On paper (or the internet) part:three certainly looked like a gig worthy of attendance. Three quality artists, all of who ply their artistic trade simply (for the most part) through voice and guitar, sharing the stage, each other’s songs, and banter with an appreciative and attentive audience. Well, that was the idea, though as this was an unusual setting even for three as experienced Alex Roberts, Lou Brown and Pete Christie, the concept was not certain to go completely to plan.

The crowd size certainly suggested the idea appealed to more than the average in-the-round Kyps gig, which are almost always high quality and well attended affairs. Help from friends (well, one in particular) with promotion shows how much difference pre-gig awareness and networking can make to turnout. By the time Pete Christie announced the plans for the evening the venue was already comfortably packed, and by the time he’d played the first song (solo) and introduced both Alex and then Lou to the stage it was standing room only, and that was at the bar.

The over-riding feature of tonight’s event (as well as simply listening to three fantastic singer-songwriters), was comparing their relative skills and on-stage personas. I’m sure this wasn’t the reason for putting on part:three, but watching three such different personalities highlighted, more than usual, the connection between each artist’s spirit and character with the songs they write. Writing about an artist’s character is generally of little relevance to the performance, but as tonight’s gig was encouraged to be a two-way vocal affair between performer and audience, it makes it more relevant. I have a fear of generalising here, as there is clearly a public and private persona, especially with musicians, but I’ll give it a bash.

Watching the direct and open approach of Pete, the joker of the stage, bold, honest, engaging and instantly likeable was in many ways a contrast to his male counterpart. Not that Alex isn’t honest or likeable (he says, backtracking quickly) but outside of song he was clearly quieter, gentler, more introspective and subtle. Looking at, and listening to Alex makes you think of nature, of something earthy and real. Those same words can also be used to describe their music, though whilst those differences were more apparent than usual, it didn’t mean they made them incompatible when performing together. Indeed, much of Alex’s accompanying guitar work were highlights of the night, and his subtle gestures towards Pete in particular, acknowledging an impromptu collaborative success were lovely touches. This was despite Pete calling Alex a “flash git” after some ridiculously impressive slide guitar work… typical Pete, typical Alex.

So, what of Lou Brown? Well, again to a large extent the on stage personality has a strong resemblance to her songs. I wrote some words on a piece of paper to describe Lou’s on stage persona – feelings – emotions – personal – warm – relationships – the last one not really describing her persona, but she spoke about her friends and those close to her frequently. Clearly Lou writes from personal experiences, and digs deep into her inner feelings to seemingly exorcise (or rekindle) past memories. It’s all very personal and clearly tonight Lou was reaching out to the audience not just through her songs but also through her own personality.

For the most part this was a hugely enjoyable gig. Clearly it took the three musicians out of their comfort zone, which in itself is to be applauded, and whilst at times it indeed seemed slightly uncomfortable as a punter, the quality of the performance was so strong that any amount of discomfort could easily be ignored once the three, either solo or collectively, started performing. More please, the same three again would be great unless anyone else is brave enough…