Celloman, Forest Arts, New Milton

A STANDING ovation was the normally sedate Forest Arts audience's reaction to an extraordinary concert.

Playing an electric cello with bow, fingers and a lot of soul, Ivan Hussey (the Celloman) delighted the packed crowd with his unusual, eclectic and haunting sounds.

Supported by four excellent musicians on electric violin, percussion, bass and drums, the cello wove through a mesmerising mix of musical cultures - blending Western some classical melodies with north African and Middle Eastern colours and nuances, underpinned by a tight and funky 4/4 rhythm section.