Unicorn Magazine Issue 141 by Unicorn Folk

MORRIS page

Features: Said The Maiden, Folkstock Records... Gig Reviews Multiple CD REVIEWS

& MUCH MOREâ&#x20AC;¦

ưǺƔ˯ȀƈȌǺ˵ @ǘǈʋ @ƔȀȇƳȡŭʎ ѷȀưǺƔ˯ȀƈȌǺȨƩǘǈʋ

ICKET

STEELEYE SPAN

Jon Boden & The Remnant Kings

N S AL

24. 25. 26 . 27 ŭȌƪȌȀ˔ 2018

NOW

Ceilidh Bands Concerts Morris Teams Workshops

P@ndemonium!

SHOW OF HANDS ǺƔƩǘǈǅȌˆ

Daoirí Farrell

Gretchen Peters PETER KNIGHT’S Gigspanner Big Band

Usher’s Island The Fitzgeralds Skerryvore Rusty Shackle State of the Union The Rails O ’ Hooley & Tidow Guo Yue and Joji Hirot a with members of London Taiko Drummers Megson Blowzabella The Wilson Family Banter Inlay Alden, Patterson and Dashwood FOS Brothers

Children’s Festival

for 11-17 year olds

Craft Fair Great Campsite Singarounds and Sessions Caterers Real Ale and Cocktail Bars

&ŭǐƉɛ ƉȇˆФ || BLOWZABELLA

|| BEDLAM || COMMITTEE BAND

|| VERTICAL EXPRESSION

|| KIRKOPHANY || OUT OF HAND

more acts to be announced! see website for latest...

www. ȀưǺƔ˯ȀƈȌǺȨƩǘǈǅƩƔȀȇƳȡŭʎ .co.uk

That Was The Year That Was!

ow, 2017 was some year! It’s now 18 months since the Brexit vote and more than a year since Donald Trump was voted in as President of the United States of America. We are certainly living in changing and uncertain times.

But one of the wonderful things about folk music is that it’s all about tradition and continuity. No matter what’s going on in the world, it binds people together and gives them a voice to express their anger, fears and joys. At the same time, it can be uplifting and entertaining, uniting us in moments of pleasure and offering hope for the future. This edition of Unicorn Magazine marks the start of our 36th year – a proud tradition indeed! As usual, the magazine is overflowing with news and events – giving you lots of things to book and look forward to, a fabulous antidote to the stresses and cares of our normal lives and the many unsettling events worldwide. In this edition, you will also find details about many of the forthcoming folk festivals both in our area and further afield. The folk club programmes highlight just how many quality performers are visiting our area

Editorial

Contents

3 6–7

Chatterbox

– plenty of things to fill up your diaries and get you through these dark and often gloomy winter months. And there will be even more festivals, club programmes and dance events announced in the next0 2018 edition. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out updates on our blog at www.unicornmagazine.wordpress.com and our website www.unicornmagazine.org – a lot can happen between mid-December when this edition goes to press and the next edition published in mid-March 2018! Don’t forget we are always happy to receive your reviews of any folk events you’ve attended in our area (Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and environs) – and we’ll do our best to print them if space allows. And a really big thank you to all our readers for keeping folk music and dance very much alive. Wishing you the happiest of New Years. See you round the clubs. Sandra & Clive

Strumming & Dreaming: Heg & The Wolf Chorus

Feature: What the folk is happening at Kimpton on 7th July 2018?

Review: Faustus, Kings Place

34 35 38

Feature: Said The Maiden

Sessions

Shall We Dance?

Feature: Watford Folk Club’s Song Competition

Review: Costa del Folk Portugal 2017

All Things Unicorn

23 – 25

Unicorn Diary

Review: Job Boden, ‘Afterglow’

Club Index

CD Reviews

Feature: Folkstock Records 2017

Morris Page: Aldbury Morris Men

Front cover: Photo by Al Rogers Guitar by kind permission of Chuck Silverman © Unicorn Magazine 2018 CB1440 • January 2018

40 42 – 43 46w

Editorial Team: Clive Batkin 07771 822414 clive@cbatkin.plus.com unicornmagazine @hotmail.co.uk Sandra Lawes unicornmagazine @hotmail.co.uk Contact address: 2 Hill Close, Harpenden, Herts AL5 5JE

We take great care to ensure all elements of Unicorn Magazine are accurate. However, we accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes that appear. The views and opinions expressed in submitted articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Any personal views expressed in submitted articles are the writers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Unicorn Magazine editorial team. It will be assumed that any letters sent to the magazine are intended for publication unless otherwise obviously stated. We reserve the right to edit any material sent to us for style, content or length.

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Play an Instrument? Dance? Sing? Want to perform? Join English Miscellany. English Miscellany â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the performance group â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is looking for additional musicians for dance and song, dancers and singers; Country, Playford, Cotswold, North West, Mumming and Traditional Song. Weekly practices â&#x20AC;&#x201C; friendly group â&#x20AC;&#x201C; overseas tours â&#x20AC;&#x201C; display locally â&#x20AC;&#x201C; loads of fun â&#x20AC;&#x201C; lots of support. Call 01442 255862 Mike or Eileen to find out more and extend your range.

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St Albans Folk Festival 2018 is on Saturday & Sunday June 16th / 17th, with the main events on the Saturday. Apart from the festival concert (with the Dovetail Trio & Granny’s Attic plus Watford Folk Song Competition winner Julian Mount and a New Roots finalist) it will be a free festival. There will be a Day of Dance and performances in five pubs and Waterstone’s bookshop, plus sessions, singarounds and workshops. The festival is developing activities to involve young people / families with children, in collaboration with Shooting Roots and Young Miscellany. Further details from www. stalbansfolkatthefestival.org.uk. The Lower Red Lion Session, Fishpool Street, St Albans is now embarking on its third year. The 2nd Sunday of each month has built up a loyal fan base who enjoy listening to invited performers in front of a listening audience. It’s like a folk club but there is no charge. Hosted by John Breeze who for 10 years ran the Windward Folk Club and ‘Spotlight‘. The priority of the session is on ‘song’ and audience participation. John’s credo is ‘if it ain’t got a chorus, please don’t bore us” and you sing ‘from the heart’, ie know the words and tune. John is supported by Tom C Reid & Christine Connolley. It’s intimate and totally acoustic, and music runs from 7.00pm – 10.00pm. After a break of seven years, sessions have re-started at the Rose and Crown, St Michael’s Street, St Albans, which for nearly thirty years was home to a successful session. There is a break in December, re-starting on January 3rd with a revised start time of 8.30pm. See www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk. Monthly sessions at the Great Northern, London Road, St Albans (next to the Odyssey Cinema), have now moved to the fourth Sunday at 6.00pm. The call is out for entries for the annual New Roots event for young singers & musicians under 25. Closing date is January 31st – the final is on Sunday April 8th at Trestle Arts Base in St Albans. There is no overall winner. Performers who are selected to take part in the final will get feedback on their performances and opportunities at folk festivals and other events. For details, see www.new-roots.org.uk

Photo courtesy of Don Waterhouse Chloe Middleton-Metcalfe is seeking your memories of English country dancing in Buckinghamshire for a community memories project as part of her PhD research at Roehampton University about English social folk dance. She is particularly keen to hear from people who have reminiscences from the 1940s–1970s. Perhaps you danced at school, did you love it or loathe it? Perhaps you went to a barn dance run by your church or youth group, what was this like? Did you ever go to a charity barn dance? Did you teach English country or international folk dance? Did you ever go to your local folk dance club? Were you involved in the Schools dance festival in Aylesbury? Chloe is keen to collect written memories, these could be sent by e-mail or post. If you would like the memories to be anonymised, please note this on the correspondence. By sending written memories Chloe understands that you will be happy for her to use these in her PhD and other research outputs. Memories can be posted to C. Middleton-Metcalfe c/o Lisa James. Departmental Secretary, Department of Dance, Frobel College, Roehampton University, London SW15 5PJ, or e-mail: middletc@roehampton. ac.uk, or www.englishfolkcostumes.co.uk. Benslow Music has a unique concert on 30 January 2018, 8.00pm, (Peter Morrison Hall, Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin, SG4 9RB) with an evening of beautiful songs, carefully crafted dance tunes, rich harmonies, and fleet-fingered musicianship, bringing to life folk tales from the past, present and future. Singer / multi-instrumentalist Hazel Askew, alongside folk fiddlers Laurel Swift and Ben Moss will make their Benslow Music debut. Tel: 01462 459446, www. benslowmusic.org. Tickets £15 (includes free programme) Preconcert dining £20 (includes a two course dinner and a drink from the bar). Free entry for under 27s. Hazel Askew

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

The Song Loft: After many years at the Cock Hotel, The Song Loft will be moving to York House, London Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1JQ. This exciting move will be from Friday 5th January 2018. Please keep checking their website (www.thesongloft.co.uk) as well as our adverts for details and dates. Watford Folk Club are proud to host the debut performance of “Walter Harvey Hallam (an ordinary man)” – a new one act play by Alison Raymond, presented by a group of musicians from Watford Folk Club in collaboration with WW1 song duo “The Pals”. Walter is a London Draper who, horrified by the war in Europe, volunteers for military service in 1915. Less than a year later he, and countless other men are drawn from across the globe and funnelled relentlessly into a few miles of sodden trenches and dugouts in the Somme valley where thousands would die on one Saturday in July. For a sneak preview, here is a You Tube link to a short show reel taken from a recent rehearsal: https:// youtu.be/RUHkLXlnrRQ. The date for your diary is Friday, February 23rd at The Colne River Room, The Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre, Local Board Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD17 2JP. £5 entry. This may be a “one off” performance – so don’t miss it!

