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Ram Club guest list: 2001

January 5 – Pete Morton

Passionate, expressive songwriter/singer/guitarist who has recently taken it upon himself to redefine the Traditional Repertoire and inject a huge dose of vitality in the process. An evening of powerful songs in store. “Not only impressive but a revelation – totally original” said The Guardian... and so he is! Click here for Pete’s Web site.

January 12 – Chris Moreton & Terry Lees

A guitar special, but nothing formal or academic here – just a stunning combination of virtuosity and taste from a couple of ace guitarists who just ooze class and, in the time honoured tradition, make it look easy. “Jaw dropping and awesome” said Guitarist magazine, so if you play or appreciate guitar, just come, and hear everything from Mozart to Bluegrass, Handel to Hillbilly and Celtic to Country. Click here for the North West Bluegrass News Magazine’s profile of Chris Moreton.

January 19 – Damien Barber

Following in the footsteps of Martin Carthy OBE, Damien is taking traditional English music by the scruff of the neck and presenting it with pride, as young people in just about any other country do with their musical heritage. Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you have to be in a boy band or “Megadeff” – not when your own tradition provides more than enough love, hate and murderous deeds for an evening’s entertainment. Come along as well for tasteful English concertina, guitar, button accordion (which he also makes) and refreshing enlightenment. Click here for a review of the gig or herefor Damien’s excellent Web site.

January 26 – Ridgeriders – sold out!

Ridgeriders are Ashley Hutchings, Phil Beer and Chris While, who need no introduction. All are blessed with songwriting skills which have been harnessed by Meridian TV for a long-running series, Ridgeriders, which blends ancient history and classic motorbikes against a backdrop of rural southern England. Their music is a highlight of the programmes and tonight they’ll be performing it! Likely to be a sell-out so book your tickets in advance!

February 2 – Lee Collinson – sold out!

The Artist Formerly Known For Prince returns once more to stand in front of his famous Ram backdrop to astound us with his acoustic guitar playing. No, he won’t do Kiss anymore (then again, everyone has their price?) but this Local Lad Done Good has a stack of great contemporary and rootsy songs, interspersed with the gift of the gab!

February 9 – Artisan

Regulars at the Ram since going professional 11 years ago, Artisan are a top-notch close harmony a cappella trio. They perform mainly traditional classics, except that most of them happen to be written “in house” by Brian Bedford! Brian, wife Jacey and Hilary Spencer, have a rare ability to connect with the heart and soul of their audience, with humour, great melodies and razor sharp, clever lyrics that leave no human condition untapped.

February 16 – Kieran Halpin & Maartin Allcock

Back by popular demand after a fantastic gig last year, these two have been coming to our modest palace for many a year in various combinations. Kieran is a prolific, powerful and highly rated songwriter and guitarist from Ireland, while Maartin has a track record with bands like Fairport, Waz!, Robert Plant and Jethro Tull that is as awesome as his talent on guitar, fretless bass, other things stringed and keyboards.

February 23 – Serious Kitchen

Celtic tradition in a 21^st century setting, Serious Kitchen are Vicki Swan (flute, Scottish small pipes, bodhran and vocals), Jonny Dyer (guitar, low whistle, djembe and vocals) and Nick Hennessey (lead vocals, whistles, bodhran and harp). They have one aim – to take their favourite trad music, mix it with their own, and cook it up so that it’s bubbling, spiced and fresh. Steeped in traditional music from Gospel to Irish ballads to Motown, they are class interpreters, composers and performers.

March 2 – Michael Marra

From north of the border, Michael writes uniquely bittersweet, kind-hearted songs with unexpected twists, backed up by easy-going jazzy piano and guitar and delivered with a dry charm and bedpan wit. The Ram likes to treat you to something completely different now and then in our pursuit of cultural enlightenment. Michael is not your average folkie, more a Randy Newman in blue suede shoes with a bit of cabaret thrown in! He’ll make you laugh, he’ll make you think, he’ll break the ice…!

