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A warm welcome back to one of the UK’s most loved and respected singer/guitarists and supreme purveyor of Australiana – folksongs of the outback that Martyn first discovered during his time working on a sheep station in the 1960s. During subsequent trips he collected and learned the Old Songs directly from drovers, cane cutters and bush workers, interpreting them in his own, unique, warm, intimate style. This he continues to do, setting the scene with stories and anecdotes and a twinkle in his eye! A gem.
RC are “The Guv’nor”, Ruth Angell, Jo Hamilton & Mark Hutchinson. Not only are Ashley’s new young acolytes blessed with wonderful singing and songwriting abilities, they have amazing instrumental prowess on violin, viola & guitar (ex-Birmingham Conservatoire you know), and like all of his previous incarnations they are startlingly, breathtakingly good! The music is English – melodic, uplifting, emotive and superbly played. This band aren’t chasing a crock of gold – they’ve already found it, dug it up and will be sharing it with us fortunate souls. New songs, old favourites and a rare chance to see them close up!
The Teesside Troubadour returns after his recent rebuild! Now as good as new and feeling 21 again, Vin is back to being a one-man maelstrom of tousled hair, guitar, whistle and voice. Truly inimitable and a legendary wandering minstrel of the finest kind – songs of love, hope, social issues and daft things, all strung together with a strangled, mad patter and a performance that is brilliantly indefinable.
Not so much a Burns’ Night but a very late Hogmanay in the convivial company of our very own and venerated Edinburgh Expats. That’s not to say there won’t be a fair smattering of songs and poems by the original His Bobness, but the theme tonight is a wee celebration of all things Caledonian, with good company, bonhomie, banter and above all some great traditional singing by our hosts. There’ll be musical interludes by their many friends (maybe even the odd surprise), and plates of treats, but no haggis (unless it’s on special offer, that is). For many a year Alan & Carole have reverberated around the clubs, festivals and gatherings of the UK, so their own night here at their favourite club is long overdue – unplugged, uncorked and uninhibited! Kilts and tartan optional.
A name you may not be familiar with, but Loz toured as guitarist with Ben E King and numerous other US soul singers at the tender age of 17, before embarking on an eclectic career from the Seventies onwards with various bands in the Steely Dan/Lowell George/classic soul mould, studio sessions, production, song-writing (Chaka Kahn, Joe Walsh), and soundtracks for films. Needless to say, he can play! Tonight he’ll be performing some bluesy/jazzy/funky originals, covers and mood-instrumentals, enhanced by a few loop effects and Pete on very fine upright bass. Not your usual folk night then, but refreshingly different.
When Boo re-launched his career back in 2001 he chose our humble club, (recorded for posterity and put out on CD). Even though he’s much in demand as a producer (The Corrs, Eddie Reader), he still likes to come back and delight us with his melodic, reflective songs and sublime guitar because, as he himself says, “it makes me feel re-energised, a very happy man”. And him us too!
A troubadour from Western Scotland who in his youth busked around Europe in the footsteps of heroes like Alex Campbell, Allan Taylor and Eric Bogle. Jim absorbed the essence of “The Road” and distilled it into his own great songs of social comment, travel and love blended with an extensive repertoire of Scottish songs and contemporary classics. Now living locally, he doesn’t have to hitch too far to give us another great night.
Those who have seen mother and daughter separately in their myriad guises (Albion Band, Blue Tapestry, E2K, Reel & Soul Association) will know that they are both blessed with seriously good vocal talents. Those who saw their last duo gig here will know that together they are truly spine-tingling! With harmonies from heaven, gorgeous songs from the best contemporary writers (including themselves) and guitar accompaniments that are elegant and perfect, this will be an inspired evening. Says Chris: “There is a certain telepathy between us, and sometimes when we sing I lose identity and forget which voice is mine.”
Kieran is to folk what Pete Townsend is to rock. Granted, he takes more care of his guitars and he isn’t prone to doing windmill impressions four feet off the ground, but the power of his playing and the strength of his songs bear comparison (as does the rate of plectrum wear). When Kieran sings about something he means it, whether it’s patriotism, love, travel or just something going on in the world that’s bothering him. Words and melody are everything, with the dial going right round from tender to thunder! His albums always impress, and his live performance is underscored with incisive and sardonic wit, accompanied tonight by the immensely talented Anth on piano, keyboard and backing vocals.
