After a few months absence, Gathered In Song are back with a typically high quality show at Le Pub on Saturday night.

The last time Peter Bruntnell appeared in Newport was way back in May 2005, when his headline show at The Riverfront unfortunately coincided with virtually the whole city watching Liverpool lift the Champions League trophy. With Liverpool coming back from 3-0 down at half time to win on penalties against a strong AC Milan side, a handful of devout music lovers watched Spurs fan Bruntnell get through half of You’ll Never Walk Alone as a semi-sarcastic, yet good natured tribute during his set.

… Ok, I have to admit it. I was one of those in the pub. I only know about Bruntnell’s ‘tribute’ because I read someone else’s review of the gig and i’ll happily admit that Ray from Countrymile and Soundsnew is a better man than me…

In fairness though, it was a brilliant match, and these things happen. In fact, unfortunate clashes have occurred thoughout Bruntnell’s career. A handful of albums for Almo and Ryko in the nineties coincided with the emergence of Britpop and despite the best efforts of a very supportive music press the records mellifluous and introspective nature didn’t fully satisfy a “mad for it” general public. Rolling Stone called Bruntnell “one of England ‘s best kept musical secrets”.

Last year’s album Peter and the Murder of Crows was named Q magazine’s Roots Album Of The Year and featured in the end of year “Best Of” lists of both Uncut and Mojo.

Obviously, dont expect Peter to get massive because of these accolades, but do expect startling tales of small town romance and big city isolation, the erosion of community and the wonders of family life from one of the country’s most criminally unrecognized talents if you come along to this.

Support comes from Furlined and Blind River Scare’s Tim Manning. Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets are £6.00, available on the door. For more info visit www.myspace.com/gatheredinsong