Homecoming gigs are always special but Heather Nova's triumphant return this weekend will live with all those who saw it. And if you didn't go then what were you thinking?

New to her music I didn't exactly know what to expect, other than my mate Tony's description that it was "whiney chick music". But I was totally bowled over.

Her brother Mishka began the show and judging from the audience's enthusiastic response the word is spreading about his ample talents.

I have been a big fan since seeing him at the intimate venue The Loft but his haunting vocals easily filled CedarBridge's Ruth Seaton James Theatre.

His all too brief set mixed new songs with favourite's from his 1999 self-titled album which has been consistently appearing on my CD player since nabbing a free copy last year.

Music is all about creating an emotional response - it either moves you or it doesn't and Mishka's soulful sound does it for me.

The same can definitely be said about his sister.

Appearing in front of a whispy set of diaphanous curtains she appeared frail behind a guitar which seems to dwarf her but she has a voice which can surely move mountains.

An early highlight was the thoughtful "It's Only Love" from featuring her recent album "South" which gave full range to her angelic vocals

With just Will Foster guitar and keyboards and Laurie Jenkins on percussion the backing was sparse but when you have a voice like Nova's there's no need to clutter the mix.

Indeed the stripped down backing works better than some of the rather overproduced songs on South.

Her sassy hit "Virus of the Mind" was greeted with whoops of approval. "Like Lovers Do" soared while "Tested" was moody and atmospheric.

A personal favourite was Gloomy Sunday, a dark Piaf-like effort but there was never a dull moment in this flawless set.

And the final number, a sexy workout of the Bee Gees "Staying Alive" was the perfect witty ending.

All in all a good day out for the Frith family who spawned these two talents. You can't help wondering about the fantastic jam session they must have at family get togethers. I wonder if it is too late to get adopted by them?