1. The Larder-Wednesday afternoon
Mid-afternoon Cafe Cabaret again yesterday afternoon at The Larder
in Atherstone's High Street. As the Cafe continued to fill to
bursting point, Steve Beeson and I reflected nostalgically on the occasion when
only he and I had turned up, and how we then manfully faced the prospect
of a long afternoon entertaining the diners on our own.
No
longer the case nowadays, as both the cafe and Atherstone itself were
heaving-filled to overflowing yesterday. Perhaps word had spread that
we were coming? It meant that the first three car parks I tried were
full, and I had to park miles away and hobble on still-gammy pins the
full length of that same (aptly named) Long Street. I was already a
little late anyway, as I had popped into The Crown in Nuneaton en
route, to help set out the room for a second Happening later that
same evening. Of which more later.
A plethora of
musicians were gathered (just) inside The Larder. Outnumbering the
customers by at least four to one, I don't suppose the owners minded,
as singing and playing is notoriously thirsty work. The tea and
coffee and sausage butties just kept flowing. Dave and Julia
Taylor,Phil Benson and Steve Beeson, Malc and Gill, Ian Bourne, John
Meechan and Peter McParland were amongst those I knew well. It is very
informal there, so others were introduced as “Terry” or “Bob” or in
a few cases, simply “That lady over there.” A more thorough
identification of all who performed is not yet possible.
We had shanties
and singarounds. Covers and originals. I began my own
little turn with Billy Bragg's “ Between The wars” The cafe is
militarily themed and with Remembrance Sunday approaching, it had
seemed apposite. I had also prepared beforehand “ Over The Hills
And Far Away,” but alas, I noticed the songsheet for that on a
music stand as I entered.
Later I added “ Down Our Street,” instead, and as an example of a modern song
written last year, which reflects everyday things now largely
forgotten. Is this also “Folk Music “? I submit that it is.
As
the audience got gamely into their stride on the choruses, a pile of
dishes tumbled over in the kitchen upstairs, and at a separate table,
teacups were knocked over. I reflected, mid-song upon the disturbing
effect I generally seem to have upon Warwickshire audiences. John
Kearney's (unsuccessful ) bottle juggling at both Bedworth venues,
for example. The heckling I seem to inspire. The song-bombing, and
the mobile phones going off. Ah well. It adds to the general ambience.
This little
cameo was intended to warm my tonsils up for compering Nuneaton Folk
Club, a few miles along the A5 (or over the hill to The Camp, if you
prefer that route), a few hours later. Double alas, as that was not
to be. The Club went ahead, and I compered. But due to some
logistical problems, my own vocal contribution was the first to be guillotined. I
did lots of shouting and announcing, but no singing. Which is a pity
for me, but not necessarily for the audience.
2. Nuneaton Folk Club- Wednesday Evening
So
all a bit hectic (again) in The Crown, as we kicked off. Despite my best efforts
over the last few months, including going in at lunchtime to try and
give us a head start, one or two organisational problems last night
meant that we started about 12 minutes down. Indeed, without the hard
work of Malc Gurnham, guesting once again on the mixing desk, we
might not have started at all. All credit to the audience though, who
had heeded advance publicity and got there in time for the start.
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| Malc & Gill |
It
was a good turnout, approaching the eighty+ mark at its height.
Difficult to head count, as the nature of the club means that though
most people stay throughout, others drift in and drift out...and
often drift back in again. Amongst the Guest Beers downstairs were
the utterly divine Abbeydale Deception and a beer from the St Agnes/ Driftwood
Spars brewery at my beloved Trevaunance Cove. This tended to make a few Camra members take their time
climbing back upstairs.
I can only liken
starting off a busy Folk Club to launching an annual Primary School
Christmas Nativity in front of a packed hall full of anxious parents.
It's a lonely place up on that big stage,facing a sea of expectant
faces who are checking watches, fretting about what is going to happen,
wondering when it is all going to start, indeed one or two
wondering,” Why are we here?” ..........But enough of the performers.
The Nativity
analogies continue, though. Each month my meticulously pre-planned Gordon Brittas timetables gradually unravel and defy all the Laws of Logistics. What can go
wrong does go wrong. Up on the stage, thanks to the slightly
incongruous disco lights, one is never cold,and any prospect of
performers dropping off mid-set is countered by the ever-changing
sequence of coloured bulbs.
