Andy Williams

Those surprised by the absence of Strawberry Fields Forever from the recent Beatles 1 compilation should remember, or learn, that the 1960s was the decade not only of beat groups but also of ballad singers and cabaret on a truly epic scale. Engelbert Humperdinck kept the Fabs' masterpiece from the top spot on that occasion, but it could just as easily have been Andy Williams.

Born in 1927 and debuting professionally as a backing vocalist for Bing Crosby in 1944, Williams's love of playing live is indefatigable. From April to December, he hosts a show at his own theatre in Branson, Missouri; the rest of the year, he tours. This is a man who certainly doesn't need the money, but who gives terrific value in exchange for that of his audience. A sold-out auditorium was treated not only to note-perfect renditions of all the key Williams hits - Moon River, Love Story, Solitaire, Can't Get Used To Losing You - but to the sound of a sensational 15-piece backing group, led by pianist Joe Delante.

The Waterfront has often been criticised for its sound problems, either muddy and loud or sacrificing a certain punch for balance, but this was both a big and a perfectly mixed sonic experience.

The unexpected highlight, aside from Andy's likeable, gently self-deprecating wit, was an awesomely complex arrangement of MacArthur Park, with blistering lead guitar from Bruce Windham. A crack at Sting's Every Breath You Take, on the other hand, felt a little forced. Surer footing was found on the almost outrageous 1967 track, Music To Watch Girls By, which was recently revived and again became a hit.

At the end, Williams even managed to deliver an encore of Danny Boy with sincerity. A master showman, and still a great singer.