Three out of four of Black Parrot Seaside joined a roomful of jolly folkies at this welcoming North Warwickshire hostelry last night. We were shorn of banjo mandolin and accordion as Mick had decided there wasn't enough golf on t.v. at present and was of on tour for a further fix of ball stick hole stuff. Lack Arrot Easide it was therefore who closed the first half, with Courting is a Pleasure/The Odeon/Albert Balls/Bedduff Bank. Rousing chorus singing, helped by the fact that the audience there knew these songs as well as we did!
You know,it has always saddened me slightly that a minority of Folkies living south of our part of Warwickshire tend to look down on Bedworth. Last night we joined some quality acts. The Miner's Arms in the town is one of several venues there. I worked out, whilst chatting to Malc Gurnham afterwards, that we had performed " On Bedduth Bank," our epic homage to the old mining community in something like nine venues in or around the town.For rivet counters amongst you, that includes The Civic Centre,The Con Club: The Black Bank, The Navigation,The Miners,The Rugby Club,and The Corner House. I don't reckon you'd get as many venues hosting live folk music in towns of comparable size in South Leicestershire or South Warwickshire.
Obviously, I'm biased. Warts and all my dad lived in Beduff for a while, and my daughter still does. Kenilworth,Rugby,Stratford Warwick or Oakham it aint. But last night (for free, with Doom Bar on draught and with superb pub grub added) you had every form of acoustic music imaginable. All delivered with passion, humour, intensity and real ability. On view were Artistes new to the area and old stagers like ourselves.
Malc and Gilly, (supplemented with various backing musicians),opened both halves. The usual mix of tuneful harmony balanced with Malc's relaxing guitar style. Brian Phillips, without Marie,sang a couple, as did Jan of Cider Annie. Already I'd heard "Long Black Veil" and "John O' Dreams"-two of my personal favourites.
Enchante, who had kindly invited us over to their club in Lichfield earlier this year, performed, as their name suggests,charming material. I mean-a roomful of people in Beduff, belting out choruses in French,and with the locals in the bar next door not batting an eyelid. Enchante featured a double base-as did The Somervilles-the main feature, and were on last. Two new artises or "Beduff Virgins" as Malc cheekily kept referring to them as-were Karen(?) and Graham. Both solo singers. Both confident performers,strong voices and with distinctive guitar styles.
What splendid chaps The Somervilles are. We'd last shared a stage with them at Coventry's Maudslay Hotel. They were impressive then, and excellent last night. I had a good old chat to them beforehand. Nice to meet up with others who admit that occasionally they forget the words, drop a note, have to have set lists and music stands-and don't give a damn! With our combined ages of about 7000 years we have much in common! Their set featured lovely harmonies, tastefully arranged songs and thoughtful instrumentation. All delivered with panache and enthusiasm.
They started with a version of a song we also do occasionally-The Poacher. Same words-different tunes. Our version is acapella. Theirs fairly romped along. Like us too, they do a Nic Jones song. I couldn't help feeling that it would be nice to share a venue with them again, as I think our contrasting styles and combined Jedi wisdom would compliment each other.
