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Ram Club guest list: 2005

January 7 – Sue Graves & Hector Gilchrist

We start the New Year with two excellent singers and stalwarts – nay season ticket holders – of the local folk scene. Sue has sung in various groups (including Voiceover) and her clear voice can often be heard cutting through the melee at the back as well as from the stage. Hector is well-renowned for his love of the songs of Burns and Scotland, sung with easy lilting glory. Together their voices and guitars blend like coffee and cream, with shimmering harmonies, mellow melodies and songs which are well-known and join-in-able!

January 14 – Steve Tilston & Brooks Williams

Not one but TWO masters of the guitar and song who, through serendipity and mutual respect, have come together in synergistic scintillation! Steve has been here so often that he has his own table at the local curry house. He has written some truly classic songs such as Slip Jigs & Reels, Salty Dog and Tom Paine that became instant standards. Brooks came over from the US a year or so ago and left us open-jawed at his dexterity and style – think Ry Cooder, JJ Cale and Bonnie Raitt for starters and add a touch of easy-going, laid-back charm and you get the idea. Truly special!

January 21 – John Hegley & The Popticians

If you don’t like poetry – come! John is one of the UK’s most innovative comics, with 8 brilliant books and sell-out festivals to his name, and he’ll convert you! What is more, he is bringing his backing band The Popticians with him. They are Keith Moore on double bass, Susan Norton on sax and Bill Muir on bodhran and snare. Ever-present on BBC radio, he creates a cabaret of verse, song & audio-visual friends such as Herman Hessian the Sack Russell Terrier! Manic, edgy, it’s “Fabulously funny” (Time Out) with “A beat poet’s style and a philosopher’s grace” (The Independent). WARNING: THIS EVENING CONTAINS RHYMING LANGUAGE!

January 28 – The Bully Wee Band

Anyone who remembers the Seventies and Eighties will recall the BWB as being the South East folk supergroup. Those of you suffering an extended senior moment will need a little more reminding, but hey – they’re back! Ian Cutler, Fergus Feely and Colin Reece are reuniting 20 years on for a feast of folk rock, with fiddle and guitar to the fore. All have successful careers as individuals but tonight they will revive a few memories and remind us of what we’ve missed.

February 4 – Adrian Nation

A name you’re probably not familiar with, Adrian hails from East Anglia and impressed us all with a great floor spot last September. Adrian writes and sings really good songs about travelling, places, people and love – all the usual subjects then, but refreshingly original. If you appreciate the likes of Dougie Maclean and Jez Lowe, and melodic, relaxed contemporary folk in general, you’ll enjoy him.

February 11 – John Kirkpatrick

A big Ram Club thank you to JK for stepping in at a minute’s notice when Vin Garbutt had to cancel due to ill-health. Despite being born in Chiswick, John is well known as being THE premier melodeon, button accordion and anglo concertina player on the folk scene, and he never fails to give us a cracking night. His pedigree is second to none and he has been a member of – among others – the Richard Thompson Band, Steeleye Span, The Albions and Brass Monkey. He is also a fine singer. An evening with John draws together many strands of his career, delivered with panache, humour and many an anecdote and rousing chorus. John is the custodian of a large part of the English Folk Tradition and is rightly regarded as a national treasure!

February 18 – The Expatriate Game – gig cancelled

And a big Ram Club apology to Maggie Boyle (vocals, flute), Duck Baker (guitar) and Ben Paley (fiddle). Maggie has been here many a time, with the likes of Steve Tilston and Gordon Tyrrall. Her beautiful clear voice has graced the recordings of The Chieftains, Incantations and Bert Jansch and breathes new life into the traditional songs she loves. Duck, from Richmond, Virginia, is a wonderful finger-picking guitarist steeped in old-time mountain music, bluegrass, gospel, ragtime, Irish, swing and jazz (phew!). As for Ben, fRoots says “... just about the best folk fiddle of his generation”. This inspired combination present a musical celebration of the highest calibre and may possibly exceed expectations. As you probably know (scroll down if not) their gig had to be cancelled at the 11th hour due to Elmbridge Council threatening prosecution... or should that read persecution?

