That title is a line from "Carolina Pines"- a rather lovely Kate Wolf song. Malc Gurnham and Gill Gilsenan do a very nice version of it.
I started Wednesday evening by (literally) groaning out three unaccompanied Blues numbers. First Robert Johnson's epic Love in Vain. A recording exists of Brian Phillips and I doing this cover and I based my version on it. I followed it with a Muddy Waters song: Standing Round Crying and finished with the Little Willie John Classic Need Your Love So Bad. I sang all three songs in tune: in the right key and I got most of the words in the right order. My voice didn't break down either. Photo by Des Patalong. That's Tool's Double bass btw. It's not mine.
Nowhere Club were followed by Willow and Tool Lite. Lite. Initially the whole band were going to come but Lolly was poorly which is a shame as her vocals definitely add an additional dimension to their sound. And Simon was otherwise engaged elsewhere so there were none of his fine harp solos. Nonetheless they did an excellent set which was well received. It was great to hear Pete Willow's vocals back to their previous strength again. ( Pete has had quite a few issues lately: suffice to say he's now part Bionic). He's a top bloke-active in promoting Folk Music around our area and also very supportive to NFC by helping us out with advertising and promo. They did a couple of foot tapping Ry Cooder numbers and a few of their own. It was an opportunity for Lewis to air his excellent vocal and instrumental skills. My favourite was "How Can a poor man stand such times" which never loses its relevance. Photo by Geoff Veasey.
In a departure from the norm, we then held the interval earlier than usual and initiated the unusual move of having the jug collection. This in the unique position of the audience not having heard the guest before contributing. I had heard and seen Sunjay several times so I knew they wouldn't be disappointed. It didn't take that long :it's a matter of minutes to take the jug round to 20 or so people scattered around a large hall.
In another departure from our usual format, Sunjay suggested doing a single set after the interval rather than the usual two slots we ask from guests. This gave the second part of the evening a more intimate "in concert" feel especially as he also decided to perform on the auditorium floor without a P.A. Photo below courtesy of Paul Monks.
This worked well. He is a polished performer, an outstanding musician and a great entertainer. In between songs he took us through anecdotes about his professional career including his time playing the lead role in a stage music show about Buddy Holly. Sunjay has a wry, witty sense of humour so these stories were delivered with great panache. His own material was by turns funny, emotional and heartfelt. We were also treated to innovative covers of songs originally recorded by Chuck Berry (Tulane) and Buddy Holly (Not Fade Away). It says everything about Sunjay's enthusiasm and wide appeal that he got the room singing. (Really well, actually).
Kudos to Ross for another expert demonstration on how to mix sound, to Jane for serving behind the bar and to Rich for always offering NFC his unflagging enthusiasm and support. We had two new acts making their debut. We had the return of the Willow and Tool Band. and as usual we had a fresh, locally brewed Real Ale drawn through and served on hand pulls. Would it draw in any additional audience?
No. It did not. We actually had one less attendee than last month. A pattern is definitely emerging. Seven musicians and 15 wonderful people came along to enjoy top class live entertainment. We even had one bloke who had travelled over from Nottingham. We had 15 in last month too-but this month we were one less on musicians. Can we go on inviting National figures to travel long distances across the country to entertain the Folk audiences of Coventry and Warwickshire? When our audiences cannot surpass the 15 mark? Long term this is probably unsustainable. Time for a rethink.
On which note-next month (August the Second) is a singers night. Last year only nine people turned up to see our booked August guest Mike Reinstein. He had travelled up from Sussex and had booked overnight accommodation. Mike was professional and played a blinding set to a virtually empty room. If I could choose one word to describe that experience for me as an organiser it would be "embarrassing." So we took the decision there and then to make this year's August Session a Singer's night. Fifteen minute slots only-as many as we can fit in-and the return of the Raffle. Already booked in are Dave Fry, Jane Moss, Bob Wilkinson and Barbara and Gareth Wyatt.
