A lovely one day village festival in rural Hertfordshire
Nancy Kerr & James Fagan Melrose Quartet Glimore & Roberts Richard and Jess Arrowsmith The Ben Smith and Jimmy Brewer Band Edgelarks Mishaped Pearls Sheelanagig Odette Michell Alden, Patterson & Dashwood Lizzy Hardingham Kim Lowings & The Greenwood Ninebarrow
Saturday 6 july 2019 Full line up and tickets
www.kimptonfolk.uk
“THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW HISTORY ARE DOOMED TO REPEAT IT.”
E
dmund Burke’s 18th century words ring very true nowadays. Students of current affairs could easily conclude that many people either don’t know or don’t remember their history. Perhaps there’s no room in todays’ crowded school curriculum for teaching key events.
To make matters worse, we’re bombarded by fake news and ‘sound bite’ media reports. So how can we preserve knowledge of key events? For centuries, the UK’s strong oral tradition has described events and brought them to life. There are countless examples, but my favourites include 1960’s protest songs, folk operas like ‘The Pauper’s Path’, ‘The Transports’, ‘Human Cargo’ and ‘The Ballad of Johnny Longstaff’. Or the ‘Sweet Liberties’ album, or Show of Hands’ ‘Cousin Jack’ or ‘AIG’ (Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed) – written during the banking crisis but just as relevant today with lines like ‘You’re on your yacht, we’re on our knees’.
Songs and stories about our heroes and villains are written and performed, exploring how ordinary people are affected. Dances too reflect daily life, social events and matters of the heart. We need to keep this vibrant oral tradition alive and help musicians, performers and music venues to thrive. Folk clubs, dance sides, theatres and festivals make a massive contribution and at Unicorn Magazine we’re proud to play our part. Here’s another packed issue for you, full of articles, events, gigs and festivals. Please tell event organisers that you found them in Unicorn and share your copy with friends and family. Thank you for your support. Until then, see you around the clubs!
Clive & Sandra
Editorial
3
Gig Review: Red Velvet
21
Contents
3
Feature: Dandy Waistcoats
23
Chatterbox
7
Diary
Round the Clubs
7
Club Index
28
Sessions
9
Gig Review: Transatlantic Sessions
31
Shall We Dance?
10
Feature: Kimpton Folk Festival
32
Gig Reviews: Breabach / Dacre Rooms
14
Strumming & Dreaming: Karen Tweed
35
Features: Stony Redcaps / St Albans Folk Festival & New Roots
15
Review: Dunton Wassail
36
Tune: Sweet Della
38
Feature: Daria Kulesh
40
Morris Diary
18 – 19
Morris Diary Index
20
Book Review: Jean Redpath
20
44 – 48
CD Reviews
Front cover: “The pipes, the pipes are calling...” Photo by Al Rogers © Unicorn Magazine 2019 CB1501 • April 2019
25 – 27
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 Once you have finished with your copy of Unicorn Magazine, please recycle it responsibly... (or simply keep it forever!)
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. Please note we cannot print material previously published in other publications without express written permission from that publisher. We reserve the right not to publish certain elements of free listings information if it appears elsewhere in the magazine, or where space restrictions do not allow.
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Editorial Team:
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Askew Sisters 4 April, 8.00pm
Belshazzar’s Feast 2 May, 8.00pm
Ninebarrow 23 May, 8.00pm
Emily and Hazel Askew have become known as two of the foremost performers and interpreters of English folk music. Their live performances brim with the depth and connection not only of two sisters, but also of two musicians who have been immersed in folk music all their lives. Together, they rework and reinterpret songs and balladry, creating breathtaking arrangements,which allow words that are hundreds of years old to resonate profoundly with contemporary audiences.
In 1995 Paul Hutchinson (accordion) and Paul Sartin (oboe, violin and vocals) shared a musical passion borne out of the desire to earn sufficient money to support their extravagant lifestyles. Their amazing musicianship coupled with wry humour stunned audiences around Europe and the States.
Ninebarrow are a multi-award-winning folk duo, who are impressing audiences across the country with their innovative and captivating take on the folk tradition. Described by Mark Radcliffe as sounding ‘like two halves of one voice’ and by Kate Rusby as ‘absolutely amazing’, Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere combine breath taking vocal harmonies and melodies, delivering original songs that are inspired and rooted in the landscape and history of the British Isles. As well as crafting unique and engaging original material, Ninebarrow also take a wide-range of traditional folk songs and rework them in their own, distinctive way.
That’s All Folk sponsored by
See website for further ticket details: www.theplacebedford.org.uk/tickets or call the box office on 01234 354321
ST ANDREW’S CHURCH Hertford Friday 14th June 7.30pm
Tickets £18.00 www.ticketsource.co.uk/st-andrews-church 6
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
The Milkmaid Station Project is sadly coming to an end: here is an edited version of their press release: “I am sorry to say that Greater Anglia have served six months’ notice on The Milkmaid to quit the station property to build a carpark for 33 cars. We are about to enter the fourth year of our 35year lease and it’s been a struggle to raise the funding for the refurbishment. Just recently I was reminded by The Big Lottery that due to a government list of postcodes for deprived areas (in which Bury St Edmunds doesn’t feature) it will be difficult for us to raise the money through normal funding routes. We have spent £30,000 on this project since we started, partly funded by ourselves, donations and some grants from a Bury Town Councillor. Our rent is £1,400 a quarter and this is set to be increased to £2,800 next year. GA made it plain that the new lease would be under the same conditions as the present lease, and no reduction in rent or conditions will be considered. Under these circumstances, and without any space to safely drop off beneficiaries or have parking for staff, it is with regret that we have decided not to take up the option of the fresh lease. Serious consideration was also given to the financial aspect of continuing with the project – our heart was in it but as a business, we had to consider our position and this was an opportunity to remove ourselves from a financial straight jacket. I am bitterly disappointed that my dream of a centre for disadvantaged and vulnerable people cannot be realised at Bury railway station. I shall continue looking for a suitable property to meet our needs. I am very proud of the work we have done with people with learning disabilities and mental health issues. We shall continue what we started with these groups and, as we announced last year, have taken Artheads, a group supporting people recovering from drugs and alcohol addiction, under our wing. I’d like to thank everybody that’s donated to our cause and the money we’ve received has allowed us to get as far as we have. The Milkmaid Community Interest Company is far from finished. We shall continue to operate and hope for your continued support in the future.” If anyone can help in any way, contact Terry Walden, Managing Director, 4–5 Railway Buildings, Fornham Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP32 6AH. 01284 760760, milkmaidterry@yahoo.co.uk, www.milkmaidcentre.com
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
New Folk Club For Baldock: Baldock Folk Club, a new folk and acoustic music club, opened its doors at The Orange Tree, Norton Road Baldock on January 23rd to provide regular Wednesday night folk and roots music, after the ending of the old club which did great service over the past twenty years. The aim is to keep costs to a minimum and widen the circle of local and not so local talent, performing in relaxed friendly surroundings. Everyone is welcome to come to play, sing or listen. There will be showcase artists booked throughout the year but the club will survive on local talent. Organiser Brian said: ‘At our recent meeting it was great to hear that several members agreed to host nights so that a full programme can be put together... the aim is to provide Wednesday night music weekly, and I’m sure other people will step in to see this cooperative really works for each other. Membership and admission to most events is free with just the odd donation and raffle to cover admin costs. It is intended that there will be a wide diversity of music, and who knows you may even like it!”. Anyone interested in getting involved in any aspect please feel free to contact Brian on 07768 274037 or brianbofbaldock@gmail.com. See their ad on page 41. Chesham Folk Club are in their 30th year in the White Hill Centre, Chesham. They host monthly guest nights and feature nights to give exposure to young and local talent, and singers nights at which all acoustic performers are welcome. Guests over the summer include Rachel Newton, Odette Mitchell, na-Mara, Julian Mount and Pilgrims Way. They are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing with a special themed singers’ night on 15th July – do go along on a Monday evening! See www.cheshamfolkclub.org.uk for more details. Waltham Abbey Folk Club’s Summer Sing 7/8/9 June 2019: Back by popular demand a chill out , relaxing weekend of singing sessions. Instruments & poets welcome. A not for profit charity event, based at Lambourne End Activity Farm and Agricultural Centre, near Chigwell. Day, evening and full weekend tickets will be available, possibility of bedrooms available for non-campers. Good level camping field, good toilet and shower block. Hall has kitchen with fridge and cooking facilities. A fun contest of step dance on a small board for prizes and a trophy. Dogs and well behaved children welcome. More details from Jan Ayres WalthamAbbeyFolk@yahoo.com, Waltham Abbey Folk Facebook page or janpoetayres@yahoo.co.uk.
