January 15- Gordon Giltrap & Jonathan Miller
First time at the Ram for Gordon Giltrap, nothing short of a guitar legend. He's just produced his 23rd album, the latest being Troubadour featuring a host of luminaries including Cliff Richard. That's Sir Cliff, to you lot. Expertly aided and abetted by Jonathan Miller, this is one for the fixture book. Hard act to follow, but read on...
- January 22
- Lee Collinson
...for tonight sees the return of Lee Collinson, one of the club's favourite sons. Natural talent and hard graft have combined to establish Lee as a Premier League act, both here and abroad. Powerful, sensitive vocals, great on-stage presence, 24 carat song arrangements, mesmerising finger-picking and slide guitar, and an all-round diamond geezer.
- January 29
- Jeremy Taylor
Humorist, satirist, social and political commentator, singer and guitarist, writer of monologues and poems - need I go on? Jeremy Taylor tonight presents his witty and thought-provoking one-man show.
- February 5
- Alafia
Infectious, irresistible Afro-sounds and songs from Alafia. Fronted by Sam Maitland from Sierra Leone, the other band members hail from such far-flung parts as Cameroon, Guadeloupe and the Ivory Coast.
- February 12
- WAZ
Since their first visit in January 1997, WAZ have had one change of personnel. So the glitzy noo line-up is Maartin Allcock, Steve Tilston and Pete Zorn. Household names in their own right, and through stints with Fairport, Albion Band and Richard Thompson. Outrageously talented muzos.
- February 19
- Kieran Halpin
Along with Guinness, Kieran Halpin ranks as one of the greatest Irish exports. A singer-songwriter and performer of great power and passion, Kieran is forever traversing the globe on tour. And hey, tonight he brings his brand of stadium folk to the Ram. New album Solo just out.
- February 26
- Carmina
Third time at the Ram for Carmina - Latin for "songs" - an excellent six-piece outfit fronted by founder members Pippa Marland (vocals, sax, whistles) and Rob King (guitar, mandola). Ace musicianship all round, and cleverly crafted songs which draw on the Celtic tradition performed beautifully.
- March 5
- Whiskey Before Breakfast
Whiskey Before Breakfast came on to the scene some three years ago and describe themselves as a shitkickingdiddleydiddley acoustic outfit, playing Irish trad music reconstructed in a fresh way on fiddle, accordion, bodhran, guitar, whistle and mandola.
- March 12
- Helen Watson
Helen Watson has long been recognised as one of the UK's foremost R&B singers. Blessed with breathy, seductive vocals, she is a rare talent and real star turn. Her new album Somersault features many of her best musical mates, including Christine Collister, Chris While and Julie Matthews.
- March 19
- Carlene Anglim Trio
1993 Young Tradition Award winner Carlene Anglim last appeared at the Ram with Bohinta. Last year, with guitarist Ali Gittens, she went on to record an acclaimed album Mellow Frenzy. Now a three-piece-suite, expect prodigious fiddle playing, whether at full pelt or on beautiful slow airs - with subtle, sympathetic band backing.
- March 26
- Andy Irvine
Alongside Guinness, Andy Irvine remains one of Ireland's greatest exports. Down the years, he has forged a remarkable career - both solo and in other musical line-ups (Planxty, Paul Brady, Patrick Street etc.) Andy's solo stuff ranges from trad to Woody Guthrie; from east European to his own material. Wonderful stuff.
- April 2
- Roger Wilson
Roger's most recent visits to the Ram were as part of the amazing House Band. Tonight, however, sees him in cracking solo form. A dexterous guitar and fiddle player, Roger also has a great singing voice and a treasure trove of a repertoire.
- April 9
- The New Bushbury Mountain Daredevil Band
Fabulous backporch, bluegrass country roots music brewed for dancing around the illicit still as the fireflies buzz in the evening breeze (it sez 'ere). The much-loved Daredevils make a welcome return - a six piece tour de force (mandolin, guitar, bass, banjo, accordion and vocals).
- April 16
- Wizz Jones
Severalth time at the Ram for ace guitar player and bluesman Wizz Jones. Revered by other muzos, Wizz has worked over the years with the likes of Renbourn, Jansch and McTell and has influenced legions of younger guitar players. Great songs from a fine solo performer.
- April 23
- Club closed
- April 30
- Nick Harper
Nick (son of Roy) Harper is a mean acoustic guitarist and one of a new generation of hard-hitting singer songwriters. Highly original and inventive stuff - a welcome first for the Ram.
- May 7
- Chris While & Julie Matthews
Chris While & Julie Matthews enjoyed thumping success with the Albion Band earlier in the 90s. Arguably one of the most show-stopping duos on the scene today, Chris and Julie are firm faves at the club. Exquisite singers, rafter-raising songs and ace musicianship.
