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Ram Club guest list: 2003

January 3 – Keith Donnelly

A 100% proof way to shift your Christmas hangover. Forget your debts, unwanted presents, rows and overdone sprouts and come and get some audio-visual Hair Of The Dog! Anyone who has ever seen Keith Donnelly in whirling, manic, maelstrom mode, either performing or compering at just about every festival of note each summer, will know that he never fails to achieve the desired effect – a complete restoration of brain, liver and other essential organ functions! Don’t miss him!

January 10 – The Robb Johnson Trio

Robb Johnson writes and sings up-to-date songs, from the powerful and provocative to the witty, clever and delicate – songs that make you listen. Their pedigree can be measured by the list of those who sing them! Incisive guitar too, and with the sublime viola, violin and cello of Saskia Tomkins and the stylish double bass of Miranda Sykes, it makes for an impressive package.

January 17 – Kevin Dempsey and Joe Broughton

A fantastic new combination! Kevin Dempsey has been in Whippersnapper and followed a career that has touched music in all its forms, from big band jazz to soul and pop, as well of course as folk. An awesome player with style and taste, Joe Broughton has been here with the Albion Band and Keith Hancock, so we all know that he is truly a virtuoso on violin, guitar, circus skills and banter! Folk, jazz, blues, good-time humour – the lot, dispensed with mind-blowing zest and panache.

January 24 – Damien Barber

A return visit from this young torch carrier of the folk tradition. Raised in Norfolk, Damien Barber absorbed the influences of local singers and has developed a concertina, (home-made) button accordion and guitar style that supports the songs perfectly, carrying them forward to a new generation without losing their essence. A BBC Young Tradition finalist back in 1989, he is quietly and confidently assuming the mantle carried by the likes of Martin Carthy, Nic Jones and Peter Bellamy. Click here for a review of his gig at the club two years ago.

January 31 – Martin Simpson

The UK’s Number One homegrown guitar stylist and a trailblazing pioneer all the way from his hometown of Scunthorpe to the United States of Whatever and back. Hence you can expect a stunning mix of traditional tunes and ballads, innovative interpretations of contemporary songs and some mean bottleneck blues – all played with dexterity and taste. Martin Simpson doesn’t play many small clubs so please catch the early train here.

February 7 – Stony

Last time Stony were here a couple of years ago, many of you had never heard of them, but you trusted our judgment! We had a great night and you demanded more, so we are happy to oblige. Richard on guitar and Mark on piano perform their own unique style of contemporary music that’s uplifting and just hits you “there”. With a mix of their own songs and the likes of Van Morrison, the Beatles and Billy Joel, they both sing and harmonise wonderfully, breaking every emotional bone in your body.

February 14 – Brian Willoughby & Cathryn Craig

Another return visit from local boy done good (well playing guitar for the Strawbs and Nanci Griffiths isn’t bad!) and a superb Nashville singer, with songs from the heart and some St Valentine’s Day mascara. Don’t expect schmaltz though – their self-penned songs are strong, real and true, tinged with folk and country and underpinned by some ace guitar playing.

February 21 – Doug B Smith

Another local ladand friend of the club who also happens to play astonishingly good guitar that makes us mere mortals try just that bit harder. Gifted in all styles, his albums have all received critical acclaim for their breathtaking dexterity and taste. Expect everything from slow airs to blues and traditional and new songs from these shores and beyond.

February 28 – Brooks Williams

In what is starting to look like a showcase season of the best in guitar playing, Brooks Williams crosses the pond to be with us. A name that may not be familiar, just trust us again on this one! From Statesboro, Georgia, Brooks has a profile up there with Ry Cooder’s and is a stunning artist. He is like no-one else – distilling the essence of folk, jazz, soul, gospel, African, Brazilian, calypso, and blues into something special. A rare chance to catch him over here.

March 7 – Mark Campbell & Paul Bellamy

A product of the Grimsby folk scene, these two have decided that the world is their oyster and they’re gonna trawl it… Highly impressive at Cleethorpes Festival, they’ll do a mixture of new, old and self-written stuff, with guitar, fiddle and some great harmonies. Unpretentious, well-played music that’s full of variety and bonhomie. They’re just into having a great time – and so will you!

