Unicorn Magazine Issue 142 by Unicorn Folk

MORRIS page & Morris Diary Features

Gig Reviews

four pages of CD REVIEWS

& MUCH MOREâ&#x20AC;¦

enjoy some of the ukâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top folk artists in a beautiful village setting

7 July 2018

the urban folk Quartet greg russell and ciaran algar while matthews and while the james brothers Hannah sanders and ben savage Jackie oates and mike cosgrave josie duncan and pablo lafuente, jaywalkers luke jackson, Will mcNicol and Luke selby Blathnaid lynn, London klezmer quartet kelly oliver and said the maiden

s st et a k f ic ng i ll

food stalls, workshops, storytelling, dancing, facepainting, buskers free entertainment on the village green

Tickets from www.kimptonfolk.uk @kimptonfolk

@kimptonfolkfestival

kimptonfolkuk

So much to look forward to...

e’re putting this edition to bed with snow falling heavily all around the country and many communities suffering from the icy blast of ‘The Beast from the East’. But the daffodils are in bud beneath the snow and the leaves on the trees are just waiting for the temperature to rise a few degrees to cover their canopies in a haze of green. So with Spring just around the corner, we bring you a magazine packed full of interest and pleasurable things to do. There are gigs galore, country and Morris dancing, festivals aplenty (including two right on our doorstep in St Albans and Kimpton), CD reviews, interviews and much, much more. Folk music is very much alive and kicking in our neck of the woods!

We’d love to hear about gigs or festivals you attend or anything ‘Unicorn’ related. Please send us an article (with a picture or two if you can) to help us to spread the word. We’ll do our very best to print it if space allows. Thank you all for your continued support of Unicorn Magazine and for being such nice people to work with. See you at the clubs and the festivals. Sandra & Clive

The production schedule for our next issue (Issue 143: July, August & September 2018) is unfortunately going to be three weeks shorter than normal. We will be posting full details via our mailing list in the next few weeks of how this may effect you, so please make sure you are signed up (via our website) to receive full updates...

Editorial

Contents

Chatterbox

Round the Clubs

Morris Diary Index

Sessions

13 14 – 15

Shall We Dance?

Feature: St Albans Folk Festival 2018

22 – 23

Morris Diary

Feature: Top 10 Tips for Enjoying Folk Festivals Unicorn Diary

27 – 29

Club Index

Strumming & Dreaming: Max Bianco’s forthcoming EP

Review: The Great British Folk Festival, Butlins, Skegness, December 2017

Feature: Farr Brew

Feature: Kimpton Folk Festival 2018

Interview: Matthew Crampton

Folk Bloke

Feature: The Stables

Gig Reviews: Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band / Hazel Askew, Laurel Swift & Ben Moss

Morris Page: Time to Meet: Rose & Castle Morris

Front cover: Photo by Al Rogers Instruments in Peril #9: Stove Drum © Unicorn Magazine 2018 CB1457 • April 2018

48 – 51

CD Reviews

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.

Visit our website at www.unicornmagazine.org Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

Editorial Team:

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Printed by Newman Thomson Ltd 3

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PRESENTS

FOLK ON THE COMMON 2018 April 12th: The Sea & The Land, plus floor spots April 19th: Chris Cleverley, plus floor spots May 3rd:

ANDY IRVINE, plus floor spots

May 17th: Two Coats Colder, plus floor spots

Sunday June 10th 2018 2.00pm – 6.00pm Free outdoor concert on Redbourn Common featuring:

OTHER DATES ARE OPEN STAGE NIGHTS

Mike Excell Bathtub Ginn Elizabeth & Jameson Ranagri GBH

THURSDAYS 8.00pm – 10.45pm

Free parking, toilets, bar & BBQ, bring a chair or sit on the grass

June 7th: NANCY KERR, plus floor spots June 10 : FOLK ON THE COMMON 2.00pm – 6.00pm, FREE th

June 21st: Supermoon, plus floor spots

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

www.unicornmagazine.org

Obituary – Malcolm Fairmaner: We are sad to report that Malcolm Fairmaner died on 12th November 2017 aged 82. He was a regular member of St Neots Folk Club and Heartsease Folk Dance Group and also a regular attender of sessions in the area. On 6th January 2018 approximately 100 people attended a Celebration of his life with many performing his favourite songs and tunes, though not all could be fitted in, so many wanted to sing and or play! Malcolm joined St Neots Folk Club nearly 40 years ago and he was involved in all the activities including the Festival, Dance weekends away, Club and other sessions and he became well known by audiences and artists alike. He is missed by many. Rose & Crown Session, St Michael’s Street, St Albans: Unfortunately the attempt to relaunch these traditional music sessions didn’t work out due to lower than hoped for numbers. It wasn’t a waste of time, however, as many new musicians were lured out of the woodwork. They are looking for somewhere else to carry on – please email suggestions to Alison.Macfarlane@lineone.net. News from the St Albans Folk Music: New Roots final is on April 8th, @ Trestle Arts Base, St Albans. All welcome to come and listen. The music runs from 11am to 3pm. Folk at the Maltings has Human Cargo on May 11th. The St Albans Folk Festival is on June 15–17th: see their ad and feature on pages 16 & 17.

Staplers, Hitchin’s social folk dance club, celebrates 60 years of dancing in 2018. To commemorate this they have some special events planned including a Sunday afternoon Tea Dance on 15th April from 3.00–6.00pm. Kevin Prigmore will call dances from the past 60 years to music from Kelly’s Eye. Staplers’ memorabilia from the past 60 years will be on display and a cream tea will be served at their usual venue for public dances, St Ipolytts Parish Hall.

Waltham Abbey Folk Club Summer Sing weekend: June 15th / 16th / 17th, a not for profit, friendly, sociable, singaround weekend. Day, evening and full weekend tickets are available. Good level camping ground close to meeting room with decent shower block and wheelchair friendly. Site contains small rare breed farm, gardens and allotments. Use of meeting room, attached kitchen & further toilets open from 7.30am – midnight. Free tea and coffee but bring your own alcohol and soft drinks. Numbers limited to allow full participation in singaround sessions. Friday: bring and share supper, Sat: optional fish & chips / veggie burger & chips with all the trimmings to be booked and paid for in advance. Fun contest Step Dance on a small board, free entry, open to all with trophy and prizes. Contact Jan Ayres for further information and booking form (janpoetayres@yahoo.co.uk). Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning, Manor Rd , Lambourne End, Essex RM4 1NB.

Due to space restrictions in this, particularly lengthy issue, here is the Index for the Morris Diary (pages 22 & 23) – apologies for the slightly unusual placement! BALDOCK Midnight Morris – Cotswold, Border, Raglan, Fieldtown Contact: John Richardson 07905 792508 www.baldockmidnightmorris.org.uk BEDFORD Morris Men –Cotswold, North West and Border Contact: Phil Nicholson 07756 064181 www.bedfordmorrismen.org.uk LETCHWORTH Morris Men – Cotswold Contact: Andrew Harper 07771 903964 harperandrew937@gmail.com www.letchworthmorris.org.uk

WOODSIDE Morris Men – Cotswold Contact: Nick Wilson 07860 663 033 pete@iw2.co.uk www.woodsidemorrismen.com WHITCHURCH Morris Men – Cotswold Contact: John King, 01296 420 846 info@whitchurchmorris.org.uk www.whitchurchmorris.org.uk WICKET BROOD – Border Morris Contact: Stella Lewis, bagman@wicketbrood.org.uk www.wicketbrood.org.uk

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

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

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Eliza Carthy &

The Wayward

Band Cara Dillon

Karine Po

lwart

Cohen BraithwaiteKilcoyne

e Wheel

Stick In Th

Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band Show Of Hands with Miranda Sykes Cara Dillon • Karine Polwart Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening Blowzabella • Drever, McCusker, Woomble John Doyle • Gigspanner Big Band False Lights • Elephant Sessions Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Kings Alistair Anderson & Northlands Steve Tilston & Jez Lowe • Stick In The Wheel Jim Moray • Edgelarks • The Rheingans Sisters Kaia Kater • Saltﬁshforty • Blackbeard’s Tea Party Police Dog Hogan • Sam Carter • Les Barker Peter Knight & John Spiers • Ye Vagabonds Pete Coe • Narthern • John Kirkpatrick The Emily Askew Band • Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar Naomi Bedford • Jim Causley • Plastikes Karekles Alden, Patterson & Dashwood • Jack Rutter Ryan Young with Jenn Butterworth • Magpie Lane Debs Newbold • Will Pound’s Through The Seasons National Youth Folk Ensemble Matthew Crampton & Paul Sartin present Living By The Sea Toby Hay • Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne Tom Moore & Archie Churchill-Moss and many more

Pre-Festival Specials Thursday 2nd August ROGER McGOUGH + LiTTLe MACHiNe • FAIRPORT CONVENTION Friday 3rd August THE UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITIAN •••••• ••••••

Concerts • Ceilidhs • Folk Dances • Roots Parties Dance Spectaculars • Children’s Festival Huge Workshop Programme

Early Bird Season Tickets available now.

www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk or call the box office 01395 577952

7YCOMBE !RTS &ESTIVAL s 3T ,AWRENCE #HURCH s 7EST 7YCOMBE (0 !0

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Afternoon Vocal Workshop and evening Concert with WINDBORNE, an American four-piece singing group, with beautifully crafted harmonies and arrangements. They sing and play Folk songs from America and the UK, and include some Corsican,Georgian and Canadian songs in the mix. The Workshop will run from 1.00pm until 5.00pm, with a coffee / tea break in the middle.