Do remember to send us your news, for either ‘Chatterbox’ or ‘Round The Clubs’, and we’ll feature it in this section

Due to uncertainties with their current premises Hertford’s White Horse Folk Club have moved to The Hertford Club in Bull Plain, SG14 1DT and the folk club has been renamed as “Four Rivers Folk Club” (Hertford has four rivers running through it). To suit the availability of a dedicated room at the Hertford Club they have had to move their evening from Tuesday to Wednesday. The club will therefore meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays monthly. The room is larger than the one previously used and a fee will have to be paid for its use. Unfortunately, therefore, a small door fee will have to be applied to cover costs. There will be a pa available but performers can chose to perform without this. Do remember to send us your club news for ‘Round TheBloke Clubs’this issue There’s no Folk and we’llunfortunately, feature it in this butsection he will be back later in the year...!

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Said the Maiden – based in Hertfordshire but travelling far and wide...

I interviewed Hertfordshire based trio Hannah, Jess and Kathy - the three talented young women who are ‘Said the Maiden’ - when they were performing at Costa del Folk in Portugal. They were about to start a nationwide Autumn tour promoting their new album ‘Here’s a Health’. How did you three get together? Unusually for folk musicians, we don’t have a family tradition in this type of music. We were at school together where we had an encouraging music teacher and we sang in the choir. Then about five years ago we started singing together at Redbourn Folk Club. We enjoyed it and so did our audiences, so we played at other Hertfordshire folk clubs like Watford, Hitchin and Baldock. Then we were lucky enough to be the support act for some big names in the folk world – The Full English, Fisherman’s Friends, Jim Moray, Megson, Martin Carthy, Clannad, Cara Dillon, False Lights and Fairport Convention. In 2014, we toured with the late, lovely Dave Swarbrick which gave us a huge boost.

What are you working on at the moment? When we finish our Autumn 2017 tour promoting our new album ‘Here’s a Health’ (the title comes from a line in the song ‘The Bird in the Bush’), we will concentrate on our latest project based on the works of Shakespeare. We’re working with seven other musicians in The Company of Players - Kelly Oliver, Sam Kelly, Lukas Drinkwater, Kim Lowings, Chris Cleverley, Daria Kulesh and Minnie Birch. We composed all the songs during our writing retreat in Derbyshire and the album will be launched early in 2018 at the St Albans Maltings Theatre. We do find it tricky to juggle our time, as we are all still working full time but luckily our employers are very understanding!

How did you choose the name Said the Maiden? The original inspiration came from the line “Quoth the Maid” in the lyrics of the traditional song ‘The Fine Young Smith’. We felt it was appropriate for us as we do stand up and tell stories in our songs.

What advice would you give to new musicians? Surround yourself with excellent musicians - this helps you improve, and even if it’s uncomfortable, it’s really important to talk about what you do and get yourselves known.

How would you describe your music? We focus on harmonies and play traditional instruments – Hannah plays violin, piano accordion and mandolin, Kathy is on guitar, clarinet and mandolin and Jess plays whistles, flutes and Appalachian mountain dulcimer. We all sing, and we also enjoy singing acapella.

And a final word to the readers of Unicorn? Many young people aren’t really aware of today’s folk music so please spread the word to them, and continue to support our welcoming and encouraging local folk clubs like the ones that gave us our chance. See more at www.saidthemaiden.co.uk and on YouTube. Sandra Lawes

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ST ALBANS MORRIS

WE MEET EVERY MONDAY EVENING. MEN AND WOMEN WELCOME TO COME AND GIVE MIXED COTSWOLD MORRIS A TRY OUT. CONTACTS: ANDREW TORRINGTON 01727 833028 OR BOB COMBES 01727 863727 SEE WWW.STALBANSMORRIS.ORG.UK

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If you fancy dancing North East Rapper or Yorkshire Longsword or Medieval Buffens join us on a Tuesday at 8.30-10pm in the Friends Meeting House, Cuttyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lane, Stevenage, SG1 1UP or email bagman@stevenagesword.org.uk

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We would strongly suggest checking with the venue / organiser before attending any of the below since unfortunately we can’t be held responsible for the accuracy of the information

Sunday Lunchtimes S TONY STRATFORD • Vaults Bar, High Street (Weekly, lunchtimes): Jane Armour, 01908 566407

Sunday Evenings W ESTON TURVILLE • The Chandos (3rd): Roger Dorman, 01296 613742 M ILTON KEYNES • see www.mksessions.blogspot.com (Weekly) M ILTON KEYNES • New Bradwell Sports Club, New Bradwell (1st): Patsy, 07932 157610 S T ALBANS • Great Northern, 172 London Road, AL1 1PQ (Fourth Sunday of the month 6.00pm). Alison Macfarlane, 01727 852111 S T ALBANS • Lower Red Lion, Fishpool Street (2nd 7.00 – 10.00pm): John Breeze, 07774 909067 L EIGHTON BUZZARD • The Swan, Northall (1st) Richard Chatterley, 07790 023220 MARSWORTH • Red Lion, 90 Vicarage Rd, Marsworth, Tring HP23 4LU (2nd) 7.30 – 9.30pm. Slow and steady folk tune session for beginners and improvers. Louise, 07791 561199

Monday Evenings A SHWELL • Rose & Crown (1st): Ian Chandler, 01462 743091 CHATTERIS • Chatteris Folk Club, Honest John, 24a South Park St, PE16 6AR (3rd), Acoustic music and song: Keith Cheale, 02354 652868 SOHAM • Cherry Tree, Fordham Rd (3rd): Claire White, 01353 720550 S TEVENAGE • Our Mutual Friend (2nd): Gary Moyle, 07960 953778 T OTTERNHOE • Old Farm Inn (8.30pm, weekly): Contact, 01582 661294 (pub)

Tuesday Evenings A BINGTON PIGOTTS • Village Hall, SG8 0SH (8-10.30pm, 3rd, admission £2 per person): George Norris, 01763 853062 AMPTHILL • The Albion, Dunstable Street (2nd): Rod Ward, 01763 852 377 B EDFORD • Burnaby Arms, Stanley St (last 7.30pm, tunes) Matthew Rickards, 07791 433456 DUNSTABLE • Globe, Winfield St (Weekly): Maureen, 01582 512300 DUNTON • March Hare, Dunton, nr Biggleswade (1st): John Pritchett, 01767 448093 (pub) G T WILBRAHAM • Memorial Hall Social Club (3rd): Dave, 01440 783280 H EMEL HEMPSTEAD • Leverstock Green Cricket Club, 24 Bedmond Road, HP3 8LJ (1st Bluegrass and oldtime songs and tunes): Chris Lawrence, 01442 215826 H ISTON • Boot, Histon, nr Cambridge (1st): Dave Benford, 01223 880553 MARCH • Georges Folk Club, 61 High Street, PE15 9JJ (1st), Acoustic music and song: Mark Gibson, 01354 652868 R ICKMANSWORTH • Conservative Club, Bury Lane (2nd): Michael, 01923 770425 TEWIN • Rose & Crown. (3rd evenings). Acoustic, vocal, instrumental. Kit Burgess, 01438 869435 Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

T RING • Kings Arms, (8.30, 1st, trad Irish songs & tunes, led by Chan Reid/fiddle, John Devine/pipes, Neil Stanton/guitar): Rob Muirhead (landlord), 01442 823318 W OOTTON (Beds) • The Cock MK43 9JT (8.00pm, broad acoustic & folk): Mike Carter Jones, 01234 768555, Pub (Karen), 01234 930034

Wednesday Evenings B ARTON-LE-CLAY • Waggon & Horses (8.30pm, fortnightly): Ann, 01582 560815 B ENINGTON (Stevenage) • The Bell (1st): Kit Burgess, 01438 869435 C AMBRIDGE • Six Bells, Covent Garden (8.30pm, 2nd, Bluegrass & Old Time): Jim, 07803 158084 E LY • Town Folk, The Town House PH, Market St, Ely. (2nd and last): Liam, 01353 659614 or 07468 240798 debrunliam@outlook.com H ITCHIN • The Plume of Feathers, Stevenage Road, Little Wymondley, Hitchin, SG4 7HY (9.00–11.00pm, 1st , Ramrugge Clog Morris music sessions): Kerry 07877 930201 M ARCH • March Folk Club, Royal British Legion Club, Rookswood, 27 West End, PE15 8DP (3rd), Acoustic music and song: Keith Cheale, 02354 652868 M OGGERHANGER • Moggerhanger Village Hall (7.00pm for 8.00pm, 1st): Chris Bashford, 01767 640242 R ADLETT • Cat & Fiddle, Cobden Hill, WD7 7JR (8.00pm, 2nd): Nick, 020 8207 3057 S T ALBANS • Rose and Crown, 10 St Michael’s Street, AL3 4SG (8.30pm, weekly): Alison Macfarlane 01727 852111 S T ALBANS • White Swan, Dagnall Street (8.30pm, weekly, Traditional Irish Instrumental): Rick, 01727 852976 T EBWORTH • Queens Head, LU7 9QB (4th, free food): Richard Chatterley, 07790 023220 T OWERSEY • Village Hall (7.30 for 8.00pm, 3rd): Andrew Leleux, 01296 615160 W ELHAM GREEN • North Mymms Social Club, AL9 7PQ (2nd): Alan Francis, 07774 859758