February 25 – Steve Newman & Tony Cox

From South Africa, two of the hottest guitarists you are ever likely to see! With just their guitars, Steve and Tony produce a truly stunning kaleidoscope of sounds with African percussion, township rhythms and virtuosity interwoven like a tapestry. Both have played at the Ram separately, but other commitments mean they tour as a duo all too rarely. Together it is as if they are connected by an unseen force. Trust us on this one, guitar fan or not, you will be truly awestruck, uplifted, mesmerised and inspired by their playing. A true musical safari – and the only inoculations you’ll need are those from the bar!

March 4 – Rod Clements

Lindisfarne main man, songwriter and Geordie Crooner extraordinaire, Rod Clements returns to sing a few old classics and some new ones. Apart from “The Lads”, he’s played with the Greats of Folk, and though the fog has now, sadly, settled on the Tyne for the last time, Rod’s talent still burns as brightly as ever. Blues, Country and Rock’n’Roll-influenced, he says: “All these songs are the product of everywhere I’ve been, everyone I’ve met and everything I’ve seen and read” – and his last gig here in 2001 was just great!

March 11 – Winter Wilson

A fine acoustic duo, Kip & Dave hail from Lincolnshire and impressed us last time with their highly original, often quirky songs concerning all aspects of the human condition and beyond. They joined forces in 1995 and have steadily built a reputation for their engaging live performances. Sharing lead vocals and guitars, they harmonise and blend effortlessly in their distinctive folky/bluesy-tinged style.

March 18 – Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman

Please note (slight) change to line-up

Due to circumstances beyond their control, Equation are unable to appear in their full glory tonight. Fear not though, as the wonderful duo at the core of the band ARE able to come, and treat us to a special concert of their music. Having become regulars at the club during their “holidays” from the band, you’ll know that Kathryn has one of those very special voices that soars as it captures the essence and emotion of every song she sings. Sean started early on the folk scene and soon made a big impact with his two brothers as The Lakemans. Having honed his craft as accompanist he studied jazz and rock styles at college, and now provides the perfect foil to Kathryn’s vocals, keyboard and flute. Sean provides many of the songs too, but expect a fair smattering of classy covers from the likes of Randy Newman, Suzane Vega and Tom Waits. Not quite what we intended, but we promise you an inspired evening of music.

March 25 – Club closed for Easter

April 1 – Pete Smith & John Buckley

Of the same peer group as the great Tommy Emmanuel, this will be a guitar showcase par excellence. Indeed Pete & John are regulars at TommyFest (yes there is one!) where they burn fretboards with the great man. For two virtuosi, they avoid self-indulgence and entertain in the finest possible manner, with a unique mix of jazz, blues, folk, ragtime, swing, country, calypso and baroque. Unaccompanied floor singers welcome, as your regular guitar-pickers may be “resting”.

April 8 – Dr Faustus

Some pleasures are forbidden ’tis said, but under the watchful gaze of our Ram, you are safe to enjoy ... for Fate has united “four of the finest musicians and singers in the land…..defiantly English” (fRoots). Tim Van Eyken, Robert Harbron, Benji Kirkpatrick and Paul Sartin all sing (in glorious harmony too), and spice their sound with concertina, melodeons, guitars, bouzouki, oboe, violin, bassoon and more. Songs rare and new, along with tunes that move, they are taking the tradition into tomorrow. More excitement and pleasure than is good for you, and immensely satisfying. Tempted?

April 15 – Last Night’s Fun

Not only will you hear the best in Irish-based music from this trio of Chris Sherburn (concertina and vocals), Denny Bartley (guitar and vocals) and Nick Scott (uillean pipes), you’ll also be the exclusive audience at the most hilarious, uproarious chat show you’ll have seen, with the boys as guests and hosts! Genius takes many forms and musical talent is often at its best when unhinged. You’ve seen them before and know they’re brilliant, entertaining and available without prescription! All said and done, its Acoustic Convulsive Therapy at its most beneficial!