The evening Concert will start at 8.00pm until 10.00pm with a central break with refreshments available. Workshop cost is £20.00, Concert is £15.00, and a ticket to cover both events is £30.00, from Wycombe Arts. Festival Ticket Office, or the Wycombe Folk Arts hotline: 07796 956736

142 Wycombe Arts UM3 Half Page (landscape).indd 1

3/3/18 13:08:18

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

UM140 SAMM UM3 Ad (colour).indd 1 Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

17/8/17 16:31:26 www.unicornmagazine.org

FOLK NIGHTS LADY MAISERY 28TH MARCH CALAN 19TH APRIL URBAN FOLK QUARTET 5TH MAY HUMAN CARGO 17TH JUNE

MUSIC 8PM (DOORS 7.30PM) theplacebedford.org.uk/tickets 01234 354321 TP 134x191mm Unicorn March2018.indd 1 10

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22/02/2018 14:36 Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

ACTS CONFIRMED SO FAR

EDWARD II SHOW OF HANDS DAOIRI FARRELL BLACKBEARD’S TEA PARTY M ER RY HELL GA RY ST E WA R T ’S GR A C E LA ND WORRY DOLLS SASKIA GRIFFITHS-MOORE

a n d B ANT ER C EIL IDH BAND FROM

£699

– TH

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

15TH OCTOBEr

l a g u t Por

Albufeira 018 2 HOTEL GRANDE REAL SANTA EULALIA 5* RESORT AND SPA visit www.costadelfolk. co.uk or call 01254 445050

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 142

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 C HINNOR • Chinnor Methodist Church, 62 Station Road, OX39 4PZ (2.00pm to 4.00pm, 2nd , slow and steady but fun): Liz 01844 351565 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 • 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 (13th April, 11th May, 8th June): 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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April

Wednesday 4 Thursday 5 Friday 6 Monday

6 9

Wednesday 11 Thursday 12 Friday 13

Saturday

Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

16 18 19 20 20 21

Monday

Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday

25 26 27 29

Monday

MAY

Wednesday 2 Thursday 3 Friday 4 Wednesday Thursday Friday

4 9 10 11 11

Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Dance with Mike Bennett and the Friday Folk Band • FF2 Dance • CCD Club night with caller Lorraine Morgan • SDC Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Dance with Dave and Rebecca Capron and Spring Greens • FF2 Ceilidh with Vertical Expression, with caller Andrew Swaine • UC Dance with band Narrow Escape and caller John Green • BFD Dance with the Forest Band and caller Anne Dunn • WFD Club night with caller Ken Judd • SDC Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Dance with Suzanne Farmer • FF2 Dance • CCD Dance with band Caperbility and caller Charlotte Rich • FF1 Workshops led by Ian and Val McFarlane and John Symmods • CFANY St George’s Day Dance with band Momentum and caller Emma Wooders • CFAF Club night with caller Ann Gibson • SDC Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Dance with Dave Parsons • FF2 Spring Dance. Mark Elvins with Thomas Bending and Ali Ellacott. 3pm • MFDC Ceilidh with Chris and Julie Dewhurst and caller John Green • NC Club night with caller Marlene Harrison-Jones • SDC

Dance with club callers • LFDC No meeting - local elections • RB Dance with Ivan Aitken and the Friday Folk Band • FF2 Dance • CCD Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Dance with club callers • FF2 Ceilidh with The Tonic, with caller Gordon Potts • UC

MAY

continued

Saturday

Monday

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

16 17 18 18 19

Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Wednesday Thursday

21 23 24 25 30 31

JUNE

Friday

Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1 4 6 7 8

Saturday

Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday

11 13 14 15

Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday

15 18 20 21 22

Monday

Thursday Thursday Friday

27 28 29

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Public Dance. Callers – Kathryn & David Wright, Band – Jovial Crew. 7.30 – 10.45pm. Please bring a plate of food to share • BFC Dance with the Forest Band and caller Dave Kerridge • WFD Club night with callers Jacqueline & Stuart Beattie • SDC Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Dance with Bob Lilley • FF2 Dance • CCD Spring Dance with Judith Inman and the Forest Band. 7.30 – 10.30pm • SAAFDC Club night • SDC Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Club closed • FF2 Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB

Dance with Brenda Goodrich and the Friday Folk Band • FF2 Dance • CCD Club night • SDC Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Dance with Patricia Donnithorne • FF2 Dance with the Forest Band and caller Mike Courthold • WFD Club night • SDC Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Beginners’ night with Bob Barrett • FF2 Dance • CCD Club night • SDC Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Dance with Ian Edlin and Spring Greens • FF2 Pub & Pizza Evening – The Cricketers PH, Weston • SDC Dance with club callers • LFDC Club night country dancing • RB Dance with Mike Bennett and the Friday Folk Band • FF2 Dance • CCD

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

SWD: ORGANISERS & VENUES

BFC Bedford Fine Companions Goldington Academy, Haylands Way, Bedford MK41 9BX Chris Rutt, 01462 700451, https://finecompanions.wordpress.com BFD Bedford Folk Dance Club Putnoe Heights Church, Putnoe Heights, Bedford MK41 8EB Ron Law, 01234 825 574 BFFC Black Fen Folk Club NCI Club, 1 Holland St, Cambridge, CB3 3DL Pete Barrett, 07854 528806 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 FF1 Friday Folk Samuel Ryder Academy, Drakes Drive, St Albans, Herts AL1 5AR Bob Barrett, 01727 856508, www.fridayfolk.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

MFDC Marlow Folk Dance Club Flackwell Heath Community Centre, Straight Bit, Flackwell Heath, High Wycombe, HP10 9LS Janet Boothman, 01494 531716, mfdc@chilternfolk.org.uk NC Northampton Ceilidhs Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road, Abington, Northampton, NN1 5LL John & 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 SDC Staplers Country Dance Club St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Road, Hitchin, Herts, SG4 9JP Gill Goodman, 01462 456811, gillagoodman@hotmail.co.uk, www.staplers.org.uk SAAFDC St Albans Abbey Folk Dance Club Homewood Road United Reformed Church Hall, Sandpit Lane, St Albans, AL1 4BH Brian Hancock, 01727 834977 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 WFD Winchmore Folk Dance Club Trinity Church Hall, Church St / Gentleman’s Row, Enfield, EN2 6AN Joyce 0208 886 2696 or Gillian 0208 360 6226

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

lans are now well developed for St Albans Folk Festival which will run from June 15th to 17th 2018 and bring dancing and music to the City centre and nearby venues. The main events will take place on Saturday June 16th. During the day there will be displays of dancing in the City Centre, free performances in local pubs and other venues and workshops in the Maltings Arts Theatre. In the evening, there will be a festival concert in the Maltings Arts Theatre, featuring nationally known guest performers, The Dovetail Trio and Granny’s Attic. The Day of Dance will start with a display by all groups outside the Alban Arena, after which the dancers will spread out over City Centre locations and the West Front of the Abbey. Spånga Folkdansgille, a group from Sweden will be coming to take part. Invitations have gone out to morris dance groups over a wide area. A good response is expected as St Albans is a popular place to dance. Last year the morris dancers were joined by local Irish and Indian groups and the organisers would be glad to hear of any other local dance groups who are interested in taking part. Singers and musicians from a wide area will be coming to the City to join local singers in giving free showcase performances in The Farmer’s Boy, The White Hart Tap, The White Lion, The Hare and Hounds, The Garibaldi and Waterstone’s Bookshop and there will be informal singing in the Courtyard Café. Tickets are now on sale for the festival concert at 7.45pm at the Maltings Arts Theatre, an exciting double bill in which the acclaimed Dovetail Trio is joined by Granny’s Attic, a newer trio with a rising reputation. It will open with a short display of Swedish

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

dances by Spånga Folkdansgille. The Dovetail Trio, made up of Jamie Roberts, Rosie Hood and Matt Quinn have made a considerable reputation for their fresh approach to English traditional folk songs. They will share the bill with Granny’s Attic, a young trio of exceptional musicians, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne, George Sansome and Lewis Wood, who are making waves with their interpretation of range of English, Irish and Scottish traditional music as well as their own compositions. The concert will also include sets from Julian Mount, winner of the 2017 Watford Folk Club song writing competition and New Roots finalist, to be selected in April.

The Dovetail Trio

Some of the performers will be running workshops, including a singing workshop led by the Dovetail Trio and a ukulele workshop led by the Ver Players at the Maltings Arts Theatre and a Swedish dance workshop led by Spånga Folkdansgille at the White Hart Tap. The festival will start on Friday evening, June 15th, with an open evening hosted by Friday Folk social dance group and continue on Sunday June 17th with informal music making at the Robin Hood in Victoria Street. Events specifically for children and young people are also being planned. Nearer the time, a detailed programme will be available online at www. stalbansfolkatthefestival.org.uk. Tickets for the festival concert, price £14, £13 students and £10 for under 18s are available on the door or in advance, by booking online at www. maltingsartstheatre.co.uk/event/folkthe-dovetail-trio-grannys-attic, by phone on 0333 666 3366 or in person at St Albans Central Library.

Granny’s Attic

Further details: Alison Macfarlane, 01727 852111 (H) 0207 040 5832 (W), 0770 801 2991 (M), info@stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk, www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk/event/folk-the-dovetail-trio-grannys-attic/, www.dovetailtrio.com, www.grannysattic.org.uk

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Tenterden folk f 2018 “Tenterden, the Jewel of the Weald” Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th October 2018

GET INVOLVED, TAKE PART or BUY TICKETS i

GUEST CONFIRMED SO FAR Special guest: Julie Felix Plus: Alice Jones, Delta Ladies, Geoﬀ Lakeman, Georgia Lewis & friends, Pete Castle, Pete Morton, Scolds Bridle Also featuring: Mick Ryan’s new Folk Opera “Here at the Fair” Our regular and local guests: Chris Roche, Gavin & Julie Atkin, John & Di Cullen, Marsh Warblers, Peter Collins, Spare Parts, Sue Watson, Travelling Folk, Vic & Tina Smith, Vic Ellis one man band, United Folk Orchestras Free music stage guests: To be announced Morris sides and display teams And lots more!

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

Ticketed events include: concerts, barn dance, special shows, workshops, meet the guests, folk clubs, etc. Free events include: music stage, dance stage, dance displays, procession, song and music sessions, street theatre, etc. CONTACT INFORMATION: Alan Castle, 15 Repton Manor Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 3HA T: 01233 626805

Chief steward: Dance co-ordinator:

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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 Friday 27th April 2018 £15 (£13 in advance) £2 under 25s The Papa George Band This London based band will deliver a night of true passionate blues. With originals and classics Support by Akos Hasznosa Friday 25th May 2018 £15 (£13 in advance) £2 under 25s Freds House NMG award winning and our favourite band Support by John Meed Friday 29th June 2018 £13 (£11 in advance) £2 under 25s (7pm for 8pm) DOUBLE HEADLINER Viki Swan & Jonny Dyer with haunting nyckelharpa and some of the bagpipes not from Scotland. PLUS Cambridge and Walker with their charming and fresh songs

Showcase Nights

Second Friday of EVERY Month Friday 13th April 2018 Velvet and Stone (BAND - pictured) David Wilson Dave Pearce David Savage Philip Rundall Dave Oxley with Martin Kaszak Friday 11 th May 2018 John Meed Jason Betley Roseanne Moss Steve Warner Red Velvet (BAND) Cliff Ward (Willows – pictured) Friday 8th June 2018 The Crayon Angels Stan Harvey Colin Davies (pictured) 2Steps 4Words Craig Joiner Showcases hosted by Mark Gamon or Brian Harvey 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” 20

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

Bedfordshire’s Premier Home Brew and Wine Making Specialists

Ely Folk Club presents

Wednesday 18th April

John Ward Trio £11 (£10 advance)

Wednesday 16th May

Rosie Hood

•

Comprehensive range of bitters

•

Large choice of wines

•

Wide selection of lagers

•

Excellent prices

•

Free advice

HOME BREW HELPLINE

£11 (£10 advance)

01234 353856

Wednesday 13th June

Nancy Kerr £12 (£11 advance)

contactus@thehappybrewer.com www.thehappybrewer.com

Old Dispensary, 13 St Mary’s St., Ely CB7 4ER

Open Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm Sunday 10.30am to 4.30pm Closed Monday except Bank Holidays

01353 740999/664706

Roxton Garden Centre

www.elyfolkclub.co.uk

@ The Black Cat Roundabout Bedford Road, Roxton, MK44 3DY

Afternoon/Evening of Sunday 20th May 2018

Rodney Miller's Stringrays

Rodney Miller is the foremost exponent of New England style fiddling, a uniquely American blend of French Canadian and Celtic influences. The trio which is ‘Stringrays’ is completed by the brilliant addition of Max Newman on guitar and Stuart Kenney on upright bass and 5 string clawhammer banjo.