- May 14
- Keith Hancock
It's been a while, and last time Keith brought his band along, but a solo spot should see this excellent singer-songwriter on top form. Keith has stepped in at the last minute to cover for Dave Swarbrick and Alistair Hulett. Dave, as you probably know, was given that rare treat - "to see ourselves as others see us" - when he read his obituary in The Daily Telegraph, and all at the Ram wish him a continued and full recovery.
- May 21
- The McCalmans
All the way from Scotia's glaciated terrain come The McCalmans. For some 30 years, the Macs have been one of Scotland's foremost acts, constantly on tour here and overseas. Expect powerful singing and playing from this excellent trio, plus a liberal serving of Ian McCalman's dry, laconic wit.
- May 28
- Singaround
What better way to start the Bank Holiday weekend? Admission £1 - or the equivalent in euros...
- June 4
- Julie Henigan
First time at the Ram for Julie Henigan, who comes all the way from the Missouri Ozarks. Using guitar, fiddle, banjo and dulcimer, she is an accomplished singer, instrumentalist and songwriter, with a reputation for subtle and beguiling song arrangements, as well as a strong feel for American, lrish and British traditional music. Hear her and read about her at http://www.waterbug.com/henigan.html.
- June 11
- The Other Band
Marilyn Bennett, Iris Bishop and Gary Holder make up this menage a trois. When not gigging with Martyn Wyndham-Reed, they play a bit of this, a bit of that, and they are The Other Band. Tasteful tunes and songs involving double bass, concertina, harmonica and accordeon.
- June 18
- John Renbourn & Jacqui McShee
Trace the history of the folk revival and you'll need a chapter each for John Renbourn and Jacqui McShee, dating way back beyond their days with Pentangle. John remains one of the niftiest and most influential guitar pickers of his generation. Jacqui's clear-as-a-bell vocals retain all of their instant appeal. See them together at the Ram.
- ]une 25
- Any Old Time
Any Old Time hail from Cork and are Dave Hennessy on accordeon, Matt Crannitch on fiddle and Mick Daly, guitar, five-string banjo and vocals. Exquisite musicianship played with great vitality and drive, interspersed with songs from hither and thither. Stupendously good.
- July 2
- Bob Wood
First time at the Ram (this month) for Bob Wood. His album When the Moon Sits Fat on a Scudding Cloud was recently described by fRoots, as delightful, haunting, reflective and exquisite. Exchange and Mart, on the other hand, said it was a disc which really ought to be compacted. Judge for yourself.
- July 9
- Brian Peters & Gordon Tyrrall
Renowned in their own rights as top soloists, tonight offers a chance to hear Brian Peters and Gordon Tyrrall together. For those who don't know, Brian is a leading exponent of melodeon/anglo-concertina - and is no slouch on guitar. Gordon is a fiendishly fine guitar and flute player. Both excellent singers, they play (mainly) trad arr music with real vibrancy and virtuosity.
- July 16
- Acadian Ramblers
Founded in the spring of '97, The Acadian Ramblers are big bizz these days on the Cajun and Zydeco scene. A five-piece Dutch and Belgian band playing the hot native music of Louisiana. Making a welcome return visit, this is a date on the Ramblers '99 UK tour.
- July 23
- Chris Foster
Chris Foster gave up regular touring in the 80s to concentrate on other projects. By then, he had achieved virtual cult status. To this day, he remains June Tabor's fave male singer. Now he's back. Known for subtle, rhythmic and inventive guitar arrangements, Chris also has a wonderfully resonant and expressive voice. Chris's repertoire is a treasure trove of traditional and contemporary material.
- July 30
- Doug Smith
Doug Smith turned in a storming gig last Feb so we were intent on finishing the season on a high. Check out Diving for Pearls, Doug's debut album, for confirmation of one of the most gifted, sensitive and technically elite slide and fingerstyle guitarists around. An excellent singer to boot, with a great repertoire of trad, contemp and original material.
- September 3
- Steve Tilston
You've seen him here with Maggie Boyle, WAZ and String Thing. And now to kick off the new season in fine style, we present Steve Tilston in solo mode. An outstanding songwriter, interpreter of trad material, guitar and arpeggione player, Steve's current album Solorubato is a gem.
- September 10
- Mike Silver
Also in the Carling Premier League of England's singer-songwriters is Mike Silver. A polished pro and an ace guitarist, with a nice dry line in humour. A powerful and sensitive performer.
- September 17
- Shave The Monkey
No strangers to the Ram, Shave The Monkey are a six-piece outfit, a versatile, talented, extrovert bunch who pump life and enthusiasm into their music and songs. These tend to be drawn from multifarious, early traditional and contemporary sources.
