There can be few more agreeable settings in which to spend a Summer evening than the balcony level of Boisdale overlooking Cabot Square in Canary Wharf. Against the backdrop of the financial district, The Trembling Wilburys brought the music of the Traveling Wilburys and their illustrious members to life with a performance that balanced affection, musicianship and good humour.

The seven-piece band took a couple of songs to settle in, but once warmed up they delivered a polished set of Wilburys favourites alongside solo classics including 'Here Comes The Sun', 'You Got It', 'Oh, Pretty Woman' and a rousing finale of 'Roll Over Beethoven'. The vocals were consistently strong throughout, particularly on the Roy Orbison numbers, where Dave Collison captured the power and clarity of Orbison's voice with impressive accuracy.

A great deal of credit must also go to guitarist Dzal Martin. Watching from the back of the room, it was easy to assume several guitar changes had taken place during the evening. In fact, Martin remained armed with a single Fender, somehow conjuring the distinctive tones required for each song, from jangling Harrison-style textures to the fuller sounds associated with Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty.

Michael Goulding, portraying George Harrison, provided much of the evening's entertainment between songs. Remaining firmly in character throughout, his dry banter included references to a "long-lost brother looking down upon us", drawing plenty of laughs from the audience. Harmonica contributions added further authenticity on several of the better-known numbers.

The atmosphere steadily grew livelier as the night progressed. One particularly enthusiastic table celebrating a 60th birthday soon found itself on its feet dancing, helping to transform the room from attentive dinner audience into a full-blown Rock and Roll gathering. The combination of Boisdale's excellent food, a particularly juicy classic burger in this reviewer's case, and a glass of house red only enhanced the experience.

There was also a birthday within the band, with Dave Collison set to celebrate the following day, giving the evening an added sense of occasion. Thanks are due to photographer Denise Lester, who dutifully covered the opening songs before joining in the fun herself by the closing stages.

Having first heard about the band from drummer Dave Stark, whom I met at an Emma Wilson gig many years ago, it was satisfying finally to catch them live. To round off an enjoyable evening, England's 4-2 victory in their opening World Cup match provided a fitting postscript to a night filled with good music and good company.

Review: Ivan De Mello
Photos: Denise Lester