In Concert 15:00 to 17:15

£12.00*

Followed by

Contra Dance with Mark Elvins calling 18:30 to 22:30

£10:00

Combined ticket £15:00

Enquiries to: ALConcerts@gmail.com, or call Tim and Lesley Brooks on 01923 264536

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

www.unicornmagazine.org

Wednesday

8pm

WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice – Pump House, Watford, WD17 2JP

Sunday

3pm

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Radwell Spring Day, Radwell, Herts, SG7 5EW

Wednesday

8pm

WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice – Pump House, Watford, WD17 2JP

Wednesday

8pm

WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice – Pump House, Watford, WD17 2JP

Saturday

12.30pm

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Biggleswade High Street, Beds, SG18 0JL

Monday

tbc

WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • St George’s Day, Paddington Basin, London tbc

Tuesday

8pm

WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Chandos Arms PH, Weston Turville, Bucks, HP22 5RR

Wednesday

8pm

WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice – Pump House, Watford, WD17 2JP

Sunday

12.30pm

WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Harrow on the Hill May Fair, High Street, HA1 3NT

Tuesday

Morning

BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • Local Schools in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire

6.30am

BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • Ickwell May Pole with guests Letchworth Morris Men

6.30am

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Ickwell Green, Beds, SG18 9EF with Bedford Morris Men

12.15pm

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Letchworth Town Centre (opp The Three Magnets PH), Herts, SG6 3EW

From 8pm

5am

7.45pm

8pm

Saturday

All day

BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • Rochester Sweeps Festival

Monday

1.30pm

BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • Pirton Maypole Celebrations, Great Green, Pirton, Herts, SG5 3PS

11.30am

BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Crown PH, Northill and Ickwell with guests Letchworth Morris Men

11.30am

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Crown PH, Northill, Beds, SG18 9AA, with Bedford Morris Men

1.30pm

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Procession to Ickwell May Fair

6.30am

WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • May Day at Coombe Hill Monument, near Wendover. Grid ref SP849066

8.45am

WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Hampden Arms PH, Great Hampden, Bucks, HP16 9RQ

10am

WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • Worlds End Garden Centre, near Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6BD

1.30pm

WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Half Moon PH, Wilstone, Herts HP23 4PD

2.15pm

WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • Pitstone Green Farm Museum, Pitstone, Bucks LU7 9EY

7.45pm

BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Cock PH, Pavenham

tbc

Thursday

8.15pm

Sunday

Afternoon

Tuesday

8pm

Wednesday

7.45pm

BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Bell & Bear PH, Emberton with guests Brackley Morris Men

7.30pm

WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Falcon PH, Denham, UB9 5BE

Thursday

8.15pm

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Garden City Brewery and Bar, 22 The Wynd, Letchworth, Herts, SG6 3EN

Saturday

10am–4pm

All day

Sunday

Afternoon

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Walsworth Festival, Walsworth Common, Hitchin, Herts, SG4 0AL

Tuesday

8pm

WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Black Boy PH, Oving, Bucks, HP22 4HN, with Owlswick Morris

Wednesday

WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Five Elms PH, Weedon, Bucks, HP22 4NL WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Dawn in Cassiobury Park, Watford BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Fox & Hounds PH, Riseley WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice – Pump House, Watford, WD17 2JP

WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • tbc LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The March Hare PH, Dunton, Beds, SG18 8RN LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Ashwell at Home, Ashwell, Herts WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Old Farm Inn PH, Totternhoe, Beds, LU6 1RE

BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • Day of Dance, Baldock High Street, Herts LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • JMO Peterborough

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

Wednesday

7.45pm

8pm

9.15pm

WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Dumb Bell PH, Chalfont St Peter, SL9 0QY

8.15pm

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Jolly Waggoner PH, Ardeley, Herts, SG2 7AH

9.15pm

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Lordship Arms PH, Benington, Herts, SG2 7BX

Sat / Mon

26 & 28

tba

WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • In the Yorkshire Dales hosted by Leeds Morris Men

Tuesday

8pm

BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • Robin Hood and Little John PH, Tonwell, Herts, SG2 0HN

Wednesday

7.45pm

8pm

9.15pm

WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Green Dragon PH, London Colney, Herts, AL2 1RB

8.15pm

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Cock, Broom, Beds, SG18 9NA

9.15pm

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The White Hart PH, Campton, Beds, SG17 5NX

Saturday

tba

WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • St Leonard’s Fete, Tring, Herts, HP23 6NW

Sat / Sun

2&3

tba

WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • At Thaxted hosted by Thaxted Morris Men

Tuesday

8pm

BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • The Stone Jug PH, Clophill, Beds, MK45 4BY

8pm

WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Watermead Inn PH, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 0FX

8pm

BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The St Johns Arms PH, Melchbourne

8pm

WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • John Bunyan PH, Coleman Green, Herts, AL4 8ES

9.15pm

WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Queen’s Head, Sandridge, Herts, AL4 9DL

8.15pm

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Fox PH, Willian, Herts, SG6 2AE

9.15pm

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Three Horseshoes PH, Willian, Herts, SG6 2AE

8pm

BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • The Moon and Stars PH, Rushden, Herts, SG9 0TA

8pm

WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Bell PH, Stoke Mandeville, Bucks, HP22 5XA

8pm

BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Royal George PH, Stevington

8pm

WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Jolly Cricketers PH, Seer Green, Bucks, HP9 2YG

9.15pm

WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Three Horseshoes PH, Seer Green, Bucks, HP9 2XX

8.15pm

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Victoria PH, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 1TJ

9.15pm

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Old George PH, Ickleford, Herts, SG5 3UX

8pm

BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • The Fox PH, Pirton, Herts, SG5 3PS

8pm

WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Plough PH, Cadsden, Bucks, HP27 0NB

8pm

WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Cricketers PH, Sarratt, Herts, WD2 6AS

9.15pm

8pm

8.45pm

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Rose and Crown PH, Ashwell, Herts, SG7 5NP

9.30pm

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Bushel and Strike PH, Ashwell, Herts, SG7 7EY

8pm

BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • The Orange Tree PH, Baldock, Herts, SG7 5AW

8pm

WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Rose and Crown PH, Wingrave, Bucks, HP22 4PD with New Moon Morris

8pm

BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Bedford Arms PH, Souldrop

From 8pm

Thursday

8.15pm

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Sun Inn PH, Lemsford, Herts, AL8 7TN with Wicket Brood

Saturday

All day

LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Whitchurch Morris Men 70th Anniversary, Vale of Aylesbury

Sat / Sun

30 & 1/7

tba

Thursday

Wednesday

Thursday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Tuesday

Wednesday

BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The March Hare PH, Dunton WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Royal Oak PH, West Hyde, WD3 9XP

BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • Ickwell Cricket Pavilion with guests Ickwell Green Morris WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Plough, Sleapshyde, Herts, AL4 0SE

WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Cock PH, Sarratt, Herts, WD3 6HH LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Three Tuns PH, Ashwell, Herts, SG7 5NL

WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Around Caddington village

WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • Weekend of Celebrations to mark 70th Anniversary of the starting of Whitchurch Morris Men. See www.whitchurchmorris.org.uk

Due to space restrictions in this, particularly lengthy issue, the Index for the Morris Diary can be found on page 7 – apologies for the slightly unusual placement! Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

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&/ , ) & -.

)

* &+ $ % &' ( ! " #

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

ver been tempted to go to a folk festival but weren’t sure if it was for you? I’m passionate about folk music, but only started going to festivals about seven years ago, so here are some things I wish I had known earlier...

1 Plan ahead – there are festivals throughout the year – in the UK and abroad. Check websites like www.ukfolkfestivals.co.uk/england.php and https://www.armandalegmusic.com/festivals2018.html but don’t overdo it – it’s easy to get carried away and book too many events. Book as early as you can to get the best prices (check concessions for seniors!). Most of the festivals make excellent provision for those with mobility issues but do ask about your specific requirements 2 Check out the type of festival and in particular the seating arrangements. Some festivals are held in large marquees, some in permanent buildings and some in the open air. Seating is provided in many, but for others you have to bring your own chairs, and at some, if you want to hear the music, you may have to stand for the whole set (usually about 45 minutes). They are all different 3 Book your accommodation as soon as you have your tickets (or even before for the big festivals). Choose onsite camping (caravan, campervan, tent) to be in the thick of things but ask for a quiet pitch if you don’t like late nights. Or you can go offsite (hotel, B&B, cottage) if you want a comfy bed and don’t want to queue for loos and showers 4 Prepare for all weathers – casual layered clothes are best as it can be hot in the day and very cold in the late evening. Anything goes for style, and many regular festival goers have their special festival outfits which add colour and fun to the atmosphere. Always take waterproofs and a hat for sunshine or latenight warmth, and sturdy footwear is a must – I recommend walking boots or wellies if it’s likely to be wet

see or do everything. Try to see unfamiliar artists as well as your favourites 6 If you play an instrument, take it with you. There are usually great workshops but you may need to book in advance 7 Useful things to take include... WetWipes, hand sanitiser, a refillable bottle for water, small loo roll, a torch, sun cream/sun glasses, ear plugs (the venues can seat several thousand people so the sound is much louder than at a folk club), a cushion (the seats can be very hard!), picnic blanket and an umbrella. Pop valuables in a bumbag and other things in a small rucksack 8 Check out the food arrangements – at most festivals there are food stalls and outlets to suit all tastes, vegetarian, vegan, carnivores, healthy options and fast food, or you can picnic. There’s usually an onsite store for groceries, newspapers etc. plus bars serving wonderful ales, ciders and wine 9 Take your credit card... and visit the wonderful trade stalls for clothing, household items, ornaments, jewellery, CDs, local produce, musical instruments and their accessories and camping equipment 10 Make friends with the stewards – they are all volunteers and they do a tough job for your enjoyment and safety. They can help you make the most of your visit. Do you have any festival tips to pass on to Unicorn readers? We’d love to hear from you at unicornmagazine@hotmail.co.uk. Sandra Lawes

5 Study the programme and plan each day – lots of things happen simultaneously and you can’t

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

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Advert Unicorn Apr-May 18:Layout 2

23/1/18

10:03

Page 1

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

kayley) is your chance to dance English folk dances with others. The caller explains all the moves and walks them through – the band starts – and a great time is had by all! There’s usually a dance display in the interval and a raffle. Singles and groups are welcomed – just come and enjoy dancing to great music from top bands. Tickets only £10 - singles & groups welcome.

FRIDAY 11TH MAY

See www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk

The tonic

FRIDAY 13TH APRIL

with caller

vertical expression with caller

andrew swaine One of the UK contra dance scene's most popular bands, Vertical Expression have been delighting audiences throughout the last decade with their unique brand of high-energy contra dance music. www.verticalexpressioncontra.co.uk Andrew says of himself: “I've been dancing since I was quite small. In that time I've tried lots of different styles, and loved every minute of it. I've been calling and teaching workshops since I started university in 1996, and aim to pass some of that enjoyment on”. This promises to be a special evening - be there!

