LIVE REVIEW: COUNTRY CALLING FESTIVAL - GINA LARNER - THE HOMESTEAD STAGE

Some people when they are not well, might pull a sickie – not Gina Larner, for despite visibly being under the weather between songs, "The show must go on" ethos was most definitely on display as she delivered one hell of a set. In truth, Gina has never delivered anything less than 100% any time that #TEAMw21 have seen her.

Backed by her impressive all female band who would equally give their all.

Dressed in her striking cream and silver boots, and jean shorts, she would don a white hat off stage as the band fired up their intro. A quick sip of drink and then she took to the stage, enquiring "How we doing Country Calling?"

The big drum intro would turn anthemic, when joined by a riff laden guitar. Taking the mic in hand Gina announced herself further with a "Whoo hoo!". She would then launch herself in to "Sin". This was nothing short of a glorious wave of noise, with Gina surfing on the top of it.

"It's time for me too shine"

Gina's delivery was magnificent, all powerful, part operatic, part Siouxsie Sioux - total entertainment.

Gina would don her guitar for the elegant pop of "Ask Me", her guitarist hidden behind dark glasses, would remain straight faced no matter how exciting the music she played was, while in contrast her bassist would bounce around wearing a broad smile much of the time.

"If you wanted me to stay, just ask me"

"Cocktail Menu" would be the song that launched a range of merch, and no matter how unwell she was feeling Gina still powered out her vocals to great effect over some electrifying guitar riffs.

The latest single "Liar" has not been played much live, not that you'd have known, where Gina would switch from a gentle conversational mode, to delivering

"If you'll be my lie - I'll be your liar"

with absolute venom. By now a bit of a breeze was visibly blowing through Gina's hair and the temperature had dipped a little.

Gina would cry out "Giddy up boys" before the opening riffs that would lead into "Let There Be Cowgirls", a country, hard rocking, chorus of the highest order. This music was so powerful it even brought out a curious sun to shine once more on the adoring crowd. Visibly having to severely cough between songs, nothing was going to stop Gina. One of her earliest singles "Whiskey", again had a gentle, almost chatting style on the verses, before the controlled power of the chorus.

Freed of guitar duties, Gina was able to more act out the song and also able to encourage the crowd into a singalong on the rawkus pop of "Say What You Want" for which Gina was truly a force of nature.

The single "One Way Or Another" would see Gina punch the air on the "Pull me back in" line. The main set would close with "Heavy Heart", powered as had been the case throughout with some excellent percussion and serious guitar riffing. The classic change of pace in the chorus - all made for a heady cocktail of sounds.

It was hard to believe that someone so demonstrably under the weather could put on such a show so vibrant with energy. One final burst of excellence would come with the encore, the classic pop of "I Think I Love You" affording one final chance to let her vocal soar.

All to soon it was over, and with a bow, and a kick of her heels she was gone, hopefully for a well earned rest.

A total entertainer who will be doing a short UK tour later in the year - satisfaction is all but guaranteed.