Thursday Evenings H ERTFORD • Great Eastern, Railway Place (3rd): Keith Acheson, 07979 841079 K IMPTON • The Boot (2nd & 4th): Doug, 07973 751039, jennerdouglas@me.com T OWERSEY • Three Horseshoes (last): Grant, 01844 212322 WOBURN SANDS • Royal Oak (2nd & 4th): Vic Longhorn, 01908 582660

Friday Evenings A YLESBURY • Queens Park Arts Centre (1st, 3rd and 5th): Amanda Diamond, 01296 424332 S T NEOTS • Chequers, St Mary’s St, PE19 2TA (No meeting in January, 9th February, 9th March): Sarah, 07857 311834, ssennett@theiet.org S TEEPLE CLAYDON • Prince of Wales MK18 2NP (2nd, Open Mic): Charlie, 07925 145062 W ELWYN • Brocket Arms (7.30pm, 3rd) Doug, 07973 751039, jennerdouglas@me.com

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JANUARY

Wednesday 3 Thursday 4 Friday 5 Saturday 6 Wednesday 10 Thursday 11 Friday 12 Wednesday 17 Thursday Friday

18 19

Saturday 20

Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday

24 25 26 27

Wednesday 31 FEBRUARY

Thursday 1 Friday 2 Saturday 3 Wednesday 7 Thursday 8 Friday 9 Wednesday 14 Thursday 15 Friday 16 Sunday 18 Wednesday 21 Thursday Friday Saturday

22 23 24

MARCH Thursday Friday

1 2

Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Dance • CCD Dance with Ann Gibson • FF2 Dance with band Kelly’s Eye and caller Ted Morse • CFANY Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Dance with Suzanne Farmer and the Friday Folk Band • FF2 Dance with guest caller Mike Ruff • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Dance with David and Rebecca Capron • FF2 Dance • UC Public Dance. Caller: Rhodri Davies, Band: Kelly’s Eye. 7.30–10.45pm. Please bring a plate of food to share • BFC Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Modern Jive with Bob Barrett • FF2 Ceilidh. Banana Band with Bubbles. Interval: Old Mother Hubbard • NC Dance with club callers • LFDC

Club night country dancing • RB Dance with Bob Lilley • FF2 Dance • UC Dance with English Contra Dance Band and caller Lynne Render • SCD Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Ceilidh with Oxford Nags, with caller Sheena Masson • UC Dance with Bob Barrett and the Friday Folk Band • FF2 Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Dance with Denise Devonald • FF2 Dance • UC Family Dance with band Liza and Grahame O’Connor and caller Ted Morse • CFAF Dance with guest caller Wendy Harrup • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Dance with Club callers • FF2 Ceilidh with Jigalot. See website for venue • NC

Club night country dancing • RB Dance with Wendy Harrup and the Friday Folk Band • FF2 Dance • UC

MARCH continued Wednesday 7 Thursday 8 Friday 9 Wednesday 14 Thursday 15 Friday 16 Saturday 17

Wednesday Thursday Friday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

21 22 23 28 29 30 31

ance with club callers • LFDC D Club night country dancing • RB Ceilidh with The Valiant Dance Band, with caller Aidan Hansell • UC Jane Austen evening – Colin Hume and Spring Greens • FF2 Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Dance with Dave Kerridge • FF2 Dance • UC Public Dance. Caller – Hilary Herbert, Band – Folkus Pocus. 7.30 – 10.45pm. Please bring a plate of food to share • BFC Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Dance with Barry Goodman • FF2 Dance with club callers • LFDC No meeting (Closed for Easter) • RB Closed for Easter • FF2 Ceilidh. Pinkers Spinney with Irene Entwistle. Interval: Rapskallion • NC

ORGANISERS & VENUES

BFC Bedford Fine Companions Goldington Academy, Haylands Way, Bedford MK41 9BX Chris Rutt, 01462 700451, https://finecompanions.wordpress.com CCD Cambridge Contra Dance St Andrew’s Hall, St Andrew’s Road, Cambridge, CB4 1DH. Hugh Stewart, 01223 368641, www.cambridgefolk.org.uk/contra CFAF Chiltern Folk Association Amersham Common Village Hall, 24 White Lion Road, Amersham, HP7 9JD Joyce Stace, 01494 727512, www.chilternfolk.org.uk CFANY Chiltern Folk Association Drake Hall, Amersham Community Centre, Chiltern Avenue, Amersham, HP7 5AH Joyce Stace, 01494 727512, www.chilternfolk.org.uk FF2 Friday Folk The Church Hall, Marlborough Road, St Albans, AL1 3XG Bob Barrett, 01727 856508 / 07762 085629, www.fridayfolk.org.uk LFDC Linsleighders Folk Dance Group The Forster Institute, Waterloo Road, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 2NR Elizabeth Corser, Secretary, 01525 378010 elizabeth.corser@btinternet.com NC Northampton Ceilidhs Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road, Abington, Northampton, NN1 5LL John and Ruth Green, 01933 397767 or 07760 197921 www.northamptonceilidhs.co.uk RB Roundabouters Country Dance Club The Friends’ Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage, Herts SG1 1UP Lorna Sharpe, 01438 727 239, roundabouters@live.co.uk, www.roundabouters.org.uk SCD Staplers Country Dance Club St Ippolyts Parish Hall, Waterdell Lane, St Ippolyts, Nr Hitchin, Herts SG4 7RB Denise Devonald, 01462 624144 UC Unicorn Ceilidhs St Mary’s Hall, Church Street, Baldock, SG7 5AE Alan Creamer 01582 724261, 07946 439095 alan@creamer.me.uk, www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk

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The Stables | Wavendon | Milton Keynes

January to March 2018 highlights

world class music & entertainment

Sultans of String 30 January

Kaia Kater 3 February

Sam Outlaw 5 February

Fairport Convention 6 February

Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys 11 February

Miranda Sykes 16 February

Blazinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fiddles 6 March

Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman 15 March

The Secret Sisters 28 March

box office 01908 280800 book online www.stables.org

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

The Old Bull Inn 56 High St (car park Market Hill) Royston SG8 9AW 7:30 for 8pm till 11pm

www.roystonfolk.org Concert Nights

Last Friday of EVERY Month Friday 26th January 2018 £13 (£11 in advance) £2 under 25s “Two for One Special” Outstanding young bands

Solasta

Sonorous strings and guitar

AND Trials of Cato

traditional acoustic modern twist on old themes

Friday 23rd Feb 2018 £13 (£11 in advance) £2 under 25s “Two for One Special”

Two genre’s Two generations

The Vanguards

Lovely young band keeping Bluegrass real

AND Sky West

Bluesy, Jazzy, Eclectic friends

Friday 30th March 2018 £13 (£11 in advance) £2 under 25s The King Driscolls

Joyful soulful songs of the earth get ready to party

Support by Ian Pease and son Ben

Traditional squeezebox

Showcase Nights

Second Friday of EVERY Month Friday 12th Jan 2018 3Folk (band - pic) Bryan Summers Stuart Prince Paul Chinnock Romy Gensale Friday 9th Feb 2018 Paul R’lons David Cambridge (pic) with Jenna Walker Andy Lefevre Primakova (band) Friday 9th March 2018 Kelvin Davis Lee Russell (pic) Mike Chapman Bill Tarren Steve Logan (band) Showcases hosted by Mark Gamon entry is £4 (£3 performers) £2 under 25s Just arrive and pay on the door MARK IS NOW BOOKING SHOWCASE SPOTS FOR 2018 CONCERT NIGHT TICKETS FROM THE OLD BULL OR ON THE DOOR (or reserve 01763260556)

“For FOLK Music read … GREAT Music”

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

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BOOK NOW 01254 445050

26TH APRI

I FROM

OST

ADELFOL

SEAVIEW COUNTRY CLUB PORT DES TORRENT

£709

PER PERSON INCLUDING FLIGHTS, DINNER B&B AND FESTIVAL PASS

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The nearest you can get to Paradise in this life...

ell that’s what everyone was saying at the Costa del Folk Festival in Portugal... and I have to agree as I was there in October 2017! The Festival is the brainchild of Enjoy Travel, a company that specialises in singing and dancing holidays. Around five years ago, it started transporting a UK style folk festival to the Mediterranean sunshine, and by popular demand, in 2017 there were Costa del Folk Festivals in Ibiza and Portugal. Think of everything you love about UK folk festivals – great artists, fellow revellers, dancing, workshops and wonderful sound quality, then imagine five days of all that hosted exclusively for festival goers in a 4* or 5* hotel. This October we were in the Grande Real Hotel in Albufeira. With music to suit all tastes, the artists included Show of Hands, Daori Farrell, several members of the Lakeman family, Edward II, Tim Edey, Brendan Power, Wizz Jones, State of the Union, Reg Meuross and many more! You can do as little or as much as you want to – just like at a UK folk festival, but to give you a flavour of the ‘Costa version’, here’s a peek into my typical day. Waking up with sunshine pouring through the balcony windows into my lovely ensuite room, my first port of call is the outdoor breakfast terrace. Spoilt for choice at the amazing breakfast buffet, and serenaded by musicians warming up for their stage performances, I’m greeted by one of the major folk artists at the next table. There’s no ‘VIP’ area, so we all enjoy meeting the artists as they relax in this friendly, informal setting. Next it’s a swim – the glorious beach or hotel pool? As the first outdoor concert is at 11.30am, I listen to the artists while I’m in the pool. Then back to my room, collect my ukulele, and off to the workshop, but there are choir practices and other workshops to choose from too.