St Mary’s Hall, Church St, Baldock SG7 5AE

FULL BAR with REAL ALE

gordon potts

The Tonic is Julie Atkin (pia Woods (percussion and voca no & vocals), Ollie ls), Gavin Atkin (fiddle, duet concertina, melodeon and Malcolm Woods (melodeon vocals) and and vocals). Separately, they have been musicians in social and folkinvolved as singers and dan for many years. Together, theyce, music and song produce simple, direct dance music in the trad itional style. Gordon has played and calle d with many of the top UK bands, and is known for his huge repertoire of excellent dances. Don’t miss the season’s last dance! Tickets now available on line - see website for details

Doors open 7.30 p.m. Dancing 8.00 to 11.00 p.m.

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, Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage, SG1 1UP or email bagman@stevenagesword.org.uk

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

Sunday

1 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Dave Ellis & Boo Howard and Liz Simcock 2 HERGA at the Castle • Bank Holiday – closed 2 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Easter singaround tbc Tuesday 3 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • The Hut People Wednesday 4 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country 4 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 5 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Lynne Whapples 5 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 5 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage & Singaround 5 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 6 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Easter – No club meeting 6 CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance 6 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Open Stage with Jinski 6 FOLK AT THE MALTINGS • na mara, Sue Farthing and Clive Carey and New Roots finalist Megan Wisdom 6 FRIDAY FOLK • Mike Bennett and the Friday Folk Band 6 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround Fr–Sun 6–8 BENSLOW MUSIC • Accordion Weekend with Paul Hutchinson Sunday 8 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 8 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • NW & Cotswold Morris 8 FOLK AT THE MALTINGS • New Roots Final at the Trestle Arts Base, Russet Dr, St Albans AL4 0JQ. 11am – 3pm 8 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Mike Silver & Johnny Coppin Monday 9 HERGA at the Castle • April Fools Humorous Songs 9 STAPLERS • Club Evening with Lorraine Morgan 9 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • feature Phil Hewitt Tuesday 10 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Winter Wilson Wednesday 11 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country 11 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Folk Club with Terry Hiscock 11 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 12 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller John Green 12 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers’ Night 12 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • The Sea & the Land plus floor spots 12 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 13 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Easter – No club meeting 13 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Showcase: Dave Ellis and Boo Howard; Anne-Marie Sanderson. Support: Max Bianco 13 FRIDAY FOLK • David & Rebecca Capron and Spring Greens 13 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Showcase Night featuring Velvet Stone 13 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround Sunday 15 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Bophouseblue 15 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar plus Saskia Griffiths More 15 STAPLERS TEA DANCE • Dance with Kevin Prigmore and Kelly’s Eye Monday 16 HERGA at the Castle • Regular Singaround Monday

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

Tuesday Wednesday

16 STAPLERS • Club Evening with Ken Judd 16 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround 17 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • John Conolly 18 ELY FOLK CLUB • John Ward Trio 18 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • NW & Cotswold Morris 18 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB •Amplified Acoustic Night with Chloe Turner 18 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 19 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Vic Hulatt 19 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Local Singers and Musicians 19 PLACE THEATRE, BEDFORD • Calan 19 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Chris Cleverley plus floor spots 19 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 20 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 20 CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance 20 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Na-mara; Paul McClure Trio. Support: Cliff Ward and John Parker 20 FRIDAY FOLK • Suzanne Farmer 20 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Windborne (from USA) Sunday 22 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 22 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Allan Taylor Monday 23 HERGA at the Castle • St George’s Day – England Forever! With The Herga Mummers 23 STAPLERS • Club Evening with Ann Gibson 23 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround & visit from Chingford Morris Mummers Tuesday 24 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • The Dovetail Trio Wednesday 25 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country 25 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Folk Club with Shanty Keith 25 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 26 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Kevin Prigmore 26 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 26 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage & Singaround 26 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 27 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 27 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Open Stage with Muskett 27 FRIDAY FOLK • Dave Parsons 27 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Concert: The Papa George Band, support Akos Hasznoza 27 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround Fri –Sun 27–29 BENSLOW MUSIC • Macedonian Gypsy and Folk Tunes with Gundula Gruen Sunday 29 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 29 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Wild Willy Barrett’s French Connection plus Elliott Morris 29 MARLOW FOLK DANCE CLUB • Spring Dance – Mark Elvins with Thomas Bending and Ali Ellacott, 3pm Monday 30 HERGA at the Castle • Regular Singaround 30 STAPLERS • Club Evening with Marlene Harrison-Jones 30 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround

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Tuesday 1 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Round the Room Wednesday 2 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country 2 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 3 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Pat George 3 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers’ Night 3 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Andy Irvine plus floor spots 3 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • No meeting (local elections) Friday 4 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 4 CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance 4 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Clive Gregson and Liz Simcock. Support: Kev Walford and Kelly Pritchard 4 FRIDAY FOLK • Ivan Aitken and the Friday Folk Band 4 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Mandy Woods and Harry Brzezinski Saturday 5 PLACE THEATRE, BEDFORD • Urban Folk Quartet Sunday 6 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 6 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Foxglove Trio and Rosie Hood (Double Header) Monday 7 HERGA at the Castle • Bank Holiday – closed 7 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • May Day singaround tbc Tuesday 8 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • na-mara Wednesday 9 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country 9 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Folk Club with Lizzie J Taylor 9 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 10 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Terry Elvins 10 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Local Singers and Musicians 10 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 11 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 11 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage. Support: Glymjac 11 FOLK AT THE MALTINGS • Human Cargo with Matthew Crampton and Jeff Warner 11 FRIDAY FOLK • Club Callers 11 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Showcase Night featuring Red Velvet 11 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround – Summer Songs Sunday 13 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 13 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • NW & Cotswold Morris 13 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Chris While & Julie Matthews Monday 14 HERGA at the Castle • May Songs 14 STAPLERS • Club Evening with Jacqueline & Stuart Beattie 14 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB •May singaround Tuesday 15 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Derek Gifford Wednesday 16 ELY FOLK CLUB • Rosie Hood 16 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • NW & Cotswold Morris 16 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Amplified Acoustic Night with Safe House 16 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 17 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller George Hearnden

17 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 17 PLACE THEATRE, BEDFORD • Human Cargo with Matthew Crampton and Jeff Warner 17 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Two Coats Colder plus floor spots 17 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 18 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 18 CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance 18 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Open Stage with Late Nights Early Mornings 18 FRIDAY FOLK • Bob Lilley 18 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Steve Warner Sunday 20 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Robin Gillan 20 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Gilmore & Roberts plus Steve Warner Monday 21 HERGA at the Castle • Regular Singaround 21 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 22 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Hungrytown Wednesday 23 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country 23 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Folk Club with David Savage 23 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 24 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller tba 24 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers’ Night 24 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage & Singaround 24 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 25 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 25 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Morganway 25 FRIDAY FOLK • Closed 25 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Concert: Fred’s House, support John Meed 25 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround Sunday 27 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 27 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Kelly Oliver Monday 28 HERGA at the Castle • Bank Holiday – closed 28 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround tbc Tuesday 29 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Round the Room Tue–Thur 29–31 BENSLOW MUSIC • The Benslow Klezmer Orchestra with members of the London Klezmer Quartet Wednesday 30 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country 30 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 31 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller tba 31 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 31 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage & Singaround 31 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing

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Friday

1 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • School Holiday – check website 1 CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance 1 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 1 FOLK AT THE MALTINGS • An Dha plus Elizabeth and Jameson 1 FRIDAY FOLK • Brenda Godrich and the Friday Folk Band 1 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround Saturday 2 BENSLOW MUSIC • Accordion Day for Beginners with Paul Hutchinson Sunday 3 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 3 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • NW & Cotswold Morris 3 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Miranda Sykes Monday 4 HERGA at the Castle • Regular Singaround 4 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Guests Sally Ironmonger & Brian Carter Tuesday 5 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Alden, Patterson & Dashwood Wednesday 6 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Club Practice 6 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 7 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Alison Ross 7 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Local Singers and Musicians 7 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Nancy Kerr plus floor spots 7 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 8 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 8 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Wild Willy Barrett. Support: I Claudia 8 FRIDAY FOLK • Patricia Donnithorne 8 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Showcase Night featuring Colin Davies 8 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Spotlight Singaround with Mandy Hardingham & Friends Fri–Sun 8–10 BENSLOW MUSIC • Folk and Fiddling by Ear with Pete Cooper Fri–Sun 8–10 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • ST NEOTS FOLK FESTIVAL Sunday 10 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 10 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Chris & Kellie While plus Glymjac 10 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Folk on the Common 2pm – 6pm Monday 11 HERGA at the Castle • The Queen’s Birthday – Serving King and Country 11 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 12 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • The Trials of Cato Wednesday 13 ELY FOLK CLUB • Nancy Kerr 13 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Practice for Swedish w/e 13 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Folk Club with Kevin Hunt 13 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 14 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller John Green 14 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 14 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage & Singaround 14 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 15 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 15 CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance 15 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • See www.cambridgefolkclub.co.uk for details

Fri–Sun

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

15 FRIDAY FOLK • Beginners’ Night with Bob Barrett 15 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround 15–17 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Summer sing weekend Saturday 16 FOLK AT THE MALTINGS • Workshops: Ukulele with the Ver Players, West Gallery with Chiltern Quire, Shooting Roots Funky World band workshop and singing workshops with Give it a Go and The Dovetail Trio 16 FOLK AT THE MALTINGS • St Albans Folk Festival concert with the Dovetail Trio, Granny’s Attic, Spånga Folkdansgille, Julian Mount and New Roots finalist tbc Sunday 17 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Guest Night tba Monday 18 HERGA at the Castle • Regular Singaround 18 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 19 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Clive Gregson Wednesday 20 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • NW & Cotswold Morris 20 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Amplified Acoustic Night with Steve Young UK 20 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 21 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Graham Foster 21 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Summer Solstice Singers’ Night 21 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Supermoon plus floor spots 21 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 22 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 22 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Mentés Másként Ensemble from Hungary. Support: James Eisner 22 FRIDAY FOLK • Ian Edlin and Spring Greens 22 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Black Scarr Fri–Sun 22–24 BENSLOW MUSIC • Folk Orchestra with Jon Bennett and Liz van Santen Sunday 24 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage Monday 25 HERGA at the Castle • Regular Singaround 25 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Guest Pete Grassby Tuesday 26 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Round the Room Wednesday 27 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country 27 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Folk Club with The Larks 27 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 28 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Ann Gibson 28 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 28 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage & Singaround 28 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 29 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 29 CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance 29 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Showcase: see www.cambridgefolkclub.co.uk for details 29 FRIDAY FOLK • Cajun with Madeleine and Tim 29 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Double headliner concert: Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer, Cambridge and Walker 29 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround Fri–Sun 29/30 BENSLOW MUSIC • Tango Techniques & 1/7 and Style with Caroline Pearsall don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE TO both OUR BLOG and our mailing list FOR revised gig dates, news & UPDATES BETWEEN ISSUES...

