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Ram Club guest list: 2004

January 9 – Boo Hewerdine

In the true Christmas tradition, Boo’s wonderful album A Live One was born in this very stable in 2001, using nothing more than a minidisc, an umbilical cable and the patience of angels. It was Boo’s first gig in years (having been cooped up with Eddi Reader and The Corrs, poor bloke) and by his own admission he was ‘re-energised, a very happy man’! We have that effect on guests and it comes the other way too. Boo has toured and recorded ever since and been back here a couple of times. Great, melodic, thoughtful songs and some sublime guitar playing from a lovely man.

January 16 – Simon Haworth & Andy May

Released on licence from Jez Lowe’s Bad Pennies, Simon and Andy have a skill and maturity that belies their yoof, and after their solo spot we just had to book them! Simon’s songwriting is rapidly coming to prominence and winning prizes. Ditto Andy’s Northumbrian pipe playing, with more than 20 wins in open competitions since the age of 13. With an armoury of pipes, accordion, guitar and cittern, some great song and tune sets and a gregarious presence, we’re in for a treat.

January 23 – Tom Napper & Tom Bliss

A new duo of old hands! Tom N. plays banjo, mandolin, guitar and sings and has been here with Dab Hand among others. Tom B. plays guitar, mandocello, fiddle, whistle, concertina and also sings. Like Jez Lowe, he has that rare ability to write songs ‘in the tradition’ (apart from his days in a New Wave band in Pete Waterman’s empire). Together they combine with a freshness, quality and empathy that is nowadays all too rare. A breath of fresh air.

January 30 – Leon Rosselson

Leon is a one-man independent watchdog whose brief is to keep an eye on the Government and other ridiculous conglomerates on our behalf (his chance of a gong now being zero!) Renowned for his ability to savage official crassness, corporate greed and state stupidity, he has the one Weapon of Mass Destruction from which they can’t hide – The Song. Humour is his rapier and it’s very difficult to defend against if you’re guilty. Even the Daily Telegraph said “a master of barbed eloquence – the world’s most accomplished mischief-maker”. No angry ranting, just superb satirical songs that enlighten and entertain.

February 6 – Steve Tilston, Maggie Boyle & Chris Parkinson

Steve is a perennial favourite at the Ram, having that rare ability to write great songs that we all know and love (Tom Paine, Salty Dog, Slip Jigs’n’Reels) as well as mastery of the guitar. Maggie of course has worked with Steve on a regular basis (including the classic All Under the Sun CD) and her clear voice and flute playing is the perfect complement. Chris we know from The House Band, and his multi-instrumental talent (keyboard, accordion, guitar, concertina, whistle) will add an exciting new dimension to the songs. Dangerously good!

February 13 – Kirsty McGee Trio

Unlucky for some – but not us tonight as we welcome Kirsty to the club for the first time. Tonight she brings Saskia Tomkins (cello, violin) and Miranda Sykes (double bass, vocals) who you’ll probably have seen with Robb Johnson. Since bursting on to the scene last year with her debut CD Honeysuckle (which featured Boo Hewerdine!) she has been nominated for the Radio 2 Horizon folk award. If you like Suzanne Vega, Beth Orton, Joni Mitchell and Nanci Griffith – and beautiful songs both sweet and bitter – you’ll love this. A major new talent.

February 20 – Mike Silver

Roll out the red carpet and honk the horns! Someone from our world has finally made it into the mainstream and had a hit album! And it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving guy. Now he’s on the radio and getting a whole new audience with his highly accessible songs, Mike deserves the stretch limo treatment, so catch him while you can – and no throwing yourself at him. Click here for Andy Smythe’s review of this gig.

February 27 – Phil Beer Band

Our annual dose of Stadium Roots Rock, courtesy of the finest multi-instrumentalist on the folk scene, or indeed anywhere! Phil is half of Show of Hands (who warmed up at the Royal Albert Hall prior to their last gig here) and this gig is his busman’s holiday. Phil can play it sweet on acoustic guitar, violin and mandolin, or let rip on electric and slide guitar, always in the best possible taste. He’s played with the Stones but tonight it’s for your satisfaction only! With a top notch band of Gareth Turner (squeezebox), Nick Quarmby (bass), Steve Crickett (drums) and Deb Sandland (vocals), it’ll be a stunner.