Re-shuffle number
two, I had to ask Malc and Gill to open for us, which seemed
particularly cruel, as Malc was already visibly struggling with:
- The remnants of a pernicious flu' like bug:
- Keeping his patience with my (silly) answers to his (sensible) questions and:
- The vagaries and hidden wonders of the Pub sound system.
This did not detract
from a typically entertaining opening from the duo however, which got
the audience singing. Although the sight of Malc's sweat pouring
down the body of his guitar emphasised the sacrifices some troupers
will go to in order to ensure that the show (literally) does go on.
Hilary Wilson and
John Wright then combined to give us fifteen minutes of harmony and
reflective music. They do make a nice sound together, though both are also established individual solo performers.
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| John and Hilary |
Next up came the Talk of Long Itch, The Willow and Tool Band (or is
it the Tool and Willow Band?) making their NFC debut. Lolly set
aside her pile of marking, and her dad set aside his barked
instructions and face-pulling, to mount the stage. A
roisterous, foot tapping set, packed with instrumentation followed,
punctuated by the worst joke I have ever heard in a Folk Club. Keith
Eardley tooted his blues harp,spanked his Uke and swung his bongo
(ooh matron!) and Pete woke up one of the punters with his
atmospheric whoops in “ Johnny I hardly knew ya. ” I
always find this chorus challenging, as it is easy to get your drums
and guns transposed to gums and bums if wearing dentures. Afterwards
I thanked the The Wool and Tillow Band for their contribution, which
seemed a healthy resolution of the name order debate. Lolly incidentally, made a fine sight perched on her high stool, marking books. I
bet she thought that was a fairly unique sight, but I do recall a
gentleman last year who sat in the same place making wire sculptures,
and a couple of ladies who have brought in knitting.
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| The Tillow and Wool Band in full stride |
The effortlessly
suave and very accomplished Chris Tobin then took charge and won the
audience's heart with his version of Billy Fury's “Half Way to
Paradise.” A truly magical NFC moment. I can promise you-there will
be more of that to come!
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| Chris Tobin en route to Paradise |
Dragonhead , good
supporters of NFC continued the conveyor belt of quality, with two
romping Cajun tunes, and a version of “South Australia” which
again got the audience roaring back the responses.
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| Dragonhead |
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| Jan & Terry-a study in concentration |
The raffle
featured prizes generously donated by Malc Gurnham, John Kearney, Kim
Lowings and yours truly. John Kearney's set was another casualty, as we continued to struggle for time, but he did lead The Company if a fulsome rendition of “ We Shall Overcome”-which is becoming one of his Party Pieces. Thanks to Mags and Gill helping out, with the raffle it all went
smoothly and we were able to sit back and enjoy a glorious closing
set from the fabulous Kim Lowings and The Greenwood. I'd seen them
before, and I knew they'd be just right for our audience.
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| Kim and The Greens opening up |
A blissful 40 minutes or so concluded events. Now, I can say with some authority, as a performer, as a compere and
as an Organiser, I have led a long and colourful life in this music
game I've met all types. Been on Radio One. Had publishing recording
and management deals in the past. Out there currently are a few
mediocre acts (we don't allow them at NFC). There are some great
singers and writers and some talented musicians on the circuit. There are a few who have highly imaginative views of their own
importance and ability. And frankly, there are one or two right
bloody Divas, who can shove their riders and caveats and negotiated
fees right where the sun don't shine Kim
Lowings and The Greenwood are among the best of The Good Guys. Four of the nicest
people I've ever worked with, and that is a very important additional
string to their bow, believe me. The corporate sound they produce is
seamless, relaxing, and gripping. They are individually gifted and
Kim is an outstanding singer and musician. Some bands who share this
level of accomplishment never cease to try to overwhelm an audience
or promoters and organisers with it. KLATG have no time for any of
that. They let their music do the talking. If you didn't get to see
them last night, you can catch them at Atherstone Folk Club or at
Bedworth Folk Festival next month. And they will DEFINITELY be coming
back to The Crown.
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| Kim getting a buzz from her dulcimer |
