So
: the NFC's first 12 month anniversary finally came round yesterday. It
became obvious, approaching this landmark date, that our planned
Birthday Bash was going to experience a few pitfalls. So much had
happened in the intervening months. We lost Rich McMahon, and nearly
lost Comharsa's Mick Stanley, after he took on a vehicle outside and
came off second best. I lost a band, and two grandchildren. We had
to bar only a couple of punters, and otherwise, a procession of
brave, good, poorly, happy, outgoing, fun-loving people traipsed up
and down those stairs every month. A few left with expressions of
disbelief, but most left whistling or singing a tune they would not
get out of their head for days afterwards
I'd
spent ages on Posters, promotion, networking and advance publicity
for this event, but in the intervening seven days between The Rich
McMahon Tribute (at the same venue), and yesterday, it became obvious
that stamina, resources and ill health were going to be key factors
on the night. The plan originally was to try to recreate our Launch
Night last October, by hurrying as many floor spots as possible past
a startled audience as quickly as time would allow. But the
advertising had been in vain. One by one, artistes fell by the
wayside. Beaten by fatigue, exhaustion, or a curious bronchitis-style
throat and chest infection, which was knocking them down like
ninepins.
Mac
Awe On Tour had swelled to a seven piece last Wednesday, for example,
but by last night, it was clear that they would be an early
casualty,lying in the Grit Tray at the bottom of the cage and pining
for the Fjords. Nunc fell at the water jump, too, and sadly, Dave Webb, Dave
Parr, and Chris Tobin were also unable to do their solo spots. It
proved impossible to draft anyone else in at late notice, so to say
there was some hasty last-minute re-shuffling was quite an
understatement.
Our
remaining cast however, were proper Troupers, and they did not
disappoint. I was delighted to see the same size audience as last
week turn up again for another evening of free entertainment. Sure,
over the 12 months, we've had bigger (and possibly slightly smaller
crowds in), but the seats had all gone by around 9pm, despite the
counter attractions of two other Warwickshire Folk Clubs on the same
night , a major road closure, and some tripe about Baking on
television.And a special mention for one of the two female Mac Awes, Sue Sanders, who has been proper poorly. With help, she was there, and though unable to play, sang her heart out.
I
promised the audience that they would never forget Joe Roberts
opening for us, and I bet they never will. He swung his pants
energetically, as he plunged into a song which was either by Hank
Williams or about him. Difficult to tell sometimes, with Joe. He
followed that with a second energetic number, The Singing Postman's
“ Ha' You Got a Loight Boy?” The NFC audience,
renowned for their enthusiastic singing, were a little nonplussed by
this initially, but bolstered by Joe's beaming enthusiasm, they soon
got the hang of it.
Brian
Phillips had experienced a harrowing day including a hospital visit,
but still came along, and delighted us with his lovely version of
Fleetwood Mac's “Never Going Back Again,” and John
Martyn's “ Fairytale Lullaby.” He also donated one of
Brian and Marie's CD's to the Raffle. Thanks, Bri. A popular prize!
John
Wright had been along previously as an audience member, and was due
to play next month, but Hilary Wilson wisely persuaded him to join
her on stage, before next month's advertised appearance. What a
lovely sound they produced together. A haunting version of "Ride On," one which for me eclipsed all the other recent ones I've heard. Kate Wolf's "Across The Great Divide" and " When All You Got is a Hammer." Rounded off by one of Hil's own, the haunting " Where Wild geese Fly."
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| John Wright and Hilary Wilson |
Bob Brooker and his Bouzouki, admirably plucked, enraptured us with Kate Rusby's “Wild Goose,” sensitively played and sung. He added his own composition “ I never knew me Grandad,” Leaving not a dry eye. Bob enthused about the Young 'Uns before performing “Stockton Town.” Which is not a football club, but one of their compositions. I hadn't the heart to tell him, as he came off stage that the reason Malc Gurnham wasn't there last night, was because he had been sunning himself out in the Algarve. Watching The Young 'Uns 'live'. Hah!
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| Ranzo me boys, Ranzo! |
John Kearney then had the room shaking with Dylan's greatest, " The Times They Are a'Changin," and " Where have All The Flowers Gone." People sometimes forget what it is like to have a room full of people of all ages and backgrounds singing along with timeless, angry songs like these. Thanks for reminding us, JK.
With
both interval and
raffle promptly dispensed with, Thrup'nny Bits left Spangle in the
tender care of Sarah whilst they ran through a couple of songs with an
ornithological theme. “The Magpie,” and
“The Wren.” They
finished with a stirring anthem “ Bring Out The Banners.”
K.C.
Jones followed: they have been good friends to NFC , regularly
delivering appetising little packages of vocal and musical
excellence. Karen's voice has an amazing range, which the duo's
rendition of Joni Mitchell's “ Big Yellow Taxi”
and a Chaka Khan hit " Ain't Nobody" showcased admirably.
There's always a lot of
discussion about covers but as I said over
the P.A. last night-without them-where would Traditional Folk be? I see no
distinction between Trad. Arr. and cleverly arranged versions of The
Kinks, Beyonce or anyone else. Light and Shade in artistes' song
choice adds to the enjoyment, for me. At Long Itchington on Sunday,
I heard Fall Girl do Free's rocker,“ The Hunter,”
from their first album ' Tons of Sobs.' A unique and courageous
project, and I loved it, because it suited her raunchy voice so well.
By
10.30pm we had arrived
at the time when Mac Awe On Tour should have taken to the stage, but
it was left to two lone survivors from last week, John Kearney and
myself, to close the evening instead. We had hastily
scribbled down a set list during the day. We started with our version
of The Drifters hit “ On Broadway,” dedicating it to the closing
Tory Party Conference. Only the second time we'd done it. Went o.k.
But I think we'll lose the key change next time!
We
did “Rave On”
together, en masse, before calling Max Wright up to join us on “
Black Velvet Band.” John had
generously brought along a spare guitar for Max to play, so he had no
excuse for not joining us. Indeed, (as last week), he was up on stage
like a whippet and appeared to have a great time. (We have
photographic evidence).
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| GMJ doing Black Velvet Band |
We then alternately plundered each others' solo set
lists,John doing “Come Lay Your Burden Down,” and
his 'Irish Reggae' version of “ Don't Worry.”
His throat was starting to strain a little by then, so I led on “
All Over Now.” The
intention behind this list was to get the audience singing again, and yet again, they rose magnificently to the occasion.
As a Finale, all those assembled belted out “ Go Lassie Go”-the
Alex Campbell version. Mercifully it was time to go home by then, as I
think our tonsils had collectively just about been communally sandpapered.
Many many thanks to the performers, to the audience, to Tom on the Sound desk, and to Julian for setting everything out for us beforehand. Without you...well...you know the rest.....
Onwards and Upwards.
Many many thanks to the performers, to the audience, to Tom on the Sound desk, and to Julian for setting everything out for us beforehand. Without you...well...you know the rest.....
Onwards and Upwards.