Brian is a local boy done very good. He played countless gigs with the Strawbs, laying down lead guitar lines that could rip through the stratosphere one minute and melt the ice caps the next. Cathryn has a Nashville voice to die for, writing songs about what she’s seen and where she’s been – songs that make you laugh, cry and think, delivered with totally gorgeous unpluggedness. Together, they are back by popular consent!
Tom is a very fine fiddle player from the North East, while Pauline is one of the foremost exponents of the Northumbrian pipes. They are one of the most popular and successful acoustic duos around, and since their debut together at the Shetland Festival in 1995, they have toured extensively throughout the UK, Europe, the USA, Scandinavia and New Zealand. The fiddle and pipes blend effortlessly together to produce a unique and full sound, both in dynamic unison playing and beautifully arranged harmonies. Tonight we are also very lucky to have Aaron Jones on bouzouki and guitar. He is a Scottish Instrumentalist of the Year and has worked with the cream of folk artists including Craobh Rua, Claire Mann, Tabache and Old Blind Dogs, not to mention countless session appearances. He is an accompanist par excellence and this will be a real treat.
Woah! Hank and his faithful sidekick are back on the ol’ trail. With his dodgy hat, wide-toothed grin and George Hamilton IV “$incere” eyebrows, Hank is the nemesis of country music yet he still aspires to the glamour of his heroes. The one and only inductee in his own Hall of Pain (it’s not that other stars wouldn’t be seen dead in it, they’re just too dead to be seen in it), he’s picked at the soft, dark underbelly of country for a long time. All said, he loves it really, and if you split your sides laughing (as you will), he’s a gen-u-ine doctor and he’ll fix you (for a small fee). Reg is normal. A fine songwriter and guitarist, he shouldn’t really be galloping about with Hank. Join them as they ride roughshod over taste in their pursuit of the Grand Old Osprey, the First Bird of Country (whilst carefully avoiding Brokeback Mountain).
Barry Coope, Jim Boyes and Lester Simpson present a radically different, modern face to English a cappella roots music – strong, original songs with memorable tunes, soaring harmonies and sometimes radical words that strike a chord and make you listen. A stirring night ahead, so brace yourselves! At the very top of their game, CBS are the folk world’s Three Tenors, but slimmer.
Paul started his musical career playing piano and keyboards for blues and soul bands – music which was always to influence his own singing and composing. In the mid-60s he came to London, joining a succession of bands and touring the world with Alexis Korner, Eric Burdon, Dr Hook’s Dennis Locorriere, Bert Jansch and Jo Ann Kelly. His own songs, influenced by heroes like Tim Hardin and R&B legends such as Ray Charles, have been covered by Elkie Brooks and Bonnie Tyler to name a few. He has also co-written songs with long-time friend Benny Gallagher. Paul turned up at Michael Marra’s recent gig here, and gave us a wonderful glimpse of what he is about. Tonight he also brings along with him band member and harmonica wizard Butch.
Now don't go playing around with chickens or we'll all be doomed…
A fine instrumentalist (guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass, mandolin) and singer, Robin is a true all-round entertainer, serving up a balanced and highly therapeutic diet of traditional, contemporary and self-penned songs, powerful blues, reels, slow airs, the lot! Something for everyone, we had to have him back.
Those with long and painful memories will remember that last February we had a bit of a problem when we last invited Maggie Boyle (vocals, flute), Duck Baker (guitar) and Ben Paley (fiddle) to play for us (licensing laws and all that). Happily our Asbo has now been rescinded and we could put on the Halle Orchestra if we so wished, but we thought you’d prefer this. Besides we owe it to them! All three have played here in various combinations and tonight promises to be a showcase of their talents, with some great songs and tunes incorporating a pot pourri of everything they do, with haunting airs, old time and Irish, ragtime, gospel, swing and jazz - but if the M1 should happen to swallow them up we do have the CD.
