Heart of gold: Josh Rouse at the Black-E

Liverpool’s not short of singer songwriters. Like rats, you’re never more than 6 feet from one – throw a Sayers pasty from your window and you’re guaranteed to hit an acoustic guitar-wielding ‘troubadour’. Or alternatively that busker on Church Street who just plays ‘Champagne Supernova’ all day and night. Seriously mate, get some new tunes.

To show the city a thing or two, promoters Harvest Sun are bringing one of the world’s finest singer songwriters to the city this month. Josh Rouse might not, and never will be, a household name, but over the past decade he’s slowly amassed a back catalogue packed with stunning Americana and throbbing folk-pop, and become a cult figure in the process. Fans of Ryan Adams, Ed Harcourt and Ben Folds should investigate: Rouse’s music is nothing revolutionary, but it’s skilfully executed and done with some serious heart.

Better still, the gig takes place at the criminally underused Black-E, and we hope this particular show is a sign of things to come there – it’s a striking building, in an excellent location. Lets hope it’s going to be a Rousing performance, yes? Yes? Guys? Oh, suit yourselves.

Josh Rouse w/ James Walbourne & Kami Thompson
Friday 26th January, 7.30pm, £15
The Black-E, Great George St, Liverpool