Mark Knopfler at The Albert Hall

I booked early for yet another Mark Knopfler concert, his bi-annual residency at his local arena. I had one of the best seats in the house, second row of the stalls, just far enough round to see all the band face on. He does put on a great show, though it has to be said, not quite in the same class as previous concerts. Possibly because of the set list, or the slow beginning where great songs (Border Riever, Sailing to Philadelphia, What It Is, Mason Dixon Line) were spun out with instrumentals. Only 17 songs in over two hours?

But things improved with excellent renditions of Romeo and Juliet and Sultans of Swing. The middle section was sublime. His wonderful seven piece band took up their acoustic instruments (double bass, ukulele, mandolin, accordion, violin and pipes) and we were transported to an Irish pub for some brilliant Celtic numbers including Hill Farmer's Blues. The main set ended with a fabulous Telegraph Road.

Their break was a few beers on stage, and then we were off for the encore with So Far Away and Brothers in Arms, finishing with an awesome Piper to the End. We all went home happy in the end.