Ireland’s finest – a true legend and troubadour who never tires of the road (there’s a song in there…). Some are blessed with a certain talent and charisma that makes you know that they are the real thing, and Andy is one such person. His story songs, ballads and tunes from Europe and America, together with his mandola and bouzouki, are dazzlingly good and his pedigree longer than an ol’ freight train (Planxty, Paul Brady, Patrick Street, De Dannan), so jump aboard and hitch a ride with a master performer.
It took only a couple of visits for Liz to become an established favourite at the Ram. Liz writes “outside the box”, with a warm-hearted sincerity, an endearing quirkiness and a rare ability to connect with her audience on the same wavelength whatever she is singing about. Her gorgeous voice and elegant guitar are treat enough, but tonight she brings the superb talents of Ian on bass and Warwick on guitar.
No stranger to the Ram, Clive marked his 25th anniversary as a professional musician last year. He is an accomplished singer, songwriter and guitarist. Acts who have sung his songs include Nanci Griffiths, Fairport Convention and Norma Waterson; acts with whom he has been associated include Christine Collister, Richard Thompson and Boo Hewerdine. Tonight we have him all to ourselves.
Inspired by the likes of Big Bill Broonzy, Rambling Jack Elliot and Muddy Waters, but then going on to inspire artists such as Eric Clapton, John Renbourn and Ralph McTell, Wizz is a true musician’s musician. And you know that weird beatnik who seemed to keep cropping up in the Alan Whicker footage in BBC4’s Folk Britannia season? That was Wizz, that was. Not to be missed.
First time here for this very special artist from the USA and her superb accompanist and producer. Kate released her first album, the award winning Songs from the Levee, in 1994. Since then she has released nine more. On her latest, Blues and Lamentations, Kate mines the veins of country, folk, gospel and pop, with the blues as the ever-present understory. Much lauded by Bob Harris, all her releases display a variety and diversity which is quite uncommon among many of today’s singer-songwriters. Never content to rest upon previous successes, Kate is continually searching, exploring and reinventing her captivating music.
From the Emerald Isle (where in the Nineties he achieved hit singles and fame of near-Take That proportions with the band Flex and the Fastweather!), Paul now lives in France and tours Europe where he has a large fan base. His songs defy categorisation, but his special brand of Acoustic Rock draws comparisons with David Gray, Boo Hewerdine and Jackson Browne. His latest CD, God knows I love a Happy Ending is uplifting and refreshingly different.
A big welcome to this Mutley crew from the Welsh borders, purveyors of a most inventive, intelligent, virtuosic music. Fiddler John Hymas’s classical, European and jazz influences dominate the “Celtish” repertoire, with a few English tunes thrown in. With Paul Hutchinson’s athletic accordion and the light, fluid fingerings of guitar/bouzouki man Tony Harris, the result is scintillating. Mainly instrumental with a few choice songs, the music ranges from stylish and understated to gutsy and gleeful and is clever and funny at the same time, with cheeky time changes and manic modulation. Bring your own scoops.
“Je suis un Folk Star'” – there’s something about Flossie that makes everyone warm to her. Teaching in France, she came over in 2001 on an exchange visit to Darlington, discovered the local folk club and – voila! – the gigs came rolling in. Exuberant, bubbly as Champagne and open as a book, Flossie is a great singer and entertainer with a sense of humour and a wide repertoire that includes The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Allan Taylor, Janis Joplin, The McGarrigle sisters, Spanish and French songs and, of course, Edith Piaf. Now fluent in the “Geordie Franglais” patter, she says of her career change: “Je ne regrette rien.”
An eagerly-awaited return gig after his impressive debut a couple of years ago, Adrian’s stock continues to grow. In some ways there is an essence of Nick Drake, but with most of the melancholy replaced by a more positive take on the world. Guitar-wise, he pays tribute to heroes such as Richard Thompson and the late Isaac Guillory with instrumental flourishes that colour his strong, warm, melodic songs based on the beauty of nature, travel, the sea and the Human Condition. Relax and enjoy.
Third time here for this stylish and inspired guitarist and singer in the Lowell George / James Taylor / Eric Bibb / Ry Cooder mould. From Statesboro, Georgia, Brooks has a unique style that blends folk, jazz, blues, gospel, African, Brazilian and calypso into something special. To quote, “he sings like the Angel of Soul and possesses a melodic virtuosity that runs like liquid from his fingers”.
