Around Kent Folk issue 113 for October / November 2022

Your FREE Guide to Folk Events in Kent, Surrey, Sussex and beyond

Welcome to issue 113 October/November 2022 issue of Around Kent Folk

Well that was summer! Do not panic there are still one or two Folk Festivals to go to including, of course, Tenterden Folk Festival from Thursday 29th September to Sunday 2nd October. All our local festivals seem to have come back after the enforced break and been successful. We have reports in this issue about Broadstairs from Pete the Punter and Sue Watson. Most folk clubs have now re-opened and locally we have only lost one or two as a result of the pandemic. It could have been worse. Deal has not yet re-opened but continues online and the Tenterden Folk Session have moved to a new home at This Ancient Boro as Shepheard Neame have sold The William Caxton which is current in the hands of the builders. It is good to see Folk at the Drum starting to advertise in AKF again. The big question now is how the huge rises in the cost of light and heat will affect folk club venues. It is possible we will see pubs and venues reduce their opening hours, or even closing down over the winter to save on overheads as sales fall. Please keep AKF posted about what your local folk club or venue is planning to do. I look forward to seeing you all at Tenterden Folk Festival.

Alan Castle (Editor)

PS: You can make a donation to Tenterden Folk Festival or this magazine via our websites or by post (see payment details on last page). Thank you. www.tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk www.aroundkentfolk.org.uk

Around Kent Folk, the independent folk magazine for Kent, Surrey, Sussex and beyond, which is now published six times a year by Tenterden Folk Festival, edited by me with the invaluable assistance of Andy Wood from Anmar Printing Services.

Find us online at www.aroundkentfolk.org.uk and on Twitter as @AroundKentFolk, where you can always find a link to the latest and past issues of AKF.

Please pass this link on to your mailing lists and place it on your social media so that as many as possible of our regular readers can find AKF online until we are able to get back to a full print run and physical distribution of the printed magazine.

Stay well and take care in these difficult times

Front cover: Jack Rutter (credit Kate Griffin)

Scene & Heard

Summer is a-drawing in, lude sing morrisman: we’ve been blessed for the most part with festival weather and the return of crowds to Kent’s flagship seasonal events. Barn dances are picking up and reopening clubs seem to be building audience again. Broadstairs, aah, Broadstairs, so good it deserves its own piece; Pigs’ Ear, Chickenstock, proof that there are active musicians aplenty ready to race out and entertain. The farmer had only just cut the grass in time for PE, and Euan Headley had arranged a multifaceted guest list for the new date and site. On sound was the ever quick and reliable Chris Basford, always a pleasure to see him at the desk- he gets the acoustic straight away

and you can see artistes relaxing and giving of their best because they know they are in safe hands. Interestingly green, the whole caboodle was solar-powered, silent and easily sufficient. I saw most of Friday, with Ben Paley’s combo in full flight and the promise of sessions into the night- some excellent flamenco from Scott Kirk too. Congratulations to James Kerry and the new team- good to catch up with all the Rules of the House too.

Chickenstock, in its third year, was reaching higher- the promise of Cara Dillon and other luminaries was enticing along with local favourites Sally & Brian, Capella, Border Crossing and Triage. I’d have liked to have seen Tankus The Henge… in fact, due to the train strike and other commitments I missed the lot… reports and photos were of high quality… I also missed Jez Lowe at Faversham in July, and when Quicksilver cancelled on the 27th it was a great shock to hear of the passing of Grant Baynham, a favourite for many years across the county. Witty songs, superb and sensitive guitar and always a can-do approach, as we found in Tonbridge when our venue closed without notice: he and Hilary transferred immediately to the Punch & Judy and took the unsuspecting locals there by storm. His kind come along rarely.

Festivals allow time to chat over the hay bales or into the night… to Dean Tainio at PE, a man of many talents, combos and calm, thoughtful insights. His guitar work, with silver Submarine attached, always adds quality, augmenting the singer; he must be a dream for lead players to work with. To Lisa Bradley, whose Hartley squeezebox is to be seen all over the country in sessions, always encouraging and bringing on young musicians with her generous and boundless vivacity. And to many, many friends, to relive past escapades…

Congratulations to Allan Richardson, to be seen wafting a silver cup at Warwick for his songwriting… and to Morag Butler for her eclectic guest list, including Katy Carr, whose version of ‘Where Have All The Flowers Gone’ with the original lyric about Cossack soldiers going to war brought tears to the eyes in the Woodshed.