March 9 – Benny Gallagher

An old friend of the club, Benny is guilty of serious and wanton improvement of the airwaves over the past three decades with the classic songs he has written since those early days in McGuinness Flint and then Gallagher and Lyle and which he still writes today. You would have to have been in cryogenic storage if you haven’t turned on the radio and heard the likes of Art Garfunkel, Brian Ferry or The Man Himself filling your lugholes and replenishing the parts other songs can’t reach. Tonight you’ll hear those wonderful songs standing up proudly in nothing more than the instrumentation they were born in. A coup!

March 16 – Stony

First time at the club, Stony are an acoustic duo who over the past five years of constant touring have made their name as one of the hottest live acts around, having supported a galaxy of major stars. Singer/guitarist Richard Adams and singer/pianist Mark Gordon perform their own finely crafted songs as well as a smattering of classics by the likes of Van Morrison, the Beatles and Paul Simon. Wonderful harmonies, spot on arrangements – come and see!

March 23 – Ian Bruce

One of Scotland’s finest, Ian tours extensively in the UK, America and Europe, where his exceptional songwriting, richly expressive voice and warm on-stage presence have captivated audiences across the musical spectrum. As might be expected, Robert Burns will make several guest appearances alongside lovely versions of traditional Scottish songs and his own contemporary songs, perfectly underpinned by his own fine guitar.

March 30 – Bohinta

Fronted by Martin and Aine Furey on vocals, pipes, guitar and whistles, with Greig Stewart on percussion, Bohinta create ethereal, hauntingly beautiful music for the heart and soul that effortlessly blends the ancient and modern from the Irish/Celtic traditions. Original and traditional songs and tunes, and a track record second to none, have ensured many appearances at festivals and in TV productions. A rare treat!

April 6 – Allan Taylor

Justifiably recognised as a fine songwriter, Allan Taylor is a regular guest here when he’s not touring the concert venues of Europe, America and beyond. He remains outside the narrow stereotype of your average singer/songwriter and over the years has woven a seamless tapestry of melodic contemporary songs that are currently being absorbed into the tradition of future. They draw from his own personal experience as well as elements of American history and French chanson. A consummate performer, sublime guitarist and riveting raconteur, the Who’s Who of singers covering his songs is a testament to their quality.

April 13 – Chris Newman & Máire Ní Chathasaigh

No need to say much about these two, because most of you will know that Chris and Máire are at the very pinnacle of guitar and harp playing respectively. “Virtuoso” is a term bandied about too readily, but not here. Irish and Scottish traditional music, O’Carolan pieces, a sprinkling of lovely songs and the odd surprise – we absolutely guarantee a classic evening!

April 20 – Roger Wilson

A singer, fiddler, guitarist and songwriter of renown, Roger is one of our perennial faves. Whether he’s sharing the stage with Sara Grey, the House Band or Martin Carthy, he brings along his own eclectic mix of songs and tunes, and solo he’s simply stunning – and we don’t know anyone else who sings Hendrix’s Hey Joe with fiddle accompaniment!

April 27 – Tom McConville, Pauline Cato and Clive Carroll

Tom (fiddle and vocals) and Pauline (Northumbrian pipes) you will have seen oft before. Tonight they’re bringing the highly rated young guitarist Clive Carroll along for an exceptional evening of tight unison and harmony playing. Clive is classically trained and traditionally infused and is rapidly gaining a reputation as a brilliant soloist, accompanist and composer. Yet another blockbuster!

May 4 – Dick Gaughan

Dick Gaughan produced, by popular consent, the folk album of the last Millennium, namely Handful of Earth. That album contained the definitive version of World Turned Upside Down (about the 1649 Diggers community in nearby Weybridge) as well as the beautiful Song for Ireland. Political songs, “persuasion” songs, love songs, traditional songs, all stamped with his mighty presence and distinctive guitar style. A true legend – and a superb web site.

