It seemed to be the consensus between fans and artists alike that Darwen Live 2003 was the town’s most successful yet of its annual music festivals.

I heard great reports on many of the gigs staged, and I have to say the name of Gone Begging was mentioned to me so many times that I can promise you I will be seeking them out for a Back Stage Pass and exclusive interview for these DLT pages.

The events of Sunday May 25th were brought to a conclusion by a superb performance from Natasha Lea Jones on the stage of Darwen Library Theatre. The gig completed the Northwest leg of Natasha’s UK tour to promote her new solo album THE MORNING AFTER.

The Darwen lady, who has previously recorded albums as a member of the critically acclaimed Pooka, performed here accompanied by only cellist Andy Nice, though there are plans to tour with the full album band full later in the year. This working arrangement, though, was superb and the interplay between Natasha’s guitar and the cello lent great drama to some fine lyrics.

Her opening song, though, was performed solo. Constant was full of soaring vocals over sparse guitar and immediately drew comparisons from the audience around me with the work of Tanita Tikarem.

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