The Union Chapel rang to warm and enthusiastic applause as Norma Waterson and Eliza Carthy took to the stage with the Gift Band, as part of their brief Autumn tour.

The format for the evening was a thrilling mix of material from their duo album Gift combined with songs from Norma’s previous solo albums or, as Norma put it, an evening of "musical autobiography".

From the opening lines of Chaps of Cockaigny it was clear that Norma and Eliza were both in very fine voice, and the acoustics of the chapel only added to this quality.

It was also clear early on what an excellent band they had playing with them, and the exquisite arrangements that had been put together for the songs. Martin Carthy, David Donnelly, Aidan Curran and Phil Alexander brought both subtleties and majesty to all the material.

An early highlight was Ukulele Lady / (If Paradise Is) Half As Nice. Something of a whimsical oddity on Gift, live these songs had a playfulness and sense of life to them that really engaged the audience.

Of the newer material the other song that really packed a punch was The Rose and the Lily. Already something of a mournful lament, the power of Norma and Eliza’s voices harmonising so well pushed the pathos sky high.

The night oscillated between old and new material, and also between traditional and modern, with a seam of Richard Thompson songs running through the evening. Each of these was especially good, but particularly the theatricality turned to maximum in My Name is Josef Locke and Norma’s wonderful rendition of God Loves a Drunk.

Alongside the songs were the stories, whether tales of the characters involved, of Norma’s family, or indeed of collecting source singers as one might collect stamps. The ease and banter between mother and daughter was an extra element of the charm under which they held the audience.

That charm also seemed to work on the venue manager, who allowed an encore after the local curfew time had passed. What a joy then to hear Somewhere Over the Rainbow sounding fresh and full of meaning, even classy.

Everything of the evening was also being caught on camera, for a possible DVD. It was certainly a performance worthy of preserving, and you would be a fool to miss Norma, Eliza and the Gift Band if they tour again.

It is quite rare to see a full standing ovation, with every seat empty, but that was the sight as Norma, Eliza and the band took their final bows. That may well say more about the quality of the evening’s show than this review can.