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7
The Stables | Wavendon | Milton Keynes
March to June highlights
world class music & entertainment
Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham 26 March
Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening 2 April
Skerryvore 17 April
Tom Paxton & The DonJuans 19 April
Sam Sweeney: The Unfinished Violin 3 May
The Unthanks 16 May
Frigg 26 May
Martin Carthy & Eliza Carthy 30 May
Gilmore & Roberts 29 June
box office 01908 280800 book online www.stables.org The_Stables_Folk_Highlights_Ad_191x134_Mar-Jun19.indd 1 8
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13/02/2019 14:36 UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
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, 01908 566407
SUNDAY EVENINGS
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 (28 April, 26 May, 23 June, 6.00pm). Alison Macfarlane, 01727 852111 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 651199
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 • The Marquis of Lorne (2nd, 8pm): Gary Moyle, 07960 953778 T OTTERNHOE • Old Farm Inn (8.30pm, bi-weekly): Andrew Marlow, 07771 780341
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, MK41 7RU (last 7.30pm, tunes) Mike Bliss, 01234 308449 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 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
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
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 Bucks Head, Stevenage Road, Little Wymondley, Hitchin, SG4 7HY (9.00–11.00pm, 1st, 9–11pm, Ramrugge Clog Morris): 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 • The Robin Hood, Victoria Street, AL1 3TG (8.30pm, weekly): Alison Macfarlane, 01727 852111 S T ALBANS • White Swan, Dagnall Street (8.30pm, weekly, Traditional Irish Instrumental): Rick, 01727 852976 T EBWORTH • Queens Head, LU7 9QB (4th, free food): Richard Chatterley, 07790 023220 T OWERSEY • Village Hall (7.30 for 8.00pm, 3rd): Andrew Leleux, 01296 615160 W ELHAM GREEN • North Mymms Social Club, AL9 7PQ (2nd): Alan Francis, 07774 859758
THURSDAY EVENINGS
H ERTFORD • Great Eastern, Railway Place (1st): K IMPTON • The Boot (2nd & 4th): Doug, 07973 751039, jennerdouglas@me.com L UTON • Black Horse, 23 Hastings Street, LU1 5BE (weekly from 9.00ish) Acoustic music not specifically folk music: Nigel Bailey, 07788 431470 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 (Second Friday: 12 April, 10 May, 14 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
ORGANISERS PLEASE NOTE: FROM THIS ISSUE ONWARDS WE WILL NOW CONTINUE TO PRINT ALL DETAILS AS SHOWN UNLESS WE HEAR OTHERWISE. MANY THANKS... WWW.UNICORNMAGAZINE.ORG
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APRIL Monday
Tuesday Thursday Saturday Sunday
Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday Monday Tuesday Thursday Monday Tuesday Thursday Saturday Monday Tuesday
MAY
SThursday Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday Saturday Monday Tuesday Thursday Thursday Monday Tuesday Thursday Monday Tuesday Thursday
10
1 April Fools’ Day – unusual dances with club callers • SFDC 2 Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2 4 Club night with club caller • NFDC 6 Dance with Occasional Two Band with caller Mike Courthold • BFD 7 Tea dance with Frances Richardson and Shane & Julia Day. 3.00pm. Please bring a plate of food to share • MFDC 8 Club night with Paul Garner • SFDC 9 Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2 11 Club night with club caller • NFDC 12 Ceilidh with English Contra Dance Band with caller Mike Courthold • UC 13 Dance with caller Bob Barrett 7.30pm • WFDC1 15 Club night with Lorraine Morgan and Barbara Gilder • SFDC 16 Dance 10.00am –12noon • WFDC2 18 Club night with club caller • NFDC 22 Easter Monday – No club meeting • SFDC 23 Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2 25 Club night with club caller • NFDC 27 Ceilidh with Ock’n’Dough and callers Jo & Janis Zakis • NC 29 Club night • SFDC 30 Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2
2 Club night with club caller • NFDC 6 Bank Holiday – No club meeting • SFDC 7 Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2 9 Club night with club caller • NFDC 10 Ceilidh with The Old Chapel Band with caller Will Hall • UC 11 Dance with caller Mary Bryan 7.30pm • WFDC1 11 Public dance with The Occasional Few with caller Ivan Aitken £9. Please bring a plate of food to share • BFC 13 Club night • SFDC 14 Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2 16 Club night with caller Richard Upton • NFDC 16 Club night country dancing • RB 20 Club night • SFDC 21 Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2 23 Club night with club caller • NFDC 27 Bank Holiday – No club meeting • SFDC 28 Dance 10.00am - 12noon • WFDC2 30 Club night with club caller • NFDCJ
JUNE
Saturday Sunday Tuesday Thursday Saturday Tuesday Thursday Saturday Saturday
Monday Tuesday Thursday Monday Tuesday
1 Ceilidh with Ivel Valley Band and caller John Turner • NC 3 Club night • SFDC 4 Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2 6 Club night with club caller • NFDC 8 Dance with caller Suzanne Harper 7.30pm • WFDC1 11 Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2 13 Club night with club caller • NFDC 15 Dance with Momentum and caller Lynne Render • FF 15 Memorial dance for club founder Cyril Jones with The Forest Ban and caller Mike Courthold 7.30 – 10.30pm £5 Please bring a plate of finger food to share • WFD3 17 Club night • SFDC 18 Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2 20 AGM and club night • NFDC 24 Pub night – The Cricketers, Weston • SFDC 25 Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2
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 St Andrews Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford MK40 2PF Ron Law, 01234 825 574 FF Friday Folk Verulam School, Brampton Road, St Albans, AL1 4PR Bob Barrett, 01727 856508 / 07762 085629, www.fridayfolk.org.uk MFDC Marlow Folk Dance Club Flackwell Heath Community Centre, 1 Swains Lane, Flackwell Heath, High Wycombe, HP10 9BN Janet Boothman, 01494 531716, boothman@clara.co.uk NC Northampton Ceilidhs Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road, Abington, Northampton, NN1 5LL John & Ruth Green, 01933 397767 or 07760 197921, www.northamptonceilidhs.co.uk NFDC Northampton Folk Dance Club Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road, Abington, Northampton, NN1 5LL Gwynneth Moore, Secretary, 01604 711342, www.northamptonfdc.wordpress.com SFDC Staplers Folk 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 UC Unicorn Ceilidhs St Mary’s Hall, Church Street, Baldock, SG7 5AE Alan Creamer 07946 439095, alan@creamer.me.uk, www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk WFDC1 Winchmore Folk Dance Club Trinity Church Hall, Church St / Gentleman’s Row, Enfield, EN2 6AN John 0208 926 7293, Gillian 0208 360 6226, Joyce 0208 886 2696 WFDC2 Winchmore Folk Dance Club The Village Hall, St Peter’s Church, Vera Avenue, London N21 1RJ Loretta Marigold, Loretta@thewmarigolds.co.uk WFDC3 Winchmore Folk Dance Club St Paul’s Centre, 102A Church Street, Enfield EN2 6AR Gillian, 0208 360 6226 or Zahir, 0208 8860646
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
Bedfordshire’s Premier Home Brew and Wine Making Specialists •
Comprehensive range of bitters
•
Large choice of wines
•
Wide selection of lagers
•
Excellent prices
•
Free advice
HOME BREW HELPLINE
01234 353856
contactus@thehappybrewer.com www.thehappybrewer.com Open Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm Sunday 10.30am to 4.30pm
Fridays from 8pm
Folk in the A Annexe 12 Apr, 10 May y, 14 Jun
£2.50 p performers / £4.50 0 non-performers// £3.50 concesssions
Guest Nights 24 May – Clivee Gregson 28 8 Jun – The Doovetail Trio £13.50 / £11.50 cooncessions
26 Jul – Amanda Diamon nd & Eddy Richarrds £11.50 / £9.50 cooncessions
Closed Monday except Bank Holidays
Roxton Garden Centre
@ The Black Cat Roundabout Bedford Road, Roxton, MK44 3DY
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
Wednesday 17th April
Kirsty Merryn £12 (£11 advance)
Wednesday 15th May
Ninebarrow £12 (£11 advance)
Wednesday 19th June
Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne £12 (£11 advance)
Summer 2019 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
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
5 Apr 12 Apr 19 Apr 26 Apr 3 May 10 May 17 May 24 May 31 May
Bob Barrett and FF Band Patricia Donnithorne Closed for Easter Suzanne Farmer David and Rebecca Capron Colin Hume and FF Band Bob Lilley Closed for festival Louise Siddons and Megan Wilson 7 Jun Friday Folk Band 14 Jun TBA
15 Jun Saturday Special with Lynne Render & Momentum at Verulam School 21 Jun Barry Goodman 28 Jun New members' night with Bob Barrett and Friday Folk Band
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BACKGROUND PHOTO OF KINGS PLACE COURTESY OF NICK WHITE
Magic in the air...
Breabach Hall Two, Kings Place, 13th February 2019
Kimpton Dacre Rooms, 11th January 2019
W
une Swift and Peter Michael Rowan are musicians of the highest calibre. In midJanuary, they travelled from their base in Penrith to entrance an audience in the Dacre Rooms, a recently restored community venue on Kimpton High Street, Hertfordshire.
hen I got the chance to review one of my favourite bands playing in one of my favourite venues the decision was, as the kids say, a ‘no brainer’! Hall Two of Kings Place is a truly wonderful place to see any live performance. It is the larger of the two rooms in the venue, has very comfortable seating with excellent views of the stage, and the overall atmosphere in the space is superb. The sound quality of the room is fantastic, and this is particularly important when seeing potentially ‘sonically challenging’ acts, such as the double bagpipe-wielding Breabach! I’ve seen this award winning Scottish band many times but I have to say that, on this particular night, they were on especially good form. The tunes they write, their approach to performance and their general on-stage charm all serve to enchant the audience, and their obvious love for the music they play is infectious. They played several tunes from their new album ‘Frenzy of the Meeting’ as well as some of their older tunes for good measure and balance. The gig was the night before Valentine’s Day, and when the stunningly talented Megan Henderson introduced their last tune with the words “Nothing says I love you like a couple of bagpipes!”, I think she summed up the night perfectly. If you have not seen the band live then I heartily recommend you rectify this as soon as possible. Equally, if you have not been to one of the many concerts that Kings Place put on (their folk programme alone is marvellously rich and diverse) then again get out there and do so! More information from www.breabach.com and www.kingsplace.co.uk.
J
Creating an atmosphere more like a house concert than a public event, Peter and June played in a wide variety of styles – Peter on guitar and a Costa Rican cuatro with an unusual history and June on her double bass. The chief joy for me was their singing, as their exceptional voices blended together in glorious harmonies. As the set unfolded, the packed audience was captivated by each number, applauding enthusiastically and whooping with delight as the last chords of each song died away. Some of the 11 songs in their set were familiar and some were new to us – my personal favourites were ‘Threads’ (Pete Moran) – a moving tale about a young seamstress transported for stealing a roll of cloth, ‘Ain’t No Sweet Man Worth the Salt of My Tears’ (Fred Fisher) – swing jazz for those fed up with men, Peter’s own composition ‘Chasing the Dragon’ – about Chinese horoscopes (not drugs) and Flats and Sharps’ ‘Boat’ – about living on a boat. When the audience clamoured for an encore, June and Peter treated us to ‘Never Enough’ – Jenny Lind’s song from ‘The Greatest Showman’. A truly magical evening in every way. This concert was one of many cultural events taking place in Kimpton – a vibrant centre for live music and the arts in Hertfordshire. See the Kimpton Folk Events Facebook page and website www.kimptonfolk.uk for more information.
Clive Batkin 14
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Sandra Lawes UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
STONY REDCAPS – A NEW BEGINNING
W
e said goodbye to Old Mother Redcaps in Autumn 2018 and welcomed Stony Redcaps at Stony Lights on December 1st. Their dance group has a new name, new dancers and great plans for 2019. For those who don’t know them, they are a group of ladies who perform dances from the Isle of Man together with garland dances. The name has changed but you will still recognise them by their signature red and white dresses and bright red shoes. They meet on Monday evenings 8pm – 10pm at the Swinfen Harris Hall, London Road, Stony Stratford MK11 1JA. If you would like to find out more about them, join the fun at one of their practices. Whether you would like to dance or you are a musician who would like to play for them, they would love to meet you. You can also see them at the following public events: 3rd April 7.30pm: St George’s Day 2 celebrations at The Boat Inn Stoke Bruerne 1st June 7.30pm: Midsummer Madness 2 at The Hub Central Milton Keynes 3rd June 12.00pm – 5.00pm Stony Stratford 2 Open Gardens 0th July Bedfordshire Day of Dance 2 in Bedford More information about the group and their events can be found on their website: www.stonyredcaps.dance or email on: newenq@stonyredcaps.dance. Pam Arthur Squire Stony Redcaps
ST ALBANS FOLK FESTIVAL & NEW ROOTS
T
he finals of the New Roots event for young musicians will be on Sunday April 7th from 11.00am onwards at Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St Albans, Herts AL4 0JQ.