March 14 – Christine Collister

A truly original singer and songwriter who hails from the Isle of Man, Christine excelled in partnership with Clive Gregson and Richard Thompson and as an in-demand session singer (eg the theme for Life and Loves of a She Devil). Cut loose and fancy-free, that voice sparkles across a spectrum of folk, blues, pop, soul, country and jazz. Songs from the likes of Nick Drake, Tom Waits, Lal Waterson and Smokey Robinson and some of her own. Her latest CD An Equal Love is getting rave reviews, as are her gigs. A “must see”!

March 21 – Show of Hands

Ticket only. Sorry – sold out!

One of the most successful pairings on the folk scene in the past decade, these two need no introduction. Oh all right, it’s Steve Knightley on vocals, guitar and mandola, and Phil Beer on vocal, violin, guitar and mandolin. They’re brilliant. They’re stars. They’ve filled the Albert Hall – twice – but hey, we’re favoured friends! Tonight they will be appearing unplugged, sans PA, in the flesh, to take us back to their real roots, so crunch your crisps outside and mind the gas lights.

March 28 – Little Johnny England

The very finest roots-rockin’ combo in the world! Their last time here was an absolute stormer, showing just how to grab English Folk Music by the scruff of its neck and place it slap bang into the 21st Century. Gareth Turner (melodeons), PJ Wright (slide and lead guitar), Guy Fletcher (fiddle and mandolin), Mat Davies (bass) and Edd Frost (drums) are all brilliant musicians with a sound like you’ve never heard before (unless you came last time).

April 4 – Sean Tyrrell with Fergus Feeley

Sean comes from Galway, and an upbringing steeped in the musical traditions of his family. He is an exceptional singer and writer of songs and his brief is wide, accompanying himself just enough on dobro, guitar and mandola. His debut album in 1994 was voted Folk Album of the Year by Folk Roots, and he has toured the concert and festival circuit ever since. His songs are infectious, enlightening, thought-provoking, pure and unsanitised, with some tasteful backing from Fergus.

April 11 – Dave Ellis & Boo Howard

Dave & Boo were in superb form on their debut here a year ago, pushing closing time and landlord tolerance to its limits with a storming set. Acoustic rock, folk and blues at its best, with a sackful of great homespun songs, Dave’s wonderful guitar, sublime harmonies and those soulful vocals from one of the best female singers we’ve had here.

April 18 – Closed for Easter

Happy Easter!

April 25 – Vin Garbutt

The one and only - “unique” is a cliché but Vin is! He’s just about the most witty, powerful, face-slappingly provocative, rib-bustingly funny, electrically-shocked minstrel this land has generated. They threw away the mould after they cast Vin, and he’s been on tour ever since. Refreshing, restoring, electrifying – an evening with Vin is the very opposite of a bad hair day.

May 2 – Coope, Boyes & Simpson

Never knowingly compared to the Three Tenors, you won’t catch these guys falling off the back of a gondola under the sheer weight of corporate largesse whilst singing football themes in a mannered, expensive style. No, as you know, Barry, Jim and Lester sing proper, powerful, meaningful folk songs (mainly their own) with perfect poise and harmony, in English, at a price we can afford and without the need for DJs.

May 9 – Mouse

Martha Tilston and Nick Marshall are back at last, having made a big impression on the folk scene and beyond after their first tentative steps here a couple of years ago. Now they’re up there at the cutting edge of the new generation of contemporary acoustic songwriting, along with the likes of Jewel, Shawn Colvin and Kathryn Williams. Martha’s voice ranges from vulnerable to spine-tingling, while Nick’s rapidly evolving style makes the purchasing of a guitar at Chandlers Music shop an experience to prolong and savour (get him to demo them all!)

May 16 – Jez Lowe & The Bad Pennies

Jez’s songs are so familiar, they are often thought to be traditional. He wouldn’t mind if it didn’t affect the royalties, so come and pay your dues. Cameos of life in all its glory through the eye of a Geordie, the songs are vivid, true, sad, funny and imprinted on the consciousness. With the current Bad Pennies (Simon Haworth on bass, Kate Bramley on fiddle and Andy May on accordions and pipes) providing far more than their face value, this gig is always a highlight.

