Steve Gifford plays Ungodly Hour

Steve Gifford has been performing for 30 years

Singer-songwriter Steve Gifford is bringing his raw and soulful music to the Arlington Arts Centre in Newbury on Thursday 5 November 2009.

Likened to Tom Petty and Neil Young among others, Steve has a talent for setting rich melodies behind an intimate vocal performance.

Although a relatively new name, Steve has been on the scene for almost 30 years.

Support comes from Newbury singer-songwriter Stephen Baker.

Gifford released his debut album Cut And Run in 2002 and second album Building Bridges in 2005.

A whirlwind few years followed, with support slots for Steve Harley and Shawn Colvin, as well as many headline shows.

His third album Boy On A Beach led to a successful tour of Europe and the States.

On the night he will be performing tracks from his new album, called Ungodly Hour.

Arlington Arts director Tony Trigwell-Jones said: "What I love about Steve is that he absolutely fulfils everything that is great about a classic, solid singer-songwriter.

"We often put on these acts that maybe not many people have heard of but we do it because we believe in them - Steve Gifford is no exception."

Of Stephen Baker, Tony said: "His gentle vocals remind me of a young Paul Simon and his playing is full of lyrical flourishes, very much like Five Leaves Left-era Nick Drake."

Arlington Arts is based at the Mary Hare centre for deaf children in Snelsmore Common. All profits from the night goes to the centre, which is a national charity.

Find out more about the gig here.