May 11 – Colum Sands

From Mayobridge, County Down, Colum comes from the melting pot of traditional Irish music that is the Sands family. Having absorbed the muse at an early age and learned to play concertina, guitar and fiddle, Colum rapidly matured into one of the finest contemporary songwriters and performers, with a style that says important things quietly. Since his first album in 1981, Unapproved Road, Colum has delivered a string of classic songs covered my many top acts. A great performer and storyteller, he entertains and charms as only he can – with warmth and good vibes!

May 18 – John Wright Band

From the Scottish Borders, this bunch are one of the most popular bands on the UK folk scene, not to mention Germany, Holland, Denmark and beyond. Why? Because John sings great songs from ballads to rockers, with spot-on harmonies and wonderful accompaniment from the fiddle of Stewart Hardy and the guitar of Kenny Speirs. Throw in a few outstanding tune sets, charisma in abundance and a freshness and intensity that send your spirits soaring one moment and bring a lump to your throat the next, and you’re in for another great night at the Ram.

May 25 – Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies

A true giant of the folk scene, Jez Lowe’s songs strike a chord with audiences the world over. He’s written many of the classic songs sung by performers at clubs and festivals everywhere. From Fairport to floorspots, everyone does a Jez, be it a high-energy chorus song or a touching ballad of exquisite beauty. In fact many of them now pass for “traditional”! Subjectwise, Jez casts the net widely – jumped-up small-town dandies with big ideas, lost fishing boats, sad widows, ladies of the night and, of course, the proud traditions of his native North East. Ably accompanied by the wonderful Bad Pennies – fiddler Kate Bramley, vocalist Judy Dinning and guitarist/bassist Simon Haworth – this will be one of the year’s highlights.

June 1 – Doug B Smith

Another one of those sickeningly-good guitarists with a rare ability to combine fantastic technique, taste and great songs into a completely wholesome and nutritious evening’s entertainment. Doug will be providing his usual feast of British and Irish traditional and contemporary songs and tunes, American blues and original material, all featuring his superb finger style and slide guitar. If you’re into Lee Collinson, John Renbourn and Martin Simpson, you’ll love this!

June 8 – The New House Band

The old one was good enough but, after tasteful modernisation and careful restoration, the new version is even better! Ged Foley (vocals, guitar, mandolin, fiddle), Chris Parkinson (melodeon, harmonica and vocals) and John Skelton (flute, bombarde, pipes and whistle), are joined by Sandy Jones (fiddle) and Bernie Nau (keyboards, oboe and vocals). This classic institution combines traditional Celtic, English and European styles with dynamic effort.

June 15 – Tony Wilson

From South Shields, Tony is a really excellent entertainer with a huge repertoire of great songs from then and now (including his own), with a touch of music hall and some great tunes. With ace guitar and tenor 5-string banjo to the fore, Tony strings it all together with daft tales, one-liners and Geordie humour and warmth that makes you feel you’ve known him all your life. “A great musician and singer, and an asset to any club,” says Jez Lowe. Nuff said!

June 22 – Dr Faustus

...are Robert Harbron (concertina, bassoon, guitar, vocals), Benji Kirkpatrick (bouzouki, guitar, vocals), Paul Sartin (oboe, violin, vocals) and Tim Van Eyken (melodeon, guitar, whistles, vocals). Despite an aggregate age of about 30% of Fairport’s, the band pedigree includes extensive touring, BBC Young Folk Awards, cathedral choirs, theatrical productions and TV soundtracks. Dr Faustus have rapidly blossomed into arguably the most exciting young band playing English traditional music in years. Instrumentally brilliant with strong vocals from all four and gorgeous harmonies to boot, they’re very special.

June 29 – Anna Ryder

A unique talent who applies a totally fresh and original approach to songwriting, performance, instrumentation – and the way she writes her namE! Much feted by fairporT (they cover her song Sailing Boat), and a regular at their cropredY bash, annA writes songs with depth, integrity and a dry wit that demand your attentioN!