Sadly this clashes with the ceilidh – but I prefer this ‘close encounter’ with the artists where they answer questions, talk about future plans and play more music. The setting is idyllic, although the noise of the waves gives the sound engineers quite a challenge!

There’s just time for a delicious dinner – again buffet style – before the indoor evening concert, which finishes at 12.30am. Then there’s still time for some singing in the bar led by the irrepressible Flossie Malavialle. I creep off to bed at 2.00am, leaving other guests and artists to carry on the entertainment until much later. (But don’t worry if you like your beauty sleep – the layout of the hotel makes sure you’re not disturbed). Two more things need special mention. Firstly, the really friendly atmosphere – many people had enjoyed the ‘Costa experience’ before, but ‘firsttimers’ were made especially welcome. And many had travelled alone, so the informal ‘get to know you’ reception on the first morning worked very well. The facilities for festival goers with mobility issues were also excellent. And Enjoy Travel must also be congratulated on their superbly professional travel arrangements. Not only did they transport 600 people and a mass of musical instruments from all over the UK to and from Portugal, but due to Monarch Airlines’ dramatic collapse, they had to rearrange hundreds of flights just days before the festival. I loved it and I’m sure you will too – so email me at sandra@sandralawes.com to find out about a special price, or to arrange a chat if you are considering Costa del Folk 2018 in Ibiza (April) or Portugal (October). Sandra Lawes

At 2.00pm, it’s back out to the grassy lawn for the main daytime concert. This lasts till 5.00pm – with (the very reasonably priced) drinks from the pool bar adding to the enjoyment! Then onto the terrace overlooking the sea for one of my favourite sessions – the ‘Meet and Greet’. Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

www.unicornmagazine.org

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Dance the night away . . . it’s a barn dance – or is it a ceilidh? A ceilidh (say

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The line-up of Katie Howson Giddings (fiddle), Roger Digb(melodeon), Liz certina), Rob Neal (cello) and y (anglo con(banjo) has created a band thatJohn Howson and danceable tunes with theplays unusual which only comes from year conviction s of total immersion in traditional mus www.valiantdanceband.infoic. Aidan calls some great dan succinctly without losing theces clearly and elem that we all enjoy in ceilidh danent of fun cing.

Oxford NAGS (Nina, Andy, Gareth & Sandy) is a four piece ceilidh band based around Oxfordshire and a bit of Hampshire. They play stonking English tunes for stonking English dance. www.oxfordnags.co.uk Sheena has graced us with her vitality and excellent repertoire many times - one of the UK’s top callers.

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

Monday 1 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround tbc Tuesday 2 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Club closed Wednesday 3 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 4 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller tba BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • New Year Singaround REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage & Singaround ROUNDABOUTERS • Club night, country dancing Friday 5 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Open Stage with Liz Cotton FOLK AT THE MALTINGS • Chris Flegg plus Warp & Weft and New Roots finalists, The Aldyn Duo FRIDAY FOLK • Ann Gibson WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround Sunday 7 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Barry Goodman & Friends Monday 8 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround STAPLERS • Club evening WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 9 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Jon Betmead & Tom Ling Wednesday 10 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Peter Crossley LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm. New members especially welcome Thursday 11 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller tba BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers’ Night REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Boxwood Chessmen and floor spots ROUNDABOUTERS • Club night, country dancing Friday 12 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • David Savage; Honey and the Bear; The Tin Heart Troubadours FRIDAY FOLK • Suzanne Farmer and the Friday Folk band ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Showcase Session featuring 3Folk WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround Sunday 14 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Ninebarrow Monday 15 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround STAPLERS • Club evening WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Guests John Ward Trio Tuesday 16 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • The Georgia Shackleton Trio Wednesday 17 ELY FOLK CLUB • Miranda Sykes ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Guest caller Mike Ruff WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm. New members especially welcome Thursday 18 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller tba BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Local Singers and Musicians REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • The Foxglove Trio ROUNDABOUTERS • Club night, country dancing Friday 19 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Dan Wilde; SJ and The Flying Pigs FRIDAY FOLK • David and Rebecca Capron WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Spotlight singaround with Jon Bickley & Only Human Sunday 21 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Alden, Patterson and Dashwood HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Jackie Oates Monday 22 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround STAPLERS • Club evening WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 23 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Barron Brady Wednesday 24 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Liz Cotton LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm. New members especially welcome Thursday 25 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller tba BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Dave Swarbrick Tribute Concert: Swarb! It Suits Him Well REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage and Sing Around ROUNDABOUTERS • Club night, country dancing Friday 26 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome FRIDAY FOLK • Modern Jive with Bob Barrett ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Concert: Solasta, and The Trials of Cato WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Annual Woodside Ale by invitation. Please contact for details Saturday 27 PLACE THEATRE, BEDFORD • The Hut People (Sam Pirt and Gary Hammond). Sponsored by Blue Glass Independent Wine Merchant Sunday 28 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Bully Wee Band Monday 29 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround STAPLERS • Club evening WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 30 BENSLOW MUSIC • Hazel Askew, Laurel Swift & Ben Moss. Tickets £15 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Round the Room Wednesday 31 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm. New members especially welcome

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Thursday

1 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller tba BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers’ Night REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Fred’s House and floor spots ROUNDABOUTERS • Club night, country dancing Friday 2 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • The Willows tbc FOLK AT THE MALTINGS • Alden, Patterson & Dashwood plus Julian Mount and New Roots finalist Rose Ford FRIDAY FOLK • Bob Lilley WATFORD FOLK CLUB • New Roots evening with “Bow by Bow”, Megan Wisdom & Blathnaid McCullagh Sunday 4 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Blair Dunlop Monday 5 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround STAPLERS • Club evening WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 6 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Ninebarrow Wednesday 7 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm Thursday 8 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller tba BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Local Singers and Musicians REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage & Singaround ROUNDABOUTERS • Club night, country dancing Friday 9 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Daria Kulesh Band FRIDAY FOLK • Bob Barrett and the Friday Folk band ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Showcase Session featuring Cambridge and Walker 9 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround Sunday 11 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Steve Knightley (ticket only) Monday 12 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround STAPLERS • Club evening WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Feature Alan Orriss Tuesday 13 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Honey and the Bear Wednesday 14 ELY FOLK CLUB • Mike Wilson & Damien Barber ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Causton and Walker LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm Thursday 15 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller tba BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround PLACE THEATRE, BEDFORD • Ange Hardy. Sponsored by Blue Glass Independent Wine Merchant REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Michelle Holding & Bonz and floor spots ROUNDABOUTERS • Club night, country dancing Friday 16 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Closed (Half term) CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Open Stage with Elma tbc FRIDAY FOLK • Denise Devonald

WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Bryan Ritz & Nigel Wesson Sunday 18 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Churchfitters Monday 19 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround STAPLERS • Club evening Tuesday 20 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • North Sea Gas Wednesday 21 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Guest caller Wendy Harrup WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm Thursday 22 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller tba BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers’ Night REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • The James Brothers and floor spots ROUNDABOUTERS • Club night, country dancing Friday 23 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Showcase. See www.cambridgefolkclub.co.uk for details FRIDAY FOLK • Club callers ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Concert: The Vanguards, and Sky West WATFORD FOLK CLUB • “Walter Harvey Hallam (an ordinary man)” – a new one act play by Alison Raymond plus Singaround Sunday 25 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Clive Carroll Monday 26 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround STAPLERS • Club evening WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 27 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Round the Room & AGM Wednesday 28 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • The Fog LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

Thursday

1 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller tba BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • St. David’s Day Singaround REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Ninebarrow and floor spots ROUNDABOUTERS • Club night, country dancing Friday 2 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Open Stage with Oakleas Rise FOLK AT THE MALTINGS • Daria Kulesh and friends plus Ben Moss and New Roots finalist Bow by Bow FRIDAY FOLK • Wendy Harrup and the Friday Folk band WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround Sunday 4 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • John Spiers & Peter Knight Monday 5 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround STAPLERS • Club evening WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 6 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Judy Cook Wednesday 7 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm Thursday 8 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller tba BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Local Singers and Musicians REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage and Sing Around ROUNDABOUTERS • Club night, country dancing Friday 9 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Brooks Williams FRIDAY FOLK • Jane Austen evening – Colin Hume and Spring Greens ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Showcase Session featuring Bill Tarran WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Spotlight singaround with Dave Artus Sunday 11 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Craobh Rua Monday 12 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround STAPLERS • Club evening WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Guests Pamela Ward and Paul Cherrington Tuesday 13 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Tom McConville Wednesday 14 ELY FOLK CLUB • Jess and Richard Arrowsmith ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Brian Burke LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm Thursday 15 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller tba BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Thursday’s Band ROUNDABOUTERS • Club night, country dancing Friday 16 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Showcase: The Malingerers; Kate Bowers FRIDAY FOLK • Dave Kerridge WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround (St. Patrick’s Day Eve)

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

Sunday 18 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Edgelarks (Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin) plus Broombezzums Monday 19 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround STAPLERS • Club evening WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 20 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Open Stage Wednesday 21 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm Thursday 22 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller tba BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers’ Night REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage and Sing Around ROUNDABOUTERS • Club night, country dancing Friday 23 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • A Musical Celebration in memory of Joan Woollard FRIDAY FOLK • Barry Goodman WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Easter Singaround Sunday 25 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Brian Peters HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Ali Bain & Phil Cunningham (ticket only) Monday 26 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround STAPLERS • Club evening WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 27 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Round the Room Wednesday 28 PLACE THEATRE, BEDFORD • Lady Maisery. Sponsored by Blue Glass Independent Wine Merchant ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • That Blue Patch LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm Thursday 29 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller tba BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Pre-Easter Singaround REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • The Malingerers and floor spots ROUNDABOUTERS • Club closed for Easter Friday 30 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Club closed (Good Friday) FRIDAY FOLK • Closed for Easter ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Concert: The King Driscols, support by Ian and Ben Pease WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Club closed (Good Friday)

