Eric Bibb, Fleming Park, Eastleigh

Aided by local musician Arnie Cottrell on slide guitar and mandolin, Australian singer/guitarist Rory Ellis warmed up the festival crowd with his powerful and gravelly bluesy voice, particularly effective on Dylan's Just Like A Woman.

Headliner Eric Bibb is superb. With a richly textured voice, crystal clear lyrics, and engaging stage presence, he ranges effortlessly through blues, country and gospel.

Backed by excellent keyboards, bass, and drums, Bibb sounded like the great Jim Croce on Shingle By Shingle, and the smooth Lionel Richie on the beautifully delicate Fly On By, Sweet Angel.

Traditional blues was covered by the rolling Home Lovin' Man and Going Down Slow, and as the summer moon rose over the festival tent, Bibb mellowed and caressed the intensely moving Nashville country song Running Round In Circles, and the spiritual Where The Green Grass Grows.

"It's been glorious," he said. The audience agreed, and brought him back for the melodic Needy Time and the climactic Heard An Angel Sing.