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Ram Club guest list: 2002

January 4 – Nancy Kerr and James Fagan

The Best New Act on the Folk Scene – BBC Folk Awards 2000. Both Nancy and James have prominent folk parentage and so have had lots of opportunity to absorb the muse and develop their own brilliant identity. Nancy sings and plays exquisite fiddle and viola, while James sings and plays guitar, bouzouki and mandolin. They’ll be playing fast, stompy traditional Northumbrian tunes, stunning songs by contemporary Australian writers, and best of all, their own material. Their latest album, Steely Water, has received rave reviews. Original, energetic, entertaining and a joy to watch and listen to.

January 11 – John Kirkpatrick

Squeezebox maestro and surely the next folkie in line for a gong. Failing that, a preservation order will do, for John has done the same for the music he loves in a glittering career that has seen him in at the big bangs of several folk universes, such as the Albion Band, Steeleye Span, Brass Monkey and Band of Hope. The first number in Richard Thompson’s telephone book, John immerses himself in a variety of collaborations including dance bands, and yet still finds the time to compose songs and tunes and do solo gigs like tonight.

January 18 – Steve Gibbons

The Steve Gibbons Band enjoyed massive success in the Seventies, with hit singles and albums like Short Stories and they’re still huge on the live circuit, belting out classic R&B with Steve’s fab “lived-in” voice and classic songs to the fore. Together with most of Fairport plus PJ Wright, he is The Dylan Project, a tribute band with cred! Tonight Steve brings just himself, a guitar and four decades of inspired music. “Cool, voice perfect and handsomely road-worn” – Pete Townsend.

January 25 – Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman

Two members of the brilliant Equation, who were here recently and now play to packed houses from LA to Lisbon. Kathryn is Barnsley born-and-bred and has always sung, winning the BBC Young Tradition award in 1994, and Folk Roots’ 1995 Album of the Year with Kate Rusby. Sean has always played guitar, honing his craft on the folk scene and absorbing jazz and rock styles at music college. Tonight you’ll get powerful, emotional vocals, refreshingly-good guitar and piano, great songs from the likes of Randy Newman, Suzanne Vega and Trad, Arr.

February 1 – Carmina

February 8 – Ridgeriders

February 15 – Mick Ryan & Pete Harris

February 22 – Singers' night (Vin Garbutt had to cancel at last minute)

March 1 – Emily Slade

March 8 – Dave Ellis & Boo Howard

March 15 – Kellie While & Kwame Yeboah

March 22 – Belshazzar's Feast

March 29 – Closed for Easter!

April 5 – Bob Fox

Bob is a top-notch Geordie entertainer, guitarist and singer who has “done the world” a few times or more in his long career! His highly rated duo with Stu Luckley achieved universal, even interstellar, acclaim and their album Nowt So Good’ll Pass which on its release in 1978 became Melody Maker’s Folk Album of the Year. Last year his solo album Dreams Never Leave You was equally well received.

April 12 – Brian Peters & Gordon Tyrrall

Brian is an innovative squeezebox player as well as guitarist. Gordon is a brilliant and original guitarist in the Nic Jones mould, as well as a flute player par excellence. Both are excellent singers combining a traditional style with modern dynamics – they’ve also been in rock and blues bands. Together their music is drawn mainly from Britain – some traditional, some original, and a few surprises you wouldn’t expect. A really class act with a folk pedigree as long as your arm.

April 19 – Martin Wyndham-Read Trio

Martyn has a worldwide reputation as a collector and interpreter of Australian folk songs. He also embraces songs from these Isles and delivers them all with his rich powerful voice in a performance full of warmth and with lots of wonderful humorous anecdotes. Tonight he brings Iris Bishop on concertina and accordian and Gary Holder on bass, both consummate musicians who complete a tightly knit team.

April 26 – Lee Collinson

Lee Collinson is like our very own Halley’s Comet, except that he comes round once a year, having illuminated the nether regions of the folk solar system in the intervening period. A true local hero, Lee’s star still shines as brightly as ever, emitting a vapour trail of supercharged particles from his guitar that leaves us in awe – nay, breathless. Great songs that he’s made his own, whizz tunes, and a line in daft humour that’s definitely from another planet! Welcome home son.