A happy new year to all our readers! Clive & Sandra

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[ Listed alphabetically by location ] BEDFORD • Bedford Folk Dance Club Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB Contact: Ron D. Law, 01234 825574 www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com BEDFORD • Bedford Fine Companions Folk Dance Club Hazeldene Lower School, Stancliffe Rd, Bedford MK41 9AT Contact: Chris Rutt, 01462 700451 finecompanionspublicity@gmail.com https://finecompanions.wordpress.com BEDFORD • Bedford Folk Music Club Kempston Hammers Sports and Social Club, 134 High Street, Kempston, Bedfordshire MK42 7BN Tel: 01234 853262 Contact: Mike Blair, 01525 404513 – see us on Facebook BEDFORD • The Place Theatre Bradgate Road, Bedford, MK40 3DE Contact: 01234 354321, www.theplacebedford.org.uk BLACK FEN • Black Fen Folk Club NCI Sports and Social Club, 1 Holland Street, Cambridge CB4 3DL Contact: Pete Barrett, Petebodhran@yahoo.co.uk www.blackfenfolkclub.com CAMBRIDGE • Cambridge Contra Dance St Andrew’s Hall, St Andrew’s Rd, Chesterton CB4 1DH Contact: Hugh Stewart, 01223 368641, www.cambridgefolk.org.uk/contra CAMBRIDGE • Cambridge Folk Club Golden Hind PH, 355 Milton Rd, Cambridge CB4 1SP Contact: Marion Treby, 01638 603986 www.cambridgefolkclub.co.uk ELY • Ely Folk Club The Old Dispensary, St Mary’s Street, Ely, Cambs CB7 4ER (no bar) Contact: Ruth Bramley / Andy Wall, 01353 740999 / 01353 664706, www.elyfolkclub.co.uk HARROW • Herga at the Castle The Castle PH, 30 West Street, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3EF Contact: Tim Brooks, 01923 264536, www.herga.club HERTFORD • The White Horse Folk Club Four Rivers Folk Club (formerly The White Horse Folk Club) The Hertford Club, Bull Plain, Hertford, SG14 1DT Contact: Pat Crilly 07971 804418, patcrilly@hotmail.com

REDBOURN • Redbourn Folk Club Old School Room, Hollybush PH, Church End, Redbourn AL3 7DU Contact: Jenny McNaught, 01582 793164 www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk ROYSTON • Royston Folk Club Old Bull Inn, 56 High St, Royston SG8 9AW Contact: Mark Gamon (showcases) 07738 183158, Chris Walls (concerts) 01763 260 556, www.roystonfolk.org ST ALBANS • Folk at the Maltings The Maltings Arts Theatre, Level 2, The Maltings, St Albans AL1 3HL Contact: Alison Macfarlane, 01727 852111 www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk ST ALBANS • Friday Folk Social Dance Club Methodist Church, Marlborough Rd, St Albans AL1 3XG Contact: Bob Barrett, 01727 856508, 07762 085629 www.fridayfolk.org.uk ST NEOTS • St Neots Folk Club Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St Neots PE19 2BH Contact: Roger Pitt, 01234 376278, www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk STEVENAGE • Roundabouters Country Dancing Club Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage, SG1 1UP Contact: Lorna Sharpe, 01438 727 293, roundabouters@live.co.uk, www.roundabouters.org.uk WALTHAM ABBEY • Waltham Abbey Folk Club The Angel PH, Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 3DP Contact: Jan Ayres, 01992 613987, www.walthamabbeyfolkclub.com WATFORD • Woodside Morris Men Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre, Local Board Rd, Watford, WD17 2JP Contact: Nick Wilson 07860 663033 http://www.woodsidemorrismen.com WATFORD • Watford Folk Club Colne River Room, Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre, Local Board Rd, Watford, WD17 2JP Contact: http://watfordfolkclub.co.uk

HITCHIN • Benslow Music Benslow Lane, Hitchin, SG4 9RB Contact: Vicky Carlton, 01462 459446 www.besnlowmusic.org HITCHIN • Hitchin Folk Club Sun Hotel, Sun St, Hitchin, SG5 1AF Contact: Maureen Jones, 01462 812391 www.hitchinfolkclub.co.uk

Beautiful celtic cloak pin made by local folk fan & jeweller Carol Chisholm

HITCHIN • Staplers Country Dance Club St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Rd, Hitchin SG4 9JP Contact: Denise Devonald, 01462 624144, www.staplers.org.uk LINSLADE • Linsleighders Folk Dance Group The Forster Institute, Waterloo Rd, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard LU7 2NR Contact: Elizabeth Corser, 01525 378010, Elizabeth.corser@btinternet.com LUTON • English Miscellany East Hyde Village Hall, Southern Rise, East Hyde Luton, Beds, LU2 9QB Contact: Eileen Heylin, 01442 255862 www.englishmiscellany.com

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

Fridays – 8.00pm

2018 SEASON January Fri 5th

THE BULLFROGS ian.anderson15@btinternet.com

February Fri 16th LIZ SIMCOCK www.lizsimcock.com March Fri 2nd

RICHARD GRAINGER www.richard-grainger.com

April Fri 6th

PERFORMERS’ NIGHT

Fri 20th TBA May Fri 4th

STEVE ASHLEY www.steveashley.co.uk

Fri 18th FLOSSIE MALAVIALLE www.flossiemalavialle.co.uk

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

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UPDATES FROM FOLKSTOCK RECORDS...

olkstock Records had a busy 2017 including releases from Yorkshire based acts Bella Gaffney and Russell Jeanes (which gained radio play from Cerys Matthews), Cumbria’s The Black Guards, Norfolk’s Marina Florance, Welsh artists Danielle Lewis and SERA plus Bristol’s Kate Dimbleby. The latter two gained live Radio 2 features on Clare Balding’s and Clare Teal’s shows, with Songbirds from Kate also favoured by a Sunday Times review, as well as a number of other broadsheets. Kate was also surprised and delighted to be live guest on Tom Robinson’s BBC 6 Music show! A capella and produced by the label’s producer Lauren Deakin Davies, Kate’s album Songbirds was ground breaking. Lauren has gone on to win Producer of the Year from the Cambridge based NMG Awards and has just finished recording Folkstock ‘stalwart’ artist, Zoe Wren’s second EP. The latter part of 2017 saw Zoe Wren working closely with Helen Meissner, as she launched her full time music career having just finished studying Music at Cambridge University. With a dissertation on The Voices of Women in Folk, Zoe has been inspired to write songs which

Kate, Lauren & Tom Robinson

resonate with her chosen topic and the end of 2017 saw the release of her first single ‘She’s a Highwayman’ ahead of her 2nd EP ‘Gold and Smoke’ which is out at the end of February. Zoe was awarded a prestigious financial bursary from PRS Foundation at the end of 2017, was handpicked by Ralph McTell to open for him at Cambridge Corn Exchange, had her previous single Nothing to See played on BBC Radio 2 and has been on all three Folkstock compilations which have been reviewed in Sunday Times Culture Magazine. A regular at Cambridge Folk festival, Zoe was introduced by Brian McNeill to perform on Stage 2 at Cambridge Folk Festival last year and also performed in the club tent for Hitchin Folk Club. 2018 looks set to be the year that Zoe Wren gets on everyone’s radar! Helen Meissner

ZoE WREN

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

Heg & the Wolf Chorus

eg & the Wolf Chorus are a folk rock band from Bristol who played in our region in Cambridge, Norwich and Milton Keynes as part of their UK tour in autumn 2017 to promote their fine debut album ‘Raising The Fires’. I was delighted to be able to catch up with Heg and the band before their gig at The Junction on 23rd October and chat about their music. Heg describes the album succinctly as “The story of this witch that ends the world”. It’s a concept album, in the manner of those LPs by prog rock bands in the 1970s, and is set at the end of the world as we know it, brought to its demise by a white witch who is wrongfully burnt at the stake. I asked Heg about the writing of the album: “I write the music, I write the songs and then we arrange them together. I started writing the songs in this format in 2010, but over the years it took quite a while to find its feet and to figure out what exactly it was going to be until it found a kind of storytelling thread; the line-up has changed a few times, mainly

to do with trying out different sounds. With this line up it’s been about two years now”. That line up is Heg herself on keyboard and lead vocals, Vince Martin on violin, Joe Kelly on double bass and Chez Dunford on accordion, all also providing backing vocals. The other vocalist in the band is Julu Irvine, who also provided excellent support with a selection of her own songs. I asked Heg if the theme of the album is in any way a reflection of these scary times politically or purely a work of imagination: “It’s part imagination, part personal, but there are definitely threads of observation of the wider scene, I would say, definitely in terms of women’s rights”. You can find out more about the band on their website: www. hegandthewolfchorus.com. Listen to the interview and a couple of track from the album here: www. mixcloud.com/StrummersandDreamers/show-203heg-the-wolf-chorus-special-261017. Les Ray