July 6 – Coope, Boyes and Simpson

Barry Coope, Jim Boyes and Lester Simpson are familiar to most. Suffice to say, they present a radically different, modern face to a cappella music – strong, original songs with memorable tunes, soaring harmonies and sometimes radical words that strike a chord and make you listen. A stirring night ahead – brace yourselves!

July 13 – Rod Clements

Founder member of legendary Geordie institution Lindisfarne and writer of classics such as Meet me on the Corner, Rod’s career reads like a Who’s Who of contemporary folk music. He’s played bass, fiddle and slide guitar with Ralph McTell, Bert Jansch, Pentangle and Rab Noakes among others. Currently “on holiday” from the group to promote his highly acclaimed new CD Stamping Ground, Rod will be playing some of those classic hits, new songs, and lots more from in between. Get here early!

July 20 – Hans Theessink

It’s been a while since Hans has been at the Ram, mainly due to the fact that he’s so busy on the Continent! Originally from the Netherlands, Hans is a great guitarist and bluesman, with a style that brings together country blues, fingerpicking and influences such as Big Bill Broonzy, Leadbelly and Brownie McGhee. Bo Diddley described him as “one helluva guitar player” and that’s not all – he writes some great songs too!

July 27 – Mouse

Hip Young Things and purveyors of chilled acoustic music since 2000, Mouse are Martha Tilston and Nick Marshall on vocals and guitars. They write beautiful and sometimes fragile songs that sit happily in the modern singer-songwriter genre alongside the likes of Shawn Colvin, Tori Amos and Beth Orton. Nick’s guitar is masterfully subtle and the perfect complement to the songs. Oozing star quality in a natural, unpretentious way, Mouse are equally at home whether in intimate clubs or in chill-out zones at mass raves. Like salvationists, they are helping to spread the word among the glass-eyed and bemused that “unplugged is cool” and introducing a new generation to the concept of a quality song that comes from the soul rather than a computer. And yes – Steve T is Martha’s dad.

September 7 – Martin Simpson

One of England’s finest exports, Martin Simpson gave fingerstyle acoustic guitar an enormous kick up the backside in the Eighties, having previously accompanied the likes of June Tabor as a precociously talented yoof. He has a gift for interpreting pop, gospel and traditional folk and blues classics and completely redefining them with inspired passion, leaving a thousand wannabe pickers in his wake. Catch him in a rare folk club gig but get here early!

September 14 – Phil Beer Band

A mighty evening of Roots Rock (and Roll) is up for grabs, as the packed house last year will testify. Phil Beer is simply brilliant on anything stringed, and there aren’t many folkies who can sell out the Albert Hall – twice – and get their licks on to albums by such upstarts as the Rolling Stones and Mike Oldfield. Phil’s taste runs wide and deep (he’s also in Show of Hands and Ridgeriders), so expect gentle folk tunes, contemporary songs and out’n’out gut-busting rock. Tonight he’s with Gareth Turner (melodeon), Emily Slade (vocals, guitar), Deb Sandiland (vocals), and Nick Quarmby and Steve Crickett (rhythm section). Stadium stuff on a six-inch stage!

September 21 – Boo Hewerdine

Another class act who gave in to our grovelling to grace our little shack. Frontman of fab Eighties pop band The Bible, Boo Hewerdine has since spread himself out a bit, bubbling underneath the surface of many a modern-day hit. He wrote Eddie Reader’s Patience of Angels (Novello song of the year) and is currently producing The Corrs. His gorgeous, reflective, open-hearted songs have been nabbed by singers as varied as kd lang, Paul Young and Eleanor Shanley. He also collaborates and tours with Ram fave Clive Gregson and Neill MacColl (Ewan’s son). Phew!

