What’s On at the Folk Club

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Les Barker writes strange poems and comes from originally from Manchester, but he’s now emigrated to North Wales and become a shining example of a fluent Welsh speaker. He was an accountant before he became a professional idiot. He’s written 85 books, which sell in large numbers at his gigs because people don’t quite believe what they’ve just heard. His poems have spawned a number of folk heroes: ‘Jason and the Arguments’, ‘Cosmo the Fairly Accurate Knife Thrower’, ‘Captain Indecisive’ and ‘Spot Of The Antarctic’…  watch him performing  ‘The Shipping Forecast’ at Chester Folk Festival.

Mr Barker began his career as assistant to Mrs Ackroyd, a small hairy mongrel who lay around in folk clubs, bit people and became famous. Mrs Ackroyd was the only dog ever to own her own record label. Since her sad demise, Les is mainly a solo performer, though he has taken to working with humans from time to time. The Mrs Ackroyd Band gradually evolved from an ever-changing Who’s Who of the folk scene into a tightly knit, well-rehearsed group. The band are now playing as a trio, without Mr Barker, and will be far more tightly knit and well-rehearsed. Mr Barker’s Welsh songs are occasionally performed by a trio of Welsh musicians who have had the good sense to keep him out of the band.

Mr Barker has several solo albums to his credit: Dogologues, An Infinite Number Of Occasional Tables, A Cardi And Bloke, Up The Creek Without A Poodle, Arovertherapy and The War On Terrier. He has travelled the length, breadth and height of Great Britain, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, and – both solo and with the band – the United States and Canada, and has more recently won prizes for his Welsh poetry, including five small chairs, a big one and a stool.

There are five highly acclaimed albums of his serious work; the folk opera The Stones of Callanish, Some Love, The Wings of Butterflies, Airs Of The Dog and Twilight Of The Dogs, all involving a galaxy of talent. His serious songs have also featured on albums by Martin Carthy and the late Dave Swarbrick and by June Tabor. June invariably includes a smattering of Mr Barker’s serious and comic songs in her live performances. (Admission £8, members £5)

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August 15, 2018: Bob Wood (Scotland)

Bob was born in the West Coast of Scotland but is based in London; he’s a warm and engaging solo singer and performer with an easy going sense of humour and a highly accomplished finger-style guitarist. Exploring a range of open tunings, his playing and song interpretations have been described as displaying a rare sensitivity, lightness of touch and great technique.

He has produced a couple of solo albums, When The Moon Sits Fat On A Scudding Cloud and After The Swithering, which the national folk magazines have described variously as delightful, haunting, reflective and exquisite. As a departure from his regular repertoire, Bob also loves gigging as a duo with Benny Gallagher (McGuinness Flint, Gallagher & Lyle) and features extensively on Benny’s most recent studio album, At The Edge Of The Wave, providing harmony vocals and second guitar parts. “Every time I sit down and play some music with Bob – I come away feeling feel enriched”, says Benny. “If I should ever write a song that I never get the chance to perform, Bob Wood is the man for the job.”

Some other reviews: “An artiste with an eclectic and entertaining repertoire of song which he accompanies with an innovative and always sympathetic guitar style” (Archie Fisher)… “Bob Wood is one of the deftest pickers and tastiest arrangers of songs it has been my pleasure to hear – a real delight!” (Steve Tilston)… “The man has an innate ability to elevate a song. His playing is brilliant and his singing and phrasing are in lock step with the intent behind the song. He’s covered a couple of my own works and I sincerely hope he will do more in the future” (David Francey).  Here’s a Youtube video of Bob at The Ram Folk Club in Surrey (which he founded), chatting to the audience and performing Garnett Rodgers’ song ‘All This Is’. (Admission £8, members £5)

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August 29, 2018: WÖR (Belgium)

Back to the 1780s! If it sounded good back then, why not today?
Almost 300 years ago, some musicians from around Antwerp, Brussels, Gent and Leuven decided to write down their favourite music. But as time passed, the paper turned yellow, the ink began to fade, and the music itself was left to gather dust along with the faded manuscripts… that is, until now.

