A grand night at Bedworth RFC clubhouse last night, as Blind Boy and myself made a late decision to attend Bedworth Folk Club's Fund Raiser.
It's good to see this venue so busy. BFC at the Con Club was never one of our favourite venues, and attendances were really dwindling last time we played it. (Not our fault, honestly). Last night it was rammed. Standing room only.
It was good to catch up on news and gossip, and touch base with old friends like Malc and Gilly, Brian and Marie and Pete and Chele Willow. Yes, BPS have still got plenty of friends in the Folk/Blues world!
Musically, there was a bit of everything on offer. Country, Blues, Trad folk, self-penned stuff, the inimitable Joe ("Up The Boro'!), Beatles and Buddy Holly covers. Well done to all.
Mick was away "golfing" (we reckon that's his euphemism for attending the Royal Wedding), so it was just Blind Boy and me. An opportunity for BPS to air their Blues repertoire again then, so we did " If I Had Possession" and "The Odeon."
"Possession" is a Robert Johnson original, also covered by some bloke called Clapton. It has several challenges for me as a vocalist. (No pressure then).
We don't do it that often so I had to brush up on the lyrics before I left home. It begins in an unusually high pitch for my range and if I don't hit that first note right it throws me and occasionally also temporarily fazes the Great Bluesman himself. I was born n' raised on this "Dust my Broom " riff,so I know versions by Elmore James (dozens!) Johnny Winter, PGFM, Taj Mahal, Spencer Davis Group, Cream, Bluesbreakers etc. All with various alter egos such as
" Rambling Pony" "Rolling and Tumbling" etc. All imprinted in my sad old head. I have to blank these versions out and concentrate on Arnie's magnificent Dobro intro to get that opening right.
Odeon went as it always did, although due to a surfeit of San Miguel I totally fluffed the lines about Ha'penny Chews and Sherbet Dips. Don't think anyone noticed though.
As a Blues Bonus we also joined in with Borderline Crossing's Finale, "Bring It On Home." I think I'm right in saying that BPS performed this glorious Sam Cooke song at the same venue last time we were there. Honoured to have Pete Willow describe my vocals in it as "like Dr. John." I am not worthy. Pete and The Parrot go back at least 30 years and we can prove it! He has championed our em, "distinctive" style and song catalogue throughout that time. In the Press, by booking us at venues,and by belting out our choruses at gigs. But rarely have we shared a stage together. He reckons the last time was at The Bulls Head Club we once ran in Brinklow. He could well be right. Let's not leave it so long next time, eh?
