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It may be greener, but Michelle Shocked is not one to let the grass grow under her feet.

Appearing at the Cambridge Corn Exchange on Monday with a full band, Captain Swing herself gave us a varied set featuring not only tracks from the new album, but a selection of other favourites including “Anchorage,” “When I Grow Up,” and “Graffiti Limbo.”

Also included was an impromptu sailing lesson, to explain the pun in the title “Must Be Luff,” and a jam against the poll tax.

Starting with the full band, players gradually disappeared until only Michelle, her guitar and a harmonica were left.

Then just Michelle and her guitar. Then Michelle singing ‘a Capella,” and finally back came the band for a rousing finale.

It all added up to a box office sell-out evening of politics and jiving – not, perhaps, a familiar combination but a very enjoyable one.

“Music’s a lot like politics,” Michelle said towards the end of the gig. “It’s much too important to leave to the professionals.”

With professionals like these, I’ve no complaints.