Manchester’s own “Honeysuckle Rose”, Kirsty charmed us on her debut here in 2003. Since then her star has been in the ascendancy, with national radio airplay for songs like Coffee Coloured Strings, rave reviews for her Boo Hewerdine-produced CD Frostand several nominations in the Folk Awards. In 2004 she got together with multi-instrumentalist Mat and they have collaborated successfully ever since.
After their amazing showcase of acoustic guitar playing last year, we just had to have this pair back asap. No style is beyond their fret-sizzling fingers and, unlike other virtuosi, they avoid self-indulgent twaddling and they entertain in the finest possible manner with a madcap mix of jazz, Django, folk, blues, ragtime, swing, country and baroque. Fired up, and with a livewire humour and banter that will have you in stitches, they will delight not just guitar buffs but everyone! Ever tried acoustic air guitar?
And to cap our season, we are very proud to intercept Canada’s finest trio on their summer festival tour and insist they do us a floorspot. A very long one. The WJs are pure three part harmony bliss – enchanting original songs ranging from the moving and haunting to the upbeat and hopeful, as well as innovative versions of trad songs, all underpinned with impressive multi-instrumentalism from Ruth Moody, Nicky Mehta and Annabelle Chvostek. Divine, exciting, lush, luscious and very special.
Hailing from Perthshire, which should keep the Scottish element in the Ram audience happy, Jim has just handed in his notice as lead singer with that great Scottish band Old Blind Dogs. Fortunately, he also had a parallel career, building up quite a name for himself as a solo singer and songwriter. In fact, Dirty Linen said of him: “Malcolm has one of those pure, warm folk voices (two parts Archie Fisher, one part Dick Gaughan) that one never tires of listening to.” He will have played his last gig with OBD a couple of days ago, so he might be a bit misty-eyed. So let’s give him a big Ram Club welcome. Smiley faces, everyone.
Back for his annual Ram Club gig, though the last time he appeared here solo was in 2002. His last album was a collection of traditional favourites that had been done to death back in the last revival – or maybe the one before that – until you hear Steve miraculously rescue them, with his fine voice and virtuoso guitar playing. He will no doubt be urging you all to join in and raise the rafters with a few long-neglected classics. Hint: brush up on the words to The Girl I left Behind Me and Leaving of Liverpool!
At long last Damien Barber returns to the Ram. From his very youthful beginnings as a protégé of the great Peter Bellamy, he has gone on to be quite an innovator. These days Damien rarely goes out on his own, performing instead with high-energy folk outfits Black Swan Rapper and the Demon Barbers, but spends much too much time up North. You will be pleased to learn that Damien couldn’t bring the Demon Barbers Roadshow, because there wouldn’t have been room for an audience. Mind you, we could have taken it in turns to stand at the door! Click here for a review of his 2001 solo gig at the club.
ps A brief post-gig update. As a matter of record, we had excellent entertainment not just from the DBs – they also brought a dancer! So thanks to Damien Barber, vocals, guitar and concertina; Bryony Griffith, fiddle and vocals; Will Hampson, melodeon and harmonica; Lee Sykes, bass; Ben Griffith, drums; Fiona Taylor, clogs.
Roger is a bluesman of note who did a gig for us way back in 2001. He popped in a couple of months ago with his splendid, shiny National Steel guitar to do a spot, reminding us that he was well overdue a return. Roger makes the blues accessible to all, weaving folk and jazz into his repertoire. A veteran of many a festival, club and workshop, he plays a variety of styles and spins a fine yarn in the process. Our stage is his back porch, so come and rock with him. Gently.
It is a rare treat to be able to welcome Colum over from County Down, Northern Ireland. Like his equally wonderful brother Tommy, he is usually busy touring the world and hosting his own radio show, but tonight he’s exclusively ours. Colum has the rare gift of empathy that makes it seem you’ve been friends for ever. A great songwriter and performer whose songs can be sweet, sad or inspirational, sometimes giving you a gentle prod to think about things. And he has a tale or two to tell, with a twinkle in his eyes…
Regulars on the Ram radar, Dave & Boo deliver their original songs with razor-guided precision. Dave is an innovative and highly-dexterous guitarist who boils his strings and does odd things with capos. In his Rock days he appeared at major London venues and on Whispering Bob’s Whistle Test. Then he met Boo, who has one of those gorgeous, mellow voices which blends rock, folk, soul and jazz, and she plays a mean guitar and electric bass too. After a brief flirtation with 1980s Big Hair pop (see their website for evidence), they saw the acoustic light and have become firmly established on the unplugged circuit. We love ’em!
