The last time I saw Mark Knopfler at the BIC he was not a well man and spent the evening confined to a stool. I’m glad to say he was back on his feet and back at the BIC playing to an appreciative sold out crowd on Tuesday night.

This gig was definitely at the mellow end of the scale with tunes like the folksy Father and Son evoking images of a misty morning in the Highlands and Islands. It was so mellow in fact that the chorus to ‘Romeo and Juliet’ was the loudest part of the first half of the gig! Not that anyone minded as it was great to see one of the country’s finest guitarists doing what he does best.

I have seen many world renowned guitarists at the BIC including Jeff Beck and Joe Bonamassa and I can safely say that Knopfler sits comfortably at that table. The crisp, cool, diamond sharp tones he produces are instantly recognisable as is his rough round the edges voice.

This is no greatest hits show with room for only two Dire Straits hits. Luckily for me it's two of my favourites in Romeo & Juliet and Sultans of Swing. The rest of the evening consists of solo material that is just as well received.

The backing band consists of some of the finest musicians around who gel well together on stage and it says something that the man in the middle is comfortable enough in his own ability and material that he is happy to share the spotlight with them.

A great evening spent watching a talent that has been around for a few years and will hopefully be producing this level of quality for plenty more to come.