May 3 – Slim Panatella & the Mellow Virginians

Smoking fretboards – there’s some familiar faces under the politically incorrect alias! Simon Mayor is a world class mandolinist, violinist, guitarist and writer of The Parrot Song. Hilary James has a gorgeous, clear voice and plays a bass that thinks it’s a mandolin. Together with Andy Baum on vocals and mandolin, they’ll light up your evening with an addictive blend of Thirties, Forties and Fifties jazz, swing, ragtime, country blues and originals.

May 10 – Robin Laing

One of Scotland’s premier folk singer-songwriters and a storyteller and whisky expert to boot (yes, honest, he often performs a show called The Angels’ Share– Scotland’s contribution to humanity!) Tonight Robin will perform a mix of his own wide-ranging and often humorous songs (one or two of which you’ll know…) and a few traditional ballads and songs, held up in all the right places with some nice nylon strung guitar.

May 17 – Kieran Halpin

He’s back, both to entertain us with his powerful emotive songs and also to collect his royalties from our plundering of his repertoire (well, why not? – everyone else does!) Kieran doesn’t mince his words, and from the first karate chop of his plectrum, you know he’s going to make you feel differently about things. There’s love and passion in those songs too, and he sounds like he’s living in them all. If you like your Van Morrison, Paul Brady or Joni Mitchell, he’s your guy!

May 24 – Anthony John Clarke

Another great singer and songwriter who regularly crosses the Irish Sea to spread his words, but has somehow missed the Claygate vortex – until now! He’s been writing songs and playing them since the age of 15, and these days his music pops everywhere. “Once heard, never forgotten – the songs twist, turn, delight, charm, make you smile and cry,” said The Musician magazine. Come and judge for yourselves.

May 31 – Shave the Monkey

A fine six-piece and regular favourites at The Ram, this band have developed an international following for their inspired blend of folk, rock, jazz and dance music. A big, big sound with acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, violins, pipes, saxes, flute, mandolin, hurdy-gurdy and some great songs.

June 7 – Alistair Russell

Ex-frontman of the Battlefield Band and still far from world-weary, Alistair Russell sings songs mainly from Scotland and Ireland, along with some contemporary songs including a few of his own. With his knack of relaxed communication with his audience, and “a way with a song”, together with accomplished guitar and cittern, Alistair will give us a great evening.

June 14 – Steve Mulhern & Ian Laws

Top-notch instrumental music with fiddle from Steve and guitar from session musician Ian. They hail from Belfast and play a mixture of old and new with a virtuosity and understanding that borders on the telepathic. They come highly recommended, so have a listen.

June 21 – Emily Druce

It’s time for some blues and it doesn’t come more authentic and fabulously played than this! Since Jo Anne Kelly’s untimely demise, female blues artists have been thin on the ground. Emily is a mere spring chicken in the blues universe and takes her cues from Ry Cooder, Big Bill Broonzy, Taj Mahal and Memphis Minnie. No songs about “my women done left me” then, just great, distinctive guitar, vocals and classic songs, many her own.

June 28 – Robin Garside

A fine multi-instrumentalist (guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass, mandolin) and singer, Robin Garside will serve up a balanced and highly therapeutic diet of traditional, contemporary and self-penned songs, powerful blues, a few reels here, a slow air there... A stalwart of the Northern Folk Scene with something for everyone.

July 5 – John Spiers and Jon Boden

A hot new English duo busily redefining English folk. John Spiers and Jon Boden will take you on a journey through raucous Morris tunes, inventive arrangements of country dance tunes, punky upbeat rabble-rousing chorus songs and intense ballads. This and more, all delivered with charm, humour, youthful dynamism and spot-on musicianship with fiddle and melodeon. Fresh, fantastic, and making big waves!