March 5 – Kate Howden & Paul Jones

New to us, but highly recommended by our network of spies, we’re in for words of melodic delectation from Kate Howden and Paul Jones, who just happen to be two of the brightest songwriters on the block. Their well-crafted and moving songs have an assured melodic quality full of warmth and good vibes, with tactical guitar and mandolin in support. Tonight they will be joined by Sarah Cheffins on fiddle and together they’ll set the hut on fire!

March 12 – Great Northern Roadshow

Outstanding exponents of traditional North Eastern music in all its glory, Pauline Cato (Northumbrian pipes), Tom McConville (fiddle, vocals) and Terry Docherty (guitar) really live their music. Whether it’s a fast dance, a slow air or a song, all three have great stage presence, skill and an infectious enjoyment of the music. Boundary-pushing stuff but superb entertainment as always.

March 19 – Stony

Richard Adams and Mark Gordon have the rare ability and talent to tread both the folk and rock circuits with ease. With marvelously virtuosic piano and guitar and harmonies to boot, they don’t see barriers, just peaks. On the one hand they’ve spent eight years transcribing a book of Traditional Yorkshire Folk Song (of which you’ll hear). On the other they write highly-accessible songs and tap into Billy Joel, Paul Simon and Van the Man. Back because you love them!

March 26 – Allan Taylor

The Traveller returns! Allan is the consummate songwriter with oodles of class and an ability to paint pictures and tell a story with the minimum of words. Having followed in the footsteps of the early folk troubadours, Allan has firmly established himself here and in Europe, with just about anyone of note recording his songs. He sings his life, the narrator in the smoky bar quietly observing... “beautifully crafted worldly-wise songs with precision guitar accompaniments” – The Scotsman. Vivid anecdotes and gentle humour set the scene as he takes you there with him.

April 2 – Banoffi

A musical wake-up call from a fantastic live band! Expect a heady brew of manically-driven world folk in assorted mad time signatures – and gentle, floating chill-out songs, together with a banter fizzing with bizarre humour. Whitby lads Tim Downie (guitar), Ian Hulme (whistles, flute, bodhran) and David Moss (vocals, bouzouki, fiddle) generate enough environmentally-friendly energy to power a small town. Music to chase away the blues.

April 9 – Good Friday – club closed

Why does Good Friday always have to be on a Friday?

April 16 – Witches of Elswick

An antidote to sweetness, these four young buxom lasses drink pints, break wind, argue and sing a capella with attitude! Fay Hield, Bryony Griffith, Becky Stockwell and Gillian Tolfrey shake their broomsticks at traditional chestnuts, bawdy ballads, rousing drinking songs as well as classics from Pete Coe, Keith Marsden and The Watersons. Haunting and spell-binding in equal measure with their inventive harmonies and loopy theatricals, a cackling coven of delight awaits the bold (though what they’ll make of our Ram is anyone’s guess). Bring your own frog.

April 23 – Jim & Leo Condie

An unfamiliar name perhaps, but you’ll have heard his music! Like a Scottish Ry Cooder, Jim’s clear, tasteful guitar, dobro, lap steel, mandolin and bass have been heard on many a TV soundtrack (notably the Rab C Nesbitt theme) and on hundreds of sessions with the cream of blues/country/ rock artists. After years in the shadows, Jim made a CD! People like the fresh blend of American trad, contemporary and self-penned songs and tunes and demanded to hear it live. Happy to oblige, he’s ne’er looked back and is much in demand, whether solo, with a full band, or, as tonight, with his son Leo on guitar and vocals.