St Albans Folk Festival will take place from June 28–30th 2019, with the main events being on Saturday June 29th. The festival concert will be at 8.00pm in the Roman Theatre at Verulamium, featuring the iconic band, Flook, one of whose members, Sarah Allen, comes from St Albans. During the day there will be a Day of Dance in the City Centre, starting with a massed display outside the Alban Arena. There will be free musical performances in City Centre pubs plus Waterstones’ bookshop and the Old Town Hall Court Room. Traditional and old-timey music session will take place in the Goat, Sopwell Lane and a singaround in the Courtyard Café. There will be a ukulele workshop with the Ver Players in the Hare and Hounds. Sunday June 30th will be a day of informal music making with sessions and singarounds. This year, the festival will fall within a 10 day festival organised by the Abbey to mark the opening of its new visitors centre. The theme will be ‘The Romans’ – as we have no idea what music the Romans played, we are organising a songwriting event on a related theme. St Michael’s Street will be full of music and dancing as usual on Wednesday July 3rd. After the overture by St Michael’s bell ringers, there will be dancing in the street and the school yard, music and singing in Kingsbury Manor Garden, the Rose and Crown, the Six Bells and the church yard. The St Michael’s Street evening will be the opening event of the St Albans International Organ Festival Fringe Festival and the Council’s Arts Team has booked Sambuka, a Samba Percussion Band specialising in Brazilian carnival music of all types, to come and play outside the Verulamium Museum. Alison Macfarlane
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
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16
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
Richard Thompson (Solo Acoustic) The Spooky Men’s Chorale • Steve Knightley & Friends • Julie Fowlis Seth Lakeman • Peatbog Faeries • Martin Simpson • Flook The Young ‘Uns: The Ballad Of Johnny Longstaff • Sam Sweeney: The Unfinished Violin Le Vent Du Nord • Topette!! • Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys Hannah James’ JigDoll Ensemble • The Shee • Lisa O’Neill • Martin Carthy Nancy Kerr & James Fagan • Blackbeard’s Tea Party • Lady Maisery Belshazzar’s Feast • John Kirkpatrick • Iona Fyfe • Çiğdem Aslan Rowan Rheingans: Dispatches On The Red Dress • Granny’s Attic The Road to Peterloo: Pete Coe, Laura Smyth, Brian Peters • Mama’s Broke The Askew Sisters • Matthew Byrne • Rachael McShane & The Cartographers Jimmy Aldridge & Sid Goldsmith • Brian Peters • Emily Portman & Rob Harbron Whapweasel • Banter • Token Women • Kirkophany • Faustus Broom Bezzums • Jeff Warner • Debs Newbold • Kim Carnie You Are Wolf • Jim Causley • Nick Hart • Burd Ellen • Gwenifer Raymond Matthew Crampton & Paul Sartin: Living By The Sea Robb Johnson: Ordinary Giants • Ben Walker and many more
Concerts • Ceilidhs • Folk Dances • Roots Parties Dance Spectaculars • Children’s Festival Youth Festival • Huge Workshop Programme
••••••
Tuesday
1
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Oak PH, Aston Clinton, HP22 5EU
Wednesday
3
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice, Pump House, Watford, WD17 2JP
Wednesday
10
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice, Pump House, Watford, WD17 2JP
Saturday
13
2.00pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Half Moon PH Beer Festival, Hitchin, Herts, SG4 9TZ
Wednesday
17
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice, Pump House, Watford, WD17 2JP
Monday
22
1.00pm onwards
NEW MOON MORRIS • Pitstone Museum, Vicarage Road, Pitstone, LU7 9EY
Tuesday
23
TBC
Wednesday
1
6.30am
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • Ickwell Green with Letchworth Morris followed by Country Dancing
1
6.30am
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Ickwell Green SG18 9EF (with Bedford Morris Men)
1
12.15pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Letchworth Town Centre (opposite Three Magpies PH SG6 3EW)
1
5.00am
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Dawn in Cassiobury Park, Watford
Saturday
4
All day
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Eel Day, Ely Town Centre
Sat–Sun
4/5
TBA
6
1.30 – 4.30pm
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • Pirton Maypole, Great Green, Pirton, Herts, SG5 3PS with Phoenix Morris
6
11.30am
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Crown Northill PH followed by Ickwell May Festival. With Letchworth Morris
6
11.30am
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Crown PH Northill, SG18 9AA (with Bedford Morris Men)
6
1.30pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Processions to Ickwell May Fair
6
6.30am
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • Coombe Hill Monument near Wendover SP849066
6
8.45am
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Hampden Arms PH, Great Hampden, HP16 9RQ
6
10.00am
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • World’s End Garden Centre near Wendover, HP22 6BD
6
1.30pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Half Moon PH, Wilstone, HP23 4PD
6
2.15pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • Pitstone Green Farm Museum, Pitstone, LU7 9EY
8
7.45pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Fox and Hounds PH Riseley
8
8.30pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • St John’s Arms PH, Melchbourne
Thursday
9
8.00pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • March Hare PH, Dunton SG18 8RN
Sunday
12
Noon
12
1.00pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Rose and Crown PH, Ashwell, SG7 5NP
12
2.30pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Bushel & Strike PH, Ashwell, SG7 5LY
12
3.30pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Museum, Ashwell, SG7 5NY
Tuesday
14
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Five Elms PH, Weedon, HP22 4NL
Wednesday
15
7.45pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Bell and Bear PH, Emberton
Thursday
16
8.00pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Lordship Arms PH, Benington, SG2 7BX (with Standon Morris)
Saturday
18
10.00am – 4.00pm
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • Baldock Day of Dance, High Street, Baldock with various other sides
18
All day
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Baldock Day of Dance - Baldock Town Centre with various other sides
21
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Cross Keys PH, Totternhoe, LU6 2DA
21
8.00pm
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • The Robin Hood PH, Tonwell, Herts, SG2 0HN with Standon Fiddler’s Brook
22
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Falcon PH, Denham, UB9 5BE
Monday
Wednesday
Tuesday
Wednesday
18
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • St George’s Day, London (details TBC)
NEW MOON MORRIS • Rochester Festival, Rochester, Kent
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Ashwell at Home - Ashwell Primary School SG7 5QL
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
Thursday
23
7.45pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Polhill Arms PH, Renhold
Thursday
23
8.15pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Rising Sun PH, Halls Green, SG4 7DW
Sat-Mon
25–27
TBA
Tuesday
28
8.00pm
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • The Stone Jug PH, Clophill, Beds, MK45 4BY
Wednesday
29
7.45pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Crown PH, Willington
29
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The John Bunyan PH, Coleman’s Green, AL4 8ES
29
9.15pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Elephant and Castle PH, Amwell, AL4 8EA
30
8.00pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Craftys Beer Shop, Letchworth SG6 3EA
30
9.00pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Garden City Brewery, 22 The Wynd, Letchworth, SG6 3EN
Thursday
Sat & Sun
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • In the Yorkshire Dales hosted by Leeds Morris Men
1&2
TBA
4
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Red Lion PH, Little Missenden, HP7 0RB
4
8.00pm
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • The Bushel & Strike PH, Ashwell, Herts, SG7 5LY
5
8.00pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Crown PH, Little Staughton
5
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Woodman PH, Wild Hill, AL9 6EA
6
8.15pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Fox PH, Willian, SG6 2AE
6
9.00pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Three Horseshoes PH, Willian, SG6 2AE
8
TBA
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • At Aldbury, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Aldbury Morris Men
8
TBA
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • St Leonard’s Fete, HP23 6NW
11
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Plough PH, Cadsden, HP27 0NB
11
8.00pm
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • The Orange Tree PH, Baldock, Herts, SG7 5AW
12
8.00pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Cock PH, Pavenham
12
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Oddfellows Arms PH, Harpenden, AL5 2TG (TBC)
12
9.15pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Holly Bush PH, Redbourn, AL3 7DX (TBC)
Thursday
13
8.15pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The White Hart PH, Campton, SG17 5NX
Saturday
15
All day
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Letchworth Town Centre
Tuesday
18
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Bell PH, Chearsley, HP18 0DJ
Wednesday
19
Evening
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • Evening walking tour in Cambridge with Fenstanton Morris
19
8.00pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Cricket Pavilion, Ickwell
19
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Fox PH, Darley Hall, LU2 8PP
19
9.15pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The King William IV PH, Mangrove Green, LU2 8QE
20
8.00pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Three Tuns PH, Ashwell, SG7 5NL
20
8.45pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Rose and Crown PH, Ashwell, SG7 5NP
20
9.30pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN •The Bushel & Strike PH, Ashwell, SG7 7LY
25
8.00pm
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • The Lytton Arms PH, Old Knebworth, Herts, SG3 6QB
25
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Rose and Crown PH, Wingrave, HP22 4PD
26
8.00pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Royal George PH, Stevington
26
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Case is Altered PH, Eastcote, HA5 2EW
26
9.15pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Hop & Vine PH, Ruislip, HA4 7AN
30
2.00pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Dunton Village Fete
30
TBA
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Saturday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Sunday
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • At Thaxted hosted by Thaxted Morris Men
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Leigh on Sea Folk Festival (TBC)
Due to space restrictions in this, particularly lengthy issue, the Index for the Morris Diary can be found overleaf on page 20 – apologies for the slightly unusual placement!
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BALDOCK Midnight Morris – Cotswold, Border, Raglan, Fieldtown, Baldock 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
VALE OF AYLESBURY Whitchurch Morris Men – Cotswold Contact: John King, 01296 420 846 info@whitchurchmorris.org.uk www.whitchurchmorris.org. or on Facebook
Programme is subject to change so please check the website www.bedfordmorrismen.com/new-events IVINGHOE New Moon Morris – A mixed side dancing a variety of styles, seeking dancers and musicians. Contact: www.facebook.com/NewMoonMorris or http://newmoonmorris.co.uk LETCHWORTH Morris Men – Cotswold Contact: Andrew Harper 07771 903964 harperandrew937@gmail.com www.letchworthmorris.org.uk
T
he autobiography of this acclaimed Scottish singer, which runs to almost 200 pages, is written in a highly readable and accessible style which made the task of reviewing it a real pleasure. Mark Brownrigg interviewed Jean during the last 18 months of her life and her character and humour shine through as we follow her life from ‘a shy Fife lass’ to her success as ‘an iconic folk singer’ who achieved international renown and shared a house and a concert stage with Bob Dylan and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. She received the MBE from the Queen and honorary doctorates from several universities and was also inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. She was a singer, songwriter, broadcaster and teacher of traditional song in both Scotland and America and she performed right across the world. She left us
20
WOODSIDE Morris Men – Cotswold Contact: Nick Wilson 07860 663 033 pete@iw2.co.uk www.woodsidemorrismen.com
WATFORD Woodside Morris Men Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre, Local Board Road Lower Watford High Street, Watford WD17 2JP Contact: Nick Wilson 07860 663033 or pete@iw2.co.uk www.woodsidemorrismen.com Due to space restrictions in this, particularly lengthy issue, here is the Index for the Morris Diary (pages 18 & 19) – apologies for the slightly unusual placement!
a catalogue of almost 700 songs – all created without being able to read music. She had a vast resource of singing material (ancient ballads, Robbie Burns’ songs and contemporary folk music) but more than this, she had a voice that was very individual. Unusually she could sing through the soprano and alto ranges without straining or using falsetto. Mark has done us all a huge favour by capturing the details of Jean’s fascinating and eventful life. His work traces her inspirational journey from her birth and concludes with some open and honest reflections as she neared the end of her life. She was brave, bold and lucky. We learn about her struggle to be recognised, the wonderful people she met, the exploitation of events organisers and how she eventually achieved fair pay for her gigs. The writing is sprinkled with chance meetings with other
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‘wannabes’ and those who actually made it like Joan Baez and Bob Dylan. She often found herself in the right place at the right time. The use of the first person gives the impression that Jean is talking directly to us and it makes the narrative exciting and vivid. Rich in anecdotes – this book is an easy read. It’s very informative, with many delightful touches of wit and humour. If you like folk music and traditional Scottish songs in particular, I feel sure you will enjoy this book. It is important that our folk singers are remembered and that our heritage of songs is not lost. The book is available though Amazon in a Kindle version at £22.76 and in hardback at £25.95. Ed Broadbridge
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
We’ll be reviewing the ‘Darkness & the Angels’ CD in the next issue... In the meantime do check our regular column written by Les on page 35 [Ed.]