Around the clubs, Deal’s Sue Watson (Friday) and Gavin Atkin (Sunday) are still Zooming for those who will- contact them for access details… otherwise most have resumed their one- or two-guest-per-month routines. Excellent to see the live pattern return, and also the sessions where tunes can be honed. Always good to find a venue where it is possible to hear the other players, as is the case in the Market Inn in Faversham on Tuesday nights. Top musos in action part 2: Danny Tonks is a familiar figure about sessions and marquees, guitar around his neck, immersed in complex and fascinating fingerpicking. He’s turned to bass and has found the enjoyment of tying things together, occupying his own deep space in their arrangements. He was astonishing when Foot Down found themselves unexpectedly a lead player less in the Albion Gardens… a truly magnificent display of melody lines against James Kerry’s melodeon… a pleasure to behold!

Recently I’ve heard the phrase ‘take it to a new level’ used several times in relation to folk music… which set me thinking. Certainly the musicianship of the very top players does this, as does the ability to draw from other genres in accompanying traditional lyrics. I wonder, though, whether the virtue of simplicity might be due a return? There’s something very unifying in a chorus, a morris singalong, a shared experience…with an audience rather than at? The respectful performance of a tune which resonates down the years? A sweetness of tone? Your views welcomed!

All best wishes for the autumn and may the overdue buckets of rain hold off for Tenterden!

Bob Kenward

Broadstairs Folk Week

A wonderful week was had by all at Broadstairs Folk Week 2022. An impressive line-up of concerts in the large Marquee with flaps left open for ventilation meant everyone could enjoy these shows. Lindisfarne was a sell-out on the opening night with the sensational Spooky Men on Sunday wowing everyone, ably supported by Dan Walsh. Other favourites included Chris While & Julie Matthews, The Magpie Arc, McGoldrick & McCusker, Show of Hands duo – still on form, The Longest Johns – lively as ever, Sharon Shannon and the long-awaited return of Spiers & Boden as a duo finished the Friday evening. Surely there must have been a concert to please everyone at some point during the week. Many dance sides attended and we were entertained royally by them in the streets. The Sarah Thorne Theatre became “Dance Central” with workshops in Country Dance, Appalachian Clog, Circle Dance, Cajun and Breton Dancing with Lunchtime Family Ceilidhs and Evening Dances for All. There were also workshops to attend for those wishing to learn or improve their skills on a variety of musical instruments, including spoons, guitar, ukulele, harmonica and whistles. Poet’s Breakfast returned in the Neptune Garden with Maggie Harris as host. The daily listing of events was sadly missing in this year’s colourful Souvenir Programme, though most events were still well supported. The Craft Marquee on the seafront had a vast array of merchandise to tempt - everything from musical instruments to jewellery, clothes and of course food and drink was on sale. The Bandstand hosted family events including the popular Hobby Horse Club every morning with Clarence the Dragon celebrating his Superhero birthday, Dance Displays in the afternoons and Music in early evenings.

Some well-known faces were sadly missed, but singarounds continued daily in the Neptune at lunchtime with the ever-popular Woodshed in the Wrotham Arms overlapping. The Sailing Club was well-used this year (who can resist the refreshments?), with John & Di Cullen running a morning mini-concert, Sally Ironmonger in there at Lunchtime, Morag running a Folk Club with guests in the afternoon and the Singaround every evening. Other venues also hosting events included the Crampton which, among others, housed the entertaining Old Time Music Hall and Bob Kenward’s new show Southern Rambles –House Full! A good time was had by all - can’t wait for Broadstairs Folk Week 2023!

Sue Watson MOORE or LESS FOLK CLUB

Oast Community Centre, Granary Close, Rainham, Kent, ME8 7SG (next to Rainham railway station)

MOORE or LESS FOLK CLUB

MOORE or LESS FOLK CLUB

Oast Community Centre, Granary Close, Rainham, Kent, ME8 7SG (next to Rainham railway station)

Oast Community Centre, Granary Close, Rainham, Kent, ME8 7SG (next to Rainham railway station)

Friday 14th October

Live club nights due to resume on Friday 13th August, 2021 Dates: Friday 13th August, 2021 Friday 10th September, 2021

Live club nights due to resume on Friday 13th August, 2021 Dates: Friday 13th August, 2021

Friday 11th November

All club nights 8.00 to 10.30pm Entrance fee £4.00 (including raffle)

Friday 10th September, 2021

Live club nights due to resume on Friday 13th August, 2021 Dates: Friday 13th August, 2021 Friday 10th September, 2021

Enquiries to Chris Wilkin 07821 606076

All club nights 8.00 to 10.30pm Entrance fee £4.00 (including raffle)

All club nights 8.00 to 10.30pm Entrance fee £4.00 (including raffle)

October - November

Yes, Faversham Folk Club is open every Wednesday, 8 pm til 1030... we welcome performers and audience to our popular Singers’ Nights. On Guest nights, floor spots are welcomed by M/Cs if you arrive soon enough. A warm welcome is always available at The Limes!

