Sarah Knight and the Blue Stones, Chestnut Tree, Nottingham, 22/3/14

How to review a band when you've already used up most of the superlatives available?

Well since I first saw them (Manvers Arms, December 2012) there have been developments. New numbers (only around half of the set list back then was repeated) and changed arrangements for some of the numbers. But basically the band are just as exciting as the first time - well I'm still coming back; this is my fifth gig.

And Sarah gives everything to each of the songs. Before I left home tonight BBC1 was showing "The Voice" (C was watching, I was reading!). Every one of the contestants was also giving their all - to impress the judges and audience. Conversely you get the feeling that Sarah, who incidentally could out-sing the lot of them, would be doing this even if nobody was there, just because the songs demand it.

Let's be honest, the Chestnut Tree is not a great venue. There's a reasonable area for the band but they have to play under the normal lights of the pub, many of the drinkers are not there to see the band anyway, and the babble of voices while the band is playing must be very discouraging. The one advantage is the space for dancers. But by the end of the second set the audience was quiet (unless they were singing along) and this area crowded with dancers.

"Tomorrow Never Knows" is a bold opener but the band impart a fine spacey feeling to it and it sets the scene for a great selection of songs which showcase the band's undoubted talent (the band name is misleading - they are far more than a backing band) as well as Sarah's voice. I didn't miss 'Dazed and Confused', which never seemed to fit very well with the sets I've seen, and can't say I'm thrilled with the choice of 'Son of a Preacher Man'.  But the two new songs played for the first time tonight really shine.

In the first set Steve Winwood's 'I'm a Man' was played as it's meant to be - as gritty, fast RandB. In the second set, something "outside what we usually do", none other than my favourite Madonna number! (Well I only actually like this one and Ray of Light.) I always thought 'Beautiful Stranger' had a trippy 60s kind of feel to it and the band have capitalised on that - guitar and keyboards weaving an innovative psychedelic section in the middle that could have gone on all night, for my money.

I didn't get a set list and can blame my failing memory for not clocking all of the songs played, but I do remember enjoying Whipping Post, Young Man Blues, Wicked Game, White Rabbit, The Chain and many other classics. Another great, entertaining night. You can't beat live rock music!

(To see some videos of the band go to https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=vb.218970908129906&type=2)

PS Sarah for goodness sake kick your shoes off after the first number, don't wait till half-way through the set!