One of the most eagerly awaited gigs of recent times, here in Brighton, and attracting some bona fide local celebs, the timing of this show could hardly have been more perfect for fans and newcomers alike. Just a few days prior he had been chosen as winner of the prestigious Mercury Music Prize, thus completing this most engrossing of chapters.

From living the life of a near-vagabond on the streets of Paris, to collecting this most respected of music awards, live on BBC television, this must seem surreal, for this softly-spoken and self-proclaimed loner. While there was certainly some growing adulation and admiration before (for instance, he was programmed specifically for this year's Brighton Festival), it's now accelerating rapidly. But, is he enjoying it? It seems so; Jjdging by his stage demeanour, his friendly inter-song chat, and the big smile on his face as he received a rapturous standing ovation.
 

The setting was nigh on perfect, in St. George's Church (this neoclassical building is much less ostentatious and imposing, with a much lower ceiling height, than your average Christian church) as Clementine sat at the grand piano, dressed as always in a long trench-like coat, and wearing no shirt, nor shoes. It's a strong image, and allied to his magnificently distinct Ghanaian features and his combed skywards shock of hair, Clementine has the look down to a T.
 

Much more importantly though, he is a highly original writer, player and singer of song. Totally untrained, and consequently so fresh sounding – although there are obvious vocal comparisons with Nina Simone – his songs, whilst retaining elements of traditional and orthodox structure and sound, are unpredictable, but never random or inexplicable. For sure they come from his inner core, but they have the necessary rhythm, flow and natural melody, that make them often both remarkable and memorable.
 

In the past he may have veered off at a tangent at times, throwing in a cover here and there, and mixing up the set list on a whim, but for this gig, and because he had an accomplice in the form of the equally trench wearing, and shoeless drummer – who accompanied him for most of the show – there is a more structured feel, as he performs many songs from the Mercury winning At Least For Now album, as well as a few older, and as-yet-unreleased songs, plus a beautiful interpretation of Nick Drake's Riverman. In particular, the three-part Adios song is both hymnal and epic, Clementine alternating between a bellowing tenor, and hushed spoken word. Almost invariably autobiographical, Clementine sees himself as a writer, first and foremost, detailing his life in Paris, but also pre- and post-Paris, whilst his staccato and arpeggio orientated piano playing lends the words the dramatic atmosphere they deserve. The semi-jazz and inventive drumming is also evocative and complimentary.
 

Only adding to the heightened sense of occasion and despite the string of largely sombre and very emotional songs, Clementine has some laughs with the audience throughout, playfully alluding to Brighton as being a repository for ex-Londoners, and responding to the inevitable shout of 'we love you' from the audience, with an understated, and show-length running joke, 'thank you'.
 

In our recent feature interview he really only wanted to talk about the music. Tonight, he seems to be thankful that his hardships, hard work ethic, and self-belief are all paying of handsomely. The people are listening, and loving what they are hearing.