Review: An Evening with Tom Wright & Friends

There’s something special about venturing off the beaten track for live music, and Harvey and I found exactly that last night, in the fog-bound hills of mid-Wales.

The historic Llanfair Caereinion Institute opened its doors to an evening of home-grown Americana and folk, and what unfolded was a showcase of incredible talent that truly deserved a packed house.

Opening the show was Shropshire’s own Aaron W Evans, whose original music immediately captured the audience’s full attention.

Armed only with his acoustic guitar, Aaron built rich, layered textures using clever looping techniques — creating a big, full sound matched by a powerful, soulful voice. He was the perfect scene-setter for the night ahead.

Next up, Ellie Galvin took to the stage with a heartfelt and honest performance, all the more impressive given she wasn’t feeling her best.

Her songs, often tinged with sadness, carried sweet melodies and insightful lyrics that resonated deeply with the room. A joyful highlight came with her witty original The Ballad of Carrot & Swede, which filled the hall with smiles and warm applause.

It’s always a pity when such fantastic local events aren’t filled to the rafters — tickets at just £15 and reasonably priced drinks make them real treasures. Events like this deserve our support, especially when the standard of music is this high.

But anyway  – my little moan aside, onto the main event — Tom Wright.

At just 31, Tom has already shared the stage with some of the best in the business. As a key member of Elio Pace’s The Billy Joel Songbook — now delighting audiences in packed theatres across the UK, including the upcoming London Palladium — he’s no stranger to the spotlight.

But tonight showcased his own incredible artistry. His guitar work carried the same spark and precision that once led Eric Clapton to praise Albert Lee as the best in the world. I couldn’t help thinking that Tom Wright deserves to be on that radar too.

Surrounding Tom was a stellar band of world-class musicians, many of whom also perform with The Billy Joel Songbook. The stage lit up with the energy of Frank Walden on saxophone (Tom Jones, Amy Winehouse) and Neil Fairclough on bass (Queen, Deccan Traps). Together, they delivered a set of original songs that were fresh to many ears, yet performed with such confidence and passion that the audience was instantly hooked.

A special highlight came with a stunning solo from Megan Lee, Tom’s fiancée, who’s already making waves on the country scene. Her voice, rich and warm, hinted at great things to come.

With catchy, radio-friendly melodies and lyrics that linger long after the final note, Tom Wright is unquestionably one to watch. This was more than just a gig — it was a reminder of the magic that happens when genuine talent meets a receptive crowd in a small-town venue.

An unforgettable evening in the heart of Wales – and one that left everyone hoping for a return visit soon.

• Find out more at Tom Wright Guitar