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

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Spring 2018 If you enjoy a lively barn dance, you'll find Friday Folk is a great way to meet like-minded people and have fun. Newcomers are always welcome. And there's no need to bring a partner. Meeting Fridays from 7:45 to 10:00 pm at The Church Hall, Marlborough Road, St Albans, AL1 3XG. www.fridayfolk.org.uk â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 01727 856508 Standard Friday admission ÂŁ4

5 Jan Ann Gibson 12 Jan Suzanne Farmer and the Friday Folk Band 19 Jan David and Rebecca Capron 26 Jan Modern Jive with Bob Barrett 2 Feb Bob Lilley 9 Feb Bob Barrett and the Friday Folk Band 16 Feb Denise Devonald 23 Feb Club callers 2 Mar Wendy Harrup and the Friday Folk Band 9 Mar Jane Austen evening - Colin Hume and Spring Greens 16 Mar Dave Kerridge 23 Mar Barry Goodman 30 Mar Closed for Easter 6 Apr New term starts

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

Have you heard of the Kimpton Folk Festival? hy are you asking me that? I read the Unicorn, W don’t I? There’s been enough ads for it. Ah yes. Of course. Well did you go to it last year? Yes, I was going to. So that’s a no then? You didn’t go? Yes. I meant to. But some other things came up. Ah. Like washing the kitchen floor? Very droll. Was it good then, the festival? Yes, incredible really, for such a new festival. Why ‘incredible’? That’s a bit over the top, surely? Just to think they could do so much in such a short time. Three stages, and a free all-day stage on the Village Green. All local acts, was it? No, not just. Lots of really high profile international acts as well. Oh yeah? Who have they got this year then? I thought you’d never ask. The Urban Folk Quartet, Chris & Kelly While with Julie Matthews, Luke Jackson... Brilliant Hey, I’m not finished yet. Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar, Jaywalkers... Wow. I’ll be there. Hold on, I’m still not done. Hannah Saunders & Ben Savage...

The James Brothers... Those antipodean geniuses? Well, we’re not talking Test cricket, but yes And Blathnaid Lyn, Josie Duncan and Pablo Lafuente. And more... oy, that’s some lineup. I’ll have to reschedule B ‘July 7th – wash my hair’. So Kimpton is all stage concerts then, is it? Not at all. Yes there is a new ‘open mic’ stage in The Boot pub, but there’s lots more going on for the folkies. Such as? Sessions aplenty, morris sides, buskers, workshops in various instruments, and dancing too. I guess there’s a good range of food and drink? Good guess. Real ales from Farr Brew, a wide range of gorgeous street food, ice cream, quality coffees and a Pimms bar. Well, I think you’ve covered everything. Not quite. There’s storytelling, children’s games, facepainters and craft stalls. I’ve changed my mind. What? You’re not coming now? No, I am. It’s your use of the ‘I’ word. What word? Internet? o. ‘Incredible’. But speaking of the internet: N www.kimptonfolk.uk, @kimptonfolk, /kimptonfolkevents.

Whoah! Two of my favourites right there.

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

Doug Jenner

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’ve seen the Faustus boys (or the “bloke folk” triumvirate as they have been called) play before of course, but at this concert I was keen to see and hear them do some of the tracks from their new, third, album ‘Death & Other Animals’ in a live setting. Hall II at Kings Place yet again proved to be a superb setting for an intimate concert such as this. The acoustics and stage sound show any band off to their very best, the view is unimpaired from any part of the hall, and the whole ambience makes for a very pleasant gig experience. Even as a complete sell out performance the hall never feels too full or uncomfortable. It was the first performance for the band at Kings Place, and they certainly seemed put at ease by the venue. Their normal easy going banter and

rapport with the audience was in great evidence that night, and they seemed to enjoy their performance as much as we did. The band (Benji Kirkpatrick, Saul Rose and Paul Sartin) were on top form, playing tightly and with passion. Their material carefully shows off their range of multiinstrumental and vocal talents, with harmonies, melodies and dynamics carefully choreographed to show their best sides. I particularly liked Benji Kirkpartick’s guitar sound, elicited from a clearly wellused Lowden which he often had capoed. I think he used a double pickup configuration which gave it a rich sound whilst allowing all the notes to ring our cleanly and clearly. He even did a bit of above the nut scraping here and there –

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gotta love that! Particular favourite tunes from the night to my ears included Thresher Man, and the syncopated rhythms of their Captain Ward track. The material from the new album had come from their 2016 residency year at Halsway Manor, where they had drawn extensively from its library and the material from archives of Somerset folklorist Ruth Tongue. Produced by Rupert Christie, the album is widely available at their gigs, as well as from their website www.faustusband.com. Clive Batkin “The concept? To rescue contemporary folk from the curse of feyness…” Independent on Sunday

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

Watford Folk Club is pleased to bring you news of our sixth Annual ‘Write a Folk Song Competition’ in November. This year the theme was ‘Magic and Mystery’ and, as usual, we received a large number of entries from across the UK...

ur committee whittled these entries down to just 10 finalists who interpreted the theme in diverse and imaginative ways ranging from a ghostly handyman to a murder mystery. The club was packed as the finalists eased us into the evening with their warm up songs. The audience commented on the slick organisation of the final as well as the friendly atmosphere with some visiting the club for the first time. One commented in our visitors’ book, ‘very enjoyable evening – the best folk club I have seen for many a long year!’ The final was judged by Chris Cleverley and Hannah Sanders who have both appeared at the club as guests and are consummate folk performers and songwriters. They were joined by Alex Williams who writes musicals and runs the open mic event called the Dial Up in the Watford area. All three judges gave considered and insightful feedback to each performer and had the unenviable task of deciding on a winner and a runner up.

Watford Folk Club is rightly proud to have been instrumental in promoting songwriting and creativity over the last six years that we’ve been running our song writing competition, which has been described by one of our audience as ‘a great education in the art and style of songwriting.’ In 2018 we reach the milestone of our club’s 10th birthday and welcome you to come along us as we meet every Friday at 8.00pm at The Colne River Room, The Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre, Local Board Road, Watford, WD17 2JP. Our next big event is our Fundraising Gala on March 2nd and we’d love to welcome you along. In the meantime why not pop along to one of our Guest Nights, Singarounds or Spotlight Singarounds? To find out more about the club and forthcoming events please visit our website watfordfolkclub. co.uk or join our Facebook page by searching Watford Folk Club. Kim Olyett

This year’s winner was local songwriter and performer Julian Mount with his song, ‘Waiting for a Rainbow’ – a poignant reflection on the life and career of a magician with some truly magical chords. Julian is pictured here receiving the winner’s trophy from Alison Frosdick and Jack Burnaby, last year’s winners. Julian has been a finalist before and looked absolutely stunned when the comperes, Kim Olyett and Ray Owen, announced his victory. He remarked upon the helpfulness of the judges’ comments as well as the friendly atmosphere at the club which is very encouraging to songwriters. This year’s runner up was Mark Ashworth with his song ‘Wake, England Wake! (Wayland’s Warning)’, a song you could imagine being covered by some of the folk greats due to its anthemic quality.

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

The proud winner Julian Mount (right)

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RAMRUGGE CLOG MORRIS

REDBOURN FOLK

www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk

The Hollybush, Church End, Redbourn Thursdays 8pm – 10.45pm Jan.4 Jan.11

Dancers & Musicians, no experience necessary

FREE TASTER OPEN EVENING WEDNESDAY, 28 FEBRUARY 2018, 8:00PM at the Village Hall, Great Wymondley, SG4 7ET

MUSIC SESSION

WEDNESDAY, 7 MARCH 2018, 9:00PM at the Plume of Feathers PH, Little Wymondley, SG4 7HY

Contact: Cherry Carter 01438 724919 Email: info@ramrugge.co.uk Website: www.ramrugge.org.uk

Jan.18 Jan.25 Feb. 1 Feb.8 Feb.15 Feb. 22 Mar 1 Mar 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 Mar 29

Open Stage & Sing Around Boxwood Chessmen & floor spots Foxglove Trio & floor spots Open Stage & Sing Around Fred’s House & floor spots Open Stage & Sing Around Michelle Holding & Bonz & floor spots The James Bothers & floor spots Ninebarrow & floor spots Open Stage & Sing Around Thursday’s Band & floor spots Open Stage & Sing Around The Malingerers & floor spots

All other Thursdays are OPEN STAGE

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Fridays from 8pm

Folk in the A Annexe 12 Jan, 9 Feb,, 16 Mar

£2.50 p performers / £4.50 0 non-performers// £3.50 concesssions

Guest Nights 26 Jan – Sarah McQu uaid £13 / £11 con nc 24 Feeb – Kelly Oliveer £13 / £11 conc F Fri 2 Mar – Phil Beer £15

www.plectrumart.wordpress.com

- `ÊÃ ÛiÀÊ« iVÌÀÕ Ê iÜi iÀÞ the perfect gift for the musician or music fan alike...

Options can include: UÊÊ Ì iÀÊ iÌ> ÃÊÊUÊÊVÕÃÌ Ê`iÃ } ÃÊÊUÊÊi }À>Û }ÊÊ UÊÊV > ÃÊEÊÌ }ÃÊÊUÊÊ > >À }ÊÊUÊÊÊ

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

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Here are a few things that would really help make our editorial process easier & prevent us missing out any of your valuable content: sort ing us any When send attachment ic of electron , etc), rm (an ad, a fo ember em please r / ur club to put yo n name in io at is n orga name... the file

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anything in If you send us or books, Ds (C st po e th , then please for example) have put u yo re ensu stage po nt ie ic suff claim re t n’ ca on... we rned to the anything retu .. sorting office.