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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 • 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 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 HITCHIN • Staplers Country Dance Club St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Rd, Hitchin SG4 9JP Contact: Gill Goodman, 01462 456811, gillagoodman@hotmail.co.uk, www.staplers.org.u

LUTON • English Miscellany East Hyde Village Hall, Southern Rise, East Hyde Luton, Beds, LU2 9QB Contact: Eileen Heylin, 01442 255862 www.englishmiscellany.com MARLOW • Marlow Folk Dance Club Flackwell Heath Community Centre, Straight Bit, Flackwell Heath, High Wycombe, HP10 9LS Contact: Janet Boothman, 01494 531716 mfdc@chilternfolk.org.uk 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 1EJ 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 • Staplers Tea Dance St Ippolyts Village Hall, Waterdell Lane, St Ippolyts, Hitchin SG4 7RA Contact: Gill Goodman, 01462 456811 gillagoodman@hotmail.co.uk, 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

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

Fridays – 8.00pm

2018 SEASON

March

Fri 2nd RICHARD GRAINGER www.richard-grainger.com

April Fri 6th PERFORMERS’ NIGHT Fri 20th 5 MEN NOT CALLED MATT akpowell@btinternet.com

May Fri 4th STEVE ASHLEY www.steveashley.co.uk

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

June Fri 1st

PERFORMERS’ NIGHT

Thurs 7th CHRIS & KELLIE WHILE www.thesongloft.co.uk Website Tickets

Fri 29th

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

PERFORMERS’ NIGHT

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ưǺƔ˯ȀƈȌǺ˵ @ǘǈʋ @ƔȀȇƳȡŭʎ ѷȀưǺƔ˯ȀƈȌǺȨƩǘǈʋ

ICKET NOW

Ceilidh Bands Concerts Morris Teams Workshops

Richard Thompson

STEELEYE SPAN

N S AL

24 .25.26.27 ŭȌƪȌȀ˔ 2018

Elec tric Trio

P@ndemonium!

Jon Boden & The ǺƔƩǘǈǅȌˆ Remnant Kings Children’s Festival

for 11-17 year olds

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

SHOW OF HANDS Daoirí Farrell Trio

Gretchen Peters Usher’s Island Peter Knight’s Gigspanner Big Band The Fitzgeralds Skerryvore Rusty Shackle Peter Knight & John Spiers State of the Union O’Hooley & Tidow Guo Yue and Joji Hirota with Members of London Taiko Drummers Megson Blowzabella The Wilson Family Mankala

&ŭǐƉɛ ƉȇˆФ

|| BLOWZABELLA || BEDLAM || COMMITTEE BAND || VERTICAL EXPRESSION || KIRKOPHANY || OUT OF HAND

plus many more! see website for latest…

ŭǈǈƔˀˆФ

Jo Freya, Phil Bassendale Nick Walden John Kirkpatrick

www. ȀưǺƔ˯ȀƈȌǺȨƩǘǈǅƩƔȀȇƳȡŭʎ .co.uk

Max Bianco’s forthcoming EP

must admit to being very excited about this issue, as it contains a review of my band Red Velvet’s new CD “Heartland Soul”, which is released on 17th March (see page 50 for a review of this). But now’s not the time to bang my own drum... Instead I’ll move onto the real subject of today’s Strumming & Dreaming: singer-songwriter Max Bianco. Although still in his twenties, Max is already a veteran of the folk scene, having spent a number of years performing as part of rootsy folk rock band The Jar Family in his native Hartlepool. Now settled in Cambridge, Max is furthering his solo career as well as keeping up with Jar Family commitments. He is working on an EP, to be released in the spring, produced by Dan Wilde. Dan is a fine singer-songwriter in his own right – read my review in Unicorn 139 of the first “New Routes” concert at Junction 3 in Cambridge, where Dan was headlining. In February I invited Max, Dan and Anna Hester (who also performed at Junction 3 that evening) to come and play some songs that will be on the EP

in a live session on my radio show on Cambridge 105 Radio. There was enjoyable chat and great music, and listeners even got the chance to hear me making it an impromptu quartet by playing the banjo (not the drum) on the song “North East Bay”. Listen to the show here: www.mixcloud.com/ StrummersandDreamers/show-220-max-bianco-insession-15218. Max says of the EP: “Dan and I are kind of arranging the EP as we record it and reworking a few things. The stuff we’ve done already sounds pretty amazing. It’ll be out around the end of April”. Max is very much a ‘diamond in the rough’ as regards his songs and performing style, and Dan’s production style provides just the right amount of polish. When asked about his work as a producer, Dan replies: “Lots of things are going on; it’s an exciting time for my studio venture”. You can find out more about Max via his Facebook page: www.facebook.com/maxbiancomusic Les Ray

irst the disclaimer – this was written by a Festival Virgin! Seemed an exciting thing to do back in April 2017 – book a folk festival (a first) at Butlins (a first) in Skegness (another first). The rooms are designed for twin occupancy so a friend found me a roommate, and after meeting her for a full 10 minutes and exchanging some emails during the intervening months, we packed her car and set off filled with excitement (and trepidation) on a very cold December morn.

disappointed. And the craft fair and vintage clothes stalls kept us busy in between acts.

Arriving in the rain with snow piled on the roadsides, any doubts were quickly dispelled by the very warm welcome at check-in.

Grumbles? None really – just that queuing for seats could be irksome (take layered clothes as it is cold outside and warm in the venues), and the intervals between acts were too long. Overall impression? Excellent and very good value for money.

First impressions? A huge complex on a huge site. How would we find our way around? But we soon discovered that the information we’d been given was excellent. The site was very well planned – every junction was clearly signposted, and despite the hundreds of festival-goers, it never felt crowded. Planning to spend most of our time listening to the music, we didn’t want to cook so we’d chosen a standard twin room rather than an apartment. It was basic and compact but warm and adequate. It was also surprisingly quiet – segregated from the music venues – and we slept well. Having heeded advice from friends (take extra bedding, your own towels, some snacks, breakfast nibbles and some of your favourite tipple) - we were all set. And the onsite supermarket was handy for forgotten essentials.

As the music didn’t start until the afternoons, on Saturday morning, in bright sunshine, we took the sea air on the promenade, accessible direct from the site. On Sunday morning we made use of another of the many facilities, the Spa, where we treated ourselves to a relaxing massage. Others swam in the pool.

Would I re-book? YES! I already have with the promise of such acts as Fisherman’s Friends and Jon Boden & the Remnant Kings. Who could have dreamt that Skeggie could be such fun in the depths of winter? Google ‘The Great British Folk Festival’ for details of the 2018 festival. Penny Milner (septuagenarian convert to folk festivals)

The three main music venues were all under cover with plenty of seating and bar facilities. And the programme gave helpful information about the various acts so we could make informed choices. The music began on the Friday night with three acts in each session in each venue. Even I had heard of such illustrious names as Fairport Convention, Eddi Reader and St Agnes Fountain! It was easy to move between the venues, but to sit in a particular area, we had to queue – sometimes outside. The choice of eating outlets included fine dining, burger bars, pubs, cafes, fish and chips and Italian. Having opted not to book the ‘dining package’, we sampled more than one eatery and were not

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

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Baldock & Letchworth Blues, Folk & Roots 8.30pm Wednesdays accompanied under 16s free Prices: member concessions/members/non-members

See our website www.madnanny.co.uk for detailed information Apr 04 Chris Ronald trio

£9/10/12

www.chrisronald.com

An international touring artist just nominated for songwriter of the year by the Canadian Folk Music Awards. 'UK-born song master is a revelation' Fatea Magazine/Roots & Blues Radio

Apr 18 Harrison & Benﬁeld £8/9/10

www.markharrisonrootsmusic.com

Mark’s own material which is a unique blend of Blues and folk inﬂuences. 'If you like acoustic masters such as Eric Bibb, you will love Mark Harrison.'

May 2

The Malingerers

£8/9/10

Blues Blast US

http://themalingerers.co.uk

Dust bowl era Country Jazz & Blues; Vintage Americana & Folk are just two of the attempts to describe this wonderful four piece band. A club favourite, make sure you join us!

May 16 Tildon Krautz

£8/9/10 www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQKU6K1PtFY

‘A string band par excellence ‘Delightful songs, dazzling playing & gorgeous vocals.’

Jne 6

Jack Blackman

£8/9/10

www.jackblackman.com

A terriﬁc singer, songwriter & musician, Jack is now a ﬁnalist in the ‘What's On Live’ Magazine Readers Awards 2018 'At last! A brilliant young guitarist coming through'

Jne 20 Oka Vanga

- Martin Simpson

£8/9/10

https://okavanga.com

Award winning duo, superb singing, guitar and mandolin

Jly 4

Americano

£8/9/10

lemonrock.com/americano

Americana, folk & country; guitars, harmonica, upright bass, 3 lead vocals & great harmonies

Venue: The Orange Tree, Norton Rd, Baldock, SG7 5AW www.madnanny.co.uk 01767 683583

alan@madnanny.co.uk

Summer 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 – 01727 856508 Standard Friday admission £4

6 Apr Mike Bennett and FF Band 13 Apr David & Rebecca Capron and Spring Greens 20 Apr Suzanne Farmer 21 Apr Saturday Special with Charlotte Rich & Caperbility at Samuel Ryder 27 Apr 4 May 11 May 18 May 25 May 1 Jun 8 Jun 15 Jun 22 Jun 29 Jun

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Dave Parsons Ivan Aitken and FF Band Club Callers Bob Lilley Closed Brenda Godrich and FF Band Patricia Donnithorne Beginners' night - Bob Barrett Ian Edlin and Spring Greens Cajun with Madeleine and Tim

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

FOUR RIVERS

CLUB

• EVERY 2ND & 4TH WEDNESDAYS • FLOOR SPOTS AVAILABLE • MUSIC STARTS AT 8PM • Contact: Pat Crilly 07971 804 418 • Email: patcrilly@hotmail.com

AT THE HERTFORD CLUB, LOMBARD HOUSE, HERTFORD SG14 1DT

HEADLINE ACTS | 2nd Quarter 2018 11th APRIL Singer/songwriter Terry Hiscock and bassist Rog Trevitt perform acoustic songs from the HUNTER MUSKETT repertoire both old and new. The songs are mostly original with melodic variations on traditional folk tunes and can be heard via the website www.hunter muskett.com. Some say “If they were 3 months younger they’d be pop stars!” 25th APRIL Hardy club perennial and favourite, SHANTY KEITH (Acheson), performs a very large repertoire of traditional material not limited to shanties but covering lost soldiers, lost sailors and even lost love. A very warm a capella voice and superb performance is promised. Some say “Keith lives the songs he’s performing”. 9th MAY LIZZIE J TAYLOR Lizzie writes emotional, heartfelt songs and accompanies herself on guitar. She has a great affection for both American and British folk music and borrows from that tradition. She also sings in a jazz band and that influence can sometimes be heard. Some say “Lizzie has no need to be reticent and so humble about her great music”.