5th October

Paul Walker & Karen Pfeiffer - As seen on Faversham Zoom and at festivals, Paul and Karen bring their unique combination of songs to entrance and delight. Guitar, harmonies and a range of audience anticipation. £8/9

12 October Keith Kendrick & Sylvia Needham - Evergreen banjo and traditional American song selection from a veteran of many Faversham occasions. Sara’s way with a ballad and fount of knowledge ensure an evening of pure commitment. £9/10

26 October Helen North £7/8

9 November Bob Fox - Ex Warhorse, long-standing singer of North-Eastern repertoire, pit tales and ballades. Bob’s much-travelled guitar enhances his powerful delivery, occasional melodeon too. £10/11

23 November Hunter Muskett - Excellent electric folk band with well-crafted songs of love, life and protest. Their last visit prompted many positive comments- their expertise much admired. £8/9

30 November Capella - Haunting harmonies from Tony and Lesley to warm us on the last night of November... plentiful and wide-ranging songs sung with passion and clarity. Traditional and recently written repertoire to amuse and engage. £7/8

14 December John Kirkpatrick - The Guv’nor returns for a pre-Christmas celebration. Cracking songs and gutsy tunes on squeezeboxes of all descriptions. One of folk’s finest entertainers- sure to be popular, reserve your seats now! £10/11

All others Singers’ Nights, and not, necessarily, as advertised in the local paper, Swingers. All other Wednesdays are Singers Nights, only £2, where traditional mixes with contemporary and jollity is encouraged.

We ask that you please test yourself before coming to the club, to keep guests and all of us safe and well. We do what we can to ventilate and keep safe by distancing. See you at the Limes!

Tenterden

Thursday 29th September to Sunday 2nd October

Ordered

Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms

FULL WEEKEND TICKETS: to all Festival events evening concert and camping, which be booked

FROM 1st SEPTEMBER

Full Weekend Adult £69.00 Youth 10 16's £32.00 and Under 10’s £5.00 when bought with an adult ticket Caravan / Campervan £30.00 Tent £25.00

Thursday evening concert: £14.00

Individual Friday to Sunday concerts: £10.00 Under 16 £5.00

Many other events £5.00 on x A5 (for all and if 16 or Tenterden Repton Manor Ashford, Kent TN23 3HA

Broadstairs Folk Week

Right from the off a stunningly sunny week of quality, variety and goodwill, this year’s Broadstairs festival will live long in the memory. So much to go to, to learn from, to be entertained by. Many congratulations to Jo Tuffs, Tess Watkins and Helen Orry in the office and to new Chairman Ian Bullock, along with Lee, Sally and the entire Committee who put it together with terrific organization… and of course all the yellow-shirted volunteers, who did a great job.

Always a treat to see the campsite furled with pennants and a warm welcome checking in… a quick trip to the Arena to see what’s new and to encounter old friends in passing. The packed programme meant instant choices: full-on Lindisfarne, the familiar Sailing Club singaround or the chance to play? Megson quickly charmed the main tentsuch genuine songwriting and delivery. Irish scarum tunes and a Hartley cram… and raucous campsite hub confirmed that the party was back… Saturday was aglow with Morris and the Hobby Horse Club, which always bring festival to the promenade for so many. The legendary Sailing Club breakfasts led to John & Di’s

Brunch, a new format which gave slots to 21 local ‘below the radar’ acts as well as a main guest- I have to say that both this and Morag’s afternoon Folk Club showed just how much talent there is behind bushels in the South – well worth seeking out. Sally and Brian’s lunchtime guest spot too meant the Sailing Club was always full of good sounds.