April 22 – Stephen Fearing

From Canada, Stephen has, for nearly two decades, been penning some of the most literate, stirring and emotionally-charged “folk” music on this planet. Couple this with stunning guitar work and a smooth intimate voice and you have the elements of a unique performer. His songs embody the spirit of the road – he tours Canada & USA constantly. His new album That’s How I Walk blends a raw streetwise edge with evocative soul searching to produce music of quiet passion – as will tonight’s gig.

April 29 – John McCormick

Beautifully sung, beautifully played, Scottish and English music from America’s finest British-style guitarist. Influenced by all the greats such as Davey Graham, John Renbourn, Bert Jansch, Nic Jones, and Richard Thompson, his beautiful, clear playing underpins the songs and shines on the Celtic tunes. Like Archie Fisher, Nick Drake and John Martyn, his voice is low and affable, with the warmth and resonance of seasoned wood. A consummate “traditional” performer who brings out the best in each song, John will induce in you a warm glow of gentle wellbeing that will last long after the gig has ended.

May 6 – Uiscedwr

“Ishka-dooer” means water in Irish/Welsh, and they’ve certainly made a splash since winning the BBC’s Young Folk Award in 2002! Fronted by astounding Welsh fiddler Anna Esslemont, with Cormac Byrne on percussion, the music flows like a river – fast down the rapids, serene through the shallows, and Lorelei songs in the mists, with African, Kletzmer, and classical influences added to the Celtic melting pot. Sadly, guitarist Ben Hellings has left, but in comes the amazing Kevin Dempsey (recently here with Joe Broughton). OK, no more “Young” awards, but “live” they are a cut above!

May 13 – Kellie While

It’s “Bring Your Yoof” night tonight, as there is no better example of a supremely talented youngster than Kellie to inspire them. Still in her mid-20s, she’s fronted jazz big bands, the Albion Band, E2K and was even on TOTP recently, singing Warm and Tender Love with the Reel & Soul Association! She’s a distinctive original songwriter with a fine guitar style, a voice that’s up there with Eva Cassidy, Sandy Denny and Joss Stone, and a rare ability to penetrate the hearts and minds of all. Forget Fantasy TV and wannabee Idols – pure talent bubbles up to the surface by itself, and Kellie is set for great things.

May 20 – Tannahill Weavers

Probably the biggest name we’ve had here for a long while and, unless we convert the hut into the Tardis, you’ll need to get here early for a seat. “Legendary” for once is insufficient, but this 5-piece band were and still are the premier Traditional Scottish Band. The line-up changes but the fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs and ballads from across the centuries don’t. Rich vocal harmonies and full-sized Highland pipes, fiddle, whistles, flute and rock-solid guitar – in short, AWESOME!

May 27 – Ron Trueman Border

Kent’s finest, Ron writes songs you could swear have been around for years, with totally accessible choruses and a lyrical style that connects easily with the audience. His songs are inspired by just about every facet of life, society and the human condition, with razor-sharp lyrics and tunes that carry the story and imprint on the consciousness. He has gigged just about the whole of the UK over the past couple of years, so it’s great to have him back. He’ll be joined by Felicity Greenland on vocals and bodhran.

June 3 – Ian Bruce

A big man, with a voice and presence to match, Ian tours all over the UK, Europe and America, captivating audiences with his own “songs of the road” and a good helping of traditional Scottish song including his excellent Burns repertoire. With tonsils purring like a Harley, and some great choruses, it’s free-wheeling, leather-clad Biker Folk at its best!

June 10 – Jez Lowe

If ever there was an English Robbie Burns-In-The-Making, it’s Jez. Since going “pro” in 1981, he has seeded the folk scene with many a masterpiece that have grown and flourished and been reaped by grateful floor singers and professionals alike. Always writing in a traditional style, his songs are beautiful, humorous, and powerful vignettes of the characters and industries of the North East that are fast disappearing. In his songs they live on, and they never sound better than when performed by their creator!

June 17 – Chris Jones

When Chris was here with Kieran Halpin, he gave us an exhibition of what virtuoso guitar playing really is. “Flash” isn’t enough. Truly inspired guitarists make their instrument sing like another voice and take the song, and you, to a different plane. Tonight he’ll demonstrate he’s a great songwriter and singer too, influenced by the likes of James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt. From Reno, Nevada, USA, his unique style is distilled from blues, country, rock, classical and the countless people he’s played with. Stunning.