April 30 – Paul Tiernan

Irish singer, songwriter and guitarist who much-impressed us here a couple of years ago. Equally happy as a sideman (Donovan, Sinead Lohan) or solo artist, Paul conjures up soundscapes of acoustic guitar textures, strong melodies and powerful songs, his CD Virgoville receiving ecstatic reviews. Never one to stand still, he’s written for Kieran Goss and tours extensively in Europe. http://www.paultiernan.com

May 7 – Fraser Nimmo & Ian Bolens

An auld friend of the club who benefits from a unique arrangement – our Bob sings his songs and occasionally he gets invited here to do them himself! Fraser sings of love, hate, loss, injustice, fear, bewilderment and Scotland, some songs his own, some traditional. All are delivered with wit and style on his trusty Martin guitar and beat-up banjo. A convivial evening for all, and may he never change his style. Tonight he is ably assisted by virtuoso Canadian guitarist, Ian.

May 14 – Michael Marra

A fearless free radical of a songwriter, Michael zaps around the musical cosmos spreading light and gravity in all its forms! ‘Scotland’s answer to Randy Newman’ maybe, but he is that and more. His totally unique, quirky, melodic, funny, kind-hearted and bittersweet songs have been much covered by the likes of Kiki Dee, Eddi Reader, Billy Connolly and Leo Sayer among many. He’s written well-known theatre, film and TV soundtracks, acted alongside Robert Carlyle and even co-written with Abba’s Bjorn Ulvaeus! Truly a one-off, and all who came last time know just how entertaining he is.

May 21 – Dana Robinson

Dana has been touring constantly since his 1994 debut Elemental Lullabye but it is his first time here. A multi-instrumentalist (guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo), Dana is a sort of modern-day Woody Guthrie, filing vivid reports of people and places on his e-journal and in his songs. Taking his cue from the likes of Steve Goodman, Dougie Maclean, John Martyn, Cat Stevens and Gram Parsons, Dana lives his dream as keeper of the American Folk Tradition with some superb narrative songs. A major talent.

May 28 – Clive Gregson

From fronting BritRock’s finest band, Any Trouble, Clive formed an acclaimed duo with singer Christine Collister (who is back here in October) and continues to write the most fantastic songs that others imitate but fail to copy. From high-energy rockers to haunting ballads and folk songs, Clive writes about life as it is for most of us – warts and all! With driving guitar, powerful vocals, great melodies and a strong audience rapport, Clive is always a highlight at the Ram.

June 4 – Gordon Tyrrall & Brian Peters

Always welcome here, Gordon Brian have appeared in lots of guises over the years. Together they are special, keeping traditional folk alive and kicking, whether it’s old songs given a new treatment, John Clare poems set to music or even the odd rock classic. They have that rare ability to inject passion and soul into a song and bring out the emotional qualities with strong vocals. Wonderful musicians too, with exquisite guitar, flute and squeezebox.

June 11 – Bob Fox

Riding on a crest of the wave at the moment, Bob fronts folk-rock band The Hush along with long-time cohort Jed Grimes (who opens our new season in September). His new album Borrowed Moments has received much radio play and a nomination for best song of the year on the Beebs Folk Awards! A true pro, Bob never fails to entertain, with his velvet voice, distinctive guitar and wide mix of songs spread thickly with Geordie wit and wisdom. Haway the lad!

June 18 – Bob Wood

An Independent Production, since Bob is too mean to book himself and Maggie flatly refused! The Elders of the club have, ahem, decided that after many years of service, it is time for Bob’s Testimonial, so it’ll be a game of two halves, with some fine Celtic dribbling, slow Ayrs, Hibernian Hoots, bleedin’ Hearts and a rare outing for the Broom of Cowdenbeath. Oh yes, and he gets to score! There aren’t many Bobs like Bob in the world, so come along (please?) for some well-worn classics, guitar tunings from the planet Tharg and plenty of cutting remarks from the back. ‘Never knowingly undertuned’ (Time Up). ‘No good will come of marrying him’ (Maggie’s mum).