The absence of Tom & Barbara Brown and Mike Nicholson, alongside the passing of Peter Collins, was sure to leave big boots to fill in the singing sessions- how could it not be so? Yet all the hosts this year were long-established singers who knew the ropes and ensured the spirit of absent friends endured. Lesley, Tony, Giff, Jim, Chris, Keith, Sylvia, Lynne and Pat all ensured fair play… and all week proved that folk song has surprising durability and relevance in changing times. Songs from centuries past seem to chart our present somehow…

With Paul’s Irish session running also at lunchtime, the retiming of the Woodshed at the Wrotham Arms made for plenty of choice. A shame, for sure, as many performers happily hopped between sessions as the first ended- however commercial pressures can’t be ignored these days. Many popular folk acts like Skinners Rats, Triality and Hobo And The Hippies toured the venues, cheek by jowl with blues and flags of all nations, to overspilling crowds of enthusiastic musos. Canny teenagers chanting Santy Anna on the moonlit prom as Hot Rats reeled them in…. Foot Down ramming the 39 Steps in broiling sun… I unashamedly head for the sessions myself, where in song or tune forty or so meet to make harmony together. Interesting to hear Malcolm Ward reminisce about the first knockings of song as the original dance festival embraced it. For those of us left who can recall Tiny Craig et al, and The Bonny Ship The Diamond, the Nep will always be revered. It was where you went to sing, and to learn to sing. Latterly the Irish and Woodshed sessions added the same for instrumental and accompanying musicians… and it’s pleasing to thank the festival for maintaining their support for what is now a very small financial element of the week. I’d guess that many attenders have season tickets and come for the buzz daily as part of the whole experience. Guests of the calibre of Tim Edey, Ben Paley, Keith Kendrick, Sylvia Needham, Luke Daniels, Steve Turner, Pip Ives all rolling up to generously share their skills and carry us along with them excite even hardened old hacks… as the sound swells… with added mbira…

Of the Arena evenings I enjoyed the Show Of Hands and Spiers and Boden mostcommand of their material and rapport with audience to the fore. I was sad to miss Brown Boots, see review of Will Allen’s CD English Fiddle… as the homespun Music Hall beckoned, a cornucopia of Ladies Heraud and Turner’s devising… slap, tickle and a turn on the trumpet… I concur with the view that the Chairman proved a right turkey… and was delighted at the Southern Rambles show, original songs from John & Di Cullen, Sue Watson and the usual suspect, trad tunes delightfully blended by Sue Evans, Laurie Jeal and Graham Knibbs… hiking gear and all.. to a full, hot and merry Crampton.

A few moments to savour: Annie Winter and Paul Downes, both with so much in reserve in terms of traditional repertoire and skill, showing how to create atmosphere and depth… Sue Hudson’s delicious vocals… Mossy Christian’s virtuosity and old-fashioned song selection… Ruby Tipple’s clear young voice… and many more… and that’s without the thriving dance, the campsite tuition and those I missed… so many choices…

All too soon the rush and bustle became Friday, so much seen and so much missed. One more (ok 2 ½ more) goes at the outstanding spicy sausage and sauerkraut … thank yous to the festival organisers, who had survived with smiles all round, and what do we do now?

Truly a triumph, Broadie 2022, one which sets another benchmark.

Peter the Punter

Sussex Folk News

There are now fewer weekly folk clubs in Sussex regularly booking guests than at any time since I first became involved in music in the county in the 1960s but of the ones that are still operating there is still a great vibrancy as the events in the county and the programmes months of October and November in the county reflect this.

The most attractive evening to me would seem to the visit of Leveret to Lewes on 15th October. This unique collaboration between three of England’s finest folk musicians. Andy Cutting (melodeon) Sam Sweeney (fiddle) and Rob Harbron (English concertina). Together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery & delightful inventiveness. A glorious flood of relaxed, natural & inventive music, truly spontaneous and yet deeply timeless. Not only will these three be performing in the club in the evening but they will also each be running separate All-day workshops on their instruments on their instruments in the town.

This is not the only very attractive night that the Lewes Saturday Folk Club will be hosting in October. On the following Saturday, the 22nd Sara Grey will be making yet another visit to Lewes. With her captivating traditional US Old-Time style singing and playing of banjo, dulcimer & autoharp, Sara is also a scholar & researcher of this music with a fund of fascinating stories & many unusual songs. I would not be able to count all the many times that she has played in Sussex but I can tell you that her first one was at a club in Brighton that Tina and I ran.

Three great nights in a row are assured when they have booked Ben Paley for the 29th. With his fiddle playing of American old-time, Swedish, English & Irish traditional music, Ben is an enchanting performer. For years he played with his father Tom Paley, one of the greatest influences on American traditional music. As well as playing & singing solo, he performs with The Long Hill Ramblers, The Servants’ Ball, The New Deal String Band & The Sussex Pistols.

Ben is another performer who will running an all-day workshop on fiddle playing. For all these workshops, you will need to book a place in the evenings and reserving your place for the evening performances is also advised.

Details for all the Lewes events from their website at http://www.lewessaturdayfolkclub.org/ indexLSFC.html .