With their finely textured arrangements, the five members of WÖR inject new energy into 18th-century tunes from the Flanders region of Belgium. Their music shines an inventive spotlight, with a modern twist, on tunes from these manuscripts They released two albums: Back To The 1780s (2015) and Sssht (2017) and toured both in Europe and America (including the Shetland Folk Festival, Dranouter Festival and  Sunfest.)

The musicians are Fabio Di Meo (Baritone saxophone), Jeroen Goegebuer (fiddle), Pieterjan Van Kerckhoven (bagpipes, soprano sax, musette) and Jonas Scheys (guitar).  Watch these four videos! (£8 admission, £5 members)

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September 5, 2018: Reg Meuross

What a time it is to be a Reg Meuross fan, with three albums released in just over a year. Two of these, December and Faraway People, are highly acclaimed parts of a trilogy, the title track of the latter winning Song Of The Year at the recent Fatea Awards.

Songs About A Train in part answers the question of what happens to the tracks that don’t make the final release; the ones that slip down the back of the sofa. The last compilation of unreleased material resulted in The Dreamed And The Drowned, with Head Librarian at the Bodleian Music Library Stephen Jordan helping to bring that album to life. While Jordan sadly passed away in 2015, this album is a nod of appreciation to the man that said, “some songs are right books put on the wrong shelves.”

In many ways you know what you’re going to get with a Reg Meuross album; gorgeous and moving songs, full of heart and soul. Yet every release is distinctly unique. Songs About A Train is less political than Faraway People, though it has lost none of the humanity. Three of the collection had an airing at last year’s album launch, and it’s wonderful to see them getting on an album. ‘A Quiet Night’ is performed on Reg’s trusty Appalachian dulcimer, and is an understated joy. ‘The World Being The World’ was birthed by a somewhat nihilistic quote from Ian McShane on the TV show Deadwood – fortunately the track is a little more optimistic. Then there is the title track, which opened the album launch, played on banjo, and is destined to become a favourite.  Watch this video of Reg telling the true story of Dick Turpin and singing ‘Lizzie Loved A Highwayman’. And you know what? Seeing Reg live is just the icing on the cake!  (£8 admission, £5 members)

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September 19, 2018: Guto Davis & Danny Kilbride (Wales)

Guto and Danny are unique – Wales’ favourite storyteller, melodeon player and singer combined with blissful guitar work by trac‘s director in a magical mix which blends Welsh traditional songs and English contemporary material, performed with charm, wry humour,  passion and impressive accompaniment. Watch this video of Guto and Danny performing ‘Pill Sailor’ in Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. (£8 admission, £5 members)

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October 3, 2018: Chris Foster

Chris was born in Somerset and is a master of his trade; he was recently described as “one of the finest singers and most thoughtful inventive guitar accompanists of English folk songs.” His latest album Hadelin –  recorded at Stiwdio Felin Fach in Abergavenny, with Dylan Fowler producing – was awarded five stars in FolkWales Online Magazine, and fRoots Magazine correspondent Colin Irwin praised him: “Chris Foster merits legend status, one of the very best in the second wave of the Brit folk revival, as important as Martin Carthy, Dick Gaughan and Nic Jones in the way he modernised and invested traditional songs with inventive guitar arrangements and potent vocal delivery.”

In 2001, as well as solo performing, Chris started working with the Icelandic traditional singer Bára Grímsdóttir, adding the traditional Icelandic instruments, langspil and fiðla to his repertoire. As the duo Funi, they have been performing, recording and broadcasting and teaching in Europe, North America and China as well as Iceland and the UK. In December 2004 they took up residence in Reykjavík, where they continue to explore and perform the musical traditions of their two islands, Check out Funi at: www.funi-iceland.com (£8 admission, £5 members)

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October 17, 2018: Jimmy Aldridge & Sid Goldsmith

Jimmy and Sid claim to be one of the finest duos to have emerged onto the British folk and acoustic scene in recent years. Their combination of outstanding vocal work, sensitive instrumentation, and a powerful social conscience has brought them widespread critical acclaim. The songs themselves are always given centre stage but they are brought to life with stunning musical arrangements and vocals. There is an integrity that shines through their performances and a common thread of political struggle, resistance, and justice.