May 23 – Pete Morton

Another welcome return from a singer who is impossible to categorise, Pete’s songs catch you unawares, one moment tender and sweet and full of hope, the next passionately describing an incident or point of view. Pete puts everything into a performance and takes you with him, with a chunky guitar style that sometimes rocks, sometimes rolls and is totally his.

May 30 – Niamh Parsons & Graham Dunn

Niamh is widely regarded as one of the finest traditionally orientated singers Ireland has produced (and from there have come many). Her voice, smoky and silken, encapsulates the very essence of that island, with songs rooted in love, emigration, tragedy, strife and the beauty of the landscape. Superbly underpinned by some exemplary guitar from Graham, just buy a Guinness, close your eyes, sit back and think of Ireland.

June 6 – Real Time

A new band, comprising Kenny Spiers (here last year with the John Wright Band), Judy Dinning (ex-Bad Penny and Lucky Bags) and young fiddle maestro Joe Wright. Expect some fresh new material, traditional tunes from both sides of the Tweed and excellent singing from all.

June 13 – Chris & Kellie While

Hardly a reunion (they’ve been together since birth), musically this looks a very promising combination. Chris has been here with Julie Matthews, the Albion Band, and Ridgeriders, and you’ll know how she just has that soulful, spine-tingling, Arethra Franklin effect on us. Daughter Kellie proves there’s definitely a music gene in the DNA strands, having already made a big splash solo, with E2K and, yes, the Albion Band! Both are strong songwriters with an up-to-date melodic style, but with possibly a different take on life.

June 20 – Andy Guttridge Band

First time here, but this talented crew have mixed it with the best, touring with Fairport earlier this year, and being members of the bands of Elkie Brooks and Steve Gibbons etc. Andy writes and sings everything from reflective ballads to rockers, with a few classic covers thrown in. Martin Green is a fantastic guitarist and Roger Innis makes his five-string bass talk! Behind it all on the drums is Toby Bennett.

June 27 – Winter Wilson

Another ‘first’ at the Ram, this acoustic duo of Kip Winter and Dave Wilson perform stunning original songs. They will infuse and enthuse with a raft of beautiful melodies, great arrangements and fab harmonies, sharing lead vocals and blending effortlessly. Songs of lurve, broken lurve, the meaning of lurve and life, lots more that aren’t about… Come see!

July 4 – Suntrap

Slap on the factor 30, dust off the Hawaiian shirt, then head for the club and bask in the collective glow of Nicola Davies (violin), Sara Byers (accordion), Mary Wilson (violin) and Paul Hoad (guitar). From the hot Surrey savannah, Suntrap bring handcrafted songs with light and shade, and last year they opened Cambridge Festival. “Rich harmonies, dazzling folk fusion” (Time Out) “Beautiful slipsliding harmonies” (Froots). Better bring your shades...

July 11 – Bill Caddick

Like Jez Lowe, it’s amazing how many of the songs engrained in the psyche of the folk scene come from Bill Caddick’s pen. Songs like Unicorns, John O’Dreams, Aqaba – wonderful, timeless songs sung by everyone from Christy Moore to June Tabor. Bill has been around, gone, then returned with a fantastic new double CD of revisited classics. His route has taken in street theatre (Magic Lantern), National Theatre (the Albion’s Larkrise) TV and radio work, Folk-Rock (Home Service, Urban Legend) and numerous other collaborations. Tonight it’s just Bill with 12-string guitar and Albert...

July 18 – Arthur Knevett

Once upon a time immoral there was a little town called Kingston which had a stable that Wise Men avoided. ’Twas known to others as the Fighting Cocks pub, a place of bawdy entertainment, jousting and infamy. And so it came to pass that on the 7th Night, (or was it the 3rd or 5th?) there arose from the ashes and dog-ends a Folk Club and its Messiah was Arthur, a man of fine voice, presence, wit and a repertoire of unaccompanied songs that could outlast anyone’s. Evolution brought you the Ram and tonight we bring Arthur back for a taste of what it was all about. Ah, those were the days...