F
olk rock combo Red Velvet, led by vocalist Deirdre Murphy, launched their new EP Darkness and the Angels at The White Horse in Bedford on Saturday 23rd February 2019. Regulars at the White Horse will associate the venue with its intimate Monday night jazz sessions, which attract some of the best musicians in the country. No less talent was on display as the band fully exploited the intimacy and easy communication that the performance space affords. Deirdre Murphy is blessed with a naturally lyrical Northern Irish brogue, which connects instantly with the audience. As she introduces each track in her soft contralto, she moves effortlessly from speech to song; Carrickfergus and The Rose lending themselves perfectly to her voice. As well as folk melodies, the band played other well chosen covers revealing their rockier side, Chuck Berry’s ‘Never Can Tell’ and Dr Feelgood’s ‘Back in the Night’; Gene Thunderbolt distinguishes himself here by adding some very tasty blues piano licks and slide guitar to add spice.
Centrepiece of the evening, literally, as it was the 2nd of three sets, was the performance of all five of the band’s tracks from their new EP. The band are unashamedly political and left leaning, however their politics don’t just cover macro events like Brexit, as in the sardonically ironic ‘That’ll never happen in real life’ and the social commentary of ‘After the War’ (which segues into a chorus of John Lennon’s ‘Give Peace a Chance’), they also deal with personal politics and affairs of the heart and soul. ‘Self-Storage’ belies its gently swinging 6/8 rhythm as it tells of the paraphernalia of a loved one’s life now left behind as part of a bittersweet legacy. The audience listens intently, turn that microphone up! Only those with a swinging brick for a heart were not moved by Deirdre Murphy’s vocal on ‘Ride of Darkness’ a song that deals with the grief at her brother’s illness and death from cancer. The band complete their third set as the bell rings out for lasties. We’ve been taken through a range of emotions, some heart-wrenching, some heartwarming – time for that drink. Gerard Atkins
We wanted to highlight this attractive package of materials we received recently from Whitchurch Morris (who celebrated their 70th year in 2018) and who are clearly still going strong in 2019... It’s always interesting to see what people are doing out there to promote their clubs and activities, and the beer mat has already come in very handy here in the Unicorn offices! Many congratulations, Whitchurch! UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
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21
DANDY WAISTCOATS – A BIG HIT WITH FOLKIES An interview with Judy Carrington by Sandra Lawes
W
aistcoats were invented by King Charles II in the mid 1600s and have long been associated with folk tradition. Based in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, Dandy Waistcoats is in the heart of Unicorn country where its proprietor Judy Carrington has lived since she was a child. I came across her range of colourful and imaginative products at a folk festival and interviewed her to find out more about this creative family business.
What products do you sell? Our main line is men’s waistcoats in a huge range of sizes and styles – a great favourite with folkies. I make them all myself – I’m trained in clothing design and technology and I’ve been making quality waistcoats since I was 14. I only make a few with each fabric so it’s very unlikely you’ll see anyone wearing the same design as you. My bunting is also very popular – people like to decorate their tents, caravans and motorhomes – and their gardens. I have new designs every year and I’ve sold over three kilometres in the six years I’ve been doing this! If you come to our stall, you’ll also find tweedy style caps which go well with the waistcoats, but also beautifully soft blanket wraps (just right for chilly evenings at the festivals), multi-coloured scarves, felt keyrings and a range of bags. I also sell a range of soft animal hand puppets which are really popular with children. How and why did you start Dandy Waistcoats? My husband Richard and I have always loved folk festivals, and at Shrewsbury in 2011 while I was
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
trying to find a present for him, I realised there were very few items specially for men. I thought that waistcoats would be just the job but I wasn’t really sure where to start. With help from other stallholders I worked out a business plan, and we were lucky enough to be allocated a stall for the 2012 Shrewsbury festival. We started out with a second-hand trailer tent and a 3x3 stall and progressed to a 3x6 stall – but the products are so popular that even that size isn’t not big enough sometimes!
Where can we buy your products? I only sell at folk festivals – not online or in shops, and with help from Richard and my daughter Holly, I do six festivals a year – it used to be nine but that didn’t leave enough time to make the waistcoats and other items. The range evolves year on year, and in 2019 you can find us at Kimpton, Folk by the Oak and Swanage. We’ve also applied for stalls at The Gate to Southwell, Warwick and Shrewsbury – so fingers crossed we’ll be there too. Do come and see us for a chat – there’s no obligation to buy and we’d love to show you our wares. I’m really sorry I can’t do bespoke orders, but because each garment is individually made, I wouldn’t have time to source individual fabrics. If anyone reading this article is a dressmaker or waistcoat maker, I would be happy to pass on such enquiries to them if they get in touch with me through Unicorn Magazine.
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23
Advert Unicorn Apr - Jun 19:Layout 2
12/2/19
19:43
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.
See www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk FRIDAY 12TH APRIL
english contra dance bar nd with calle mike courthold
FRIDAY 10TH MAY
the old chapel band with caller
will hall
Keith (melodeon), Heathe r (baritone sax / bass clarinet),Taz (fiddle ng on Gareth Kiddier (piano) has been playi and is inet) are all experienced) and Toby (clarthe folk dance scene for over 15 years The musicians, and the unu ceilidh band a passionate dancer. He also plays with l of instruments really setsual combination s this ban Watch, PolkaWorks and other occasiona ) has A top quality sound. d apart. line-ups. Linda Game (fiddle, mandolin 20 over for c been playing folk based musi Will has called for many ical ban years since she escaped from the class accomplished caller wit ds, and is an world! h a gre rep erto ire of dances. Don’t miss theat is the last Mike has been calling since 1981, andFestival. dan ce of the season! Dance Director for Chippenham Folk
St Mary’s Hall, Church St, Baldock SG7 5AE
24
FULL BAR with REAL ALE
Tickets now available on line see website for details
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June, July & August
We don’t organise ceilidhs in the three summer months, as many people are away on holidays and dancing at festivals. We’re back with a great band andcaller on Friday September 13th . Cock & Bull with Barry Goodman All details at www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk and in the next issue of Unicorn. Have a great summer!
Doors open 7.30 p.m. Dancing 8.00 to 11.00 p.m.
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
Monday
1 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singers featuring Pete Joshua. Performers and spectators welcome 8.15pm 1 HERGA at the Castle • Guest Night – Tom Lewis 1 STAPLERS • Unusual dances with club callers 1 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 2 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Will Finn & Rosie Calvert Wednesday 3 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • NW & Cotswold Morris 3 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 4 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller George Hearnden 4 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Local Singers and Musicians 4 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 4 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Country dancing with guest caller Friday 5 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 5 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Open Stage with Richard St John 5 FRIDAY FOLK • Bob Barrett and the Friday Folk Band 5 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Elizabeth & Jameson £8 Sunday 7 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • ‘Songs of the Sea’ themed Open Stage 7 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • O’Hooley & Tidow plus Alden, Patterson & Dashwood 7 ST ALBANS • New Roots Final at Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St Albans AL4 0JQ Monday 8 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Liz Simcock 8.15pm 8 HERGA at the Castle • Regular Singaround 8 STAPLERS • Club night with Paul Garner 8 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 9 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Showcase night Wednesday 10 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country 10 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Odette Michell 10 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 11 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance – caller TBA 11 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers Night 11 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Daniel Nestlerode Trio plus floor spots 11 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Country dancing, club callers Friday 12 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 12 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Colvin, Nestlerode, Ralls 12 FRIDAY FOLK • Patricia Donnithorne 12 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Showcase Night – featuring Paul McClure, Rich Keam and Jason Betley 12 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Easter Singaround £5 Sunday 14 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Kelly Oliver 14 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • NW & Cotswold Morris 14 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Gilmore & Roberts plus Iona Lane Monday 15 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singaround. Performers and spectators welcome 8.15pm 15 HERGA at the Castle • Theme Night – Loss at Sea 15 STAPLERS • Club night with Lorraine Morgan and Barbara Gilder
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
15 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Guests The Stout Brothers Tuesday 16 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • The Moon and You Wednesday 17 ELY FOLK CLUB • Kirsty Merryn (support Luke James Williams) 17 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country 17 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Peter Crossley 17 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Guest Caller Ted Morse Thursday 18 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance – caller TBA 18 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Easter Singaround 18 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 18 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • No meeting (Maundy Thursday) Friday 19 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • No club meeting (Easter) 19 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Closed for Easter 19 FRIDAY FOLK • Closed for Easter 19 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Good Friday – club closed Sunday 21 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 21 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Dave Ellis & Boo Howard and Liz Simcock Monday 22 HERGA at the Castle • Closed for Bank Holiday 22 STAPLERS • Easter Monday – no club meeting 22 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Easter Monday Singaround tbc Tuesday 23 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Luke Jackson Wednesday 24 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country 24 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • David Gunawardana 24 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 25 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Pat George 25 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 25 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • The Pitmatics plus floor spots 25 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Country dancing, club callers Friday 26 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 26 CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance 26 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • The Ouse Brothers; The Gillies 26 FRIDAY FOLK • Suzanne Farmer 26 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Concert Night with Peter Knight’s Gigspanner 26 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Martin Olyett £8 Sunday 28 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 28 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Jackie Oates plus Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer Monday 29 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singers featuring Tim Brooks. Performers and spectators welcome 8.15pm 29 HERGA at the Castle • Regular Singaround 29 STAPLERS • Club night 29 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 30 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Round the Room
THE BROWN LEATHER ISSUE... WWW.UNICORNMAGAZINE.ORG
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Wednesday 1 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • NW & Cotswold Morris 1 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 2 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Terry Elvins 2 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers Night 2 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 2 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club dinner Friday 3 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 3 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Open Stage with Rosie Eade 3 FOLK AT THE MALTINGS • with Will Finn and Rosie Calvert 3 FRIDAY FOLK • David and Rebecca Capron 3 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround £5 Sunday 5 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • ‘May Songs’ themed Open Stage 5 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Flook plus Elliott Morris Monday 6 HERGA at the Castle • Closed for Bank Holiday 6 STAPLERS • Bank Holiday – no club meeting 6 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Bank Holiday club closed Tuesday 7 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Frank Burkitt Band Wednesday 8 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country 8 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Cambridge-Walker 8 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 9 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller George Hearnden 9 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Local Singers and Musicians 9 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • The Dovetail Trio plus floor spots 9 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Country dancing with guest caller and band Friday 10 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 10 CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance 10 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Dan Walsh Trio 10 FRIDAY FOLK • Colin Hume and the Friday Folk Band 10 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Showcase Night – featuring Crayon Angels 10 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Chris Cleverley £10 Sunday 12 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Dovetail Trio 12 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Jim Causley Monday 13 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singaround. Performers and spectators welcome 8.15pm 13 HERGA at the Castle • Theme Night – Songs I wish I had written myself 13 STAPLERS • Club night 13 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 14 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Open Stage Wednesday 15 ELY FOLK CLUB • Ninebarrow (support SimpleFolk) 15 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country 15 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Jono 15 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 16 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Graham Foster 16 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 16 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 16 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 17 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome
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17 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Hunter Muskett; Cambridge and Walker 17 FRIDAY FOLK • Bob Lilley 17 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Delta Ladies £8 19 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 19 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • NW & Cotswold Morris 19 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Johnny Coppin & Mike Silver Monday 20 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Rachel Newton 8.15pm 20 HERGA at the Castle • Regular Singaround 20 STAPLERS • Club night 20 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Guests Broomdasher Tuesday 21 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Will Pound Wednesday 22 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country 22 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Steve Ingrey / Paul Hilder 22 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Guest Caller Kevin Prigmore Thursday 23 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller John Green 23 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers Night 23 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB •Dave Ellis & Boo Howard plus floor spots 23 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 24 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 24 CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance 24 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Vera van Heeringen 24 FRIDAY FOLK • Closed for Festival 24 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround £5 Sunday 26 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 26 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Hattie Briggs Monday 27 HERGA at the Castle • Closed for Bank Holiday 27 STAPLERS • Bank Holiday – no club meeting 27 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Bank Holiday club closed Tuesday 28 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Round the Room Wednesday 29 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Club Practice – all sections 29 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 30 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance – caller TBA 30 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 30 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 30 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 31 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • No club meeting (half term) 31 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Open Stage with Flashback Photograph 31 FRIDAY FOLK • Louise Siddons and Megan Wilson 31 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Triple Header Concert with Shrodinger’s Strings, Josh Robins and Three Years Younger 31 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Tim Brooks £7 Sunday
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Sunday Monday
2 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 2 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Chris & Kelly While 3 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singaround. Performers and spectators welcome 8.15pm 3 HERGA at the Castle • Guest Night with Kevin Sheils ‘Songs of London and beyond’ 3 STAPLERS • Club night 3 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Guests Sal, Al & Rachel charity evening Tuesday 4 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Liz Simcock Wednesday 5 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • NW & Cotswold Morris 5 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 6 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Kevin Prigmore 6 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 6 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Jez Lowe plus floor spots 6 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 7 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 7 CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance 7 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Ward and Parker; Highwire 7 FOLK AT THE MALTINGS • with Alden, Patterson and Dashwood 7 FRIDAY FOLK • The Friday Folk Band 7 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Songwriters Circle with Ady Shaw, Tom Lavin & Steve McClennon plus Singaround £5 Fri - Sun 7–9 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Midsummer Sing Weekend Lambourne End Sunday 9 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Nick Hart 9 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Nancy Kerr 9 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Folk on the Common 2.00 – 6.00pm Monday 10 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Odette Michell 8.15pm 10 HERGA at the Castle • Regular Singaround 10 STAPLERS • Club night 10 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 11 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Bram Taylor Wednesday 12 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country 12 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • The Fog 12 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 13 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Alison Ross 13 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Local Singers and Musicians 13 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 13 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 14 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 14 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Open Stage with David Gunawardana 14 FRIDAY FOLK • TBA 14 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Showcase Night – featuring Jack in a Barrel 14 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround £5 Sunday 16 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage Monday 17 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singers featuring Dom Prag. Performers and spectators welcome 8.15pm 17 HERGA at the Castle • Theme Night – Waterloo / Meeting your Waterloo 17 STAPLERS • Club night
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17 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 18 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Dave Gibb Wednesday 19 ELY FOLK CLUB • Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne (support tba) 19 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country 19 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Pat Crilly & Greg Camburn 19 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 20 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Pat George 20 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 20 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Glymjack plus floor spots 20 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 21 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 21 CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance 21 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Club closed 21 FRIDAY FOLK • Barry Goodman 21 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Paul Downes £10 Sunday 23 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Guest night tbc Monday 24 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singaround. Performers and spectators welcome 8.15pm 24 HERGA at the Castle • Regular Singaround 24 STAPLERS • Pub night, The Cricketers, Weston 24 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 25 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Round the Room Wednesday 26 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country 26 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Guest Caller Judith Inman 26 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Causton & Walker Thursday 27 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Terry Elvins 27 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers Night 27 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 27 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Country dancing with guest caller and band Friday 28 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club Night Visitors Welcome 28 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Pre-Festival Showcase 28 FRIDAY FOLK • New Members’ night with Bob Barrett and the Friday Folk Band 28 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Concert Night with The Joshua Burnell Band, support Lizzy Hardingham 28 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround £5 Saturday 29 ST ALBANS FOLK FESTIVAL • Day of Dance and Day of Music 29 ST ALBANS FOLK FESTIVAL • Concert with Flook Sunday 30 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • ‘End of Season’ Open Stage
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[ Listed alphabetically by location ] BEDFORD • Bedford Folk Dance Club Church Barn, Church End, Biddenham, Bedford, MK40 4AS 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 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 CHESHAM • Chesham Folk Club White Hill Centre, White Hill, Chesham HP5 1AG Contact: Ray Butler, cheshamfolk123@gmail.com www.cheshamfolkclub.org.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
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 • Watford Folk Club Colne River Room, Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre, Local Board Rd, Watford, WD17 2JP Contact: http://watfordfolkclub.co.uk
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 • Hitchin Folk Club Sun Hotel, Sun St, Hitchin, SG5 1AF Contact: Maureen Jones, 01462 812391< goodmusic@hitchinfolkclub.co.uk 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.uk
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HITCHIN • Staplers Anniversary & Christmas Dances St Ippolyts Village Hall, Waterdell Lane, St Ippolyts, Hitchin SG4 7RA Contact: Gill Goodman, 01462 456811 gillagoodman@hotmail.co.uk, www.staplers.org.uk
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LINSLADE • Linsleighders Folk Dance Group The Forster Institute, Waterloo Rd, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard LU7 2NR Contact: Elizabeth Corser, 01525 378010, Elizabeth.corser@btinternet.com LUTON • English Miscellany East Hyde Village Hall, Southern Rise, East Hyde Luton, Beds, LU2 9QB Contact: Eileen Heylin, 01442 255862 www.englishmiscellany.com 28
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Fridays â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8.00pm
2019 SEASON
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
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April 4th
Open Stage
April 11th
DANIEL NESTLERODE TRIO and floor spots
April 18th
Open Stage
April 25th
THE PITMATICS and floor spots
May 2nd
OPEN STAGE
May 9th
THE DOVETAIL TRIO and floor spots
May 16th
Open Stage
May 23rd
DAVE ELLIS & BOO HOWARD and floor spots
May 30th
Open Stage
June 6th
JEZ LOWE and floor spots
June 9th
FOLK ON THE COMMON 2.00pm – 6.00pm
June 13th
Open Stage
June 20th
GLYMJACK and floor spots
June 27th
Open Stage
ALL OTHER THURSDAYS ARE OPEN STAGE NIGHTS
THURSDAYS 8.00pm – 10.45pm
Dunton Folk Pitmatics 23rd March
Fred’s House 18th May Daria Kulesh Album Launch 1st June Katie Doherty and the Navigators 22nd June
www.duntonfolk.co.uk 30
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
W
hen you pack the Cambridge Corn Exchange stage with sixteen top folk musicians, all their instruments and couple of large settees and a coffee table, there is not much room left for manoeuvre. Accidents can happen. Moving around between numbers, accordionist Phil Cunningham’s head came briefly into contact with the sharp end of John McCusker’s fiddle bow. Resisting the temptation to invite his Scottish compatriot to “stitch this Jimmy”, Phil graciously offered to spend the rest of the evening looking out of his other eye. Later in the set John McCusker was delighted to introduce a medley of tunes with the observation that the final number was written by “the famous blind accordionist Phil Cunningham”. Quick-fire humour has long been a feature of the glorious annual folk treat which is Transatlantic Sessions – essentially a touring version of the acclaimed television series featuring the cream of folk musicians from both sides of the Atlantic, presided over by Shetland fiddler Aly Bain and dobro maestro Jerry Douglas. At a time when the special relationship between Britain and America has become somewhat strained on a political level, it was heartwarming to see evidence that it’s as strong as ever musically.
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The audience in Cambridge knew exactly what to expect, and were not disappointed. At the heart of the evening’s performances was the familiar “house band” which, as well as the aforementioned, included John Doyle on guitar and bouzouki, Russ Barenberg on guitar and mandolin and the incomparable Mike McGoldrick on flute and pipes. The special guests from America this year included two hugely talented singer-songwriters; Nashvillebased Gretchen Peters and Californian Molly Tuttle. Molly demonstrated why she is winning international folk awards for her virtuoso guitar playing. A more familiar guest from America was the ever popular Tim O’Brien who delivered one of the highlights of the evening with a moving song about the death in childhood of his sister. The guests from this side of the pond were young Scottish singer Paul McKenna and Irish nightingale Cara Dillon, one of the folk world’s brightest jewels. Another highlight of the evening was a furiouspaced bluegrass version of Hey Joe, led by Jerry Douglas, which opened the second half. But throughout an evening in which folk music was frequently lifted to orchestral level, pretty much everything was a highlight. May this wonderful company of musicians live forever. Brian King. Kimpton Folk Events
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KIMPTON FOLK FESTIVAL IS BACK... AND THIS TIME IT MEANS BUSINESS
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star-studded line-up has been announced for this year’s Kimpton Folk Festival on Saturday July 6, along with exciting news of the addition of a new bop-until-you-drop concert. The village’s Memorial Hall will be the venue for a rip-roaring, foot-stomping finale featuring up-tempo sets by the Smith and Brewer Band and Sheelanagig. It’ll be a non-seated event and audience members are strongly advised to bring their dancing shoes. For festival-goers already exhausted from an afternoon of top-quality entertainment around the village, there will be the equally attractive option to attend an evening concert in Kimpton’s beautiful old church, featuring duos Nancy Kerr and James Fagan and Jess and Richard Arrowsmith. Both evening concerts include acts which have become firm favourites with Kimpton audiences. Ben Smith and Jimmy Brewer were a huge success at Kimpton’s first festival back in 2016. They’d only just formed as a duo, having met as solo artists supporting Joan Armatrading on a nationwide tour. Since then they’ve been wowing audiences in both the UK and the US with their brilliant guitar playing and close-harmony singing. This year they are joined by a drummer and bass player for one of their first major gigs as a four-piece band. Joining them on the bill in the Memorial Hall will be Sheelanagig, the dynamic quintet of brilliant musicians whose foot-stomping, high energy performances have been thrilling audiences and raising roofs wherever they play.