The Guardian informs its readers: “To be a great folk singer, you have to be a great storyteller, as Jimmy Aldridge and Sid Goldsmith are clearly aware. The duo are both fine singers and multi-instrumentalists.” (£8 admission, £5 members)

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October 24, 2018: The Carrivick Sisters

The Carrivick Sisters are one of the UK’s top young bluegrass and folk acts. Twins Laura and Charlotte perform their original songs and instrumentals along with a few carefully chosen covers on guitar, mandolin, fiddle, dobro, and clawhammer banjo. Their busy touring schedule is rapidly building them a reputation for engaging and entertaining live performances with tight sibling vocal harmonies and multi-instrumental virtuosity. Having grown up in South Devon, an area rich in folk lore and legends, much of their original material is inspired by their local surroundings and history.

As well as touring all over the UK, the Carrivick Sisters have performed at major festivals in Canada and mainland Europe. They have released five studio albums: My Own Two Feet (2006), Better Than 6 Cakes (2007), Jupiter’s Corner (2009), From the Fields (2011) and Over the Edge (2013) to much critical acclaim and airplay worldwide. Their sixth album, 10 Years Live, was recorded live at The Convent in Stroud; it’s a ten-year retrospective and celebration, with half of the album being old favourites chosen by fans and the other half previously unrecorded material.  (£8 admission, £5 members)

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October 31, 2018: Hallowe’en Special!!

Ghoulies, ghosties and long-leggedy beasties… yes, it’s the usual Folk Club floor musicians! (£3 admission)

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November 7, 2018: Sarah McQuaid (USA)

“The precision and sophistication of the writing and playing blows me away. I am so glad to be involved,” writes guitar legend Michael Chapman in his introduction to Sarah’s fifth solo album, If We Dig Any Deeper It Could Get Dangerous – which he offered to produce after meeting the Madrid-born, Chicago-raised and Cornwall-based singer/songwriter at a festival where they were both on the bill.

Recently honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Ards International Guitar Festival in Northern Ireland, Sarah has also drawn critical praise for her voice (which has been variously likened to malt whisky and melted chocolate) and her engaging rapport with audiences. The Award was in recognition of her innovative use of the DADGAD tuning and her authorship of The Irish DADGAD Guitar Book. She regularly presents workshops on DADGAD tuning at festivals, music schools and venues around the globe, and is working on a follow-up book on DADGAD song.

Sarah was taught piano and guitar by her folksinging mother. From the age of twelve she was embarking on tours of the US and Canada with the Chicago Children’s Choir, and at 18 she went to France for a year to study philosophy at the University of Strasbourg. She moved to Ireland in 1994 and lived there for 13 years, working as a music journalist and magazine editor. In 2007, She moved to Ireland in 1994 and lived there for 13 years, working as a music journalist and magazine editor. In 2007, she re-released her 1997 debut solo album of Irish traditional songs and instumentals, When Two Lovers Meet, and she launched her solo career with a performance on Irish national television as the musical guest on RTE’s arts show The View. The same year saw her moving to Cornwall, and in 2008 she released her second album, I Won’t Go Home ’Til Morning, a celebration of old-time Appalachian folk, with Sarah’s arrangements punctuated by her own compositions. Recent albums include Walking Into White (2015). Just out of interest, there’s a video of Sarah’s interpretation of Buffalo Springfield’s For What It’s Worth (What’s That Sound), recorded in Evesham in July. (£8 admission, £5 members)

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November 21, 2018:  Cosmotheka

The Cosmotheca was a rather seedy, rather dirty and rather run-down music hall in a less-than-salubrious area of Marylebone, London, between 1857 and 1869. From 1972 to 1999, Birmingham-born brothers Dave and Al Sealey were Cosmotheka – performing the songs of the Halls, they were considered by many to be the finest interpreters of the genre, and appeared at venues across the country and around the world. There were numerous radio series and television appearances, and their many fans included Roy Hudd, Bob Monkhouse and Chas & Dave.

