I have to admit that most of the time when I go to gigs it’s because I’m gigging. It’s a great way to get into shows but I don’t manage to make as much time to go just as a punter. However, I made an exception last Sunday evening when Jane and I popped over to the Oxford Wine Bar for an evening with Phil Doleman.

Phil plays ukulele, banjo and similar instruments and has both a mastery of his instruments and an impressive store of knowledge about the sources of his music – blues, tin-pan alley and more. He was a delight to listen to and accomplished as ‘host’ to the evening. It was also great to hear Paul Jefferies accompanying him on bass ukulele.

Definitely an artist worth checking out – and I’ll be keeping my eye on what else the wine bar is putting on too.