September 28 – Roger Sutcliffe

New to the club – but that’s our fault for not discovering him earlier. A guitarist and singer who makes the blues accessible to all, Roger Sutcliffe was for many years a college lecturer teaching – you guessed it – music! A veteran of many a festival, club and workshop, Roger enjoys his music and spins a fine yarn in the process. Blues, jazz and folk for all.

October 5 – Craobh Rua

An exciting four piece band, now regarded as one of the finest ambassadors of Irish traditional music. Featuring Brian Connolly (banjo, mandolin), Michael Cassidy (fiddle), Aaron Jones (cittern, guitar and vocals) and Patrick Davey (pipes, whistle and flute). Together they take a refreshing clean run at some of the finest music in the world, mixing tune sets and songs.

October 12 – Brian Willoughby & Catherine Craig

Brian is a local boy done very good. He’s played countless gigs with the Strawbs, laying down some lead guitar lines that rip through the stratosphere one minute and melt the ice caps the next. Cathryn has a Nashville voice to die for – powerful, soulful and definitely not schmaltzy. Together they write songs that make you laugh, cry and think, delivered with totally gorgeous unpluggedness. Stuff the Grand Ole Oprey – the Ram is far more important!

October 19 – Katrina Rublowski & David Harrod

Katrina grew up in New York City, immersed in traditional music and political folk. Now resident in London, she cut her musical teeth in alternative venues and festivals, then founded acappella group Smashing Dishes, before teaming up with pianist David. Reports of their powerful performances of contemporary folk and self-penned stuff have reached our antennae – so come and hear something new.

October 26 – Steve Tilston & Maartin Allcock

Both of these guys have been here so often in various guises that they’ve even got their very own table at the local curry house! Steve’s classic songs just keep flowing from a bottomless well, while Maart plays bass and guitars with telepathic precision, taste and virtuosity, as indeed he does with unknowns like Jethro Tull, Fairport and Robert Plant. Listen in awe!

November 2 – Andy Irvine

One of Ireland’s finest – a genuine troubadour who never tires of the road (is there a song in that?). Occasionally some people are blessed with a certain talent and charisma that makes you know they are the real thing. Andy Irvine is one such person with his story songs, ballads, tunes from Europe and America and dazzling good mandola and bouzouki. His pedigree is longer than an ol’ freight train (Planxty, Paul Brady, Patrick Street etc) so jump aboard and hitch a ride.

November 9 – Niamh Parsons & Graham Dunne

Niamh (pronounced “Neeve”) is one of the freshest and most powerful voices out of Ireland today. If you like Sandy Denny, Mary Black, June Tabor and Dolores Keane, you are in for a treat. You are anyway! Expect a truly beautiful mix of contemporary and re-interpreted Irish traditional songs with sublime backing from prolific young Dublin guitarist Graham, who is rapidly making a name for himself. Having capped a world tour with a performance for Bill Clinton in 1999, Niamh should just about be ready for the Ram!

November 16 – Tomas Lynch

A powerful singer, great guitarist (in the Gaughan/Carthy mould) and ace Uillean piper, Tomas Lynch delivers songs both old and new from Ireland, with some beautiful tunes on the pipes. His warm stage presence and uniquely entertaining style shines through, whether solo, in groups like Afterhours and with Ron Kavana, or in numerous recordings and radio sessions. We think his first visit to the Ram will be special, so don’t miss it.

November 23 – Tony McManus

It has been a cracking year for Tony McManus. He was invited by the Chet Akins Society to perform during their annual convention in July. For the first couple of weeks of October he was Artist in Residence at the Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. Born in 1965 in Paisley, Scotland, the self-taught guitar wizard is considered by many to be one of the finest acoustic guitarists in the world. And if you don’t believe the likes of Stefan Grossman, Martin Simpson, John Renbourn and Pierre Bensusan, check out the mp3s on Tony’s web site. November 23 at the Ram is going to be a great night for people who like to hear a guitar sing.

