I first saw Thomas Lang supporting Black at the Liverpool Empire so long ago I have forgotten but I know that I was hooked the first time I heard his voice. I don't think I have missed a gig (no matter how small) in the Merseyside area since then and when I found out he would be appearing at the Liverpool Academy I was first in the queue. Despite the time away the magic is still there, that jazzy, almost mesmerizing sound.... goose pimples at the thought of it. I had taken my dughter with me as my usual Lang companion was away and she was so impressed that she too can't wait to go to the next gig, she even remembered the words from most of his songs having heard the tracks in the car when she was a child. Welcome back Thomas, you have been sorely missed!

   I first saw Thomas lang at the Apollo in Manchester in 1986/87 supporting Alison Moyet and found he had the kind of voice and played the kind of music that as many people say was ahead of its time. I have seen him since that gig about 10/15 times over the years and have always been blown away by his live performances. I recently saw him in Manchester and nothing has changed, sheer class and style, I even managed like some kind of weirdo groupie to get backstage with my girlfriend Pam and have a beer with the great man, he was a true gent and spent time talking without it feeling like he had to, in fact I almost took him to Matt and Phreds jazz club until he had to go. Over the years I have seen over 200 artists, of the new jazz breed. I have seen the likes of Callum, Krall, Buble. I would still have Tom up there as an origianal Jazz performer, weather Tom has sees himself as jazz or not, he holds an aura in his live sets that few performers over the last 20 years can touch. Of the new breed Buble has it all but yet to write his own material, the others seem a bit contrived and insincere despite their talents. I am not going to say what others say about Tom regarding why he never truly made it because he is still here, don't know exactly where he has been for the last few years but its great to see him back, the hair may be going and the lad looks like he could do with a good fish supper but the talent is still there. i have seen the greats from Bennett to Vandross, Benson to Gladys Knight and believe you me this boy is up there with them. Take it easy Tom, if you fancy a few beers in Matt and phreds one knight drop me a line and we can continue the chat. Soulfully yours

Andy Powell. Welcome back.