July 25 – Last Night’s Fun

...and what better way to bring down the curtain (and no doubt the house) on our 19th season. There is nothing unnatural or contrived about this trio – just sheer virtuoso playing, singing and hilarious banter. The polar opposite of dull, Chris, Nick and Denny perform a spellbinding mix of Celtic-based songs and tunes, with some fantastic playing on concertina, Uillean pipes and guitar. Up-to-date entertainment of the highest disorder that will have you falling off your seat with delight.

August – Club closed for summer hols!

September 5 – Acoustic Strawbs

We kick off our 20th season with Dave Cousins, Dave Lambert & Brian Willoughby, as fresh and tasty as ever. From humble beginnings as a bluegrass band with Sandy Denny, the Strawbs picked up Rick Wakeman en route to rock’n’roll fame and glory, with hit albums, singles and illustrious tours by the punnetload. Now they’re back with some new songs and old classics. No advance tickets, so make like the Harrods sale is on!

September 12 – Tanglefoot

Canada’s hottest folk export since Gordon Lightfoot and huge across the pond! Formed in the Eighties, Tanglefoot now comprises Steve Ritchie (vocals, lead guitar), Brian Weirmier (keyboards), Al Parrish (bass), Terry Snider (fiddle) and Terry Young (mandolin, banjo, vocals). Like their compatriots The Band, their brilliant original songs are rooted in the Canadian tradition, bringing odd instances, events, characters and legends to life. This lot can rock the joint or break your heart – and everything in between. Big hair, big songs, big harmonies, big sound – they are truly special. We do spoil you, y’know!

September 19 – Mick Ryan & Pete Harris

Mick & Pete have been a gigging duo since 1993. Mick Ryan is an excellent singer and songwriter who has written classics like The Widow on the Moor (performed by our own Lee Collinson among others), as well as more serious songs. Pete (who outside of the folk scene plays in blues bands) is very slick on guitar and other stringed instruments. Expect an appealing mix of trad, original, comedy and blues.

September 26 – Benny Gallagher

If there was a chart for radio airplay over the past couple of decades, Benny would be up there with the best. How many times has a long drive been brightened by classic songs like I wanna stay with you, Heart on my sleeve or Stay young? Whether it’s Gallagher and Lyle, Art Garfunkel or Brian Ferry, those songs are timeless classics, and tonight you’ll hear them in pure, unplugged glory with just acoustic guitar, piano and the odd bit of Wood (Bob). A great guy and friend of the club.

October 3 – John Kirkpatrick

A maestro of the button accordion, melodeon and concertina, John could squeeze a tune from a lemon if he had too! A champion of English tunes and songs, he has been involved in so many projects with the likes of Richard Thompson, Steeleye Span and the Albions that it’s easy to forget he’s a brilliant solo act too! When not busting his bellows for us mere mortals, John provides musical cameos for films such as Harry Potter (in the pub scenes of course) and national theatrical productions. A great guy who typifies what the folk scene is really about.

October 10 – John Tams & Barry Coope

John is an inspirational composer busily creating what will undoubtedly be ‘The Tradition’ in a few decades time. His track record over the past few proves it, from the Albion Band’s seminal Rise Up Like The Sun to the Home Service and music for theatre. He’s even found time for TV stardom (Rifleman Daniel Hagman in the Sharpe series). You’ll know from Coope, Boyes & Simpson that Barry is one of the best harmony singers on the folk circuit, but less well known are his masterful talents on keyboards which underpin this wonderful liaison.

October 17 – Artisan

Top-notch a cappella harmony singing from this vocal powerhouse comprising Brian & Jacey Bedford and Hilary Spencer. So good are they at what they do that a few years ago they actually did give up their day jobs! Recognised worldwide for their performance of mainly Brian’s brilliant ‘traditional’ songs, their success is due in no small part to their down-to-earth roots and audience rapport. They’ll make us laugh as usual and bring a slice of Yorkshire feelgood factor and warmth to a cold night.

October 24 – The Ram Club’s 20th Birthday Celebrations!