- September 24
- Isaac Guillory
Widely regarded as one of the best acoustic guitarists around, Isaac Guillory is a terrific performer and singer. As one might expect from an American, born in Cuba and resident in the UK, Isaac is possessed of unique style and technique.
- October 1
- Pat Kilbride
Born in lreland, late of Belgium, now based in New York, Pat Kilbride first came to prominence in the mighty Battlefield Band. A wonderful cittern and guitar player, as well as singer and instrumentalist. Check out Pat's Loose Cannon album for a real treat.
- October 8
- Martin Simpson
Best acoustic guitar and slide player the UK scene has ever produced? It's just got to be Martin Simpson. Fiendishly brilliant in any style (breakneck blues, blistering bottleneck, achingly beautiful trad/arr tunes, to list but a few) Simpson is king. A particularly exciting gig, as it kicks off Martin's 1999 Fall tour - as they say in the States. Visit the Martin Simpson Web sites at here, here or here - but y'all come back now, y'hear?
- October 15
- Artisan
Artisan tonight are out and about on what's billed as their Ten Years on the Road tour. A first-rate harmony trio. Theatrical, humorous, thought-provoking, heart-warming and always entertaining, their current repertoire retains trad links, yet includes definitive versions of songs by many of the country's best songwriters. An ever-popular act.
- October 22
- Clive Gregson
On tour from Nashville, Tennessee, we have once again managed to ambush Clive Gregson on his way through. A revered guitar player and one of Mary Chapin Carpenter's favourite songwriters, Clive is known for his work with Christine Collister and Richard Thompson. He is, of course, a brilliant solo performer and that's what we have tonight.
- October 29
- Mad Pudding
Another ambush. This time it's Mad Pudding from Vancouver. Celtic folk rock funk crossover set to new wave old time fiddle tunes, and not a hyphen in sight. Mad Pudding are an exuberant five-piece outfit (vocals, accordion, whistles, fiddle, piano, percussion, bouzouki etc). Big biz in Canada and fast gaining a reputation here, they put on a great show on their last visit to the Ram.
- November 5
- Carmina
Forget the fireworks. Be here tonight for Carmina, one of the most refreshing and engaging acoustic bands on the folk scene. Although possessed of breathtaking instrumental virtuosity, this is never at the expense of the vocal and lyrical content of the songs. A welcome return to the Ram Club.
- November 12
- Pete Coe
First class club night in store with the one and only Mr Pete Coe. Multi-talented and multi-instrumentalist, Pete has long been one of those at the very forefront of the folk revival. Expect a polished performance plus a fine mix of trad and self-penned songs and tunes.
- November 19
- Dayteller
Dayteller (a word for a mineworker paid by the day) are Barry Coope and Jim Boyes. Tonight they sing minus Lester Simpson, but plus Sam Smith, Gary Warmington and Steven Page - and instrumentation (string, keyboards, percussion). Dayteller perform songs of some of England's leading songwriters.
- November 26
- Mick Ryan & Pete Harris
Mick Ryan & Pete Harris have been a gigging duo since 1993. Mick is pretty unrivalled as a singer and songwriter; while Pete (who, outside of the folk scene, plays in blues bands) is slick on guitar and loads of other stringie things. Expect an appealing mix of trad, original, comic and some bluesy material.
- December 3
- Jackie McAuley
From a decidedly folkie Irish family background, Jackie McAuley went on, aged 17, to join the legendary Van Morrison and the band Them. In succeeding years, he worked with a wide range of others (including Paul Brady, Gene Vincent and Lonnie Donegan and his own Poor Mouth). Tonight in solo mode, Jack's repertoire spans Irish music, a tinge of blues and a clutch of his own songs.
- December 10
- Cato, McConville & Haworth
Tom McConville(fiddle and vocals) and Pauline Cato (Northumbrian pipes), no strangers to the Ram, are exceptional mucisians who specialise in both tight unison and harmony playing. Along with the package comes a bunch of great traditional and contemporary songs. Their latest album The Surprise is a gem and a real labour of love. Plus tonight, there will be some subtle and classy accompaniment from guitarist Simon Haworth (on loan from Jez Lowe's Bad Pennies).
- December 17
- The Albion Band
Christmas Party time with The Albion Band... Over the past 30 years, the Guv'nor Ashley Hutchings has founded the three bands (Fairport, Steeleye Span and the Albions) which have taken British folk music from darkened clubs and presented it world-wide to the masses. The Albion Band has long been Ashley's major preoccupation. For this rare chance to catch them in a small venue on their Christmas '99 tour and the club's party night, tickets will be limited and available, first-come first-served, in advance.