The home of Eastbourne folk club is at the Lamb in the Old Town and their presentations take place on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. On 5th October Winter Wilson will be bringing a sense of intimacy to this club, blending superb, often hard-hitting original songs, stunning harmonies and musicianship with sometimes hilarious humour.

Then on 19th of the month, one of the favourites from Kent will be their guest. Sally Ironmonger with Brian Carter put on a brilliant show, firmly rooted in the folk music tradition, but including some hints of jazz and blues and other genres. They perform mostly selfpenned, their songs were moving and funny and quite catchy. Another night there brings some newcomers to the club; two rising stars of the UK acoustic music scene. Hannah Elizabeth and Griff Jameson have joined forces to create an indie-folk sound which encompasses both their individual musical backgrounds. Hannah’s influences are firmly planted in traditional folk-roots, whilst in contrast Griff has formed his musical reputation within folk pop/rock genres. The website is at https://lambfolkclub.co.uk/

The other club that I am going to mention is the Sunday night Horsham folk club at the Normandy Centre Denne Road, Horsham. The top attraction at this club sees the return of the new star of the English folk scene, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne, who burst onto the folk scene in his teens with the energetic trio Granny’s Attic, along with schoolmates George

Turin Brakes

Sunday 16th October Gulbenkian

Beth Nielsen Chapman

Monday 31st October Gulbenkian

Los Pacaminos

Sunday 13th November Gulbenkian

Calan

Wed 23rd November Gulbenkian

Sandy Denny Project

Sunday 4th December Gulbenkian

St Agnes Fountain

Tues 13th Dec Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

Albion Christmas Band

Saturday 17th December Gulbenkian

www.folkinthebarn.co.uk

Tenterden folk festival

CD Reviews

Jackie Oates - Gracious Wings

Needle Pin Records NP2

This is Jackie’s eighth studio album since 2006. Although this is a solo album showcasing Jackie’s excellent vocals, she is backed on various tracks by eight other musicians including the likes of John Spiers, Jon Wilks and Megan Henwood. The 11 tracks include a good selection of traditional songs, such as When I was a Fair Maid, Tammy Toddles, The Ship in Distress, and Lament to the Moon. Other tracks such as Robin Tells of Winter / Gracious Wings, were written by Jackie herself, while La Llorna comes from Jackie and Megan. There is also Charlie Dore’s Looking for My Own Lone Ranger and Tom Waits’ Time Time Time, so there is a good variety of quality songs well sung. The CD comes in a cardboard cover with a small booklet with interesting background notes on each track. Jackie has done many things over the last 16 years including appearing in a Mick Ryan Folk Opera, playing in Imagined Village, being resident artist at The Museum of Rural Life, and researching songs sung by lace makers, but I always prefer her simple renditions of traditional folk songs.

Alan Castle (Editor)

Rosslyn Court

Live Music Venue Folk Blues Jazz

62 Sweyn Road, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2DD

Margate’s acoustic music venue Rosslyn Court will celebrate its 100th live stream this October with Gerry Colvin on Oct 20th, marking a true celebration of teamwork, adaptation and innovation during the dark days of lockdown.

A rich array of music ranging from traditional folk to the pulsating sounds of Senegal have resounded around the world as the live gig was brought to the living room.

AUGUST

Morag and Chris Butler who run the seaside venue assembled a skilled team of volunteers when lockdown hit and undertook training sessions and - after the obligatory teething problems - now have a sophisticated

4th Island Girl - an amazing woman and her amazing banjo

A singer and musician herself the enigmatic Morag knew instinctively the importance of building a good atmosphere during the sets despite having a limited audience.

6 - 12 Broadstairs Folk Festival Come and say hello at the pm Sailing Club Sessions!

She said: “Our small team which included filming and sound engineers and a social media worker would make a big noise clapping and cheering for the artist as we really wanted to create a sense of audience for us and the people at home. First up was JAKL, known to us locally as the brilliant Hughie Gavin who also runs the Social Singing Choir here.”

17 Jazz at 8 with Tony Hudd and Guests £10

28 French Connection French/Breton music and dance 12-4.30 £5 Play or dance - with a caller

She added: “It was great to welcome viewers from all over the world including South Africa, USA, Canada, Australia and European countries who would tune in and participate using the live chat. Donations during this time were given entirely to musicians.”

SEPTEMBER

One relic of lockdown most are glad to see the back of were the Perspex stage screens which reminded duo Nigel Feast and Dave Farrer of a scene out of cult classic the Blues Brothers. Happily, the other covid-inspired addition of air con has been much appreciated during the sweltering heat.