Many Light-Ales ago, at the dawn of Drinking-Up Time, Early Ram Man finally pulled himself erect from the primeval soup that was the previous night’s Watney’s Red Barrel. Empowered thus, he discovered that his tales of brave deeds of yesteryore were better applauded in the form of lilting song. Whilst idly twanging the string of his leaned-on longbow, he noticed that the beat suited the song and so came the guitar (and some have kept that sound, ’tis true). Improved butchery techniques gave us the pipes, fiddle and bodhran, and into this very stable, ‘folk’ in all its forms was born and bred! The Ram Club is 20 years old but Forever Youngs – we reckon that’s worth celebrating, so come join us for grazing, wallowing, whine and song. It’s all for free!

October 31 – Carmina

A band who don’t fit into any convenient pigeonhole, Carmina produce a beguiling, serene sound that restores the soul, blending Celtic influences and jazz virtuosity with sublime folk guitar and vocals from the heart. Eighties Van Morrison meets Eddi Reader with essence of Clannad perhaps, but it is very much a sound created by Pippa Morland (vocals, saxes, flute, whistle) and Rob King (guitar, mandola). Sadly, inspirational virtuoso keyboard player Pete Jacobsen passed away recently and will be greatly missed. They will be joined by jazz/rock pianist Geoff Castle who has actually played here before – with Brendan Power.

November 7 – Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman

On a bus-person’s holiday from the highly-rated folk roots combo Equation, Kathryn and Sean return when they can to first principles and the folk clubs they love. So no number-crunching complexities tonight, just gorgeously-played songs from the likes of Tom Waits and Suzanne Vega, a few modern takes on traditional songs and a fair few of their own. No slouches on guitar, keyboard and flute, they’re back because you love ’em!

November 14 – Ian Bruce

A big man with a voice and stage presence to match, Ian Bruce always gives us a rollicking evening of great folk songs (many his own) and some fine choruses. With his free-wheeling guitar and those powerful tonsils purring like his Harley as they wrap themselves around tales of love, travel and patriotism (well, he is Scottish), this is leather-clad Biker-Folk at his best!

November 21 – Kieran Halpin

A great live performer and Ram regular, Kieran Halpin sings like he’s living every song. Intense or what? Passionate and intimate too, he marries intelligent lyrics and great melodies, with subjects as diverse as the Berlin Wall and homesickness. Never shy in his introductions, with a dry wit to boot, he has a string of fine albums whose songs are regularly plundered by his peers. With a black belt in guitar that makes the songs resonate long after he’s finished, he’s 24 carat emerald.

November 28 – Hoover the Dog

A slight change from the previously announced Belshazzar’s Feast brings you one half of the latter in the shape of accordionist Paul Hutchinson, together with John Hymas on violin and Tony Harris on guitar, bouzouki and vocals. Their repertoire is ‘Celtic-ish’ in a broad sense, with a few English tune sets and the odd classic from the likes of Richard Thompson for good measure. The music is technically brilliant, cliché-free and sensitively yet energetically portrayed – humour, fun and outrageous key and time changes in abundance, with a robust nose and undertones of hay meadows (ok perhaps not the last two). New to the club but highly recommended.

December 5 – Broderick

Drop everything! First we gave you (well, sold you) Flook, and now this lot – a totally excellent, vibrant, gutsy, 5-piece with Luke Daniels (accordion, vocals) Colm Murphy (fiddle) Clare Garrard (fiddle, viola) Don Oeters (guitar) and Rick Foot (double bass). Broderick combine their folk, classical, cajun and jazz backgrounds to take Irish traditional music to a different planet. And with a smorgasbord of Swedish, Finnish and other European delicacies, you’ll think you’re on holiday, in O’Malley’s pub, in Clare, in the best session possible!

December 12 – Chris Newman & Máire Ní Chathasaigh

With more strings between them than a loom, Máire and Chris weave a tapestry of Celtic music that warms and delights on the coldest of nights. Both are truly virtuosos – on guitar and harp – with an empathy that makes the sum even more than the parts, if that’s possible. Gorgeous music from Celtic to Carolan, bluegrass to jazz and beyond, with some ethereal songs from the Emerald Isle.

December 19 – Christmas party

There is no escape! Resistance is futile! You will follow the signs to the only Inn in town. Ignoring the multitudes of Wise Men in the bar, you will ask the Landlord for a bed, then follow his incredulous directions to the Stable (avoiding the donkey en route). There you will see the Light and enter the Hallowed Hall, bedecked in Seasonal Disorder. No gold, just frank nonsense and myrth, mulled liquor and innocent festive merriment. And no crib - that’s Thursdays! And now for the bad news...