Since the tragic death of Al in 1999, Dave has returned to the stage in many collaborations, and particularly a solo career, including one-man shows of the work of two iconic performers, Stanley Holloway and Max Miller. Now the next generation is taking part – and Dave’s son, Dan Sealey, will be joining his father to recreate “a lot of the old songs, with a new twist”. Dan, having grown up with the songs, has his own take on the material. An accomplished professional musician, as bass player with the rock group Ocean Colour Scene, he is no stranger to the big stage. Dan’s guitar skills and dry wit introduce a compelling new dimension to the collaboration. (£8 admission, £5 members)

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December 5, 2018: Alternative evening

This is where you can do something that you don’t usually do at the folk club – but it’s not compulsory! Plenty of warning to practice something up… (Admission £3)

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December 12, 2018: Christmas Party No. 1 

It’s going to be a pot luck party; everyone bring a SMALL plate of food – don’t go mad! (Admission £3)

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December 19, 2018: Christmas Party No. 2 with Belshazzar’s Feast 

A big welcome back for  this magnificent duo!  The best tribute comes from from Mike Harding, who reviewed Sidmouth Festival for The Mike Harding Show: “My personal find of the festival – Paul Hutchinson and Paul Sartin play like no-one else you’ve ever heard. Their music is breathtaking and wickedly inventive and the between-tunes interchange as intelligent and hilarious as the music. But don’t let me give you the impression they’re a lightweight comedy act: they finish the set with a haunting piece of oboe and accordion magic which has the audience spellbound.” (£9 admission, £6 members – supported by an Arts Council Night Out Grant)

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December 26, 2018: No club (boo-hoo!)

Llantrisant Folk Club takes a Boxing Day/ Sain Steffan breather…

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January 2, 2019: New Year survivors’ night

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January 9, 2019: The Rumblestrutters (Wales)

John Toft (vocals, mandolin, banjo), Jonathan Nicholas and Liam Ward bring the Prohibition era to the party! The Swansea-based acoustic three-piece vividly evoke the blues, jazz and jug-band music of the 1920s – and their debut album, Prohibition Blues, has been greeted with international radio play and critical acclaim. The album has confirmed the trio’s reputation, with stellar performances at top festivals across the land.

Equally adept at classic material and original compositions, The Rumblestrutters’ performances have to be seen to be believed. Luscious harmonies and virtuosity combine in songs of bootleg liquor, late night parties, and even the odd hubbly-bubbly pipe.  Started when Jon found an ink jug at the back of an old cupboard, the trio features the virtuoso guitar-playing and voice of Jonathan and Liam Ward on vocals, harmonica and jug. Songs of bootleg liquor, all-night parties and bacchanalia abound, tapped from a rich musical source. The Rumblestrutters bring you the authentic sounds of 1920s and ’30s America!

(£8 admission, £5 members)

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January 16, 2019: Club Swap Night – Newport Folk Club

Showcasing Newport Folk Club’s floor musicians and singers with a one-hour spot. (£3 admission)

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January 30, 2019: Keith Donnelly