November 30 – Mike Silver

An excellent songwriter and guitarist who aims for the heart and hits! Mike has written some truly classic songs over the years. Call it “contemporary folk” but it’s much more, with a rock/pop “unplugged” feel to the songs, which are sung with passion and underpinned perfectly by Mike’s trademark Washburn guitar. Mike was too good for Elton John's Rocket label and he’s never better than in front of an audience. Expect ballads and rockers, strong melodies and a message! And some wonderful harmonies from the Ram chorus – Mike is a master at encouraging audience participation. A great evening in store.

December 7 – Fraser Nimmo

A welcome return for this stylish singer/songwriter. Fraser hails from Dundee and combines traditional material with his own songs of love, hate, injustice, fear, the human condition and Scotland! One or two of his songs you will already know from the singing of our own Ram Clan – the others he’ll make sure you know by the end of the evening. A man of gentle charm, wit, generosity and “a very crappy banjo”.

December 14 – Martin Carthy

MBE actually... and deservedly so for all he’s done for traditional music over the past four decades. Martin is English folk’s reluctant godfather and a storyteller supreme. His guitar style is quite simply “Martin Carthy”, instantly recognisable and preserved on vinyl in many a classic recording, both his own and by a “who’s who” of the English folk scene. Not only that, he nurtured one Bob Dylan at the beginning of his career and gave his arrangement of Scarborough Fair to Paul Simon – who of course went off and made Lots Of Money with it! It’s great news that they are at last reconciled. Still innovating after all these years, come and meet a true man of the people and a giant of folk. Oh, and make sure he sings Oor Hamlet! Click here for pictures taken at the gig.

December 21 – Christmas Party!

By unanimous public opinion, we have decided to repeat last year’s mistake and make our own mayhem, merriment and festive frolics. My, do we have some talent hiding under the Yule log, just waiting to be heard. There’ll be festive fodder for the donkeys and mulled swill for the pigs, plus turkeys to heckle, crackers to pop, Laps dancing and the mother of all raffles! Does anyone have a snow machine we can borrow?

December 28 – CLOSED!

A totally useless, boring apology of an act, so have a night off and repair your livers for a HAPPY NEW YEAR! And thanks for all your support in 2001. Keep coming!

Old N-ewes

I was shocked to hear of the untimely death on New Year’s Eve of a true Ram Club favourite, Isaac Guillory, who was at the club in September. Check out his Web site for information about a couple of live concerts due to be released on video, the proceeds going to his widow and four children. My deepest sympathies go to them. There is also a tribute here.

Show of Hands (Phil Beer was here with his band in September 2000, in January for the sell-out Ridgeriders night and yet again with the band on September 14) are preparing for another gig at a well-known folk club almost as good as the Ram, though slightly bigger – the Royal Albert Hall. They are celebrating their 10th anniversary with a gig there on Saturday, April 7, 2001. Check out their web site for details. (Jan)

The second Folk Week Derby – March 16-18, 2000 – promises a fantastic weekend of traditional and contemporary folk music, dance and song – it says on the handout. What it also says is that Chris Cutting and Andy Wood (September 1) are involved, so fantastic is probably the right word. More details here. (Jan)

If you’re at a loose end on Thursday nights, a new acoustic blues club has opened in the Colourhouse Theatre, not too far up the A3 at Merton Abbey Mills. Run by Bob Brunning, BB’s Acoustic Blues Club features the likes of Dave Peabody, Wizz Jones and Gypsy Dave Smith. Details from 020 8540 6652 or bbrunning@bigfoot.com. (Jan)

On their web site, the John Wright Band (May 18) have announced they will not be continuing after February 2002. So let’s help them to make their last year together the best ever! (Feb)

For those of you who missed Damien Barber in January – shame on you! But never mind, he will be back down south at Croydon Folk Club on Monday, May 21. Be there! Incidentally, not content with being the unluckiest concertina player on the scene, losing a finger in an argument with his fan belt, Damo has also taken on the mantle of unluckiest instrument maker on the scene – his workshop burnt down in March! Typically, he took it in good spirit. (March)

Mouse – a duo who did their first ever gig at the Ram a year ago and have fast become highly respected performers on the capital’s contemporary folk scene – are not only headlining at the Ram this July, they have a second CD available. Check their new web site for details. (May)

Root Source – the online edition of the EFDSS’s Folk Directory – is now accessible for free. It is the place to look if you need a ceilidh band for a wedding, a folk club to visit while on holiday or any other aspect of the tradition you might otherwise telephone Cecil Sharp House for.

