Gene Pitney - The Anvil, Basingstoke

ONE of the most unusual and distinctive voices of 1960s pop music entertained a packed, rapturous audience.

Gene Pitney may now be sixty-two, look a little frail and choose to hit lower notes than he used to, but he has a collection of quality songs to rely on. 24 Hours From Tulsa is a riveting musical short story, Backstage is a melodic and perceptive lament for Everyman, and I'm Gonna Be Strong is one of the most dramatic and powerful songs of the Sixties.

Supported by the excellent Maurice Merry Orchestra, Pitney played acoustic guitar on Scarlet Ribbons, featured his own compositions with Rubber Ball and Hello, Mary Lou, and earned two standing ovations with the thoughtful Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart.

It was unfortunate that such a prestigious venue had a very visible soundman and desk at stage-side, and an even more visible open door, revealing the backstage green room!