1 Daria Kulesh & Tristan Seume Eastern Ingushetian roots / western folk - Fab guitar

Now the audiences are returning live stream is available for the first part of the set to encourage inclusion. But, the first hour still allows wider audiences to tune in. They also liaised with Siren, a local project for young women which produced the added benefit of engaging sound engineering intern Grace, learning the ropes on the job.

8 Mac and Saul Welcome return of the Brit Folk pair-hammered dulcimer and melodeon

Morag, who recently hosted the daily folk club sessions at Broadstairs Folk Week, says the small team has evolved and grown organically as a truly professional group that compliments all stage performances.

15 Blair Dunlop -air of tenacity...displaying wellcrafted songs , traditional and contemporary

21 Jazz at 8 with Tony Hudd and Guests £10

22 Good Habits cello/accordion, musical tales

25 French Connection French/Breton music and dance 12-4.30 £5 Play or dance - with a caller

More traditional folk features at Rosslyn Court include the now famous raffle where you can win a loo roll (inspired by panic buying) or CD. There are cakes for sale with proceeds donated to Folk for Refugees and there is now a Q&A session with artists which creates a lively and engaging atmosphere.

26 Step / clog fun workshop with Lesley Riding and Banjo Dave 12-1 £10 some clogs available

Rosslyn Court has a stellar line-up of artists from the fantastic Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne in October to Martin Carthy – already sold out – in December. Rosslyn Court has recently introduced a concessionary ticket price in response to the current economic climate to help

29 Ajay Srivastav and Vinod Kerai Back againIndian folk and Delta blues - don't miss!

Priced at £6 for anyone who cannot pay the £12 ticket. There is also a £18 “contribution” ticket for those feeling flush who would like to help us subsidise the concessionary tickets.

Visit rosslyncourt.com/concerts for full listings and ticket information.

always great music at Rosslyn Court concert doors 7pm. £12 £6 £18 1st hour live streamed. Tickets:

www.rosslyncourt.com/concerts

CD Reviews

Bonfire Radicals – The Space Between –Own Label BR002

This sextet all make their homes in Birmingham and perform on this album with great zest, enthusiasm and variety, It would be difficult to better the self-description found on their website: - “Expect the unexpected, with global grooves, instrumental fireworks, rich vocal harmonies and delicate a cappella emerging from a melting pot of original and traditional tunes from the British Isles to the Balkans.”

The backline of guitar, bass and drums is what would be expected from a folk/rock band; it is what the three female melody players contribute that brings their different freshness and originality. It would be difficult to name a folk or folk/rock band where the humble recorder is featured so prominently or so effective as what Michelle Holloway beings to this album. She has an effective foil in a lower register from Katie Stevens on clarinet and between them weaves the fiddling of Sarah Farmer. The complex and fast changing arrangements make sure that interest is maintained. Michelle is also the lead singer and she offers an interesting treatment of a 19th century broadside ballad tale of an 1817 murder, published by three different broadsheet printers. The song sometimes appears in song collections but these ears never heard it sung before. This is followed by “The Man From Suburbia” who is Pete Churchill who contributes bass guitar but also accordion and organ to the album. A piece of music dedicated to Surbiton must be at least as rare as the ballad that preceded it! www.bonfireradicals.com

Vic Smith

Ashley Hutchings - More songs from the shows Talking Elephant TECD477

Yet another of Ashley’s albums which successfully take us down memory lane, this time with a mix of songs and spoken word from four more recent live shows; From Psychedelia to Sonnets from 2016, Beginnings of Fairport Convention from 2017, Dylancentric on the Isle of Wight from 2019, and most recently Paradise and Thorns from 2022. The album features Ashley on bass and vocals along with Ruth Angell, Becky Mills, Guy Fletcher, Ani McNeice, Gerry McNeice, Blair Dunlop, Ken Nicholl and Jacob Stoney. It is easy to forget all the things Ashley has initiated or been involved in over the last 60 years such as Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, The Albion Band and all it’s variations, Rainbow Chasers, various duos, National Theatre shows, radio and TV and many, many more. I remember seeing him with his bike taking the part of Cecil Sharp in his popular and successful stage show. Apparently this CD is the 100th album Ashley has appeared on and I’m sure there are still more to come.

Alan Castle (Editor)

The Lords Orchard

Words & Music by Bob Watson

The Lords Orchard

G C

Johnny Chapman was a preacher who came walking through this land,

G D D7

With his pockets filled with apple seeds and the Good Book in his hand;

G G7 C

And ev’ry place her came to visit, well some seeds he left them sowed,

G D7 G

To plant another orchard for the Lord.