There will be a special day for Rita – who passed away last year – at Croydon Folksong Club in October. As well as concerts there will be workshops and singarounds, the idea being, in Chris Roche’s words, to “sing Rita down in style”. You will find details nearer the time on the club’s web site. (July)

Hans Theesink (July 20) may be a Dutchman who lives in Vienna, but he plays the blues like he’s been down to the crossroads. After his July gig at the Ram, Hans gave a beautiful old Martin guitar which he had bought from the late Gerry Lockran in the mid-1980s back to the Loughran family. It was a terrific evening. It was an emotional one as well, with Gerry’s old partners Cliff Aungier and Roy Shew (Royd Rivers) also in the audience. Gerry’s son Jason and his wife Sammy run a cool web site dedicated to Gerry’s memory which is well worth a visit. (July)

Ram Club favourites Mouse (July 27) are playing at The Peel, Cambridge Road, Kingston, on Saturday, October 27, (not a Friday so I don’t mind telling you!) as part of the Kingston Autumn Arts Festival. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets are £4, available in advance, either from the Arts Festival box office on 020 8287 7047, from Kingston Tourist Information Centre, Market House, Kingston, on 0208 547 5592, or from the band on 0771 876 2280. This is the only gig Mouse have planned until December. (Oct)

Commiserations to Dorking Folk Club, AKA the Chanticleer FC, which used to meet each Wednesday at the Watermill Inn, Reigate Road, but which lost its venue due to a fire in early October. Anyone planning to go to a Dorking FC gig is advised that until the end of the year it is meeting in the club room at Friends Provident in Dorking. Its address is Pixham Lane, and if my memory serves me well, as you head south down the main (A24) London Road towards Dorking, you can’t miss it. And don’t miss Ram fave Lee Collinson, who’s there on November 7!

Not only is Martin Carthy’s 60th birthday being celebrated with a superb four-CD collection from Free Reed, with accompanying web site, but the maestro himself will also be spending an evening with us at the Ram in December. The Ram Club has got together with Free Reed to give you the chance to win the superb boxed set – The Carthy Chronicles – and the second of three draws was due on December 1. Click here for the quiz.

Artisan – they were last here on February 9 – have recorded music and chat for a programme called Home for Christmas with Barnsley poet and broadcaster Ian McMillan, due to be broadcast on Friday, December 21, at 11.00am. The programme includes the title song, Home for Christmas, a collaboration between Artisan’s Brian Bedford and Ian McMillan.

It was announced in Dublin on October 2 that Máire Ni Chathasaigh (April 13) is the recipient of the TG4 National Traditional Music Award for Musician of the Year 2001 (the highest possible honour for a traditional Irish musician), to be presented at a live televised awards ceremony in the Cork Opera House on November 17. (TG4 is Ireland’s Irish-language TV station.) The citation says: “For the excellence and pioneering force of her music, the remarkable growth she has brought to the music of the harp & for the positive influence she has had on the young generation of harpers”. Congratulations, Máire!

Best Ram Club wishes to Artisan, who managed to survive a motorway smash between gigs – Nettlebed on Tuesday, followed by Huntingdon Hall on Wednesday. They still got to the gig, though their car and trailer where complete wrecks, on time. True professionals. To quote Jacy Bedford: “We’ll be continuing the Christmas Show tour. The show definitely goes ON! Please come and support our remaining dates.” Not many left but for details click on the above link. (Dec)