Keith Donnelly – stand-up comic, fall-down comedian, surreal snigger-songwriter, guitar-hero, performance-artist, (tall) story-teller, philosopher, scriptwriter, (none can) compere, man-of-mystery, inner-childminder, actor, stuntman, metaphysical poet, human ping-pong ball, life and soul of the (kids) party, world-class athlete, leading socialite, raconteur, business tycoon, wit, author, half-wit, secret (sh!) agent, (Vauxhall) astral-traveller, shaman, Geordie cultural attache, word-juggler, snake-charmer, underline-dancer, unexpected clairvoyant, dream-weaver, daydream believer, psycho-linguist, shark-wrangler, smile sculptor, (compulsive) lying-tamer, Great British eccentric, (alleged) international jewel thief, hot-dog skier, alien abductee, zen grand-master, champion tiddly-winker, sand-dancer, friend to the pantomime horse, erstwhile slice of bacon and all-round good egg. Here’s a video of Keith at Southwell Folk Festival, with the audience just loving it…

(£8 admission, £5 members)

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February 6, 2019: Club Swap Night – Barry Folk Club

Showcasing Barry Folk Club’s floor musicians and singers with a one-hour spot. (£3 admission)

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January 13, 2019: Club Swap Night – Barry Folk Club

Showcasing Newport Folk Club’s floor musicians and singers with a one-hour spot. (£3 admission)

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February 20, 2019: Solasta

Solasta are an outstanding new folk trio who are fast building a name for themselves with their inventive arrangements, unique sound and exhilarating live performances. Comprised of award-winning Scottish fiddler Elisabeth Flett, Welsh cellist Hannah Thomas and English guitarist Jamie Leeming, their dynamic interpretations of Celtic-based material are rooted firmly in tradition, whilst incorporating elements from diverse musical worlds including classical, jazz and early music.  Sheena Wellington, Patron of the Traditional Music Association of Scotland​​, enthusiastically reviewed their show: “Solasta gave one of the most exhilarating and enchanting performances we have ever had….breathtakingly good, consummate young musicians with true flair and imagination.”

The trio recorded their debut EP in April 2016 and released their first full-length album in 2018. Watch a video of Solasta playing at the prestigious Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow.

(£8 admission, £5 members)

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February 27, 2019: Showcase with Mike Johnson (Wales)

Cardiff songwriter Mike Johnson records material about important events in the city’s life; from a folk club organiser to a Cardiff leisure centre and Coal Exchange events manager, Mike’s troubadour presence charts Cardiff’s history. (£3 admission)

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March 13, 2019: Judy Cook (USA)

Judy is an author, a folk singer and an entertainer who lives in Maryland. She has  has been on the road since the early 1990s, making her own the songs and ballads of traditional Americana and the British Isles. She has family roots in Virginia, born into a family who loved music, which led to a personal discovery of the rich and varied treasure of folk music. She has four albums; Her first CD of unaccompanied traditional songs and ballads, If You Sing Songs… , was released in 1998, followed two years later by Far From the Lowlands. Tenting Tonight: Songs of the Civil War was released in 2007, and Lincoln’s America in 2009.

July was the third of four children, and she grew up with singing from both parents and a love for music: “We sang at the table, we sang washing dishes, we sang riding in the car, they sang lullabies to us.” Singing went beyond the immediate family: Judy’s father sang squares for neighbourhood dances and played songs on the piano by ear, and Judy’s mother made sure singing was a big part of the scout troops she led; extended family gatherings often featured evening sings. Judy’s  joy of singing date from her earliest years.

(£8 admission, £5 members)

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April 3, 2019: Pat’s birthday bash with The Fishguard Singers 

(£8 admission, £5 members)

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April 17, 2019: Mairearad Green & Anna Massie (Scotland)

(£8 admission, £5 members)

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May 8, 2019: Nick & Mally Dow

(£8 admission, £5 members)

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May 22, 2019: The Hut People

(£8 admission, £5 members)

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July 3, 2019: Martin Curtis (New Zealand)

(£8 admission, £5 members)

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September 18, 2019: Colum Sands (Ireland)

(£8 admission, £5 members)

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DON’T FORGET: All other Wednesdays are Song And Music Nights, starting at 8.30pm

For past guests, click here

For booking Information & general enquiries…

 

Pat Smith			Mick Tems
Telephone	01443 226892		Telephone	01443 201634
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