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Meanwhile the Kimpton village church will see the return of the multi-award winning Nancy Kerr and James Fagan who headlined Kimpton Folk Festival in 2016 and have since become the festival’s patrons, recording a new live album in the church last November. They’ll be joined on stage by their friends Jess and Richard Arrowsmith for what promises to be a vibrant and joyful final set as the Melrose Quartet. Ticketed concerts earlier in the day in the Memorial Hall and church feature an astonishing line-up of top quality acts: Edgelarks, Alden, Patterson and Dashwood, Gilmore & Roberts, Ninebarrow, Mishaped Pearls, Kim Lowings and the Greenwood and Odette Michell. As in past years there will be free entertainment on the village green stage all afternoon, featuring brief “surprise” appearances by headline acts, local musicians and singers, dance troops and a rip-roaring ceilidh led by Fiddlebridge. Other attractions throughout the village include lots of activities for kids of all ages, including story-telling and face-painting. There will be singing and instrument workshops in the Dacre Rooms, open-mic and other sessions in The Boot and a huge variety of food, drink and craft stalls. Tickets are already selling fast. Early bird tickets are available until the end of March. To buy tickets and find more information go to: www.kimptonfolk.uk.
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Brian King
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 146
If you fancy dancing North East Rapper or Yorkshire Longsword or Medieval Buffens join us on a Tuesday at 8.30-10pm in the Friends Meeting House, Cuttyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lane, Stevenage, SG1 1UP or email bagman@stevenagesword.org.uk
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YARNS & SLOW AIRS – KAREN TWEED AT CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB
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or me life is a craft, music is a craft. So if I’m knitting, that’s got just as much influence and inspiration as my music, as has nature, as has colour, as have oceans or birds or drawing. I feel that my accordion could be a garment really, it’s something I wear; it’s part of me...
These are the words of Karen Tweed, virtuoso accordionist and Renaissance woman, in an interview for my show on Cambridge 105 Radio a few days before her concert at Cambridge Folk Club on 22nd February. I went along to the concert having never seen Karen perform live before, not even in previous guises, as a member of The Poozies or with Roger Wilson or Kathryn Tickell (who gave Karen her first break in folk music by inviting her to tour Sweden). Northamptonshire born, like myself, now residing in the Orkneys, the much travelled Karen took us on a musical journey. Starting the evening by playing her childhood instrument the melodica, she went on to entertain us with the story of the variable names of her mum from County Kerry and dad
from Willesden, before performing the beautiful “Miss Hanoria McNamara of Ballybunion”, inspired by her mum. The evening proceeded with Karen alternating between the role of raconteur and that of consummate musician, eyes closed, smiling serenely, delighting us with beautiful melodies and subtle syncopation. My favourite piece in the first half was “My Dear Julia”, inspired by a photograph of John Herschel by pioneering 19th-century photographer Julia Margaret Cameron; the piece is Karen’s imaginings in music of what Herschel’s letters to Julia might have contained. The second half tended more towards the ebbs and flows of Karen’s music than to her storytelling, and included an ambitious 20-minute set of tunes that even took a dip into “Moon River”, with the audience gently singing along, before continuing on its musical journey. Les Ray https://cambridgefolkclub.co.uk • www.mixcloud. com/StrummersandDreamers/show-276-joshrobins-karen-tweed-interview-28219
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Live – Fortnightly on Mondays at 7pm Catchup – cambridge105.co.uk/strummers
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A WASSAILING NIGHT TO REMEMBER...
CIDER, TOAST, TREES, MORRIS DANCING & A GUISERS’ PLAY
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n enticing aroma of mulled cider and hot dogs greeted our arrival at the Church Barn farmyard as we joined around 200 other revellers on a chilly January evening in Dunton, near Biggleswade. Bells were jingling as the Morris men prepared their elaborate costumes, and very soon Simon Bailes, our MC for the evening, introduced the delights in store for the evening’s Wassail celebration.
Intrigued, we watched Letchworth Morris Men and Bedford Morris Men perform several complex dances – captivated by their agility and skill as well as their costumes, headdresses and fearsome looking sticks. Then, narrated by Barry Goodman, we were entertained by a traditional Guiser’s play performed by the Brafront Guisers variously disguised as St George, the Turkish Knight, an eminent doctor, an old wifey, Father Christmas and the devil himself. So convincing were the characters, that children in the audience squealed in fright – but the hero won the day and good triumphed in the end. And all in the very deserving cause of collecting money for Kidney Research. Who wouldn’t give generously when asked to donate by Beelzebub himself! Following a quick change of costume, the Morris Men then performed the eerie Abbots Bromley Horn Dance – complete with very impressive stag horns. And it was these same Morris Men – complete with their stag horns – that led us to the orchard so we could bless the cider apple trees and drive away the bad spirits to ensure a good harvest later in the year. Armed with pan lids and wooden spoons, we were told to dip squares of toast into bowls of cider and hang the bread on the branches (as you do!). Then, after some uplifting community singing to bless the trees, led by the Dunton choir ‘Singtastic’, we were instructed to bang our pan lids and make as much noise as possible to drive
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away all the malevolent spirits that could harm the trees. No doubt a few local cats got quite a fright in the process, but the vigour of the banging was such that the cider apple trees should certainly yield a bumper crop this autumn! Finally, we all retired to the welcoming local pub – The March Hare – to warm ourselves and quench our thirst, while the musicians launched into a rousing session and singalong. It’s safe to say that a grand time was had by all – thanks to the Morris sides, Singtastic, the musicians, John and Janice Pritchett (the landlord and landlady of the March Hare), the Dunton Community Garden who provided the hot dogs and soup and most of all to Simon, whose energy and enthusiasm carried the evening. For more information about folk events in Dunton, visit www.duntonfolk.co.uk. Sandra Lawes PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASAN TU OF TU AND TU PHOTOGRAPHY
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SWEET DELLA
DAVID SILVER (B. 1949) COPYRIGHT © David Silver
David is the lead musician with Pump House Clog Morris in Watford – many thanks to him for sending us his excellent tune!
Dave is Lead Musician with Pump House Clog Morris in Watford’
W
hen sending in your electronic attachments and submissions for either Sessions, the Diary, SWD, Morris Diary or your Adverts (i.e. basically anything you send us via email!) please remember to include your club / organisation name in the file name (and ideally the issue number if possible) so we don’t miss anything / get entries muddled up. Also, if you prepare your ad in Word, please save it as a PDF and send it to us in that format (and don’t forget to delete the background template / don’t include any box outlines).
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Tenterden folk festival 2019 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tenterden, the Jewel of the Wealdâ&#x20AC;?
Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th October 2019
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THE FIRST GUESTS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED
Andy Turner, Dan McKinnon, Dick Miles Keith Kendrick & Sylvia Needham Mike Wilson & Damien Barber Nick Dow, Notts Alliance Paul & Liz Davenport Pete Castle, Peter & Barbara Snape, Portsmouth Shantymen, Stan Graham, Tom Lewis Will Pound & Eddy Jay Plus more to be announced Plus our regular and local guests Plus showcase guests Plus free music stage guests Plus up to 50 Morris sides and folk dance display teams
Ticketed events include: Thursday evening concert, concerts, barn dance, special shows, workshops, meet the guests, folk clubs, etc. Free events include: craft & street stalls, free music stage, dance stage, Morris dancers, dance displays, procession, song and music sessions, street theatre, etc. CONTACT INFORMATION: Festival director: Alan Castle, 15 Repton Manor Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 3HA E: alan@tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk T: 01233 626805 Crafts & stalls: E: info@tenterdencraftfair.org.uk Chief steward: E: chiefsteward@tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk Dance co-ordinator: Spud Jones dance@tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk
Tenterden Folk Festival Registered charity No. 1038663
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DARIA KULESH – A RISING STAR Interviewed by Sandra Lawes
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caught up with Daria when she opened for Edwina Hayes at Hitchin Folk Club in January. This hard-working artist played over 80 concerts last year and has performed at 50+ folk clubs & 30+ festivals in the UK and abroad. How did your music career begin? “As a teenager, I picked up a leaflet on the Moscow underground and attended a concert by a Scottish folk band. This was so different to the Russian classical music school and I became ‘addicted’ – I knew I wanted to be a singer and storyteller. I’m a ‘DIY’ artist: I don’t have a manager, agent or label so I’m very grateful to everyone in the ‘folk family’ who has helped me and given me opportunities”. ‘Earthly Delights’ is your third album – what can we expect from it? “The songs on the new album all tell stories exploring human nature – everything that drives us, love and life, the things we all cope with day to day. I want people to be astonished by the way rich old stories relate to their own experience. I have wonderful guests playing on the album – Phil Beer, Jonny Dyer, Jason Emberton, Tom Kitching, Marina Osman, Kate Rouse & Vicki Swan”.
‘Earthly Delights’ Daria Kulesh
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uilding on the success of her last CD ‘Long Lost Home’, Daria’s Russian / Ingush heritage shines through her fabulous new third album. Her striking, powerful voice is ideally suited to the varied songs – full of energy and gratitude for life and all it brings. They tell stories, like poems set to music in a joyful, mystical style – fairy tales and allegories that celebrate everything that makes us human and explore the state of the world and the human condition. Literary and historical allusions add to the depth of the material, making it worth listening to over and over again. Daria’s clear vocals are accompanied by skilled guest musicians (see the interview left for a list, and details on the launch event). The CD is beautifully designed, with exquisite artwork and photography. I particularly liked the accompanying booklet giving all the lyrics and explaining the backstory to each of the 11 tracks. Daria is making such an impact on the folk world that it wouldn’t surprise me if ‘Earthly Delights’ quickly becomes a collector’s piece Find out more about Daria, her background and future plans at www.daria-kulesh.co.uk Sandra Lawes
You were born in Moscow and have Ingush heritage – how has this influenced you? “The language of my mother country, its culture and storytelling tradition are the essence of my being and my music, overlaid by other cultural and language influences – everything grows from my native roots”. What makes your music special? I don’t just sing my songs, I live them. I become the characters in the songs and I work hard to bring energy, fun and mischief to my live performances. I’ve made videos to accompany my songs but the best way to appreciate what I do is to come see me perform live. The album launch is on Saturday 1st June and will be a very special event. It’s at Dunton Folk in the Church with its wonderful acoustics. – I will be playing with a seven-piece band and it will be an amazing night to remember!”