June 24 – Archie Fisher

Another truly legendary performer - nay, Scotland’s Patron Saint of Folk. It’s been ages since we had him down, but it’s time for him to collect his royalties for all the classic songs and versions that we’ve plundered. Songs like Bill Hosie, The Last Trawl, and Dark Eyed Molly, songs that drip with expression and tug at the heart strings, and old songs in the vernacular made new, with a low voice as rich and aromatic as the finest Single Malt. Archie is all things to Folk Music – collector, interpreter, guitarist, horseman, raconteur, radio host. Listen and you’ll know what we mean.

July 1 – Pete Coe

Pete is a vibrant performer who champions English Folk in all its glories – a “one man folk industry” with a vast repertoire of traditional songs, tunes and dances accompanied by bouzouki, melodeon, dulcimer, banjo and step-percussion. Like Martin Carthy and John K, he’s an institution who deserves a gong for being an integral part of the fabric of the folk scene and taking the torch proudly to the next generation in schools and community projects. Always a great night.

July 8 – Pete Morton

Passionate, expressive songwriter/singer/guitarist who is busily redefining the Traditional repertoire and injecting a huge dose of vitality in the process. Nothing less than you’d expect from a former Punk! Pete is also writing some pretty powerful songs himself – intense, dynamic, a mix of humour, hope, politics, love and religion sung from the heart with chunky effective guitar behind the melodies. The Guardian has said: “Not only impressive but a revelation – totally original.”

July 15 – Dave Burland

If you could distil Dave’s voice into a pot, it would be the finest honey, laced with Jack Daniels. Considered by many to be the epitome of “laid back”, Dave prefers the term “controlled dynamism”. The “Barnsley Bard” doesn’t so much sing as purr, never failing to set you at ease with his wonderful, relaxed performance, carefully seasoned songs, gentle humour and beautifully effective guitar. It seems as if he has always been doing this, but retirement is merely a theoretical concept, not an option.

July 22 – Sultans of Squeeze

Two maestros of the squeeze box, John Kirkpatrick and Chris Parkinson will pump in marvellous synergistic harmony to finish our season. John has played with so many famous folk groups, dancers, solo artists and productions, he’s lost count, and his repertoire of songs and tunes is as long as his bellows. Chris has been here with the House Band and Steve Tilston, is a multi-instrumentalist of the first order and a master of all genres. He too, has played with half the Folk Scene! Two accordions together is quite possibly a “first”, but with these guys you can be sure it will be special.

On July 29 and throughout August we were closed for the summer

Sept 2 – Allan Taylor

“The Traveller” returns to kick off our new season! Like a fine wine, Allan 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, mellowness and distinctive undertones of rosewood. Quality and taste with a superb finish. A classic vintage that positively sings!

Sept 9 – Carmina

Music of beguiling, serene, serotonin-enhancing beauty that restores the soul, blending Celtic influences and jazz virtuosity with sublime folk guitar and vocals from the heart. Strong melodies and inspired improvisation tumble like a cool waterfall ... Eighties Van Morrison meets Eddi Reader and Clannad maybe, but very much a sound created by Pippa Marland (vocals, saxes, flute, whistle), Rob King (guitar, mandola), Geoff Castle (keyboards) and Diarmaid Moynihan (Uillean pipes). Back by demand with some great new songs from their forthcoming CD, there is no more-effective aural anti-depressant.

Sept 16 – Niamh Parsons & Graham Dunn

Niamh (“Neeve”) is one of the freshest and most powerful voices to have come out of Ireland in recent years. 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 characteristic ornamentation and sublime backing from prolific young Dublin guitarist Graham Dunn. Their much-garlanded new CD Heart’s Desire is a remedy for sore ears!

Sept 23 – Bruce Molsky

Bruce is an Appalachian fiddler par excellence and a member of Celtic folk mega-group Mozaik (along with Andy Irvine and Donal Lunny). Not only that, he is equally good on guitar and banjo, and his new CD, Contented Must Be, runs the whole gamut from Southern, Old -Timey, Scottish and even Canadian and Norwegian music, all played with innovation, emotion and phenomenal dexterity. Vocally, Bruce delivers in an easy, laid-backporch Ry Cooder style that will have you rocking (gently) in your seats. First visit here, and Contented You’ll Be!