Blessed are we to have this man as a friend of the club and to be able to cajole him into doing the occasional acoustic gig. Right from his early days at the Beatles’ Apple label (where he teamed up with Graham Lyle and wrote hits for Mary Hopkin among others) the sheer quality of the songs has shone through; When I’m Dead & Gone, Breakaway, Stay Young, I Wanna Stay With You, Heart in New York, Heart on My Sleeve were huge hits for Art Garfunkel, Garth Brooks, Bryan Ferry and many more. He has worked with everyone from Paul McCartney to Eric Clapton, and he continues to write, tour (recently with 10CC) and foster new talent through his work at LIPA. “Soundtrack of your life” is an overdone cliché but turn a radio on and it won’t be long before you hear one of his songs – and the world is a better place for them.
Alan has been a member of the Battlefield Band – the original Celtic “supergroup” – since 1969! A band with a huge sound and a huge following, he is the “engine room”, introducing keyboards to great effect when no one else would dare, underpinning the pipes and fiddle and defining their unique sound. A gifted singer and writer, he has provided many of their songs. Rob is an exceptional Dutch guitarist who has toured with a variety of folk, jazz and rock acts. Also a great singer and writer he has worked with Alan for many years. Tonight will bring together everything they’ve done in a wonderful, seamless fusion of old and new.
Mike has had a few flirtations with fame along the way, with Elton John’s Rocket label in the 1970s, Radio 1 In Concerts and, a couple of years ago, a hit single (Not a Matter of Pride) and CD (Solid Silver). Alas, the stretch limos and trashed hotel rooms never happened for him, so we can still bring you this superb songsmith and guitarist on a regular basis. Mike writes of love, longing and everyday issues without being trite: haunting tunes and anthemic choruses that you know and love (Old Fashioned Saturday Night, Certain Something, Not That Easy, Sailors All). His voice is warm, full and clear, bearing comparison with James Taylor, Phil Collins, David Gray and Jackson Browne, and his inimitable trademark guitar style brings out the songs perfectly.
Both BBC Young Tradition Award winners, Sean is one of the Devon-based Lakeman Brothers who burst on to the scene as young prodigies in the 1990s, forming Equation (still doing mammoth USA tours) with Kate Rusby and Kathryn. Since then their careers have branched out in many directions with great success. Kathryn of course has a voice to die for, capable of sensitivity, restraint and full-on power. She plays a mean flute and keyboard while Sean has honed a virtuosic guitar style through years of touring and recording that is equally suited to accompaniment or lead. With trad songs and gems by the likes of Tom Waits, Randy Newman and Suzanne Vega it’s always a great night.
Mick, as you know, is a fine, highly articulate songwriter in the English tradition as well as a great interpreter. His songs sparkle with wit, zest and sadness about real folk and their lives, as well as figments of his wicked imagination like the gloriously non-PC Widow On The Moor (covered to great effect by Kate Rusby). Once part of the highly-rated Eighties group Crows, since 1993 he has worked together with Pete, a one-man “musical director” and maestro of many things stringed who also gigs hectically with his own blues band.
Scotland’s greatest living troubadour, Dick sings with passion and integrity about the subjects that concern him; social issues, Scotland and love. A tremendous and unique guitarist, he found early prominence in Boys of the Lough and Five Hand Reel before releasing the truly brilliant landmark album Handful Of Earth in the Eighties. He continues to be a superb live performer, writer and interpreter of songs old and new. Uncompromising yet empathic, he’ll stir – nay rattle – your heartstrings.