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Cambridge Junction
Thu 04 Apr
SAM KELLY & RUTH NOTMAN
Sat 06 apr
MÀNRAN
Mon 08 Apr
Mary COUGHLAN
Tue 09 Apr
DAOIRÍ FARRELL
Wed 10 Apr Fri 12 Apr
Sat 13 Apr Sat 13 apr Sun 28 Apr Tue 30 Apr Tue 07 May Sat 11 May Sat 18 May Thu 23 May
First Quarter 2
Wed 9th Jan - Junky Ju Skinny lister CC SMUGGLERS Wed 23rd Jan - Kelvi NEW ROUTES Wed 13th Feb - John COCO AND THE BUTTERFIELDS Rh MARTHA TILSTON Wed 27th Feb - Grah GRACE PETRIE Wed 13th Mar -Jerem KRIS DREVER & Jos NEW ROUTES Wed 27th Mar - Rose ELEPHANT SESSIONS
SAM LEE’S SINGING WITH NIGHTINGALES LIVE
Mon 10 Jun
SHARON SHANNON & SECKOU KEITA
Mon 17 Jun
IRISH MYTHEN
Tue 18 Jun
GORDIE MACKEEMAN & HIS RHYTHM BOYS
Sun 23 Jun
EDDI READER
Cambridge junction, clifton way, Cambridge cb1 7gx
Junction.co.uk | 01223 511 511
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‘Nothing To Do With Me’ | Broomdasher: This recently released debut CD will appeal to devotees of unaccompanied voices performing traditional folk songs. The enthusiasm of the six members of the group shone through as they gave a spoken word explanation of the first track and re-interpreted these six songs – one of which was written by John Tams. The usual folk themes of the countryside, dangers of the sea, absent lovers and crime were well represented as the voices blended together in evocative harmonies. Although this is their first CD as Broomdasher, these singers have impressive singing backgrounds – three were members of the Cecil Sharp Choir, others have been tutored by leading experts and some perform regularly with well-known names in the folk world. Their work has won praise from folk worthies such as John Tams and Barry Coope. You can see Broomdasher at Waltham Abbey Folk Club on 20th May and there’s more information on their website www.broomdasher.com or on Facebook and Twitter | SL 2
‘True Stories’ | Neil Brophy Band: Originally from Northampton, Neil Brophy, leader of the five-piece Neil Brophy Band, is now based in Copenhagen. His folk rock band is championed by BBC Radio 6’s DJ Steve Lamacq. The 11 selfpenned tracks on this new studio album ‘True Stories’ (released last December) really had my feet tapping. The lively rhythms and enthusiastic playing embodied the best of Celtic folk rock – featuring guitars, drums, pipes, an accordion, whistle and harmonica. I detected shades of Billy Bragg and Bob Dylan in the powerful lyrics which flow like a poetry slam, telling stories in a few well-chosen words. The songs are performed with energy and vigour, covering a variety of strong themes including world travel, craic, refugees, Vikings, fishing and homecoming. And a nicely produced booklet detailing all the words, helps you follow what’s going on. The band has toured and performed regularly at festivals in the UK, Europe and Scandinavia but no future dates are currently shown
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on their website. Keep an eye on www.neilbrophy. co.uk or NeilBrophyBand on Facebook if this sort of hearty music appeals to you | SL 3
’Hillbilly Trance‘ | Delta Ladies: This CD is a ‘remastered and expanded’ version of a previous CD from the band, featuring a couple of new tunes and some extensive sonic reworking from band member Tali Trow. The CD now has a total of 11 tracks, and pretty much they ‘are what they say on the tin’, ie a distinctive mix of delta / blues / americana-styled songs and instrumentals, many with an extended ‘trance’ feel, the use of (presumably) improvised passages and some exotic scales and modal influences here and there for good measure. The band incorporates a diverse range of instruments to create these interesting pieces, and as ever I’d be interested to see it performed in a live setting. The ‘hillbilly’ vibe is intensified by the overall look and feel of the package, which features an aged sepia-toned cover with the use of a few muted accent colours, and a CD which is printed to look like an actual vinyl 45. More details on the CD and the band’s activities can be found on their website, www.deltaladies.com | CB 4
’Long Story Short‘ | Lizzy Hardingham: This six song CD from Lizzie is an utter joy! Its simple card cover (with an artistic photo of her on the front and a track listing with coffee stains on the back!) belies the quality of its content. Her voice is strong yet tuneful, every word is clearly audible and her guitar playing both interesting and accomplished. All the tunes have clever and tuneful chord sequences, and most have harmony vocals, but there are no notes on the sleeve to show who does these? (Lizzie herself possibly, through the marvels of multitracking?). Lizzie is already a winner of the Herts Songwriting competition and also the New Roots folk competitions and I know performs a lot in the local scene as well as beyond – if her CD is anything to go by I am sure she is destined for great things. Lovely stuff! | CB
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’Changeable Heart‘ | Ruth Notman & Sam Kelly: This new CD is from two of the UK scene’s finest young singers who have joined forces to record a brand new duo album – and a joyous affair it is too! Recorded at Kate Rusby’s Pure Records studio it is produced by Damien O’Kane, who also plays on a few tunes. Of the ten tracks, some are originals and some are arrangements of traditional songs and I found all to be equally engaging. As well as their vocal duties, Ruth plays piano and piano accordion, and Sam plays guitar & tenor guitars. A range of top notch musicians from the folk world also appear dotted here and there on the recording, each adding their own nuances to the various tracks. I don’t usually like picking a ‘favourite’ tune from a CD (for a variety of reasons), but track number three, an arrangement of trad The Cunning Cobbler, this time I particularly enjoyed! The CD itself is beautifully designed and packaged, and features some ‘moody’ photography of the duo, colourful artwork and the always useful lyrics to accompany the music. This is a very classy product and more details on it and the duo can be found on their website, www.notmanandkelly.com | CB 6
’Figures & Faces‘ | David Gunawardana: This CD is David’s debut, and a fine body of work it is too. The package is instantly eye catching, with a very classy black and white design that features some elegantly drawn artwork, a sparse layout and song lyrics. The CD has five songs, plus a brief opening instrumental (Calling) that I thought was a particularly good start to the record. David plays and sings in a very gentle style, which I found very engaging. His guitar and mandola playing is very accurate and accomplished, and he also plays organ and did all the arrangements and recording of this album. The addition of a few other musicians here and there added extra texture and depth. I unfortunately missed the launch gig for this CD back in January of this year, but I hope to see David perform somewhere soon – he’s got numerous gigs booked for the year, and more details can of course be found at his website www. davidgunawardana.com | CB
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’The Sea is My Brother‘ | Harbottle & Jonas: This CD from the Totnes-based husband and wife duo is another extremely impressive affair. Again the package instantly ‘draws one in’ and makes you want to listen to it! The CD cover and accompanying booklet has wonderful artwork (from Daniel Preston), brimming with nautical and seaside themes that perfectly complement the music. The harmony vocals from the pair are very to the fore on all the songs, and the arrangements and instrumentation work seamlessly with these. There are numerous guest musicians on the recording, and their website implies that these sometimes join the duo on live gigs – I’d love to see this lineup. They have an impressive list of gigs for 2019 already booked, so I hope to catch them somewhere near the Unicorn area soon? More information from their website, www.harbottleandjonas.com | CB 7
’Turn To Fray’ | Hickory Signals: This husband and wife duo’s debut album features Laura Ward’s haunting, clear voice and enchanting flute playing alongside Adam Ronchetti’s multi-instrumental skills. He plays acoustic and electric guitar, banjo, drums, percussion and a shruti box which works on bellows and produces a drone sound similar to a harmonium. There are also contributions by guest musicians on various instruments and backing vocals. Seven of the ten tracks were written by Laura and Adam, one is a fascinating interpretation of Frankie Armstrong’s anthem ‘Door to my Mind’ and two are unusual arrangements of traditional songs. The album was mixed by Ian Carter of Stick in the Wheel and produced by Tom Pryor. The intelligent, thought provoking and hardhitting lyrics about people and nature in flux, draw inspiration from literature and from Laura’s work in the women’s sector and with displaced people. They pack a considerable emotional punch through Laura’s unusual, strong vocal tones and you should listen carefully to this album to appreciate it fully. With two successful EPs already to their credit the duo is also part of the folk collective Bird in the Belly. They headlined ‘Folk Rising’ - the national showcase of EFDSS and also played at the 2018 Cambridge Festival. They have supported a number of well-known folk musicians including Sam Lee, le Vent du Nord, Blazin’ Fiddles and Stick in the Wheel. For more details about Hickory Signals visit www. hickorysignals.com | SL
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‘Kristiania Helen Crilly (25.12 1984 – 17.07.2013) – The EP’ | Many of you may have known this lovely young woman whose life was cut short so tragically in a car accident in July 2013. If so, hearing her sing the four songs on this EP will be especially poignant. Particularly when you learn that all the tracks were penned by her father Pat Crilly, who runs the Four Rivers Folk Club in Hertford. The themes are dark, melancholy and well suited to their minor keys. Kristin’s exquisite voice is expressive, husky and subtle, accompanied by Pat’s gentle guitar playing. There are no sleeve notes to give the background to the songs – so each of us can interpret them in our own way. This EP is a beautiful memento of a beautiful young woman – taken from this life far too soon. RIP Kristin. For further information contact Pat Crilly on Facebook or at patcrilly@hotmail.com | SL 10
‘Through The Wild’ | The Willows: This long-awaited second album by Cambridge based ’supergroup’ The Willows is a cornucopia of the best and freshest of folk music today. Think of the musicality, imagination and power of the 1960s/70s folk giants like Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span, brought bang up to date. The band is fronted by the exquisite voice of Jade Rhiannon and the talents of her multi-instrumental husband Cliff Ward. Ben Savage (one half of a duo with Hannah Sanders) plays dobro and guitar and Evan Carson (of Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys) supplies the percussion. Add the mandolin and fiddle skills of Katriona Gilmore (of the duo Gilmore and Roberts) and the exemplary double bass of John Parker, and you can understand why the group is exalted by the likes of Mike Harding and Bob Harris. The instrumentation and vocal harmonies are superb. Almost all of the 10 tracks are original, many featuring local Cambridgeshire songs. Themes are traditional – grief, love, war, historical figures – but all are given innovative and exciting treatment. Produced by the prolific Mark Tucker, the album’s mix of powerful songs and gentler numbers is highly effective giving it a pleasing variety. Catch The Willows in our area on 30th May at The Portland
Arms in Cambridge and visit www.thewillowsband. com for more information about this exceptional band, their music and their gigs | SL 10