June 25 – Simon Mayor & Hilary James

Simon is one of the best mandolin players in the world, in both folk and classical music (with the Mandolin Quartet). He is also a fantastic guitarist and violinist. Hilary plays stand-up bass and has the sort of beautifully clear voice that can charm the birds from the trees. With a bag of songs and tunes that covers folk, jazz, blues, bluegrass, comedy and parrots, there will be plenty for all tastes. Never less than brilliant!

July 2 – John Spiers & Jon Boden

These two lads did a great gig last time, and their stature continues to grow as they redefine English Folk. John and Jon will take you on a journey through raucous tunes, punky upbeat rabble-rousing chorus songs, intense ballads and sublime lilting tunes. This and more, delivered with charm, humour, dynamism and spot-on fiddle and melodeon playing. Fresh and fantastic!

July 9 – Liz Simcock

Liz did a lovely floor spot earlier this year and we just had to book her! Well known on the London folk club scene, she writes and sings from the heart and accompanies herself with stylish, laid-back, jazzy guitar. With songs that are sad, funny, heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measure, she has a knack of making you feel as if you’ve been there too. If Tracy Chapman and Joni Mitchell strike a major chord, this one’s for you!

July 16 – Kevin Dempsey & Joe Broughton

These two virtuosi of guitar and fiddle like to do their own thing occasionally, when they’re not earning their crusts in Big Bands, jazz-rock, pop and soul gigs and the likes of Whippersnapper and the Albion Band. Joe has been playing since he was in the pram and has a PhD in circus skills and mad banter. Kevin has been around a bit longer and has played a few more notes. Musically they’re tighter than two coats of paint. Expect anything!

July 23 – Quicksilver

... are Hilary Spencer (from vocal trio Artisan) and Grant Baynham, he of the quick fingers on guitar and quick lines in patter on the TV (BBC’s That’s Life) and radio. Hilary, as you know, is a powerful singer with three and a half octaves at her disposal. She’s been-there-done-that the world over. Grant is a seriously good folk and jazz player. After a fortunate meeting in 2001 they formed an instant rapport with a mad mix of everything from ballads to blues, comedy, jazz and Grant’s amazing originals, thrown at you with manic energy and humour. In short, the opposite of depressing.

August – club closed for summer hols!

September 3 – Jed Grimes & Graham Wood

Cool, jazzy grooves, world beats, funky rhythms and lyrical melodies – no, it’s not Sting but someone who kept true to his Geordie roots and musical heritage and still lives there, innovating. Jed Grimes plays lead guitar in the mighty Hush, with Bob Fox and keyboard player Graham Wood. He’s also a wonderful contemporary songwriter, distinctive singer and interpreter of traditional music, with fingers in many musical pies. He’d like a mansion and jet but then he wouldn’t be here tonight, would he?

September 10 – Flook

Take four of the best traditional musicians on the folk scene and let them gel for a few years and you tend to get something special. Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allan provide high and low flutes that soar and intertwine with sheer inspirational melody and improvisation. And there can be no better hothouse rhythm section than Ed Boyd on guitar and world champion bodhran player John Joe Kelly. Their gigs have an urgent energy, bringing The Music up-to-date with modern rhythms, telepathic precision and spontaneous energy. They’re huge, they’re global, they don’t play many small sheds but they like it here – and we like to spoil you, so go on, have some more!

September 17 – annA rydeR

‘Vibrant and unusual, warm and quirky, bittersweet, complex but complete, with an endearing naivety that matures only slowly with age’ – not your average chardonnay then, but fresh, effervescent, home-grown bubbly! Beneath the bouquet is a highly original singer, songwriter and talented multi-instrumentalist who will delight and intoxicate. annA’s brilliant new album Paper Girl features the who’s who of The Who and Fairport and she’s back ’cos we need her! Put Eddie Reader through a spell checker, stir in some Suzanne Vega, reverse the polarity and this is what you get!

September 24 – Robin Laing

Singer and songwriter of note, raconteur, tale-teller, one-man showman, Burnsman and, ahem, President of the Tasting Panel of the Scottish Malt Whisky Society (hard job, but someone has to do it). Like whisky, there is so much to savour – songs that are funny, thoughtful, conniving, drink-sodden, horse-trampled and, yes, love songs. Some are his own (which you’ll know) and some carefully matured for centuries, all richly satisfying. Each has a story and you’ll hang on his words. Back by demand.

