Roger Hodgson: Glasgow, Scotland - 5 October 2007

Ex Supertramp founder member, and writer of many of their best known songs, played Glasgow as part of his short UK tour. It was the first time since 1977 he had been in Glasgow and his first visit as a solo performer. Ambitiously, Hodgson chose the Royal Concert Hall as his venue. As a result, the gig was by no means a sell out, but this was more than compensated for by the reaction of the audience who did attend. Hodgson seem genuinely moved and taken aback by the reception he received when arriving on stage.

This was very much a solo performance. There was no band, indeed the only supporting musician was the highly talented Aaron MacDonald who joined Hodgson during most songs to play an assortment of wind instruments. He also provided occasional backing vocals, and ended up on keyboards for the "School" encore. Roger explained that he had come across MacDonald wile playing a gig with an orchestra in Canada. MacDonald's sax solo on one song has impressed him so much, he immediately invited Aaron to join him.

The set list took us through many of the Supertramp classics, plus songs from Roger's solo albums. Songs such as "It's raining again", "Give a little bit", "Sister moonshine" and "Hide in your shell" all sounded fresh and invigorated in the quasi unplugged atmosphere of the evening. Roger moved between electric keyboards, grand piano and 12 string acoustic guitars for the different numbers, chatting with the audience between songs.

The enthusiasm of the audience encouraged Roger to play what seemed to be his entire rehearsed repertoire, to the extent that we finished with a second rendition of "Give a little bit". While this was very much Roger's show, Aaron MacDonald's solos on sax, whistle etc. were regularly answered with spontaneous applause. He appeared to be in his element as the audience warmed to his virtuoso performances.

This was a different type of gig. There were no crashing drums or earth shaking bass notes. This was a highly enjoyable one man (OK two man) show, where captured his audience and sent them home thoroughly fulfilled.