23rd MAY DAVID SAVAGE David aims to entertain in the style of the alehouse singer, performing songs mainly from the playhouse, the pleasure garden and the pub! Almost all the songs (from 5 - 500 years old!) tell a story, and David believes strongly that the story is the main event, the songs are accompanied simply on the guitar, concertina and dulcimer. Some say “As traditional as it can possibly get!” 13th JUNE KEVIN HUNT Kevin is an Irish singer/ songwriter and a poet. Armed with a guitar and a harmonica and inspired by the holy trinity of Dylan, Cohen and (Van) Morrison, his powerful voice and crafted lyrics deliver original songs about the same old problems and a few new ones for the times we live in. Some say “Kevin’s a man full of passion and truth”. 27th JUNE

THE LARKS Liz and Chris have been a duo since 2007, and perform at various venues in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge.Their repertoire consists of trad, originals and covers they love. They produce a highly listenable sound with clever lyrics, catchy tunes with guitar and mandolin accompaniment and voices working together in harmony. Some say “Great to watch and listen to”.

Passion, quality & green ethics – the watchwords of Farr Brew

An interview with Nick Farr & Matt Elvidge by Sandra Lawes

visited the founders of Farr Brew, Nick Farr and Matt Elvidge, at their Hertfordshire brewery to learn about their business and their links with folk music and the Kimpton Folk Festival. How was Farr Brew established? Nick’s hobby was home brewing and in 2014 he and Matt took a stand at the Frost Fair at Hatfield House, Hertfordshire. They hoped to sell 100 bottles of beer – they sold 1,000! This success prompted them to expand from their cottage industry in Kinsbourne Green. Hertfordshire is central to their catchment area – both Matt and Nick live there, and the county has a strong tradition of beer drinking being the HQ of CAMRA. So when they won a Bronze Award in the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Herts Brew of the Year, this prompted them to raise funds and transform a former agricultural barn at Samuels Farm near Wheathampstead into a micro-brewery. Farr Brew products Matt and Nick work full-time on the business, assisted by part-time staff. Using their own recipes, and testing new ones with a tasting panel, they produce beers varying in strength from 3.6ABV to 5.0ABV. Nick and Matt are passionate about making the best possible beer, using the best quality ingredients. And their efforts are paying off – they’ve won a host of awards including St Albans & District Best Local Producer and Best Market Stall, and Hertfordshire Life Best Producer and Best Product. What are their links with folk music? Nick’s father, John Farr, is primarily responsible for Nick’s love of folk music as he had thousands of albums including Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention. His mother Gill, is a Bob Dylan fan and his uncle played in a folk band. Farr Brew is proud to have been a major partner of Kimpton Folk Festival since its beginnings, and this year on 7th July they will be running all three bars. On 19th May and 9th June, Farr Brew is holding a mini beer festival and BBQ at the brewery where groups from

the Kimpton Festival team will be playing live. On the evening of 9th June, Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys are playing in Kimpton, so you could make a day of it! See www.farrbrew.com for details. Green ethics These are massively important to Farr Brew. They can’t use solar panels but in every other way they consider the environment and source ingredients locally. 98% of their waste is reused or recycled. Honey for their porter comes from beehives beside the brewery, hops come from a local collective, spent grain becomes organic animal feed, water from the brewing process fertilises local crops and used bottles are given to home brewers and spent hops got to a gardening charity ‘Food Smiles’ as mulch or compost. Their long-term goal of self-sufficiency came closer this year when they acquired a threeacre field to grow hops. Local community involvement This is a keystone of the business – a percentage of profits from their Chief Jester beer goes to the Rennie Grove Hospice in St Albans, which Matt is running to support in the 2018 London Marathon. Every Saturday (11am–5pm) they open their Tap Room to welcome families, hikers, dog walkers, horse riders and anyone who wants to try their delicious beers in friendly surroundings. You can also buy high quality local products – honey, wine, vodka, chocolates and chutney (both containing Farr Brew porter). Want to try the beers? The Farr Brew range of beers is stocked in pubs within an hour’s drive in every direction, and you can find bottle stockists on the website. You’ll also find Farr Brew at many other places including Farmers’ Markets in Harpenden, the Herts County Show, the Meraki Festival, food festivals in St Albans and Christmas markets. Why not book for one of the monthly brewery tours – only £10 and you get two free pints! (just drop Nick an email on nick@farrbrew.com)

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his year’s Kimpton Folk Festival on Saturday, July 7 offers a stunning line-up of top folk acts and a few very special surprises.

The big change this year is that instead of the glorious day of folk culminating in one incredible evening concert, there will be two – in the Memorial Hall and in our beautiful village church. It presents a very tough choice for festival-goers. The Memorial Hall evening concert is headlined by the extraordinary force of folk nature that is the Urban Folk Quartet, delivering their unique blend of high-octane fiddle, guitar, banjo and percussion magic. Such is this band’s popularity around the world, that it’s taken us three years to pin them down to take part in our festival. Supporting them will be two of the top duos on the folk scene. Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar won their Radio 2 Folk Award when they were both still at school, but are promising to wear long trousers for this performance. And Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage will deliver their magical blend of American roots and English folk music. Topping the bill in the church evening concert will be The James Brothers. James Fagan and Jamie Mclennan’s hugely entertaining performances draw heavily on the humour and musical vivacity of their Antipodean routes. James is from Australia and Jamie from New Zealand and they are not likely to let you forget it. As they say on their website: “The James Brothers are Two Voices. Two Instruments… No Sheilas”. They are also brilliant musicians, great singers and hilariously funny. Supporting them are is the stunning Jackie Oates performing with Mike Cosgrave and returning to Kimpton by

URBAN FOLK QUARTET Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

popular demand , the rising stars of the UK folk / bluegrass scene, Jaywalkers. Earlier in the day in the Memorial Hall there will be an unmissable opportunity to see the folk supergroup While, Matthews and While. Chris While and fellow singer-songwriter Julie Matthews have been wowing audiences for ever, but no less special are Chris’ performances with daughter Kellie. For the Kimpton Folk Festival all three come together on one stage. It will be a rare treat. Also appearing in the Memorial Hall will be Hertfordshire’s own supergroup, featuring songbird Kelly Oliver and close harmony trio Said The Maiden who will perform separate sets before coming together for a glorious finale. Completing the concert line up are Luke Jackson, Young Folk Award winners Josie Duncan and Pablo Lafuente, The London Klezmer Quartet, Will McNicol and Luke Selby and Blathnaid Lynn. As in previous years, many of the acts will be performing extra sets on the village green as part of a full afternoon of free music and dance, culminating in a mass ceilidh. Around the village there will be busking, sessions and an open mic at The Boot pub, music workshops in the Dacre Rooms, story-telling, real ale bars and craft and food stalls galore. Tickets selling fast so to get yours and for more information, go to www.kimptonfolk.uk. Brian King Kimpton Folk Events

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While, Matthews & While

Interview with Sandra Lawes, January 2018

Matthew Crampton – Writer, Storyteller, Folk Singer

ou may know Matthew from ‘The Transports’, his book ‘Human Cargo’ or his music hall act. He has strong links to the Unicorn area as he was raised in Hertfordshire and went to school in Bedford and even did jury service in St Albans. I caught up with this multi-talented man who is bringing his new show to St Albans and Bedford soon. You describe yourself as a writer, storyteller and a folk singer. Were these always your ambitions? I started out in finance and admin in the film industry. Then I worked as a copywriter in Hong Kong. Writing, teaching and finance followed, before storytelling and folk singing arrived in my fifties. Right now, I’m most interested in storytelling. How did your interest in folk music begin? Ten years ago, when I joined the choir at Cecil Sharp House in London, I knew nothing about folk music. Through Sharps Folk Club and Sidmouth Folk Week, I got deeper into it. I love the songs, the direct exchange between singer and audience and the refusal to be ‘fashionable’. You have been touring with ‘The Transports’ – a tale of exile and migration. What it’s all about? This true tale of poor Brits exiled to Australia in the 1780s is told through songs written by Peter Bellamy, arranged by Paul Sartin, and performed by folk musicians including The Young’uns, Faustus, Nancy Kerr, Rachael McShane and Greg Russell. My narration sets the scene and links the songs. We toured 14 places across England in January, playing to huge audiences, and were thrilled to receive standing ovations. We also performed the show as a BBC Radio 3 Concert and released an album. (Ed: see review on page 49)

Like everyone, I was shocked by those flimsy inflatables bearing refugees across the Mediterranean. The story seemed old – how history is shaped by the crossing of oceans by desperate people. Through folk songs and what written testimony I could find, ‘Human Cargo’ gives voice to others carried like this in the past, as slaves, emigrants or transportees. I understand there is a new show based on ‘Human Cargo’ – can we see it here? See us at The Maltings in St Albans on 11th May, Kings Place, London on 15th June and The Place in Bedford on 17th June. (Ed: see ad on page 39) This is another of my trademark story & song shows and, like ‘The Transports’, will feature local stories. Best of all, I’ll be performing with the amazing American folk musician Jeff Warner. What are you working on at the moment? There’ll be a part Transports reunion at Sidmouth this year with ‘Living By The Sea’. Robb Johnson included me on his great new album ‘Ordinary Giants’. Plus, I’m always keen to sing music hall, especially in my splendidly silly duo with David Eagle of the Young’uns. To find out more about Matthew please visit www.matthewcrampton.com.

I understand you ‘personalised’ each show with true stories about people from that location who had suffered similar fates. Telling local stories brings the show closer to audiences, while our 18th Century theme of exile and migration is relevant today. So, at each venue, straight after Sean Cooney’s great song ‘Dark Water’ about two Syrians swimming to freedom from Turkey, I told true stories of people who had migrated to or from that place, gathered through the Parallel Lives project. You can read all the stories at parallellivesproject.com. I’ve just read your book ‘Human Cargo’. What was the inspiration behind that?

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Folk in the A Annexe 13 Apr, 11 Ma ay, 8 Jun

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

Guest Nights 27 Apr – Dovetail Trio ££13.50 / £11.50 coonc 25 Ma ay - JINSKI £133.50 / £11.50 conc 29 Jun – Hannah Sandeers & Ben Sava age £13.50 / £11.5 50 conc

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A world class music venue – right on our doorstep!

