The Autumn Nights are drawing in, and leaves are already golden on the trees. Hurricane Aynoch had lashed Mount Judd and its environs earlier in the day, so it was Winter Drawers on time. It turned out appropriately to be a mostly kinda mellow groove goin' down at Atherstone Folk Club's second evening at Church End Brewery Tap last night.
I took the scenic route there, through leafy lanes and across the North Warwickshire moors. Skirting Nuneaton via Stockingford, Arbury and Ansley. Knowing Ridge Lane very well, this turned out to be trouble free, the hardest part as always being the narrow driveway up to the pub car park itself at journey's end. Ridge Lane-home of Boston Fat Boy, Goats Milk and What The Foxes Hat. You could never accuse Church End of selecting mundane names for their produce.
The AFC October session saw all of the (very minor) teething troubles barely noticeable last month, now fully ironed out. With First Night nerves only a memory, events flowed along with a smooth and relaxed feel. Expertly compered by Steve Beeson and (occasionally) Phil Benson, Folk Club essentials such as introductions, Links, the Interval, and the Raffle were all very well-managed. The P.A. behaved well, the room was once again packed, and a steady stream of high quality guests ensured that the audience was well entertained. As I have commented previously, this is a Folk Club which should really become an established and respected part of the Midlands circuit.
There had to be a break in all this mellowness and thoughtfulness, and of course, we managed as we often do, to step up to the plate there. Of which, more later. Finger in the Jar opened, with three enjoyable numbers. They played an ace in opening with "Fiddlers Green"-the Audience loved it, and returned the familiar choruses gamely. Dave Walker, no longer an Atherstone virgin, followed, with some very decent guitar playing and singing. Dave Parr then proved that besides being an excellent accompanist and sessions guitarist, he can hold the floor as a solo artist. He gave us two very amusing numbers, including the epic "Rawtenstall Fair". Brian and Marie Phillips were as professional as ever and included a version of Dougie Maclean's "Garden Valley" which left few dry eyes in the house. The lovely Maria Barham also played two of her softer songs. It was all getting very classy. Until it was our turn.
As regards that mellow groove, there is always an exception to every rule, however. Despite the Quality acts assembled, I like to remind audiences that there is nothing like a slick, well-rehearsed folk turn. And as always that is exactly what we gave them-nothing like a....oh, you know the rest. I soiled my patch a little during introductions by dropping in a joke about Atherstone. Considering the press the town had over the weekend, it was fairly mild, but nonetheless it drew a couple of groans amidst the polite laughter. (Just to set the record straight, I bet I was the only person there last night who had previously been to Sheepy Road half a dozen times. To watch the football rather than the fighting). We chose two of our own chorus songs-The Odeon and Albert Balls. The choruses were belted out enthusiastically. Church End Ale was obviously weaving its magic.
Malc Gurnham, Gill Gilsenan and Dave Parr took to the floor and restored order. Some proper second half decorum was soon also added to by Ian Bland and Des Patalong. Ian included what I believe to be his best song-"The Drifter". New to many there, it held them gripped. It's a good story, as well as a good tune, nicely played.
Des is not content with being in only one ensemble. As well as being a Thru'pnny Bit, he also cuts it with the Sharp as Razors Shanty Crew. Which is a bit ironic if you've seen the size and consistence of the Patalong whiskerage. Des offered us a rousing call and holler shanty-a familiar one-and then added a rather sweet and melancholic song which held all spellbound. Now that's versatile. Gill, Malc and Dave then returned to round off the evening with another eclectic mix of songs, the work of a wide spectrum of writers. Almost all with choruses, and several which were almost evangelical in tone.
A thoroughly enjoyable-both playing and listening. Well done to all.