Sept 30 – Ken Perlman & Alan Jabbour

… and for the second half of our mini-Appalachian season we present one of the finest exponents of melodic clawhammer banjo & fingerstyle guitar together with another master fiddler! These guys live and breathe the music – fiddle-rags, hoedowns, marches, waltzes, quicksteps and more. They collect and preserve songs and tunes in the true folklorist tradition, passing them on to countless pupils at their summer schools. As befits masters, their styles knit together like a zip, adding zest and harmony to the music with dashes of blues and exotic rhythms. Infectious in the nicest way, so come get your Deliverance!

Oct 7 – Don Mescall

From Limerick, Don is a wonderful young songwriter, and much-covered too (Frances Black – Magdalen Laundry, Richie Havens – Wishing Well, Eleanor Shanley – Road to Glory, Lulu – Time to Fall). Don has a way with words and melody that catches you unawares and brings back the feelings he is expressing – joy, wonder, love, longing and injustice. With a guitar style dexterous yet direct and a voice strong and honest yet vulnerable too, he is a class act. If you like David Gray, Jackson Browne and Paul Simon, this is just for you! Just back from a US tour with Richie Havens for a first appearance at the Ram Club.

Oct 14 – Siansa

Their name (“she-an-sa”) is Gaelic for melody, and this London-based group deliver a wonderful variety of traditional Irish music and song in all its myriad glory. Featuring the talents of Tim Dowd (pipes, whistle, vocals), Harriet Earis (harp), Dave Henderson (guitar, bouzouki, vocals), Peter O'Brien (bodhran, vocals), Geoff Pollitt (fiddle, guitar, mandolin) and Colman Connelly (flute, pipes, whistle), the music is mesmerizing and invigorating, driving and danceable and, in quiet moments, hauntingly beautiful with breathtaking interplay. Like the Chieftains? You’ll love Siansa!

Oct 21 – Emily Druce & Steve Jones

It’s time for some blues, and it doesn’t come more fabulously played than this! From Yorkshire, Emily is far too young to be legendary, but not since the late Jo Ann Kelly has there been such a talented and expressive lady blues singer and slide guitarist. Taking her cue from the likes of Big Bill Broonzy, Ry Cooder, Robert Johnson and Memphis Minnie, Emily delivers classic covers and is well into writing her own highly original take on the blues. Steve is a great country-blues picker and adds more than a few strings to her bow. He got to know her through making her guitar!

Oct 28 – Ian Palmer & Sylvia Couchman

Part of the woodworm – nay, the very fabric – of this club, Ian and Sylvia have waited a long time for their stab at the big-time. Regulars will know that their carefully served-up and often polished offerings include many a cracking chorus song (several written by Ian), so there will be plenty of opportunity to raise the roof. Listen beyond the nagging, bickering, hen-pecking and insults (they like each other really) and enjoy Sylvia’s sonorous voice, Ian’s harmonies and deadgood DADGAD guitar and a club night of the finest order in front of a vast, adoring audience (please?)…and no doubt a few choice comments from the back.

November 4 – Michael Marra

From north of the border, Michael writes uniquely bittersweet, kind-hearted, quirky songs with unexpected twists, backed up by easy-going jazzy piano and guitar, all delivered in his “lived-in” voice with “a dry charm and bedpan wit”. He has had his fingers in every musical pie there is, from theatre, film & TV to co-writing with ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus! Michael is not your average folkie, more a Randy Newman in blue suede shoes with a bit of cabaret thrown in! A wonderful entertainer and cockle-warmer.

November 11 – Ruckus Blues

Ruckus Blues are David Raphael, (harmonica/vocals), and Mike Chowney, (guitar, vocals). Their music invokes the rawness and passion of early country blues as they pay homage to their heroes like Big Bill Broonzy, Leadbelly, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. They appear regularly at blues festivals and local venues round London, and their recently released CD on the Parkside Label features the music of the legendary bluesmen of old alongside their own compositions. Exuberant and highly-entertaining, they treated us to a floor spot recently and we needed more!