July 12 – Tony Cox

Over here from South Africa on a rare tour, Tony Cox is widely recognised as one of that country’s finest guitarists. His music is a mosaic that incorporates all of the evocative and infectious rhythms, delicate patterns and varying styles of his homeland that Paul Simon so effortlessly nicked, along with classical, folk and other influences. With music that is hard to describe but easy to appreciate and uniquely beautiful, Tony will take you on a true musical safari through the African bush – and the only inoculations you’ll need are those from the bar!

July 19 – Hot Tamales

“You cannot be serious” should be the Tamales’ mission statement, because you can’t be when they are at the front, pumping out their red hot addictive blend of homegrown goodtime, ragtime, bluesy, folky, Western swing skiffle. More than a whiff of New Orleans with some hot picking and slide guitar, steel, bass and washboard from Stewart, David and Lesley. Come and be cured.

July 26 – Clive Gregson & Boo Hewerdine

Ticket only. Sorry – sold out!

A double stellar whammy to end our season. Ex-Bible frontman and in-demand pop producer (Boo works with the Corrs) combines with Ram regular, world class songwriter, singer and sideman (Nanci Griffith etc) for a contemporary musical match made in heaven.

August – closed for the hols...

...sun, sea, sand, sangria – Sidmouth? Have a great summer everyone!

September 6 – Flook

Without doubt one of the top young instrumental bands on the folk scene, Flook’s talent is quite simply staggering. As the name suggests, two flutes (high and low), courtesy of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen, combine with the wonderfully fluid guitar of Ed Boyd and the highly impressive bodhran of John Joe Kelly to create a magical dynamic concoction of traditional tunes with contemporary beats. They rarely play small clubs but Last Night’s Fun had to cancel and their agent owed us one! Not to be missed!

September 13 – The Cast

The Cast are Mairi Campbell and David Francis playing fiddle, viola and guitar and singing. From north of the border, their music is the true essence of Scotland – Mairi has been described as having one of the great voices of Scottish folk. So much so that, amidst an army of men in raincoats talking into their cuffs, they played for President Clinton at the White House a couple of years ago. No cigars tonight – just great music.

September 20 – Pete Coe

A long overdue return visit for Pete Coe, a performer who unashamedly champions the cause of English folk singing, lives and breathes it, writes it, enthuses about it, and plays a mean squeezebox and guitar accompaniment too. Totally unique and another one who deserves a gong for keeping the home fires burning.

September 27 – The Jim McLean Band

A troubadour from Western Scotland who busked his way round Europe in the footsteps of heroes like Alex Campbell, Allan Taylor and Eric Bogle, absorbing the essence of “the road” and distilling it into his own great songs. Expect the whole gamut, from hard-hitting social comment to the tenderest of love songs, plus some classic standards you’ll know and love. Gary and Sherryl Payne will be on hand to make all the right noises on bass, violin, mandolin and harmony vocals.

October 4 – Paul Tiernan

From Ireland, Paul Tiernan is an exciting singer and guitarist who is never afraid to experiment, change tack and embrace new ideas and sounds. Always a powerful writer, his songs range from acoustic anthems (Kieran Goss’s Red Letter Day) to the sweeping electric guitar landscapes of his enthusiastically received last album, Virgoville. Much in demand too as a sideman (Donovan, Sinead Lohan), 2002 promises to be the year Paul makes his mark in the UK.

October 11 – Mundy & Turner

Back again from Down Under, Cath and Jay are well-established and tour regularly in Europe. Contemporary songs, mostly their own, superbly underpinned with intricate and beautiful guitar, fiddle, viola, and piano, with some great harmonies… and not a wobble board to be seen! These two always give it their all so expect a vibrant performance with some tender moments.

October 18 – Noddy’s Lot

Taking a break from their world tour of Orpington, your fave local heroes Noddy’s Lot return, uncorrupted by fame and fortune (though not for want of trying), to serve up a feast of acoustic energy, laced with daring sensitivity and lilting melody. Noddy on bass, Nicola on violin, and Geoff and Steve on guitars and mandolin have one innocent aim – to assault you with the widest possible selection of the finest in harmoniously sung folk. “Forget the pub, we’re coming home!”

