A LIVELY and accomplished performance from an Australian band was received enthusiastically by a good crowd of all ages at Bethesda Church, Neyland, on Friday evening (writes Patick Ovenden). As part of a four-week tour of the UK, vocalist and guitarist Richard Beeston sang many of the songs from his latest CD album, Infant Logic. He was accompanied by two of the band members, the talented Dave Beeston on drums and Gav Perkins on bass guitar. Richard's songs are intelligent and mature, yet still easy to enjoy on a first hearing. His singing is well- tuned, mellow, expressive and full of character. It leant itself perfectly to a version of U2's hit 'One' which easily recalled Bono's voice. Also included in the set was the crowd-pleasing 'No Woman, No Cry,' featuring a tambourine duet by two of the younger members of the audience. Tour manager, Richard's wife Alison, was on hand with plenty of copies of the group's two albums to date. The Richard Beeston band are a fine act, especially live, and it was great to hear such good quality music in a local setting from Christians who also talked openly about their faith. Richard's family roots are in Wales, and it is to be hoped that he and his band will want to make many more visits to the area.