November 18 – Chris Newman & Máire Ní Chathasaigh

From the Folk Premier League’s highest echelons, Máire (harp) and Chris (guitar) have that rare ability to combine true virtuosity with spellbinding entertainment, weaving a tapestry of gorgeous music that will warm and delight on the coldest of nights. Everything from Celtic to bluegrass, Carolan to jazz as well as ethereal songs from the Emerald Isle, all performed with panache, empathy and dry humour.

November 25 – 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 is awesome, from the Albion Band to the Home Service, his music for theatre right up to his acclaimed new CD. 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, but less well known are his masterful talents on keyboards which underpin this wonderful liaison. This will be an evening of glorious songs from the home front that burn with emotion.

December 2 - Jim & Leo Condie

Like a Scottish Ry Cooder, Jim’s clear, tasteful guitar, dobro, lap steel and mandolin have been heard on many a TV soundtrack (notably the Rab C Nesbitt theme) and on hundreds of sessions with the cream of blues, rock and country artists. After years in the shadows, Jim made a CD! Folks liked his fresh blend of American trad, contemporary and self-penned songs and tunes and demanded to hear it live. Happy to oblige, and with his rapidly-blossoming son on guitar and vocals, he gave us a great night last time.

December 9 - Tom Bliss & Tom Napper

In the chaos of the folk and pop universe it is not unknown for disparate but highly-reactive free entities to roam around for years, bouncing off the odd Pete Waterman and Dab Hand before eventually colliding with resulting nuclear fusion. The new compound, TBTM, was formed in 2002. Still fresh and excited, the music has evolved and matured, yielding songs of striking originality with an English/Celtic flavour backed and fronted by virtuosic guitar, mandolin, banjo, mandocello, fiddle, concertina and more. Strong songs, sung with power that grab you like gravity. Back here by impulsive force!

December 16 - Christmas Party

A chance for a quiet social, exchange a few cards, express tidings of seasonal warmth, partake of a glass of home-made mulled wine, stuff a few seasonal treats, maybe try your luck with the mistletoe (be careful) … and then we’ll have the party! Usual form – musical interludes, a huge raffle, homespun entertainment of the finest well-meantness etc. Let’s hope all the hot air from inside doesn’t melt the snow.

December 23 & 30 - Closed for the holidays

We wished you a merry Christmas and a Happy Hogmanay – and thanks for all your support!

Old n-ewes

Apologies to anyone checking this site over Christmas and the New Year for updates. Apart from the usual festivities and numerous unusual personal problems – don’t ask – I have had great difficulty connecting to the Internet, which if course makes updating a web site somewhat difficult. (Don’t tell anyone. But I seem to have cracked it!) (I spoke too soon – though now I am quietly confident...)

Vin Garbutt’s February 11 gig has had to be postponed due to a heart bypass operation – Vin’s, not the Ram’s. He hopes to be gigging again by April, but we are going to have to be patient as the earliest Friday he has free is January 20, 2006. Don’t forget to put it in your diary. Meanwhile, John Kirkpatrick has kindly agreed to step in on February 11, so scroll down to find out all about him – as if you didn’t know! And Ram Club best wishes to Vin for a speedy recovery.

The Acoustic Astronauts (with Betty Davila and Freddie Smith) are hosting a Tsunumi Relief Charity Concert for Oxfam at the Riddell Hall, Deans Lane, Walton on the Hill (near Tadworth), Surrey, on Saturday, February 12, starting at 7.30 pm with acoustic folk/country and bluegrass music. They hope to arrange a top south-east bluegrass band (tbc) and many other support acts to help out. With bar. Tickets £4 in advance, £6 on the door, from 07703 472824.

Steve Poole has kindly produced a flier that you can print out and stick to your fridge as a handy reminder for up-and-coming gigs. It is in Adobe Acrobat format. If you don’t have Acrobat Reader, get back in your cave! Alternatively, download it here.

