That the beautiful yet sparsely furnished Unitarian Church opened its doors to The Green Man Tour seemed appropriate, given the nature of the music.

First up, Brighton’s own Sons Of Noel And Adrian impressed greatly. Many in number, their songs gained further layers when the whole band sang as a chorus.

Pete Greenwood’s acoustic guitar skills were stunning, although he kept apologising for playing too slowly. To see him at full speed must be quite something.

If the setting suited her support acts, it was perfect for Mary Hampton. Taking to the stage with only a guitar, she showcased her crystalline voice with the timorous Free Grace.

Sparing violin and double bass added to the delicate songs, most of which were taken from Hampton’s recent album My Mother’s Children.

The Bell They Gave You displayed her enigmatic lyrical brilliance: “The eel cries out before it is skinned,” she sang, “a strange scream in the high night”.