Please don’ t reply directly to the MailChimp ma ilings we send out – instead write to us at the email address below. .. unicornmagaz ine@hotmail.co .uk

Thanks!

REVIEWING CDs

ould you like to join the Unicorn Magazine CD review panel? Every issue Sandra and Clive review a number of CDs – and we worry that it could be boring if we always do this ourselves. So we are looking for volunteers with an interest in folk music to help us. You don’t need to be an expert or even a musician but you do need to be able to use a computer to look up background information and to send us the review. Each review is only about 200 words (due to space restrictions) and you can do this anonymously if you like. We don’t want you to comment on whether or not you like the music – what’s needed is information for our readers so they can decide if they want to buy the CD. We aim to give an impression of the sort of music it and tell the readers a little about the artist(s). So if you are interested, please email us at unicornmagazine@hotmail.co.uk and tell us your name, address, phone no and email address plus (most importantly) why you would like to do this. We look forward to hearing from you.

THEN BE A UNICORN...

We’ve been sent, or have generally noticed, a few things that show how prevalent references to ‘Unicorns’ are in today’s world – here are a small selection: 1

In Ambleside (in the Lake District) lies a fantastic, old-style boozer called The Unicorn Inn (Ambleside LA22 9DT). The atmosphere there is warm and welcoming, the beer and food are fantastic, and they regularly have music at weekends etc. If you are in the area, we heartily recommend a visit! In the Unicorn Inn, they serve the extremely tasty Unicorn beer, brewed by the Robinsons Brewery (www. robinsonsbrewery.com). It’s a 4.3% ABV premium Golden Ale, born in 1896 and originally called Robinsons Best Bitter. Unlike us, they say that Unicorn beer hasn’t changed in over a hundred years!

The Unicorn Inn, Ipswich, Suffolk, was situated at 2–4 Orwell Place. This pub closed in 1976 and is now used as a hairdressers! Love the remaining typography of the sign though...!

There is a terrific homeware shop in St Albans called Cositas. Amongst the lovely items for sale there is this sign - we think it pretty much sums up our approach to life! You can buy it from the link below (it’s a bargain at a mere £10.00!) or go visit the shop if you are passing... www.cositas.co.uk/product/ unicorn-sign.

Do send us any ‘Unicorn’ references if you come across them and we’ll include in later issues...

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3 4

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

SILENT FILM EVENING WITH LIVE PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT

- featuring Keith Nichols at St Albans Organ Theatre Saturday, 17th February, 2018. Keith Nichols is considered to be one of the foremost authorities on Classic Jazz and Ragtime, specialising in all older jazz piano styles, including Scott Joplin, James P. Johnson, Fats Waller and Duke Ellington. Keith continues to perform and record prolifically, as well as lecturing on Jazz History at the Royal Academy and Trinity College. His performance at the Organ Theatre will feature his brilliant and superb piano accompaniment to some silent film classics. This is an evening not to be missed and a chance to experience the era of the cinema before the arrival of ‘talking pictures.’ Doors open at 7.00 pm. Tickets will be available at the door on the evening or can be reserved in advance via our email: info@stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk Our next Theatre Organ Concert is on Saturday, March 10th, 2018 featuring Len Rawle M.B.E. on the Mighty Wurlitzer and Rutt theatre pipe organs. Doors open at 7.00 pm. The evening includes light refreshments. The following day on Sunday, March 11th, 2018 is our ‘Musical Sunday Afternoon’ featuring the collection of Mechanical Musical Instruments – ranging from Musical Boxes, Organettes and self-playing pianos to four large Dance Hall Organs. Doors open at 2. 00 pm. The afternoon includes tea and coffee. St Albans Organ Theatre offers live music from one of the UK’s top theatre organ concert venues and is home to a rare collection of self-playing musical instruments. The Organ Theatre is run entirely by volunteers.

Facilities include wheelchair access & toilet for disabled patrons. No animals admitted except assistance dogs.

Come and visit this fascinating hidden gem in St Albans!

♫ St Albans Organ Theatre - 320 Camp Road, St Albans. AL1 5PE. (Next to Camp School) ♫ email: info@stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

Please visit our web-site at:

www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

Administered as a UK registered Charitable Trust - No. 276072.

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

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♫

Tel: 03003 65 65 65.

JON BODEN & THE REMNANT KINGS, AFTERGLOW “Afterglow”

“Afterglow”

(CD)

he 10 tracks that make up Jon Boden’s latest ‘concept’ album (or maybe ‘story’ album would be a better description?) make for interesting and sonically varied listening. Following on from his 2009 release “Songs from the Floodplain”, Jon again returns to his Remnant Kings band format (with the addition of several other musicians for added texture and interest) to tell this tale of post-apocalyptic life and love. As you would expect from as consummate a musician as Jon, all the songs are beautifully composed, richly arranged and expertly played. The subtle yet clever narrative behind the album helps keeps one’s interest from song to song, and the whole album neatly hangs together as a result. There are of course shades of Bellowhead on here, since some of the musicians are common to both bands, and the use of brass and strings instantly brings that sound and feel to mind. It’s a very different beast to my ears however, with the use of drums, bass and electric guitar adding a more ‘traditional band’ feeling to the tunes. My particular favourite track was ‘All the Stars are Coming Out Tonight’, with its catchy main hook, use of guitar harmonics and orchestral runs / riffs. Jon’s voice and lyrics are very much to the fore on the record which will keep his diehard fans happy, and the level of overall musicianship is second to none. Having thoroughly enjoyed the album, I was fascinated to see how the songs might work in a live setting... (see opposite!)

(Live at Scala, 22.11.2017)

o (to answer my previous question) I promptly went to see Jon and the band in concert, where they were to play the Afterglow album live in its entirety (plus a few other tunes here and there). The Scala was packed that night with a clearly loyal fan base. The overall sound was great – my only slight disappointment was that Jon’s guitar sound was rather lost in the mix. This was as shame because he’s a really great (maybe underrated, as such?) guitar player and I’d have loved to hear more of what he was doing. In fact, his solo tune (a fingerpicked version of I Want to Dance with Somebody) for my mind was a highlight of the whole show... ‘Mellowhead’ this band certainly isn’t... they kicked along nicely on many of the numbers. Sam Sweeney showed off his chops on drums (a far cry from his normal fiddle role) and all the musicians added great visual and aural interest throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, and the breadth of Jon’s vision in crafting and reproducing the album should not be underestimated. For more information on Jon, The Remnant Kings or to buy the Afterglow album, visit his website here: www.jonboden.com. If you don’t know it, the Scala is a fantastic venue, a few minutes walk from London St. Pancras train station and hence as easy and quick to get to as many of the ‘traditional’ venues in the Unicorn area. The sound, stage and general atmosphere is perfect for gigs – keep an eye out for their programme of events here: www.scala.co.uk. Clive Batkin

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

Mark Sullivan’s new single ‘Slip Into Your Head’ was released in October 2017 and promoted during his National Tour ‘In the Round’ last Autumn. I played it soft – volume down. The smoky, slightly gravelly voice of Mark Sullivan came through but I felt there must be more; more character. So I played it loud and I heard the full strength: the voice stronger, Mark on acoustic guitar, the intelligent use of percussion and the bass guitar and with its slightly haunting rhythms. I found this easy listening, the words crafted like a good beer and full of flavour – thoughtful and gentle, soulful and outstanding. It is music in the genre of the troubadour but welded into an Indie framework by a talented musician who grew up in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. What does the single sound like? It’s dangerous to make comparisons but I would say a bit like the Irish band ‘Walking on Cars.’ Mark formed his first band when he was only 15 and went solo in 2013. Since then he has played in top venues nationally and in our area. I think we can expect to hear a lot more of him and his music in the future. Find out more about him at www.marksullivanmusic.com or on Facebook at marksullivanmusic. EB 2

Chesham based singer-songwriter Jon Bickley has released his latest CD “The Common”. The ten thought-provoking tracks all feature Jon’s vocals accompanied on his guitar in his characteristic folk/blues style. He tackles dark subjects – drug addiction, crime, war, pollution, corporate greed to name but a few. This is not background music – these powerful, evocative lyrics deserve your full attention and could easily be standalone poetry rather than song lyrics. Sometimes I didn’t understand exactly what he meant nor could I identify the various references but I was nevertheless swept along by the sheer power of the imagery. To my mind, Jon’s style has echoes of John Lennon/Bob Dylan/Leonard Cohen. The CD package features photographs of Jon himself in a variety of settings. The words of the

1 42

first track “Shadow on the Heath” are also written out in full inside the CD cover, which I very much appreciated. I would have liked the words of the other tracks too – this might have helped me to grasp their meaning more easily. Jon’s prolific repertoire as part of Pagan Harvest, Only Human and as a solo artist is available on Amazon as albums and MP3 downloads. You can find more information about him at www.jonbickley.com. SL 3

The jaunty, singalong rhythms of the studiorecorded tracks on The Invisible Man by Julian Mount had me smiling throughout. The wit of Julian’s songwriting reminded me of Jake Thackray. The first track “Analogue Catalogue” is a humorous homage to the Betterware catalogue and the second track “The Government Still Got In”, a real ear worm, is his protest song about political parties. The title track “The Invisible Man” celebrates being average - a theme is cleverly illustrated in the striking artwork of the CD package. The simple arrangement of “Legal People” was inspired by a brush with the law (he was found innocent!) and the final track “What Do You Think Of My Hat?” tells of his adventures with his special hat and illustrates his unique perspective on the world. Julian accompanies his clever vocals on acoustic guitar and the tracks also feature Polly Morris and members of her band with Si Genaro (of Britain’s Got Talent and The Voice) on the blues harp. Julian is well known in our local folk scene, lives in St Albans and plays regularly at several folk clubs around here. You may also have seen him at various local festivals (he’s also just won the sixth Watford Folk Club Song Competition – see page 35 for more details). You can buy the CD for £5 (+p&p) from JulianMount@outlook.com. SL 4