Nigel is a guitarist to whom it comes unnaturally naturally. He popped up at short notice last year to dep with Loz Netto, and we thought, “where has he been hiding?” Answer? Usually at a gig, whether it’s with one of the many bands he’s in, or accompanying visiting R&B acts like Angela Brown and legends from Peter Green to Chris Farlowe. Despite the fact that they had never actually played together before, they still delivered a stunning set of laid back bluesy rock à la Ry Cooder and Little Feat. Equally brilliant on acoustic guitar, tonight he brings harmonica ace Eddie (Jeff Beck, Ron Wood, Pete Seeger & Long John Baldry) for a night of blues, soulful ballads, folk, country and good time rockin’.
Brian is an innovative melodeon and concertina player and guitarist, while Gordon is a brilliant and original guitarist in the Nic Jones mould, as well as a flute player par excellence. Both are great singers too, and have been to the club many times in different guises. Drawing from a huge repertoire of traditional and original songs, instrumentals and some startling classic covers, they are typical of the hard-working, talented roving band of minstrels without whom the folk scene wouldn’t be.
An amazing man who managed to combine an academic career (Dean of Faculty at Sheffield Polytechnic) with the equally full life of a folk singer. A regular winner of Melody Maker awards (remember them?), early on he collaborated with Leon Rosselson and Martin Carthy. In 2003 he toured with Tony Benn (no, he didn’t sing!), picking up a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for best live act. And he recently returned his MBE (received for services to folk music) in protest at the Government’s foreign policy. You may not agree with his viewpoints but there is no denying the sheer power and passion of his singing, his songs and words, his warmth and humour, his commitment to social justice and opposition of oppression wherever it may be.
And finally, something to finish you off for the season.... A chance to socialise, relax, nibble, gently binge on the mulled wine, hear a few wistful or uplifting Yuletide melodies and, most importantly, reflect on all that is good and pleasant in this life (or at least aim to forget all those damn things that aren’t)! The “Office Party for those without one” (and everyone else) it’s the usual form: No stress, no dress code, no excuses, no snow and No Charge!
You
will be delighted to hear that despite Joe Scurfield’s tragic death, Tim
Dalling and Pete Challoner are back on the road as
The New Rope
String Band. They have managed to con a couple of excellent musicians
– Jock Tyldesley and Vera van Heeringen – into joining them and they
are visiting a club near you soon.
Croydon Folk
Club to be specific, on December 11. As Joe would have said, the show must
go on. See you there.
Ruskin House’s 16th Folk & Blues Festival is being held in Ruskin
House Club Gardens, Croydon, on Saturday July 22, 1-11pm. There will be live
music throughout the day, a barbecue, real ales and Irish dancers, all for
£3. (Accompanied children free – and they get face painting and a
bouncy castle!) There will be a tribute to late singer/songwriter
Kirsty MacColl and a donation will be made to Kirsty’s
mother to continue with the Justice for Kirsty MacColl campaign. For further
information, contact organisers Gary and Tina Davis on 01737 553493.
Surrey History Centre, Woking, is hosting an evening of traditional songs
collected by Lucy Broadwood and her friends. Including songs
collected by Lucy herself, and some pieces collected by friends such as Ralph
Vaughan Williams and Cecil Sharp in Surrey, Sussex and Middlesex. With Vic
Gammon, Annie Dearman and Steve Harrison. Wednesday August 23 from 7.30pm.
Surrey History Centre is at 130 Goldsworth Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6ND.
Tickets £7.50 each. There are a limited number of places. To book call
01483 518737.
“It was a moment of madness,” replied Steve Poole when asked what
possessed him to compile the guest list for the Ram Club since
its inception at the Greyhound, Weston Green. Aided by his wife Diane and with
a little help from his friends, especially Brian Ravenhill and Bob Wood, he has
produced a history of the Ram which is available in printed form from the club,
from Steve for a small fee to
cover postage or is downloadable (as a 1.2Mb pdf file)
here. (If it won’t open in your browser,
right-click, then left-click on “Save Target As...” (MSIE) “Save
Link As...” (Netscape) or “Save link document as...” (Opera)
etc). Take a stroll down memory lane – and enjoy!
The
September issue of FolkCast, Ken Nicol and Phil Widdows’s monthly podcast,
includes songs by a couple of Ram Club favourites, Show of
Hands and the Demon Barbers.
Ram Page | Archive | Reviews | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997