October 25 – Donal Maguire

One of the finest Irish traditional singers around, Donal Maguire has a wonderfully rich and natural voice... and he’s a talented multi-instrumentalist too! A seasoned performer in folk and Irish clubs, he includes contemporary songs alongside classic ballads, and is never short of a witty story or anecdote to set the scene. Expect some fine tunes too!

November 1 – Chris While & Julie Matthews

Quite simply, two of the best contemporary female singers you’re likely to hear! Chris’s soaring soul-influenced vocals and Julie’s gutsy, bluesy delivery support and combine with each other in a match truly made in heaven. No slouches on guitars and keyboard either, Chris and Julie are also brilliant songwriters in the acoustic rock/folk idiom. A warm glow on a cold night!

November 8 – Chris Foster

Romance, magic, murder, liquor, love, adultery, cross-dressing, beastliness – in fact, all the usual things that make for a great evening at The Ram – are brought to life in song by a true master of his trade (the singing that is – possibly not the subjects). Chris Foster is a wonderful storytelling singer with a distinctive, warm, Somerset-tinged delivery and an innovative guitar style.

November 15 – Allan Taylor

“The Traveller” returns! Like a fine wine, Allan Taylor just gets better with age. Subtle notes of North Winds and far away places mingle with extracts of smoky bars and juicy scandals... heaps of characters and a robust nose for affairs of the heart, with a bitter-sweet aftertaste of the triumphs and tragedies of life. Complex yet direct, with loads of melody and mellowness and distinctive undertones of rosewood. Quality and taste with a superb finish. A classic vintage that positively sings!

November 22 – Dick Gaughan

Truly a legend, and a mighty performer who wrings every drop from a song. Dick Gaughan sings with passion, integrity and belief about the subjects that concern him – mainly social justice, Scotland and love. A superb interpreter of songs old and new, he will stir – nay, rattle – the heartstrings. With a brilliant guitar style that is his and his alone (you try it!), we’re in for a classic. Click here for a review of the gig by audience member Noel Plumridge.

November 29 – Derek Brimstone

A raconteur, singer, author, veteran of the Sixties folk scene and a true East-ender to boot, Derek Brimstone has given much pleasure and gut-wrenching laughter to the masses over the years, and he just can’t stop! An entertainer in the true tradition, he intersperses songs you’ll know and love with stories you won’t believe. A true visionary who believes that political incorrectness will soon be politically correct and eligible for Lottery grants. Afterwards, buy the books – they’re brilliant!

December 6 – Steve Tilston

From the top drawer of singing songwriters, Steve Tilston is a perennial favourite here, and letters would rightly be written if he should pass us by. You know all those classics – Tom Paine, Slip-Jigs and Reels and The Naked Highwayman – but there is nothing like hearing them live, especially at the Ram. A fabulous guitarist too, and no doubt he’ll be airing one or two new gems.

December 13 – The Great Northern Roadshow

... alias Tom McConville, Pauline Cato & Terry Doherty, who will be presenting a wonderful evening of Northumbrian and other music. Ram regulars Tom and Pauline you’ll know. Terry is a fine guitarist who provides an accompaniment that blends fingerstyle, jazz and modal strumming. Jigs, reels, hornpipes, marches and slow airs on the fiddle and pipes with a fair few songs, all played with irresistible swing and verve. A really special treat.

December 20 – Christmas Party

Now that you’ve had the chance to recover from last year’s extravaganza, we’re going to do it all over again! Oh, those tear-straining sing-songs, the decorations, the fodder, the raffle to end all raffles, the glittering array of talent and tonsil, the papers the next day. We know how to make our own fun on occasions like this, with no expense spared or passed by, so turn up and sup the cup of yuletide cheer - “stuff the grotto” – that’s our motto!

December 27 – Club closed

Hope you have
a magical Christmas
and a Happy New Year!