‘Contradicshun’ | Megson: This latest studio album from the successful husband and wife duo, Stu and Debbie Hanna, has five Megson originals and five traditional songs. Describing the album as a ‘journey of contradictions and conversations’, they stumbled across the title song in the 1870 book of Tyneside Songs, Ballads and Drolleries - an obscure composition by Geordie Victorian ‘balladeer’ Joe Wilson. This gave them the idea for the whole collection, which, covers everything from ‘Victorian domestic disagreements to 21st century martial arts mayhem’. There’s a strong flavour of the duo’s Teesside roots throughout the album which combines emotion-provoking lyrics and compelling melodies with their trademark wit and humour. And for the first time in their songwriting, they acknowledge their adopted East Anglia home ground with the ‘Barrington Judo Club’ track. In addition to their expert vocals and pleasing harmonies, Debbie plays the accordion while Stu shows his mastery of the mandola, mandolin, banjo, fiddle and guitars. Also featured are special guests John Parker on double bass, Patrick Duffin on percussion and Paul Youdan’s backing vocals. Produced by Stu, this ninth studio album helpfully includes a booklet containing all the lyrics. Megson’s new album will be showcased on their four month UK tour – check out the details at www. megsonmusic.co.uk | DC 11
‘1918’ | Jon Bickley: Jon is a regular contributer of material to us here at the magazine, and many will know him from his live performances on the local folk scene. This latest CD from the prolific Jon is an interesting ‘concept’ album, inspired by the letters and diaries of the young soldiers serving in the First World War. It’s clearly a project with a deep personal resonance to Jon, and the cover of the recording features a grainy photo of his Grandfather, Private Albert White, resplendent in
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CB: Reviewed by Clive Batkin DC: Reviewed by Debbie Catt SL: Reviewed by Sandra Lawes his soldier’s uniform atop his horse ‘Snooker’. It’s a sparsely recorded CD for the most part, heavily featuring Jon’s voice and guitar and I think this suits the subject matter and general vibe well. Having said that, many tunes feature a range of other instruments and he has enlisted the services of Di Stone (from the Delta Ladies, see their review earlier in this feature), Mandy and Lizzie Hardingham (again, see earlier!) and even a full community choir from Sharnbrook to add interest and texture. I’m no expert in singer songwriter material, but I did find this an interesting and listenable production from Jon, and I think many with an interest in the World War I period would find it an atmospheric and relevant backdrop to their studies. More information on this CD and all of Jon’s other projects can be found at his website www.jonbickley.com | CB 12
‘Enough About Me’ | Terence Blacker: Terence Blacker is clearly a very clever, talented and accomplished individual! Well known as an author of a vast range of written material, it seems that music is yet another arrow in his quiver of skills – who knew! This new CD from Terence features 12 tracks of humorous and quirky self-penned songs. Addressing a range of subject material from love, nudity, political correctness and the current state of the country, all feature some surprisingly adept finger picked guitar playing (on a very nice sounding steel string acoustic guitar) and an excellent vocal delivery. Terence is joined by four other musicians here and there on the CD, and the overall sound of the recording is warm and inviting. I’ve always been a little wary of ‘comedic’ songs, but these all exhibit a wit and humour that I found entertaining and engaging. The CD is simply yet attractively packaged in a digicase, and I particularly liked the cover image, a collage and ink drawing of a man on a stool playing the guitar (presumably John himself?). His website features reviews of the CD from a range of reviews far more august than myself (Neil Innes loves it, for example!), but it’s nice to be in good company! More information on the CD and Terence’s massive body of work can be found on his website, www.terenceblacker.com | CB
CB | reviewed by Clive DCBatkin | reviewed by Debbie Catt EB | reviewed by Ed Broadbridge SL | reviewed by Sandra Lawes BP | reviewed by Bill Pardon
‘Ordinary Giants’ – A Life & Times 1918 – 2018’ Robb Johnson
‘T
hose who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it’. And I can think of no better way to remember and understand the 20th century than to listen to this wonderful three CD suite of songs and recitations by acclaimed songwriter Robb Johnson. In my opinion, these tracks should be compulsory listening for every schoolchild and every politician! Worthy of the title ‘folk opera’ and now available for live performances, ‘Ordinary Giants’ is based on the life and times of Robb’s father, Ron Johnson. The 54 songs and spoken pieces are performed by a fabulous collection of 30 musicians, singers, politicians and activists. You may recognise the vocals of Roy Bailey, Jenny Carr, Matthew Crampton, Rory McLeod, Tom Robinson and Miranda Sykes – to name a very few of those who contributed to this tour de force. The vivid and often heart-rending narrative begins with the 1918 Armistice and pulls no punches as it takes the listener on a 100-year roller-coaster journey. It contrasts the yawning gap between the politicians’ rhetoric and the experience of socalled ‘ordinary’ people. Like a Greek tragedy, with humour, tenderness, sadness and satire, the narrative moves inexorably through the century to almost the present day. It covers the social realities of the 1930s, the growth of fascism, the experience of WWII in which Ron served in the RAF, the NHS, comprehensive schools, anti-racism, and the attacks on the welfare state by the Right and ends with the death and funeral of the central character Ron, Robb’s father. The suite is wonderful value at only £21.99. You can buy it at www.discovery-records.com and there’s fascinating background information about the work at http://www.robbjohnson.co.uk/giants Sandra Lawes
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‘Twelve Months & A Day’ Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer
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his is the latest offering from the well known duo of Vicki and Jonny, and a truly stunning affair it is too. The CD has an unusual ‘theme’ behind it – its aim being to highlight and showcase the amazing diversity of musical styles that the duo perform over the course of a ‘typical’ year. There are twelve tracks (well, of course!) on the CD, and each is a joy. My personal favourites are for the ‘early music’ sounding ones (particularly the tunes ‘Midsommarn’ and track number 10 (I can’t spell it – look at the cover and you will see my issue!), but each has its own set of particular merits. One wonders if there is an instrument between them that the duo doesn’t play, and all with an amazingly high degree of precision and emotion. In addition to the instrumentation, both Vicki and Jonny sing several songs on the CD, and again they both have excellent voices. The couple are also joined on two tracks by the guest percussionist, Evan Carson (which is nice!).
Guitars handmade in Cambridge Repairs, Setups & Making Classes www.swannellguitars.co.uk jamie@swannellguitars.co.uk 07793003795
The CD is beautifully packaged as a three gatefold affair, with artwork designed by Daria Kulesh no less (see our article on her musical work on page 40). The front cover shows an image of a wheel, with a different icon representing each of the tunes in a graphical style. The liner notes have a wealth of information on each tune, along with a summary introduction to the overall recording and a neverending list of the instruments played! We reviewed one of Vicki’s and Jonny’s last recordings back in Issue 142 (a whole year ago to the day – how appropriate?) and I didn’t realise that I had made it my Editor’s Choice then also – this seems to be a worrying trend! We are hoping to have an in-depth interview with them in a forthcoming issue, so do ‘watch this space’ for that. More information on this recording and indeed all their musical endeavours can be found at their website www.swan-dyer.co.uk.
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Wycombe Arts Festival
May 10th 2019 8.00pm St Lawrence Church West Wycombe HP14 3AP £15.00 on the door, or from Wycombe Arts Festival booking office, or Wycombe Folk Arts Hotline: 01494 758522 or 07796 956736 (phone or text) Melrose Quartet are a truly all-encompassing Folk act, with tight harmony songs and energy packed instrumentals, who have been nominated for Best Group in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Comprising leading musicians Nancy Kerr (2015 BBC Folk Singer of the Year), James Fagan, Jess and Richard Arrowsmith with twin fiddles, guitar, melodeon, bouzouki and four stunning voices, they will hold you totally spellbound. This Sheffield based foursome are internationally renowned singers ,composers, instrumentalists and teachers and are also the Patrons of Whitby Folk Festival.
Wycombe Arts Festival
May 19 2019 th
8.00pm
An evening with Bonny Sartin (ex Yetties) – talking about Dorset
and Thomas Hardy, with songs and poems and chat
St Lawrence Church West Wycombe HP14 3AP £15.00 on the door, or from Wycombe Arts Festival booking office, or Wycombe Folk Arts Hotline: 01494 758522 or 07796 956736 (phone or text) Bonny was for 50 years a member of Dorset folk band The Yetties. He still entertains, writes and does historical talks about his beloved Dorset which has been the Sartin family home for over 350 years. The concert is a mix of rustic rhymes, songs and readings touching on such subjects as marriage, rabbits (eating thereof), Dorset Airlines, changes in the countryside and cow pat throwing. Characters who crop up: Bonny’s father, Harry
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PROGRAMME APRIL TO JUNE 2019
EVERY FRIDAY, 8PM, THE GOLDEN HIND, 355 MILTON ROAD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 1SP TICKETS FOR MAIN ACTS ON OUR WEBSITE WWW.CAMBRIDGEFOLKCLUB.CO.UK OR PHONE 01638 603986
Fri 5 Apr:
Open Stage with Richard St John
Tues 9 Apr:
Louise Jordan: The Hard Way Entry: £8 in advance, £10 on the door (if available) 7:30pm At the St Barnabas Centre, Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 2BD
Fri 12 Apr:
Colvin Nestlerode Ralls Entry: £10(door), £9(advance), £8(members) Support: Nick Barraclough and All the Federales
Fri 26 Apr:
The Ouse Brothers; The Gillies Support: The Marionettes
Fri 3 May:
Open Stage with Rosie Eade
Fri 10 May:
Dan Walsh Trio Support: Soloman Smith
Fri 17 May:
Hunter Muskett; Cambridge Walker Support: Anna Hester
Fri 24 May:
Vera van Heeringen Support: Jackson Creek Band
Fri 31 May:
Open Stage with Flashback Photograph Entry: £5(door), £3(members), £3(performers)
Fri 7 Jun:
Ward and Parker; Highwire Support: Naomi Randall
Fri 14 Jun:
Open Stage with David Gunawardana
Entry: £5(door), £3(members), £3(performers)
Entry: £10(door), £9(advance), £8(members) Entry: £5(door), £3(members), £3(performers) Entry: £13(door), £12(advance), £11(members) Entry: £10(door), £9(advance), £8(members) Entry: £12(door), £11(advance), £10(members)
Entry: £10(door), £9(advance), £8(members) Entry: £5(door), £3(members), £3(performers)
Tues 18 Jun: na-mara Entry: £8 in advance, £10 on the door (if available) 7:30pm At the St Barnabas Centre, Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 2BD Fri 28 Jun:
Pre-Festival Showcase
Entry: £10(door), £9(advance), £8(members)
HATFIELD HOUSE, HERTS, SUNDAY 14 JULY 2019 A festival of folk’s finest acts gathered in beautiful leafy parkland for one uplifting summer day of music.
FRANK TURNER & THE SLEEPING SOULS THE STAVES SETH LAKEMAN THE LOST WORDS SPELL SONGS: KARINE POLWART, JULIE FOWLIS, SECKOU KEITA, KRIS DREVER, KERRY ANDREW, RACHEL NEWTON, BETH PORTER, JIM MOLYNEUX PLUS A TALK BY AUTHORS ROBERT MACFARLANE & JACKIE MORRIS
TALISK
ELEPHANT SESSIONS • GRACE PETRIE THE TRIALS OF CATO • BRÌGHDE CHAIMBEUL LONDON YOUTH FOLK ENSEMBLE
PLUS MORE ARTISTS PACK UP A PICNIC, GATHER YOUR FRIENDS AND JOIN US FOR A FESTIVAL IN A DAY! Family Friendly • Children’s Activities Workshops • Craft Tent • Vintage Tent Music Stalls • Delicious Food • Real Ale Bar
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