Louder Than The Music

British artists Philippa Hanna and Roo Walker are currently in the middle of their UK Coffee Shop Tour, taking in more than 20 dates around the country as they deliver their world-class evening of entertainment, blending songs and inspirational stories with cups of coffee. Rich Smith reports for LTTM from the tour date in Plymouth, Devon.

The Americano in Plymouth, an intimate venue, sold out for Philippa Hanna and Roo Walker, on their current Coffee Shop Tour.

The atmosphere was tinged with anticipation and excitement waiting to listen to Philippa Hanna. I was sat down with some great friends and a banana milkshake as Roo Walker kicked off the gig. I had heard of Roo Walker, Philippa's guitarist, but hadn't seen him solo before.

Roo is one very very talented, gifted and impressive musician. With his loop box he uses his guitar to tap out a beat, once that is recorded into the loop, he then adds some other sounds, some bass loops, building the background music up bit by bit all using his guitar, and then he kicks into one of the best covers I have heard of Michael Jackson's 'Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough'. Roo played a mixture of covers and some of his own songs on the night.

After Roo's solo slot, Philippa came and joined him on the stage to perform her part of the night, which was a mixture of her life and her songs, with the songs relating to parts of her life. I believe that many people can relate to her life story and God will, and does, use her story to touch and impact others.

Philippa is a fantastic artist and her voice is very strong, her vocals are amazing and really add to the passion in the songs. She kicked off the evening with 'Happy In My Skin', getting the audience to join in with a rap part of "H A P P Y, I'm gonna sing it till I die". Other songs Philippa performed include 'Summer Bride', 'Return To Love', 'Higher', 'I am Amazing' and 'Raggedy Doll', each with stories of her life behind them.

Philippa is also an advocate for Compassion and spoke about this on the night, leading to three children being sponsored, which will allow them to grow up with proper health care, education, food, etc.

I was also fortunate enough to be able to see Philippa and Roo again in Newquay at The Source Cafe, which was another fantastic evening. Highlights included Roo fret playing The Simpsons theme tune, and Philippa's fantastic cover of Carrie Underwood's 'Jesus Take The Wheel'. Another five Compassion children received sponsors from this night also.

If you have yet to see Philippa Hanna and Roo Walker, try and get to see them on this tour, or if you are just looking for a fantastic night out, it is inspirational, enjoyable, encouraging and simply amazing and has got to be one of my favorite nights out.

Rich Smith