G C

Chorus: And let the Lord’s orchard grow, let the Lord’s orchard grow,

G D D7

Do you wanna taste that fruit, finer fruit you’ll never know;

G G7 C

For ev’ —ry branch a - bove, there’s a root down deep below,

G D7 G

And it’s time to tend that good earth, let the Lord’s orchard grow.

Well the seeds they started growing, brought that preacher man some fame, They called him Johnny Appleseed, and there’s many who heard his name; And now the fruit’’s come from the blossoms in the steps where Johnny trod, And there’s a - nother Eden growing for the Lord.

Chorus

But still man must do his duty, ‘cause the Lord can’t work alone, You’ll get no fruitful harvest from a ground that’s filled with stone; And if you wanna prove that ploughshare is greater than the sword, You better keep that good earth fertile for the Lord.

Chorus

So the Good Lord made the good earth and the preacher sowed the seed, And it’s for the use of every man ac - cording to his need; And when the harvest is all gathered and the fruit’s all safely stored, Let the whole world stand in praise of the Lord!

Chorus

FOLK AT THE DRUM

The club meets every Monday evening at The Drum Inn, Stanford, Stone Street (TN25 6DN), between Canterbury and Hythe, from 7 till 10pm.

If you enjoy playing or listening to acoustic music of all types (folk, blues, country, rock, etc), you are very welcome to join us in the function room of the pub for a relaxed and entertaining evening.

Nominal £2 entry fee.

For more information, contact Jeff on 01303 813188

CD Reviews

Lambrego - Migrants Song Cycle

Lambrego are the Anglo Brazilian duo Hannah Duster and Fernando Machado and they compiled and wrote all the stories told in song on this interesting album. The album is supported by a bursary from EFDSS and Arts Council England and was launched at Cecil Sharp House in July. The couple worked with Indian designer, director of moving image technology, Akhila Krishnan. The album opens with Onde comeca? or Where does it start which is a short piece and includes those words in two languages. The sleeve notes include all the words to the 12 tracks which include Winter Wreath, Air, Wolf, Until and Flow. The mix of English folk styles and Brazilian music makes for interesting listening and there are influences of other European styles. Guest musicians add vocals, violin, percussion, bass clarinet, cello and drum machine. Not your normal folk album or even your world music album but well worth a listen.

The Brothers Gillespie - The Merciful Road TBGCD003

I was lucky enough to catch The Brothers Gillespie at a gig at Chippenham Folk Festival back in May where they presented an interesting and entertaining set. Both Sam and James sing and play guitar and on this album Sam also plays fretless gourd banjo, wooden flute and bouzouki while James plays fiddle, shruti box, tamburello and percussion. All the songs on the CD are written by the brothers except for When Fortune Turns the Wheel which is credited as traditional. In the sleeve notes they describe the album, which was recoded in their grandmother’s cottage on the banks of the Tweed as “inspired by the grace of life in troubled times”. The brothers style is very laidback, quiet and well presented and draws you in to the songs which are often about the countryside, nature, family and life. All the intricate words to the songs are included in the comprehensive booklet that comes with the CD.

Alan Castle (Editor)

Will Allen - English Fiddle 11 tracks From Bandcamp

A real tonic. A local hero with growing national status, Will takes to the English repertoire on violin and delivers quite the most joyful, listenable selection it’s been my pleasure to hear for some time. Lollipop Man leads in, clearing space, followed by more intricate melodies, played with clarity and affection. Rowan Piggott adds cittern and bass, in themselves, an object lesson in accompanying pastoral, gently paced tunes. My favourites were Charming Maid and Hod The Lass sets, all delight and delicious ornamentation. I can guarantee you’ll hear Once I Loved A Maiden Fair over and over, a simple coda to a marvellous collection. Justly rising in the charts... Highly recommended.

Bob Kenward

Siobhan Miller - Bloom Songprint Recordings SPR006CD

I was not familiar with Scottish singer songwriter Siobhan Miller’s work but was pleasantly surprised with this her fifth album. This is another solo album which has a selection of well known backing musicians and vocalists on it. In this case including Kris Drever and Eddi Reader. Again it is a mix of traditional and new material with traditional favorites such as Cold Blow the Night, I’m a Rover, The Swan Swims, and Wild Mountain Time. There is also Ewan MacColl’s Go, Move, Shift, and Rab Noakes’ Open All Night. Siobhan provides all the lead vocals with backing vocals from Kris Drever, Eddie Reader, Paul McKenna, Robin Gray, Senab Adekunie and Rachel Lightbody. Despite the double fold cover there is not much in the way of sleeve notes just a list of tracks, credits, musicians, and backing vocalists. Siobhan has gigs coming up in Scotland, the North of England, London and in Europe.

