INSPIRED by the music of Elton John and James Taylor, the wonderful Amy Wadge is an accomplished singer/songwriter in the bittersweet genre of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon.

Playing rhythm guitar and piano, and accompanied by excellent bass guitar, lead, and drums, she delivers original songs with intelligent and perceptive lyrics, catchy melodies, and tight arrangements.

Looking like the charismatic Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, Amy Wadge has a riveting stage presence and a voice that sparks with power, texture, and soul.

Featuring haunting work from her compelling debut album WOJ, she caresses, swoops and bites through Scream, Breathe, Paris, and Happy Doing Nothing With You, delighting the knowledgeable Ashcroft audience.

Despite a curious kareoke encore with Wadge singing to a backing track while the band wandered off-stage, this was a terrific concert. Appearing at The Anvil, Basingstoke this Friday, April 29.