You would think that loads of people from Treacle who profess to know about Folk music would come along to see and hear the mighty Kevin Dempsey at their local folk club. And also to enjoy the excellent Willow and Tool Band plus Nuneaton’s own K.C. Jones "on Home Turf." But you would be wrong. What a good job then that Leamington, Bedworth, Coventry, Hinckley, Rugby ,Wolvey, Atherstone, Kenilworth,Tamworth,Southam, Banbury and Long Itchington ( to name but a few) came along instead . Because these people, loyally travelling inward each month over the boundary and into the town, are the mainstay of our club. They swelled numbers to a respectable size for an artiste of the stature of Kevin Dempsey. (below).
There were also some newbies in attendance. On stage and in the audience. They were of course subjected to the traditional ritual humiliation of being welcomed via the P.A. as "That rare thing, a Nuneaton virgin." Guffaws all round, eh?
In fairness, ill health has continued to poleaxe a fair few of the local Folk Community. And it certainly took out Ross Tidmus as a casualty. Ross, our usual Sound Technician, failed a late fitness test. Plan B entailed drafting in his mate Jack who travelled all the way down from Manchester to be with us. He was joined by an old NFC favourite Tom James who used to mix for us a while ago. Between them they got everything working and cranked that mighty desk into action. Everyone-performers and techies-did monumental work to get us under way with only a 15 minute delay to our usual start time. A triumph of goodwill and team work.
Typical of the Gremlins on Wednesday was that we had issues with Kevin's lead during the initial sound check. I always carry a spare instrument lead with me for such a likelihood. Just think-Kevin Dempsey was going to use MY D.I. Lead! Wow! But no. The sound guys identified a loose joint which needed re-soldering-and a substitute was hastily conjured up to replace it.
Colin and Karen-KC Jones-started the evening's proceedings with a well chosen set list. They started without much of a sound check at all. It is a testament to their professionalism that they got the night off to a cracking start and despite a few glitches with foldbacks, provided 30 minutes of solid entertainment. It was a master stroke to begin with Sonny. They would have had to have done it anyway as I'd requested it, but opening with it was a master stroke. Although it is a tad schmaltzy I love it. More importantly, it got everyone singing straight away and established a good vibe which continued throughout the evening.
Throughout this first half periodically there was the eerie sight of at least two mike stands slowly keeling gently over until the microphone itself was pointing at the floor. Often with no one near them. After being readjusted-off they went again. Was this vibration? Or a screw loose? Or was there a poltergeist in the Queen's Hall, suffering from erectile dysfunction? And then later Malc Gurnham's chair, already crash tested to destruction, collapsed noisily with Malc still upon it. What that man will do to draw attention to himself, eh?
The Willow and Tool Band sustained the initial momentum with a storming set. They maintained the groove with versions of The Don's "Sunny Goodge Street," Slim Harpo's "I'm a King Bee," Dylan's "Rock me Like a Wagon Wheel " and a bit of Van Morrison. Epic stuff. And lots more collective singing.
Kevin's first shorter set included the wonderfully evocative arrangement of "Love is Just Around The Corner," " Handsome Molly" and finished with a fine version of "All For You." The solo in this is typical of his percussive picking style and earned a deserved ovation. It's always good to watch anyone who thinks they can play the guitar watching this and shaking their heads as he launches into that solo. Magic.
An interval quickly concluded, Kevin kept up the tempo with favourites like "Lucy's Waltz" and "Resurrection Jack" He also called up Steven Boyer for one number. Which was nice. He finished with an evocative version of "This Parting Glass," which once again got the audience singing-softly and sensitively this time. But of course we had to have an encore or two and the final Fait D'Accompli was his unique version of "Postman Pat." I'm not sure he really wanted to do this but the audience needed little persuasion in egging him on to do so and they loved it.
It was good to have photographer John B.Smith back among us again. John had a very difficult end to 2022 due to a bereavement. He is greatly liked and respected on the Folk circuit. His work is much admired. All the photos used here are his. I'm sure all at NFC would join me in offering belated condolences to JBS. Welcome back, Sir.
The appropriately named Holly did sterling work behind the bar. She tells me that another NFC favourite, Aaron, has worked his last shift at The Crew. A pity. He worked hard and kept up the banter, whatever happened. I was initially a bit worried when Holly told me "He's gone back to butchery" but I'm hoping that's a reference to his work in retail trade rather than a nasty habit. All the best mate, hope it works out. Top Bloke.
Another quality night, despite a slightly delayed start due to initial sound problems. We had several newcomers in the audience ( and on stage) and some old faces returning. I thought all the acts were fantastic and the stand-in Techies' work was nothing short of heroic. Put February 1st with John Richards, The Lost Notes and The Steves in your diary NOW. Bound to be standing room only. Especially if we take away all the chairs.