The STABLES

by Sandra Lawes

ust outside Milton Keynes in the village of Wavendon, is a world class music venue – The Stables. From humble beginnings in 1970 in the actual stables at the home of founders Dame Cleo Laine and the late Sir John Dankworth, this venue has stayed true to their vision of providing ‘all music for all people’. Today’s programme takes in rock and pop, blues, soul, classical, world, country and Americana… as well as a healthy serving of folk music. Folk artists already booked for this year include Show of Hands Duo, Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Jon Boden, Gigspanner Big Band, Feast of Fiddles, Steeleye Span and Karine Polwart. Things have changed a great deal since those early days, and performances now take place in a beautiful, modern building. The main auditorium bears the name of the late Jim Marshall, a close friend of Dame Cleo and Sir John, whose company is famous for high quality amplification equipment. There is comfortable tiered seating for 400 people on three sides of the ‘thrust’ stage (where the stage extends into the auditorium). With no pillars, the sightlines are excellent and there isn’t a ‘bad’ seat in the house. Performers and audience members alike praise the close interaction between them that can’t be matched by larger arenas. Ticket prices vary from £15 – £25 depending on the artist. The smaller, more intimate Stage 2 seats up to 80 and provides a ‘talent development space’ for emerging artists. Tickets here cost £10 – £12. Jazz concerts are also held on Sunday mornings in the Mancini Forum in the foyer. Although in a lovely rural setting, the venue is easy to find – just five minutes off the M1, with ‘brown tourist signposts’ to guide you. There’s plenty of free parking and tarmac paths take you to the step-free entrance. Those with disabilities are well catered for, with trained customer care assistants, disabled parking spaces right outside the entrance, wheelchair

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

access, a lift to the auditorium seats, disabled loos and an induction loop for the hard of hearing. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by some of the 300 friendly volunteer ‘Stablemates’ who assist the 15 or so permanent staff. You can have a delicious meal at Café in 2 (it’s best to book in advance as it’s very popular, especially when the food is themed to the music) or light refreshments and ice creams from the snack bar. There’s a licensed bar and drinks can be taken into the auditorium (in a glass not a tacky plastic beaker!). If you’re a performer, you will appreciate the comprehensive programme of learning and participation events that are an important part of The Stables’ founding vision. These include workshops for guitar, ukulele, harmonica, concertina and bodhran, a ceilidh experience course and the National Youth Music Camps (founded by Sir John’s sister, Avril Dankworth, and now in their 48th year). The Stables is also proud to produce the awardwinning IF: Milton Keynes International Festival in July every two years. It features the famous Stables’ Spiegeltent (a luxurious ‘mirror’ tent home to a programme of concerts, comedy and circus), an Acoustic Stage and installations all across Central Milton Keynes. Matthew Sanders, Head of Marketing and Communication for The Stables, said: “We are all passionate about this lovely venue. The breadth of the programme is the joy. We warmly invite you to look at our website www.stables.org and to come and see for yourselves the range and quality of what we offer.”

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‘Kindling’ by Jigfoot | The twelve instrumental tracks on this CD are all dance tracks – hornpipes, reels, waltzes, polkas and a cotillion. Jigfoot is a five-piece band of accomplished musicians playing guitar, violin, cello, melodeon and feet! They all dance and play with various Morris sides, take part in sessions, teach and run workshops – to name but a few of their many activities. On the informative and well-designed sleeve, ‘Kindling’ is defined as ‘material for starting a fire’. The particular fire they want to start is to revive and reinvigorate the standard of step dancing in the southern counties. The livelier renditions are complemented by some gentler tracks such as ‘Michael Turner’s Waltz’ and ‘Bonnets So Blue’. Track 8 ‘Off She Goes’ is familiar across the country from north to south and was appropriated as the melody for Humpty Dumpty The traditional music on this delightful CD will certainly get your feet tapping! Find out more at www.jigfoot.com. SL 2

’Out On The Edge’ by Pat Crilly and Greg Camburn | Regulars at the Four Rivers Folk Club in Hertford (formerly The White Horse) and various local festivals will be familiar with this talented duo. Pat describes himself as an Irishman with a Scottish accent and his Celtic roots are plain to hear throughout this album. He sings all twelve of the thought-provoking ‘stories in song’ on this album in his individualistic style. His acoustic guitar, Irish bouzouki and rich baritone voice are perfectly complemented by Greg’s harmonies and poignant accompaniment on the whistle and soprano saxophone. Between them Pat and Greg have written and/or arranged all but two for the tracks. I particularly liked the way Pat introduces several of the tracks – exactly as though he were speaking to us at a folk club or a concert – it really brings the music to life. The song notes also provide insight into the issues and events that inspired the songs and the whole performance is quite intense and heartfelt. SL

‘Quinze Petites Morts’ by Grae J. Wall et Les Chicos Muertos | The striking Gothic graphics and the title of this 15 track CD (which translates as Fifteen Little Deaths) give a strong indication of the mood and content of this CD. I understand that the inspiration behind these self-penned numbers was Grae’s many close encounters with death – which, like many of us, he found hard to handle. He has used his musical skills and those of his band Los Chicos Muertos to explore and express the strong emotions aroused by this grim subject. It demonstrates the poignancy, anger, passion, smiles and celebration so often found at funerals and celebrations of the dead such as the Mexican Dia de los Muertos (which had a profound effect on him). The tracks reminded me of the songs of Leonard Cohen, featuring Grae’s distinctive gravelly voice and ranging across the genres of country, blues, folk and chanson, liberally sprinkled with murder ballads and bar room melancholy. The CD and digital downloads are available at https://graejwall. bandcamp.com and https://trailer-trash.co.uk. SL 4

‘Aural Borderalis’ by Hadrian’s Union | This 12 track CD was my first introduction to the Carlisle based Folk Rock band formed in 2010 and what a treat I have been missing! The musicians’ strong pedigree shines through the varied numbers and the album is produced by Saul Rose. The five band members - Brian Bell (Bass Guitar and Vocals), Robin Jowett (Melodeon, Keys and Backing Vocals), Malcolm Bushby (Violin & Bouzouki), Dave Pratt (Drums and Keys) and founding member Stew Simpson (Guitar and Vocals) – produce sounds with a traditional feel but each number has a modern twist and the album reveals the powerful influences of Lindisfarne, Jethro Tull, Stackridge and even the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band! The diverse tracks range over a number of subjects – pressing social issues as well as deep emotions like anger, regret and isolation, love, longing and loss. It is very helpful to have the lyrics of almost all the tracks spelled out in a booklet within the CD sleeve and there are

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CB | reviewed by Clive Batkin EB | reviewed by Ed Broadbridge SL | reviewed by Sandra Lawes

some nice plays on words and humour. This is the sort of CD you can hear numerous times and find something new each time – either in the poetic lyrics, the musicality or the clever references. The confidence and energy of the band make this CD a joy to listen to. Find out more at http:// hadriansunion.co.uk. SL 5

‘Love is the Answer’ by James Fredholm | This is the ten-track debut album of the man who grew up in Austin, Texas. James spent most of his life pursuing a business career and is now based in Zurich but here he is with a strong musical talent. He describes himself as a poet – other have labelled him a country, indie, rock artist. The tracks are interestingly different. The selfpenned songs are essentially his poetry set to gentle music, where James’ expressive voice is accompanied by guitar, keyboards, harmonica and percussion. The theme of the first song ‘Yearning’ suits me; it is about seeking an alternative lifestyle. It has a strong compulsive beat and although it is slow, it sucked me in. Whether music or poetry, I liked this CD, whether music or poetry, I would buy it. Find out more at https:// jamesfredholm.com or search for James Fredholm on YouTube. EB 6

‘Three Quarter Time’ by Magpie Lane | Magpie Lane is a five-piece folk band from Oxford which has been around since 1993. All the members are fine singers and talented musicians. They specialise in traditional English songs and dance tunes, combining powerful vocals with vigorous dance tunes and performing inventive arrangements on acoustic instruments. For many they need no introduction as they have released nine albums and are often seen at sell-out concerts and major festivals including Sidmouth. These thirteen tracks are their first CD for six years – but the wait was well worthwhile. I would describe the music as Folk with overtones of Fairport and Morris all mixed in – a fine example of the best of Englishness. It is an easy listen and I found it particularly pleasant when driving. It would have been even better in the right surroundings where I could have tapped my feet with a pint in my hand! More Information at: www. magpielane.co.uk. EB

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

‘The Transports’ Peter Bellamy

saw Peter Bellamy’s folk opera ‘The Transports – A Tale of Exile and Migration’, at Shrewsbury Festival in 2017 where 4,000+ people gave the show a standing ovation. If you didn’t get to see a performance as it toured the UK, listening to this 28 track CD is the next best thing! This latest production relates the story of an East Anglian family destroyed by poverty and crime, and resurrected by exile to Australia in the 1780s. But the theme of desperate people forced to take drastic measures and finally crossing oceans in search of better lives is just as relevant to our 21st century world as it was then. Skilfully welded together by the compelling, honeyed voice of the narrator Matthew Crampton, this powerful, thought provoking tale is brought to life through songs and music performed by heavyweight names in the folk world – Nancy Kerr, Greg Russell, Faustus, Rachel McShane and the Young’uns – all at the very top of their game. ‘The Transports’ was inspired by a 1977 newspaper article and the original cast featured Mike and Norma Waterson, Martin Carthy, Dave Swarbrick, Nic Jones and the like. It took considerable courage to mount this production on the 40th anniversary of the original, but it is a masterpiece in its own right. It has lost none of its emotional impact or poignancy. The inclusion of the spinetingling track ‘Dark Water’, about two Syrian refugees swimming for their lives, and Matthew’s carefully researched true stories about people facing terrible hardships in more recent times, are touches of genius – making the whole story relevant to modern Britain. As amazing music, (often in ten-part harmony), spellbinding theatre or searing social comment, this CD is brilliant – I treasure my copy. More information at http:// thetransportsproduction.co.uk Sandra Lawes

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‘Dominion’ by Melrose Quartet | ‘Dominion’ is a worthy successor to the Quartet’s delightful 2014 CD ‘Fifty Verses’. Although both duos (Nancy Kerr & James Fagan and Jess & Richard Arrowsmith) are internationally renowned musicians and songwriters in their own right, something very special happens when these four strong and distinctive voices blend together in delightful harmonies. Add the skilled accompaniment of fiddles, melodeons, bouzouki, guitar and mandolin plus Nigel Holmes’ bass, and you have 14 diverse tracks that are a true delight. Some of the tracks are traditional, some penned by the performers and others feature contributions by folk ‘royalty’ including Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick. The subjects include traditional themes, the decline of the steel industry and the problems facing a working mum. Some have a touch of humour and there is the tragic death without which no folk album would be complete! The complex and often poignant lyrics are provided in a glossy booklet with the CD, with artwork in the same intriguing, semi-surreal style of the album cover. The Melrose Quartet are based in Sheffield but they travel widely. I saw them in Abbots Langley and I was in the audience for the launch of ‘Dominion’ at King’s Place, London. Nancy and James headlined at the very first Kimpton Folk Festival and you can see James as one half of The James Brothers at this year’s festival on Saturday 7 July. The Melrose Quartet are among my favourite artists. If you know them, you will love this CD. If you haven’t come across them yet – there is a treat in store for you! More information at https://melrosequartet.co.uk/ or on Facebook. SL 8

‘Personae’ by Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman | The outstanding husband and wife partnership of Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, twice winners of the coveted Radio 2 Folk Duo of the Year, has produced yet another superb album. I found their latest CD a total delight – I could have listened to it for hours. The 10 tracks, seven of them penned by these superb musicians

themselves, combine Kathryn’s entrancing, crystal clear voice and her skills on keyboard and wind instruments with Sean’s skilled guitar playing and vocal harmonies. All the lyrics, except the haunting Sandy Denny number ‘Solo’ (which even mentions a Unicorn!), are presented in a colourful booklet accompanying the CD, although Kathryn’s clear diction ensures that every word of every song is audible. The masterful performance of these stories set to music, enhanced by Sean’s brilliant production, has resulted in a gem of an album worthy of the best of folk music tradition. I simply could not decide which of the tracks was my favourite and this CD will have a prominent place in my collection. I thoroughly recommend it. The duo toured earlier this year to promote the album, and you may have been lucky enough to catch one of their performances at The Stables, Banbury or perhaps Stamford. Look out for Kathryn and Sean at festivals this summer and there’s more about them and the Personae CD at www. kathrynrobertsandseanlakeman.com. SL 9