Old N-ewes

Boo Hewerdine was at the Ram in September and he’s back in July with Clive Gregson, but if you can’t wait until then, catch him at the College Theatre, Esher College, Weston Green Road, Thames Ditton, at 8pm on Saturday, February 9. Doors open at 7pm and the gig is in aid of a very worthy cause, the White Lodge Centre, which provides services for children and adults with physical and other disabilities. (Jan)

Not only has Martin Carthy’s 60th birthday been celebrated with a superb four-CD collection from Free Reed, with accompanying web site, but the maestro himself spent 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 – with the last of three draws due on April 1. You can still click here for the quiz – just for fun. (Jan)

My PC collapsed (Feb) but is up and running again! (April) – which is why some of the above entries are “minimised”.

Boo Hewerdine recorded his September 2001 gig at the Ram and has released it as a live album on CD which is now available at gigs and from Boo’s web site. The 14 tracks include Bell, Book and Candle, Patience of Angels and World’s End, the latter co-written with Clive Gregson, who will be performing with Boo at the ticket-only finale to this season. (July)

By May 25, 94 MPs had signed David Heath’s public entertainment licence Early Day Motion 1182, writes Roger Gall on the uk.music.folk newsgroup. Only about 400 MPs are eligible to sign EDMs so this is a significant level of support. If you are experiencing two in a bar problems in your area, the local press may now be more interested in covering the story, linking it to EDM 1182. If your MP has signed so much the better. Has your MP signed? Check using this link. Parliament is in recess until Monday June 10. Fax your MP direct from hereor write c/o House of Commons, London SW1A OAA. For the background to PEL law and the two-in-a-bar rule, click here. (July)

Mouse were at the Ram in July 2001 – doesn’t time fly?!? Their CD Mouse Tales was being released nationally on September 30 – repackaged, remastered and with an extra track, the catchy crowd-pleaser By the Lake – on Sycamore Records SYCD02, distributed by Fulfill/Universal.

The Bromyard Folk Festival is to stage an annual competition for young traditional singers as a memorial to Shropshire farm worker and singer Fred Jordan, who passed away last month. The competition was being launched during the 2002 Festival Weekend on Sunday, September 15, in Bromyard’s Falcon Hotel, starting at noon. Anyone between the ages of 12 and 25 is invited to take part. The winner will receive a cash prize and bookings to next year’s Bromyard and Warwick Folk Festivals.

Unless I am mistaken, and it would not be the first time, the winner of a copy of Boo Hewerdine’s CD A Live One – recorded at the Ram in September 2001 – was Susan Butler, for correctly realising that Julie Matthews, not Julie Andrews, will be coming along with Chris While to the Ram in November!

No need to wait until December 6 to listen to Steve Tilston – he is guesting on Mike Harding’s BBC Radio 2 show on October 30. And if you miss the show or want to listen to it again you can even log on to the BBC’s online Radio Player for up to seven days afterwards. You will find it here.

Coachloads of Ram Club favourites are appearing at the Folk In The Fall season, which runs from November 7 to 14 at London’s South Bank Centre. They include Show of Hands, Flook, Nancy Kerr & James Fagan and at least two of the Martins4 (Carthy and Simpson of course). For more information, visit the Royal Festival Hall’s web site. But no going along on November 8 please – it’s club night!

Louis Killen has come home to Blighty! He has moved back to Gateshead after 35 years in the States, so hopefully will be round our way more often – he was last at the Ram in July 1997. In the meantime you can catch him at the Royal Oak, Lewes, on Thursday, January 9. Speaking of which, many happy returns to Bob Copper – even though I don’t think he has ever been to the Ram! – whose Birthday Party is as usual being held at the Royal Oak on January 2.

If you are passing Hailsham (north of Eastbourne) this Saturday (December 7), there is a special singaround in The Railway Tavern, Station Road, starting at around 8.30pm. Both Brighton Singers’ Folk Club and the Eastbourne One Planet Folk Club (Mondays – Savoy Court Hotel) are supporting it and it is hoped it will turn into a regular monthly venue – ideal for anyone who has had a day at the coast and fancies a song or two on their way home to Surrey! If you need further info, email Ian Fyvie.