Alan Castle (Editor)

Fara – Energy Islands -Own Label – FARA003

From the opening track, “Solar”, we can hear that we are in for some in for some musical treats – complex arpeggios on a keyboard are followed by three interplaying fiddles take up the fast pace and morph into fast reels with the sort of syncopated piano that is typical of the accompaniment style of Cape Breton.

But the music comes from this side of the Atlantic. The group take their name from the old Norse name for a small island in Orkney, Scotland, lying in Scapa Flow. The album with songs and tunes with names like “Excess Electric”, “Broom Power”, “White Horse Power” as well as the title track show that this is something of a theme album justly celebrating the fact that The Orkneys are self-sufficient – in fact net exporters of electricity – all from renewable sources. The standard of singing and musicianship is of the highest quality and all composed by the four young members, fiddlers Kristan, Jeana and Catriona and pianist Rory. In particular is the quality, playing and arrangement of the tunes, mainly in folk dance rhythms that catch the ear. The track that stands out amongst high competition are the two tunes by Rory and Catriona that make up “West Tide Story”. The booklet shows how closely each piece has been inspired by local history, legend and current innovation. This is intelligent, exciting music.

They venture south in October mainly for dates in Scotland, the north and midlands but with some dates in the south listed on their website. faramusic.co.uk

Vic Smith

The Folk Rock Band From Hell

Not many people know this, which might be just as well, Back in the day, I used to play in the folk rock band from Hell. The Claws had a following, world famous in North Kent, But in Maidstone, wholly unknown, plus anywhere else we went.

Young Kate was our lead singer, whose voice could not be matched, She’d got her guitar from some bazaar, there were no strings attached. Mike was a trained musician, and tickled ivory keyboards, With jazz background, he always found those sixth and thirteenth chords.

On lead guitar was Marshall, who loved to play the blues, On lead guitar was Marshall, who loved to play the blues, He’d repeat the first, in each line of verse, which kept us all confused. Terry was the bass player, his tough fingers didn’t bleed, He was so able with wires and cables, he was our ‘packer of the leads’.

I was mostly on mandolin, and quietly on the fiddle, They let me play ‘cause of my PA, and the knobs I could twiddle. Before we went electric, I used to play the spoons, And gave up brass, when they went gas, in case I inhaled fumes.

We practised in the basement of an Undertakers’ store, And laid down riffs, where they’d laid out stiffs, the grateful dead for sure. Beside the mortuary table, we pounded ‘Meet on the Ledge’ Songs about ghosts, and ‘Alison Gross’, took on that extra edge.

The worst gig I remember, was up in Walthamstow, When singer Kate, was running late, with her ‘London’s A to O’. We had to start without her, Lord knows how long we’d last, Since all too soon, we ran out of tunes, so we reprised them less fast.

There was only one folk song, one of us could sing right through, That’s ‘Matty Groves’, which everyone knows, so we made it sound anew. We did an instrumental, in between every verse, For us to sing it, took thirty minutes, with none of it rehearsed.

It was a rare occasion, the crowd more tight than the band, We got free drinks, not as you’d think, but lobbed at us in cans. A beer bottle bent my mando, so top F played as sharp, As he arose, little ‘Matty Groves’ became a major part.

A stray ashtray did join the fray, and hurt poor Marshall sore, It missed his neck by just a speck, and struck him in the jaw. We made to go, the very next blow, as things went from bad to worse, We had to flee without our fee, which cost us deep in purse.

Soon after we disbanded, given up as some lost Claws, Our Kate’s lost still, round Shooters Hill, and Mike’s searching lost chords. And Marshall’s sung no more now, but done a little depping, Whilst Tel twangs wires, with Gospel choirs, I do tunes with no F in.

Orpington Folk Music and Song Club exists to promote folk music and song. It is a non profit making organisation and is for those who wish to listen to or take part in an informal evening of folk music and song. For those who wish confirmation of guest(s) nights they can call any of the telephone numbers below. Social Club 13th, 20th & 27th 10th & 17th

This issue of Around Kent Folk was produced by Alan Castle and Andy Wood on behalf of Tenterden Folk Festival. Promoting folk song, music, dance, crafts and traditions. Registered Charity No 1038663

Issue No. 114 December/January COPY DATE: 18th October

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