The following was posted on the web site on Feb 21:
Dear Friends of the Ram Club,
You may have heard that the Ram Club was cancelled last Friday (Feb 18) virtually without notice. Please accept our apologies, especially those who hadn't heard before setting off for the club – not least our intended guests for the night, The Expatriate Game (Duck Baker, Maggie Boyle and Ben Paley. We greatly appreciated everyone’s forbearance. As regulars will know, the Ram Club enjoys the full support of Jeremy and Diane Marley as landlords and managers of the Foley Arms; and they too have apologised for last Friday’s cancellation.
But the show must go on – and the headline news, we are glad to say, is that we shall re-open this Friday, February 25.
As regards last Friday, the unfortunate position was that we didn’t find out ourselves until 5pm that Elmbridge Council had threatened that afternoon to bring a prosecution if the folk club went ahead without the Foley Arms/Young’s Brewery holding the appropriate music licence. Jeremy & Diane Marley were away and, faced with the threat, the deputy managers and Young’s Brewery were unable to risk the gig going ahead.
The issues relate to enforcement of current entertainment rules, and changes in licensing arrangements to be phased in over the next six months and which mean all live entertainment will have to be licensed (this supersedes the so-called “two in a bar” rule, of which some may have heard). We are in negotiations with Elmbridge Council, the Foley Arms and Young’s Brewery to resolve these issues as quickly as practicable.
Meanwhile, the club will operate as close to normal as possible and continue playing host to some of the finest folk and acoustic acts around. This Friday (Feb 25), we have two utterly fantastic guitarists, STEVE NEWMAN & TONY COX, on a rare visit from South Africa. The following week we have former LINDISFARNE singer and guitarist ROD CLEMENTS. We hope you will continue to support the club and live music in general – “The times they are a-changing”.
Regards and renewed apologies to all those who were inconvenienced and disappointed last Friday from Bob, Maggie, Ian, Amanda, Steve, Diane and the rest.
p.s. Further updates if necessary will be posted on the club web site.

The Ram is one of the few folk venues in the Greater London area with wheelchair access. In fact, “Des” Desborough, one of our regulars, comes all the way from north London for that very reason. Here is his letter to fRoots on the subject.

Boo Hewerdine’s CD A Live One was recorded live at the Ram Club in September 2001. Here are Boo’s kind words about the club as they appear on the CD sleeve.

I was stunned to learn of the death of the Old Rope String Band’s Joe Scurfield in a road accident on Wednesday night (June 8). We have been robbed of a true genius. It seems like only yesterday, but it was 2000 when the ORSB last played at the Ram. I’ve seen them many times, and they have never been less than fantastic. My thoughts are with Joe’s family, and with Tim and Pete. The band’s website is packed with tributes - do pay them a visit.

Our autumn season opens with the wonderful Allan Taylor. If you can’t make it on the Friday, or if you fancy catching him two nights in a row (just to make sure it wasn’t a fluke – he really is that good!) he is appearing the following night in West Sussex – a mere hour’s drive away. It’s a charity concert, in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer. The concert will take place at 8pm on Saturday September 3 at Scaynes Hill Millennium Village Centre. Scaynes Hill is 2 miles from Haywards Heath on the A272 towards Lewes. Tickets are £10 – requests and/or enquiries please to Chris Bloor on 01444 831432.

Time to crank up your VCR, Ram Club regulars, because a little bird has told me that Ram Club favourite Dick Gaughan has a BBC4 Sessions programme coming up on Friday Nov 11. It was recorded at Bush Hall in May and Martin Simpson is in the backing band. Ram Club heaven!

A couple of messages from Steve Poole, our newsletter co-ordinator extraordinaire: “As we enter a new period of certainty at the club, we must thank again our marvellous music-loving licensees Jeremy and Diane for the support they give us. They are putting on live music in the pub too, so try to get along. On Saturday, November 26, they have Steve Whalley (ex-Slade) and Nigel Harding playing acoustic, electric and mandolin. Phone 01372 462021 for info.

“On a very sad note, many of you will remember Chris Jones, the brilliant guitarist who often accompanied Kieran Halpin among others, and who amazed us with his virtuosity and energy at his own gig here in June. Chris passed away on September 13 in Germany at the age of 46. He was a guitarist who made every note mean something and did his best to pass on his talents through many a workshop. He will be greatly missed.”