“Siren Serenade” is the new CD from Emily Mae Winters. Emily Mae is now based in Cambridge but she grew up in Ireland surrounded by English and Irish folk music as well as country and Americana. She freely admits to a deep love of poetry, which is apparent in her songwriting, and to being influenced by artists like Nancy Kerr, The Unthanks, The Staves,

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

Kate Rusby, Sarah Jarosz and Alison Krauss. I first heard her on the BBC RADIO 2 Folk Show and she has also played on regional radio stations and specialist folk shows. Then I saw her support Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker at Hitchin Folk Club and was immediately impressed by her presence and maturity. She effortlessly blends folk and country and seems completely at ease combining transatlantic sounds. Her haunting voice is stunning and is aptly described as ‘stopping you in your tracks’. Siren Serenade, her first commercial release, was co-produced by Ben Walker and Lauren Deakin Davies (Laura Marling). The eleven varied tracks on the CD are a delightful combination of self-penned and traditional folk songs and feature top folk names including Evan Carson (Sam Kelly and The Lost Boys), Lukas Drinkwater and Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage. I confidently predict that Emily Mae will rapidly become a major name in the folk world. Find out more at www.emilymaewinters.com. SL 5

“Cure for an Existential Crisis” is the debut solo album of singer-songwriter and multiinstrumentalist Jelly Cleaver was launched in September 2017 and she toured to promote it. The title and its subtitle ‘Four Suites and One Song Exploring the Crisis of living and the Fear of Death’ indicate its singular subject matter and esoteric appeal. Jelly says that music is her philosophy and her therapy and although she is young and appears to be in the prime of life, she confesses to having become obsessed with her own mortality and disillusioned with the nature of existence, yet having a fatal fear of death. The themes reminded me of studying existential French literature when I was at university. We are used to folk songs dealing with dark subjects but in my opinion, this CD will have a very niche appeal. Jelly was inspired by key figures from the 1960s and 1970s such as Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Tim Buckley and she started to play the guitar at the age of five. She sings all the self-penned tracks on this album and displays her musical talent by also playing a number of instruments – guitars, keyboards, drums, percussion, mandolin, recorder and harmonica. Other musicians play violin, viola, cello, french horn and flutes. The beautifully packaged CD shows some evocative images but sadly does not give any details of where to find more information on this unusual artist. SL

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

“The Price of Stone is the second album from singer-songwriter Eamonn Harvey. More than half of the eleven tracks are self-penned and one is an unusual arrangement by Eamonn of the traditional ‘Silver Dagger’. The words of two of the tracks are printed on the album package. The album is a mix of instrumental numbers and songs. The poetic lyrics are well expressed by Eamonn’s strong voice, which has a husky edge to it. This is perfectly matched by the backing vocal which feature male and female voices and the talented playing of the instruments – guitars, percussion, whistle, Uilleann pipes, harmonica and bass. There is a strong Celtic tone to many of the tracks but the attentive ear will also detect strains of bluegrass, Americana and country and western. Some people have compared Eamonn’s delivery to Cat Stevens’ music. I felt I was listening to a story-teller, well-practiced in his art and skilled in holding the listener’s attention. I could not find a website for this artist but you can ring 07746 071361 for more information. SL 7

“Artichokes & Cauliflowers” is the new solo album from Patricia De Mayo, who many will know from the oud duo, Storywheel. This CD is a beautifully produced piece: from the stunning artwork and graphics, the interesting photography and sleeve notes down to the compositions, playing and recording quality itself. It features a few musicians in addition to Patricia herself, and the range of instruments (from ouds, voice, violin & viola to percussion and lapsteel guitar) makes for an interesting and intriguing album. The CD contains 11 tracks, and I found it hard to pick a favourite since they are all excellent! I love the use of the oud throughout (as one might expect given Patricia’s other work), but there are lots of elements that I think will delight any listener. Patricia’s vocals are clear and concise, and most of the songs are by her (with a few traditional tunes). More information and the CD can be obtained from her website: www.patriciademayo.com. CB

CD reviews update

We have been inundated with CDs over the last couple of issues, so if yours has not appeared yet please bear with us. We are working through them (on a ‘first come first served’ basis) so will hope to include them in future issues...

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

Cambridge Junction

Sat 20 jan Fri 26 jan

MartyN Joseph This is the kit

Fri 02 feb

Police dog Hogan

Thu 15 feb

Phil beer

Sat 17 feb

Hayseed dixie

Mon 19 feb

MARTIN HARLEY & DANIEL KIMBRO

Sat 24 feb

CHOUK BWA LIBÈTE

Tue 27 feb

MICHAEL MCGOLDRICK, JOHN MCCUSKER AND JOHN DOYLE

(HAITI)

Thu 01 mar

MEGSON

Sat 03 mar

New routes feat. Alden, Patterson & Dashwood + LOTZ

Mon 05 mar

SAM KELLY AND THE LOST BOYS

Tue 06 mar

Peter Knight & John Spiers

Tue 13 mar

MARTIN TAYLOR & ULF WAKENIUS

Mon 19 mar

RAGHU DIXIT

Tue 20 mar

O’HOOLEY & TIDOW

Wed 21 Mar

THE HANDSOME FAMILY

TUE 27 MAR

TWELTH DAY

(AT St Barnabas Church, Cambridge)

Cambridge junction, clifton way, Cambridge cb1 7gx

Junction.co.uk | 01223 511 511 Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

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Time to Meet... Aldbury Morris Men

ucked away near Tring in Hertfordshire is the pretty little village of Aldbury, complete with village pond, ancient stocks and whipping post, and two fine pubs. It has been the home of Aldbury Morris Men since 1969, and the side is still going strong! Back in 1969 there was a Folk Club in the village and it was some of the folk musicians that decided to start Morris Dancing. We started in an unheated barn at the rear of the Greyhound Pub, but quickly moved to the warmer surroundings of the Memorial Hall where we continue our quest for perfection every Thursday evening during the winter months. (Always followed by a trip to The Valiant Trooper where we talk complete nonsense until closing time.)

Music and song continues to be as important as the dancing – and the side boasts about a dozen singers and musicians, some of whom also perform in two local competing Barn Dance bands! Indeed, people have observed, accurately but unkindly, that although we have some fine dancers, on average we are better musicians than dancers! Rod Puddefoot, the original Squire who started the side, is still dancing, but more often singing or “helping” the musical accompaniment with his trombone! We dance an eclectic mix of different Cotswold traditions (and the odd Border dance as well) with sticks and hankies and pints of ale. And if the right dancers are around we even perform Rapper Sword dancing from NE England. Our dancing out season starts by welcoming the sunrise on May Day morning - luckily there’s a convenient hill so the sun doesn’t appear above the horizon too early - and then continues right to the end of September. During the season we dance out at a different pub every Thursday night, the pubs having been selected earlier in the year by the CAMRAaffiliated pub committee! Every Thursday evening

in the season then ends with a really good music session in the bar - the ratio of dancing to singing depending on the weather! Quite a few non-dancing folkies join us for the music sessions as well. As well as the regular Thursday night dance-outs, Aldbury Morris Men dance at village summer fetes, New Year’s Day and St George’s Day events and occasional weddings, the fees going to our chosen charities at the end of the season. We also have a well-supported annual weekend away with wives and girlfriends - and a particularly silly annual bike ride with many pubs, a lot of dancing and a bit of bike riding - usually involving canal towpaths - what could possibly go wrong? Over the years we have also appeared in a number of films and TV programmes, such as an episode of A League of Their Own where we provided a Morris response to the All Blacks’ rugby Haka (still visible on YouTube www.youtube. com/watch?v=7Z_2EmqU4A4 ) So what sort of Morris side are we? Well, there’s no point to Morris Dancing if you’re not trying to follow the various style traditions so that’s what we try to do – and we’re lucky to have Lester Bailey as our Foreman teaching us – but it has to be fun, and it has to be entertaining for the audience. So we hope we have that balance. One of the nice things about Aldbury Morris Men is the wonderful mix of ages, backgrounds, jobs, types, shapes and sizes, Would you enjoy it? Of course you would! The winter is a good time to start and new dancers are made very welcome. No previous experience is needed - just a good sense of humour! Simply turn up at The Aldbury Memorial Hall around 8pm or a bit later at The Valiant Trooper on any Thursday - or email squire@aldburymorris.co.uk or visit www.aldburymorris.co.uk.

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 141

enjoy some of the uk’s top folk artists in a beautiful village setting

7 July 2018

the urban folk Quartet

Hannah sanders and ben savage greg russell and ciaran algar jaywalkers And many more... music on 4 stages, food stalls, workshops, storytelling, dancing, facepainting, buskers and a full day of free entertainment on our lovely village green

“A profusion of sheer excellence in a perfect setting” London Folk “The festival equivalent of a gourmet picnic” James Fagan(Kerr/Fagan) For tickets and information visit:

www.kimptonfolk.uk or email: hello@kimptonfolk.uk

@kimptonfolk

@kimptonfolkfestival

kimptonfolkuk