Nuneaton-based John and Anne Harris (better known for their appearances in Dragonhead) have recently been bravely pioneering a new project in the town. This popular couple are well known and respected in the local music scene. They were among those trying to keep Nuneaton Folk Club running well before NFC re-opened at The Crown in October 2014.
So far, pretty well every floor singer and guest appearing at the Anker sessions has also been seen at all the local Folk Clubs: Atherstone,Nuneaton and Bedworth Folk Clubs and The Fox at Attleborough. Is that a recommendation? I think so.
Blues Open Mic Nights are currently held at The Anker Tavern, Weddington Road Nuneaton every second and fourth Tuesday of each month.They have been fairly sparsely attended so far and deserve a larger audience.. Admission is free, it's an informal, turn up and play venue and it doesn't clash with any other local events. It is on a bus route and within walking distance of the station. It is easily accessed,with a decent car park. No stairs and clean toilets. Real Ale and Meantime Helles Lager on draught. What's not to like? The staff are friendly and hospitable,audiences are enthusiastic and the pub is a big open plan building. Get yourself along there.
There is a a P.A. with a stage. John and Anne are welcoming hosts. But maybe the "Blues" label puts a few people off from attending? That's a misnomer nowadays. Yes some excellent Blues can always be heard there. Country Blues,Chicago Blues, Folk Blues and plenty of other variations. But all kinds of other music is also played.
Frankly, I thought this cross-genre thing was a battle already won. On the monthly "Anker Folk" radio shows we've played 235 different artistes representing Rock, Pop, Country,Cajun,Traditional Folk and Singer-Songwriter bedsitter angst. Everything from instrumentals by Morbid Angel to Show of Hands. From The Dubliners to Jake Bugg. From Ocean Colour Scene to Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys. It's all in the Mix.
"Crossover" just doesn't begin to scratch the surface of the types of music you can hear nowadays in most "live" music venues. Certainly in Coventry and North Warwickshire anyway. And as generally happens elsewhere,besides the blues of Robert Johnson or Muddy Waters, you can also hear new or old arrangements of original work by many other artistes.
Specifically regarding The Anker sessions-the key question must be:is the music there any good? The answer is Yes. Categorically, "YES!" Those appearing there so far there have included Dragonhead themselves,(obviously),Sarah Bennett,Dan Gascoigne,Pete McParland, Angus Ellis, Paul Moore, Jon Harrington,John Kearney,Max Wright,Greg Daffern and yours truly. It's worth going along just to admire the guitars. Telecasters,Gibson Les Pauls, Martins,Dobros the lot. Mandolins,Banjos,harps bass guitars accordions and percussion items have all been employed, also.
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| Paul Moore |
On Tuesday 9th January 2018 as well as Blues standards which we all know and love we also had covers of classics originally by Travis, Steve Earle, Tommy Tucker,Bill Haley,Elvis,Buddy Holly, U2 Jimmy Knox, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. We had Bobby Womack,Hal Ketchum,Creedence Clearwater Revival and Townes Van Zandt. Singing along becomes infectious,and the occasional hand-jive has been seen.In the past,at previous sessions, we've been treated to covers of classics by Tom Petty,AC/DC.
Something very popular in our area is collaborations where musicians from various outfits jam together on extended mash-ups. Thus (for example) Dragonhead, Nunc and Blues Monkey did an absolutely storming version of "Bring It On Home" last night. Even the pub dogs enjoyed it. (Did I mention those?
On 29th January 2018 the Main Guests will be Nunc Monkey. That is: Flossy,JK and me from Nunc, plus Jon Harrington,Paul Moore and Dennis from Blues Monkey. It would be nice to see you there in numbers, especially as quite a few Nuneaton musicians have yet to show up there.  |
| NuncMonkey on stage at The Anker |