‘Heartland Soul’ by Red Velvet | This 13track CD is the second outing from the band, and is a rich showcase of the duo work of Les Ray and Deirdre Murphy, augmented by a wide range of musicians and friends. It’s a beautifully presented affair, with striking artwork from Naomi Randall, an informative book of lyrics and sleeve notes, and lots of band photos and shots from the recording process. The album represents five years of work, with the majority of songs being written by Les, with a few covers and arrangements of trad tunes placed for good measure. The sound is very lush, with a wide variety of extra instrumentation (from trumpets to güiros) to add texture and depth. It’s an eclectic mix of styles (‘genre-defying’ as the band themselves describe their sound) which ensures that the listeners’ interest is maintained throughout. More information on the album and the band, including some dates when the material can be heard live, can be found on their website: www.redvelvetfolk.co.uk. CB

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

CB | reviewed by Clive Batkin EB | reviewed by Ed Broadbridge SL | reviewed by Sandra Lawes

‘Two’ by Dan Raza | Dan is an Indian / British singer-songwriter, and one time resident of Bedfordshire – he has played numerous gigs in the Unicorn area and will be well known to many of you, I am sure. Two is a follow up to his 2012 debut, and features 12 of his original compositions. Dan takes centre stage on the album with his soulful voice and guitar playing, but with extremely high quality support from a range of top notch and well-known musicians that gives the album a great, full-band sound. Fiddle, accordion, pedal steel, organ, flute, bazouki and harmony vocals all augment the usual drums, bass and guitar line up to great effect, and some of the unusual melodic devices employed add a huge amount of interest to his well crafted and thoughtful songs. I think the album would appeal to a wide range of audiences, from fans of folk, Americana, singer/songwriter or even county and western – all would, I think, find much to appreciate here. I really enjoyed listening to the album in its entirely, and found a lot that was both thought-provoking and interesting, even on repeated listenings (the guitar solo in Pay Day is particularly well worth a second listen!). Dan has an extensive online presence, and you can find out a lot more about him and his music there: www.danraza.com or www.facebook.com/ DanRazaAndTheShrouds. CB 11

‘Brief Lives’ by Nic Norton & The County Band | This six track CD from Norwich-based Nic Norton is composed entirely of Nic’s self-penned songs. The recording is largely focussed on Nic’s vocals and guitar playing, with fiddle, bass and percussion provided by his band mate Paul Keeler (who also produced, recorded, engineered and mixed the recording, to boot!). The tunes are all strongly ‘Americana’ in sound, with bits of folk and pure country and western thrown in for good measure. The lyrics are nicely prominent and are never lost behind the instrumentation – more information on the CD and Nic’s activities can be found on his Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ nicnortonband. CB Once again we have been inundated with CDs for review 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 strive to include them in future issues...

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

‘An Invitation to Dance’ Purcell’s Polyphonic Party

really shouldn’t have been the one to review this CD, to be honest... as soon as it came out of the envelope I was 99.99% sure I was going to love it (you start to get a feel for these things after a while..) and of course that instantly puts one in the delicate position of trying to remain an impartial, and strictly informative, reviewer. Who am I trying to kid? This album instantly proved to be a physical representation (in plastic, card and digital data) of pretty much everything I love about music. The playing (from John Dipper, Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer – three of the top exponents of their individual instruments today) is exemplary, there are wonderful overtones of baroque, Purcell and Nordic melodies throughout, the sound quality is clean, clear and crisp, the packaging is beautifully designed and presented with lots of informative sleeve notes – it even has a pretend wax seal on there, for goodness sake! The only thing that comes close to annoying me is how perfect the entire thing is! If that’s not enough to entice you to buy this album, the tunes (all examples of John Playford and his 17th & 18th Century contemporaries’ dancing tunes) are completely easy on the ear and have an effortless joy and rhythm that gets one’s feet tapping. Indeed, designed as it is to be an album that is to be danced to as well as merely listened to, the trio have carefully researched the correct speed, timing, structure and form for each tune, and the sleeve notes contain all this information for added authenticity and usability. Finally, when I went to their website (www. purcelltrio.co.uk) for a few bits of support information, I found the band even include a high quality (300dpi no less!) image of the CD cover for people like me to use, without even having to be asked... just annoyingly perfect! Clive Batkin

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Cambridge Junction

Sat 04 Apr

New Routes

feat. The Jellyman's Daughter & Rosalie’s Lover

Mon 16 apr

Blair dunlop

Tue 17 Apr

EMILY SMITH & JAMIE MCCLENNAN

Fri 20 Apr

Mary coughlan

Sat 21 Apr

AIDAN O'ROURKE & KIT DOWNES

Sun 22 apr

Megson family folk show

Mon 23 apr

The lake poets

Tue 24 Apr

KATHRYN ROBERTS & SEAN LAKEMAN

Thu 26 apr

Toko telo [Madagascar]

Mon 07 may

SAM LEE’S SINGING WITH NIGHTINGALES

Sat 12 may

Emily maguire

Sun 13 may

LUKE DANIELS & TIM EDEY

Tue 15 may

ELEPHANT SESSIONS

Sat 19 may

Ben glover

Tue 22 may

COCO AND THE BUTTERFIELDS

Thu 14 jun

LISA KNAPP

MON 25 JUN

RURA

TUE 03 Jul

HEIDI TALBOT & JOHN MCCUSKER

Cambridge junction, clifton way, Cambridge cb1 7gx

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

Clive reviews two, very different, recent performances

This photo by: Shadia El Tabch

Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band

Hazel Askew, Laurel Swift & Ben Moss

Alban Arena, St Albans, 30th November 2017

Benslow Music, Hitchin, 30th January 2018

realise this gig was a while ago, but unfortunately Issue 141 had just been sent to press on the night it happened. The evening is still fresh in my mind, however – luckily it was a highly memorable evening! Eliza’s band, another in the current trend of large, ensemble units comprised of already well-known musicians, took to the stage with great panache and aplomb that night. The Wayward Band was first created back in 2013, and their latest recording ‘Big Machine’ was released to great critical acclaim in February 2017. Material from the album featured heavily in the set on the night, as well as some other well known tunes from Eliza’s repertoire. The band seemed to have an informal ‘uniform’, comprised of purely white clothing with blue / green face and eye make up, making for a striking stage presence. The sound at the Arena was particularly good, making it being possible (with a bit of concentration) to distinguish each of the instruments from the overall mix. The large stage at the venue suited the band well, giving each of them sufficient room to move around, and Eliza in particular seemed to take great joy in roaming the length and breadth of the stage like a caged lion! The band sounded great (as one would expect) so I must admit to finding it hard to choose a favourite track from the evening (Mr Walker probably being the best known and loved?) A support slot came from the talented multiinstrumentalist ‘Duotone’, who performed a range of material on guitar, cello and voice, tapestried together with the extensive use of the loop pedal. Personally I find the endless bending down and footpedal stomping of that technology pretty distracting but it’s a small criticism of an otherwise interesting performance.

wo months to the day after the Arena gig, this smaller affair saw a totally different, but still utterly delightful, evening of music at the Benslow Music headquarters in Hitchin. Not normally a concert venue for folk music, this particular evening was part of a workshop series featuring the three performers, which dovetailed wonderfully with their various activities from the week. The evening was triumvirate in nature. The first part featured the serene Hazel Askew, who performed a range of material with just her voice, melodeon, concertina and shruti box. She has a wonderfully relaxed approach to performing, and instantly won the crowd over to her side! She played a range of tunes – my favourite was probably “Before the Tide’, which came from The Estuary Project, her songwriting workshop from 2017. For her last couple of tunes she was joined by Ben Moss on fiddle and voices. The second part of the concert came from Laurel Swift and Ben Moss, who again performed a wide range of material that demonstrated their combined fiddle playing, singing and – from Laurel – clog dancing. Laurel’s ‘Hardanger’ viola made a brief appearance for one tune, and again the audience greeted all of their performance with enthusiasm and warmth. The concert finale featured all three performers playing together – I could have listened to much more of that format if only there had been time... The hall at Benslow is a perfect setting for small, intimate and un-amplified concerts such as this – do visit their website for full details of all their workshops and activities. We hope to do much more with them in issues to come... Clive Batkin

All in all, a ‘top’ night out was had by all...

Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

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Time to Meet: Rose & Castle Morris

he Rose and Castle Morris was started in the village of Blisworth, Northamptonshire in the autumn of 1977 by a few villagers supplemented by a small number of others, mainly from Northampton. In the early days, all the dances learned and performed were from the ‘Manchester’ area but gradually others came into the repertoire from the wider Northwest region. We now also perform some dances created recently, either by our instructors or other sides, with their permission, but always in the Northwest Tradition.

Our costume has remained essentially the same since the beginning and follows the Northwest pattern of white socks; black knee-breeches; white shirts; scarlet sash and cummerbund. The defining Northwest accoutrements of Iron Shod Clogs and a bowler hat decorated with flowers complete the ensemble. Members of the band also wear costume, with black cord trousers; white shirt; black cord Amotif and bowler hats with-out flowers. In the Rose and Castle Morris, only men dance but we have always had women musicians. Indeed, sometimes our Band has comprised mainly of women musicians. Currently, 3 out of 11 of our band are female. Band members are full members of the Side. This year, our Squire (President) is a Band member. We frequently join with Sides of either gender or mix, for evenings, days or weekends of dance and social ‘get togethers’. We treat the social side of Morris dancing as equally important to the Dancing Tradition and frequently join with friends from our Side and others for ‘non-morris’ related social occasions. We are, however. committed to upholding the dancing tradition to the highest standard possible.

all local Morris Sides also invited (and ending up at the Boat Inn); and a Weekend of Dance in early July, centred on Towcester, organised jointly with Queens Oak Morris which as many as 200 dancers and musicians attend. This weekend culminates in massed dancing on the Sunday lunchtime again at the Boat Inn. Can you see a pattern emerging? Yes, the Side is now based at Stoke Bruerne; we practice in the village Hall on Wednesday and usually pop in to the Boat for a swift half to recover from the effort. We always welcome potential recruits. Musicians of any gender are welcome but only men may dance. We are happy to accept juveniles but for obvious reasons, parental supervision would be required. We welcome novice dancers and the only consideration is willingness and enthusiasm rather than ability. Musicians should have at least a basic grasp of the instrument they play; we can teach you the tunes (we even have the music) but can’t teach you to play your chosen instrument. We have a regularly updated web site at: www.rosecastlemorris.org.uk which has general information and links to various Morris related topics as well as contact details for further information. Alternatively contact Phil Lizius: 01604859454 (mob: 07768617679) or Clive Wood: 01604712251 (mob: 07753208355).

We are a reasonably active Side, attending Festivals, Morris Weekends and massed displays as well as smaller, one-day events. Our local, evening and half day appearances at the ‘pub’ and village fete are also a feature of our dancing season. We also organise a European tour every 2nd year or so – we are on our way to France again in the Spring of 2018. We have three fixed events each year: Dancing at the Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne on New Year’s Day; St. Georges Day to which

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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 142

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