December 26 & January 2 – club closed

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

Old N-ewes

At last someone has answered my request – tucked away admittedly at the foot of the Rev-ewes page – for reviews of Ram club gigs. Noel Plumridge was in the audience for Dick Gaughan’s stunning performance on November 22 and sent me this. (Dec 2002)

I hear from Mike Wilson of The Wilsons that he has been in the recording studio with Damien Barber, who is with us later this month, and Grace Notes, an occasional trio graced (sorry) by the talents of another Ram Club favourite, Maggie Boyle. That should be another CD worth waiting for. (I subsequently learned from Damien that it is in fact a promotional CD for Three’s Company. Blass me!) (Jan 2003)

Read all about it! Ram Club’s web site reaches 10,000 hits!! Better than that – read all about who’s appearing in our talent-packed spring season!!! (Jan)

Tickets for the Show of Hands gig in March have sold out. (Feb)

Visit the Links page for a complete list of all the Ram’s guests since I began the web site – a pretty good selection of the folk scene in Great Britain and beyond...

On the second Saturday of each month until May (that’s March, April and May if you haven’t worked it out) deep in the Surrey woods, away from the world, there’s a small abode where travelling folkies are welcome. At Tanners Hatch Youth Hostel, off the Ranmore Road, near Dorking, music fills the small room in front of a large fireplace. Acoustic music, ‘from the wood’! Players, singers and listeners of all ages welcome. Details from Steve Poole on 01932 221720. (Feb)

Our own, our very own, Bob Wood is headlining at the very fine Twickenham Folk Club at the Cabbage Patch, London Road, Twickenham, on Sunday, August 31. Click on the link for details. Do try to get along and lend him your support – his one’s wearing out (boom, boom). (Aug)

The Wilsons have had to cancel their September mini-tour of the South East – including their gig at the Ram on the 19th – due to family illness. I am sure everyone wishes them well. Mick Ryan and Pete Harris have kindly stepped into the breach. (Aug)

Members will have received the first in a series of occasional newsletters from Renaissance man Steve Poole – Noddy’s Lot, Ram publicity, Tanners Hatch, where does he find the time? It explains, among other things, why we can’t sell tickets in advance. Read on!

September Newesletter
It's hard to believe but we will have been going for 20 years in October. From small beginnings in the Greyhound pub in Weston Green, we passed through the Wilderness years at the Hand & Spear in Weybridge, until finally we found our home here at the Foley Arms in 1986.
Brian and Jane Ravenhill started the club and carried the can (and the Bisto tin) for many years. We are eternally grateful for their efforts in establishing the club, which has grown to be one of the best (let's not be modest now) venues in the South, where the top names want to play.
We like to think that the Ram Club (named after the Youngs Brewery of course, who kindly put up some of the money for the PA) retains it's intimate and friendly atmosphere in which you, the punter, (without whom ...) feel very much part of things.
Now for some FAQs.
Q. Why do we have to queue sometimes?
A. The Artists and Staff are having their pre-gig party. No, no, seriously, we have to get the chairs and sound equipment out and do a sound check. Time is tight as we all have jobs and families which means we can't get there any earlier. It does take time to set up the PA, especially with bands, and it is very difficult to balance each instrument and vocals correctly if there is background noise. We do feel awkward when our regulars are queuing patiently but we thank you for your forbearance and hope you'll agree that the quality of the sound is worth it. We normally open the door at 8.15 pm.
Q. Why don't you sell tickets in advance so we can reserve our seats?
A. It's just not possible. We are not a professional organization (though we like to think we do it better than some!) and for big acts, people who never usually come to the club would ring up ages in advance, having seen the gig on the artist's website, to reserve tickets. It would be terrible if our regulars couldn't get a look in. On most nights, the system works. We would also like to point out that the club is run on a not-for-profit basis. Yes, we do it for the love of it, and all the revenues go on costs and the artist's fees. As we contemplate the next 20 years we hope you will stick with us and support a great live music venue. There aren't many left! Thanks for supporting the club and happy listening - The Committed