Read Robin’s glowing comments about the Ram Club here.

October 1 – Brian Willoughby & Cathryn Craig

Homespun Guitar Hero meets Nashville Songstress and, hey presto – country-folking magic! Cathryn has a voice to die for and she writes some great songs too ... true to life about what she’s seen and where she’s been. Brian’s guitar has a range from serene to stratospheric, and he plays with the best, including the Strawbs and Nanci Griffith. A match made in heaven, and regulars here.

October 8 – Pete Harris & Mick Ryan

Mick writes just about the most articulate, clever, funny, sad, different songs you’ll hear (remember Lee Collinson’s version of the hilarious Widows on the Moor?) Pete plays great guitar with bluesy gusto, Janschy picking and everything in between. Cracking songs, excellent banter and subtle humour, this pair always deliver. A welcome return from these Ram favourites.

October 15 – Martin Simpson

Few accolades have been left unsaid about this inspirational, trail-blazing guitarist who invented a style of his own. His superb interpretations of songs from the likes of the Everlys, Guy Clark, Robert Johnson, Hank Williams and many more set a new standard. He’s also a dazzling interpreter of traditional song and tunes and now a songwriter too! Jam yourselves in here for our annual treat from a true star.

October 22 – Jennifer & Hazel Wrigley

‘Two players, one breath’ says it all. From the Orkneys and world class top-notch performers since they were knee high to a trowie, the twins write and play music in the traditional style with stunning prowess. Fiddle, jazzy guitar and piano are in telepathic attunement as the music soars and swings and takes you to a faraway place – and they tell a good yarn too. Too long since last time and hard to get, so don’t miss them!

October 29 – Christine Collister

Just about one of best homegrown singers of recent years, Christine Collister sings with warmth and passion, be it folk, jazz, pop, blues or anything else she chooses! With an accessible, contemporary style that smacks of star quality, Christine’s solo career took off after the She Devil TV theme song. She has also joined forces with Richard Thompson, Clive Gregson and female super group Daphne’s Flight along the way. With a nifty, cool guitar style and a set filled with songs from Tom Waits, Nick Drake and Smokey Robinson to name a few, it’s just like getting a big musical hug!

November 5 – David Francey

New to us but one of Canada’s top folk artists. Scottish-born, Canada-bred, David Francey is a big star over the pond whose songs are much recorded and taught in schools and choirs – and he’s only been full-time for four years! A true folk poet, his songs are beautifully crafted, simple yet articulate, with a social conscience – real-life songs of railways, floods, farms and people that have made him a club and festival favourite. A must if you enjoy the likes of Stan Rogers, James Keelaghan and Jez Lowe.

November 12 – Dave Ellis & Boo Howard

Dave started out in folk clubs in the Seventies, taking his cue from, and hanging out with, guitar greats like Giltrap, Jansch and Renbourn. Early success and an album led to The Old Grey Whistle Test, BBC In Concerts, gigs at The Marquee and supports to Rod Stewart. Twenty years ago, he met musical partner Boo, who has one of those great voices that blends rock, folk, soul and jazz into her own unique style. In the Eighties they went electric and they rocked. Now they’re happily acoustic again, performing some great original songs with guitar playing of the highest order (see the website for some great tips!)

November 19 – Kieran Halpin & Chris Jones

It takes a rare talent to be invited back as frequently as Kieran, but he never fails to deliver the goods – powerful songs that speak of injustice, tender ones of love, conciliatory songs and songs of hope. Never one to skirt an issue, Kieran has the knack of distilling them into four minutes of finest concentrate, creating songs that have become folk standards. Adding a further six strings tonight is the more-than-capable Chris Jones. 24 carat emerald!

November 26 – Dick Gaughan

Another mighty presence, Dick turned the folk world upside down with the radical and totally brilliant 80s album Handful of Earth. This collection of traditional and contemporary songs remains a classic and is one of the many peaks in Dick’s career, from the astonishing guitar prowess of his Five Hand Reel days to the passionate social commentary of his later work. Truly a legend.

