IT’S not quite enshrined in law, but the general consensus is that Sunday nights are most dismal and dreary part of the week.

But this one was different – Dorchester Arts Centre had lined up an evening of superb music and song from local guitarist Andy Grant and Newquay-based Ruarri Joseph.

Andy is well known in these parts for appearances with his trio, but this solo performance was the perfect showcase for his prodigious talents as a guitarist, singer and sensitive lyricist.

Ruarri, who was in Dorchester as part of a national tour, has just released his third album Brother and the show was a satisfying mix of songs from this and earlier recordings.

Sounding like an accessible Bob Dylan and looking like the leader of a Grunge band – just two of his many influences – he is an amiable troubadour, interspersing his show with a nice line in banter, and he wears his many talents lightly.

The songs are heartfelt; sometimes poignant, sometimes thoughtful, sometimes fun.

Standouts were the gorgeous, wistful Nervous Grin dedicated to his wife, the excellent Orchard for an Apple about missed chances, and the quirky Hope for Grey Trousers.

Ruarri has been namechecked in the same breath as David Grey and Damien Rice but easily stands heads above both when it comes to musicianship and songwriting.

The evening, which was sold out, ended with a storming version of Tales of Grime and Grit and we all ended Sunday happy and humming – which made a refreshing change.