With a name like Antoine Fleuriot I was expecting to see a guy wearing a beret and singing Charles Aznavour songs accompanied by an accordion.

But I couldn't have been more wrong. Antoine's father might be French but his style is very British as he presents a great night of pop and rock music.

Traffic delays meant Antoine made a late start at the Bank which led to a few heckles. But he was soon into his stride and more than made up for the delay.

His first set was so long that I didn't think the former busker (he has worked all over Europe) would get any break. This talented singer-guitarist worked really hard winning over the audience.

He kicked off with the Plain White T's haunting Hey There Delilah, with just Antoine and his acoustic guitar. It was followed by two more Indie classics -- the Killers' Mr Brightside and Green Day's Good Riddance.

But there was plenty of variety during the lengthy set. Lincolnshire-based Antoine tackled soul (Mustang Sally), sixties' pop (I'm A Believer, Brown Eyed Girl), Beatles songs (Help, I Saw Her Standing There), rock (Chris Rea's Road To Hell), country (Folsom Prison Blues) and punk (That's Entertainment).

Yes, I said it was a long first half. Highlight for me was Antoine's subtle and moving version of a little-known Jon Allen song "In Your Light", a highly under-rated song.

Antoine demonstrated his considerable skills as a rock guitarist in the second set, starting with ZZ Top's bluesy "Tush" and then a raucous interpretation of Bad Company's "Can't Get Enough".

His long experience shone through as he ripped through classic rock hits like Thin Lizzy's "Don't Believe A Word", Bryan Adams' "Summer Of '69" and a pulsating version of the marathon Deep Purple hit "Smoke On The Water".

The high spot of the second set was his rocking interpretation of Blink 182's catchy "All The Small Things".

Antoine Fleuriot is an excellent singer and fine guitarist and he provides a terrific night of entertainment. If you ask him nicely he might even perform one of his own compositions.

Pub owners would be wise to snap him up now.

Colin Fenn, DJ, journalist

brilliant night. atmosphere great. Antoine really had us all enjoying ourselves. Excellent choice of music, well executed. Had all of us on the dance floor singing our heads off. Would invite him to play again without hesitation.

jan

The gig was brilliant. I really enjoyed every minute of it. If you get a chance to see Antoine play, definately go and enjoy the show.

Avril Butler