December 3 – Cath Mundy & Jay Turner

The Aussies are back! Actually Jay is only on loan over there, but Cath is born and bred. Fresh, full of vitality and on-stage energy, and with a tucker bag full of great contemporary homespun songs of travel, nature and love, they will be providing the usual wonderful harmonies with guitar, violin, and piano.

December 10 – Nancy Kerr & James Fagan

Next up in our Anglo-Aussie twinning season, a welcome return for Nancy and James. Both come from well known folk families and since winning the Beeb’s Best New Act award, they’ve built on their early promise. Nancy sings and plays ethereal fiddle and viola, while James sings and plays Irish bouzouki, guitar and mandolin. Expect everything from Northumbrian tunes and contemporary Australian songs to lots of their own. Original, entertaining, brilliant and with a warm stage presence and fresh exuberance, they are a joy to experience.

December 17 – Christmas Party with Keith Donnelly

…and tonight, we hand the proceedings over to a man who is more than incapable and to whom these things come unnaturally – he’s mad, he’s a whirling maelstrom of mirth, he’s the best MC in the world, he sings, tells stories and CLEAN jokes (you can bring anyone in safety), he does a fine turtle impression and he runs the best New Year party in the world (this is his warm-up!). A one-off, off-the wall wit, the man is a shaft of good vibes and will run the show like a well-oiled machine, with the usual trimmings.

December 24 & 31 – Sorry, club closed. It's Christmas! Happy New Year!!!

Old n-ewes

Robin Laing (24.9.04) made some rather nice comments about the club in an interview in the Surrey Herald in September. You can read them here while t’committee rolls over on its back and purrs! (10/04)

Urgent! If you are the KO who contacted me earlier this month (November) asking for directions, flight details etc because you are hoping to spring a surprise visit on one of our future guests, please nip into an internet cafe and email me! My reply to your email was bounced back “Access denied”. Or without - hopefully - giving too much away, you might try a flight from Belfast City to London Heathrow (try Travel Supermarket) and then a cab to Claygate... Good luck! ps Could you let me know if you made it? (11/04)

John Hegley is bringing his backing band The Popticians with him on January 21, 2005. They are Keith Moore on double bass, Susan Norton on sax and Bill Muir on bodhran and snare. But wait – there’s more. As a rare and special treat, advance tickets for John’s gig will be available at the club from Friday, December 3. You can also phone to order these tickets from Bob or Maggie on 020 8686 9421. The cost is £10 for members, £11 for non-members. Earliest sales will have a numbered seat but standing room will also be available once those are sold. No e-mail requests please – I will only give you Bob and Maggie’s phone number or ask you to go along to the club. Good luck. (12/05)

The single Rumours of Rain by Folk for Peace was released on November 29 by Hypertension Records, distributed by Proper, and is available in all good record shops. It costs less than £4, so please buy it, to benefit the Folk for Peace Children’s Charity, in aid of children who are victims of war. The song was written by Ram club regulars Cathryn Craig and Brian Willoughby and features many more friends of the Ram club. Please allow me to list them: guitars: Brian Willoughby / pipes: Stefan Hannigan / bodhran : Dave Lambert / cello and viola: Saskia Tompkins / drums: Gerry Conway / bass guitar: Rick Kemp / dobro: Rod Clements / violins: Ric Sanders / mandolin: Chris Leslie / bouzouki: Bob Fox. The chorus: Harvey Andrews, Martin Carthy, Ralph McTell, Nanci Griffith, Tom Paxton, Jacqui McShee, Chris Leslie, Benny Gallagher, Tommy Sands, Rod Clements, Clive Gregson, Emily Slade, Steve Tilston, Bob Fox, Ron Angus, Jez Lowe, Derek Brimstone, Chas Cronk, Dave Lambert, Martyn Joseph, Cathryn Craig & Brian Willoughby. Please buy the record! (12/04)