THERE was a sparse crowd at Fibbers last night. The balmy summer evening must have kept most people away.

But not me. When I knew who was singing that night, I made it my business to be there. Supporting the Dan Webster Band alongside Just Jon, it was the solo artist Jessie Gardham I had come to hear.

When I first encountered Jessie some months ago, I was blown away. As a solo artist with nothing but her guitar, Jessie creates a beautiful ambience with her soulful and soul-searching songs.

She is thoughtful and cheeky, reflective and cocky. Her self-penned autobiographical laments on life are never self indulgent, she is never the victim; Jessie's style of soul is much deeper than that.

Opening with the melodic and luminescent Ocean Eyes, Jessie's voice portrays a woman much older than she is. Her songs speak of a wisdom only learned through her personal voyage.

After only one listening you feel as if you have known them years, you are able to follow the lyrics.

You could liken her to Tracy Chapman in style and, indeed, Jessie covered her most famous song Talking 'Bout A Revolution.

Finishing with her favourite, Patience, Jessie had clearly enjoyed her performance almost as much as we had.

Check the listings and next time she is playing you must catch this unique talent.

Updated: 12:04 Wednesday, July 16, 2003