rising acoustic talent. [Gareth K Vile]