The anticipation outside the Borderline before the penultimate date of Buddy Miller's first tour was palpable. While BBC Radio delayed the opening of the doors as they prepared to record the concert for later broadcast, London's country fans gathered, eager to see a man who is quickly becoming a legend.

The task of opening for Buddy Miller is not an enviable one, but the husband and wife-fronted Arlenes acquitted themselves well. Their rootsy country sound was carefully polished and has already won them airplay. The voices of the two vocalists don't blend in quite the way that Buddy and Julie Miller's do, but fit together well, and the band was tight.

Buddy Miller had never undertaken a tour under his own name before, tending to tour as a side musician or with his wife Julie Miller. He seemed to be enjoying the freedom of the experience. His "hard country" style was immediately apparent as he kicked into some raucous country licks, ably backed by Surja Bemegh (bass) and Brady Blade (drums). Blade has to be one of the most entertaining drummers currently touring; immensely talented, he is also uniquely animated on stage.

It was a good night for guests, and Gurf Morlix soon joined Miller and the band on second guitar. Morlix and Miller have been playing together since the mid-70s and musical synergy between the two was clear as they tore through country standards and Miller originals in fine form. Miller's voice was beginning to wear thin after eight consecutive nights' performances, but this only showed on a couple of the quieter numbers and the vocals were still warm and full through the night.

The second special guest of the evening, Bill Mallonee (Vigilantes of Love), was warmly welcomed as Buddy and band took a break. Joking that he'd left the band in Athens "building houses... that's what we do in our spare time", Mallonee performed two songs, including the new version of "Solar System", with just his acoustic guitar and harmonica. Mallonee already had friends in the audience, and left with more if the response from the crowd was anything to go by. Mallonee's songs really do benefit from the addition of a full band, and it was a shame that Miller didn't join him at all, but the songs spoke for themselves.

Miller returned to the stage to be introduced by Bob Harris of Radio 2, (he'd been too eager to start the first half of his set to wait for introductions). The set continued in the high energy mould of the first half, and the guitar solos from Morlix and Miller were exceptional. A short encore followed, and Miller promised that he'd return soon, and that his wife--whose vocal support was missed this time around--was insisting on accompanying him.

An excellent set is to be expected from Buddy Miller, and he chooses his co-players well. The Borderline was packed with expectant listeners, and it may not be long before it's just too small a venue for a man who's quickly attracting attention.