Gauntlet Accepted

      I'd set a bit of a challenge to NFC Facebook Page members before Wednesday night's extraordinary attendance.  We have 472 members and I'd suggested that maybe if only a tiny fraction of those expressing an interest in the club turned out, we'd have a night to remember. Folk took up the challenge and filled the place. And we did have a night to remember.  But don't just take my word for it. Just read the reviews!

"A great nights entertainment, three top performances."  (Wes Hall)

 "Great Evening at NFC with a packed house and the audience in good voice." ( Max Wright) 

" It was brilliant"  (John B. Smith).   

  " We had a blast."    (The Lost Notes)  

"Excellent Talent all round." (Les Jones)   

" A brilliant night out." (Doreen Tiernan) 

 .... "Just absolutely Five star from start to finish. It doesn't get better than this," (Bobby Brooker )  

" Great evening all round...brilliant entertainment." ( Geoff Hardy) 

" It was a cracking night." (Michele Kondakor). 

"Another cracking show last night. many thanks to all involved." ( Ray Buckler)

" Lovely Crowd in last night. Superb sound system. great atmosphere."  (Steve Redshaw.) 

" If you've not been to this club then you have no appreciation of what a good club it is. Superb venue, great selection of beers, lagers & ciders, ensuite toilets, brilliant sound system manned by skilled experienced people. Go on give it a try!"           ( John B. Smith) 

       There are three recurring words here. From comments made online by audience members and performers. Not me. "Brilliant,"  " Entertainment" and "Show."  NFC isn't always for the purists. There are no candles in old Chianti bottles and soloists don't always stick their fingers in their ears when singing. We embrace every form of Folk Blues and Americana and we don't have Floor Spots. But what you do get is a show, every month. We try to mix up the artistes appearing so that (a) you don't always see all of them everywhere else all of the time and: (b) they are not all the same genre. We do have amplification and electric instruments sometimes, but it's a big hall and a big stage. It needs filling. People rarely drop off to sleep in the auditorium very often but that's how we like our music. 

     Our evening started with an NFC debut from Steve Redshaw. Actually billed as Steve 2 or The Steves, unfortunately, Stephen Boyer was too poorly to attend.( Hope you are better very soon Stephen).  So Steve singular was chucked in at the deep end and he did a masterful job. More front crawl than doggy paddle he cleaved through the set causing many a ripple and that's the end of the nautical analogies. Having been to the club previously as an audience member, he took to the stage like a seasoned regular and ran through a fabulous thirty minutes of songs. Well chosen and well arranged with a few stamped with an individual new take on an old format. Steve has a really pleasant voice and a deceptively relaxed guitar style. My personal favourite was "Lakes of Ponchartrain."  I love that song. It has an Irish American heritage dating back to the days of The Civil War.  I first encountered it through the work of Paul Brady. I've performed it myself in several venues and with different line-ups so I know it's not an easy one to get across. Steve did it justice. He left that stage to deserved applause. We'll certainly get him back. He flew the flag for Steves everywhere. ( Mr. Boyer: he did not let you down). Photo by John B. Smith

    A highly anticipated debut from the 3/5 version of The Lost Notes followed. Quite a coup to get them and John Richards on the same bill together, reflected in the room being near full before they started. Energetic, lively and very polished, they set to work with a highly organised collection of songs. Most if not all self-penned. Oli had a few minor problems with guitars which got Ross our Sound (very sound) man scrambling across the stage initially before the problem settled. It didn't affect the performance one jot. They finished to rapturous applause. Local Folkies can see them agaim almost immediately as they are on a Beduff next week supporting Paper Circus. I rather think they might be on at Atherstone in the future, too. They performed examples from a newly released album "Lowlifes and High Times." Their versatile vocal styles covered many genres with the fireworks on the last one making me describe as Folk's Tony Hadley. (Sorry ,mate!). Can't WAIT to see the five piece version. Photo by JBS

   John Richards and his band minus fiddle player followed. They too are working on a new album and they understandably wanted to showcase some of it. Thus we had a mixture of songs old and new, all with that distinctive JR style to them. "Did You Enjoy The Battle Sir?" was a popular early example of material. Covered by Robin Dransfield and Downes and Beer, no less. 

     The second half began, (much against my better judgement)  with me  joining the JRB for a first crack at "Chimnea."  This is a song written by John and I. He very kindly supplied the tune to my lyrics. it was his idea at first and then my own vanity spurred me on.  I am tremendously grateful for being honoured by being offered that opportunity. It's a song about some of the indignities we've all had to put up with over the last few years, mainly because of the input (or lack of it) of various Governments. All written whilst swigging a bottle of Pinot Noir on Summer Solstice and enjoying a clear quiet night outside around a log fire. I'd rehearsed it singing along to an MP3 of the tune JR emailed me. I was so nervous and tongue tied I sang it very badly. If you look at the photos I'm rigid with fear. Not usually like the swaggering braggart that I often am on stage. Oh well. perhaps I'll get another chance one day. People were very kind about it but I have to watch my vocal performance from behind a settee. Photo by Max Wright.

     Fortunately things soon bucked up again. The JRB continued with a further cross section of old and new material. "If You can walk you can dance" was a popular show stopper. I'd forgotten that John's daughter Em was so poorly with Covid last time they came to NFC that she couldn't appear. Gren Bartley stepped in and did a fine job. Nevertheless  It was good to hear and see Emma back again, though. Photo by JBS

 Jim did a couple of very natty bass solos and some sterling work on the Keyboard. He's a very understated and versatile musician: his work adds a lot to the overall sound. His bass guitar had what looked like washing line for strings but it gave a marvellous thumpy sound. And I loved his keyboard work in a song which reminded me very much of a Magnum Opus by Mr. Fox "The Gypsy" Photo by JBS I had been very measured and controlled over finding that some of my favourites were missing from the overall set list. I love "Polly,"  "Washbourne Road," " Billy Shaw," and "The Deserter" to bits for example. I was going to let their omission go until I heard an ugly rumour that "Shine On," would not feature. I'm afraid that during several encores wisdom prevailed and people power took over. Bob Brooker and I were invited to go up sing with the JRB. The audience singing was simply stunning. You just cannot let a song as good as that go. Even the bar staff were singing the choruses-and they'd never heard it before. Probably not even born before it was first recorded-but quality transcends generations. Photo by JBS

The usual accolades must be accorded to Ross Tidmuss on sound (great to have him back),and to Holly, putting in a really tough shift behind the bar serving a larger than usual audience. And big thanks to Rich Burlingham, The Crew Guuvnor. He continues to support Folk Music in the Town and lays on decent real Ale for us like last night's special " What The Foxes Hat?" 

             Finally congratulations on another NFC innovation: Claire Botterill became our resident artist by setting up a merchandise stall just inside the door and demonstrating wax resist painting in the auditorium during the interval. We hope to make this a regular feature. Claire is Nuneaton based. She runs courses, designs cards and teaching worksheets and will do special commissioned paintings of your favourite pets. Although I'm told she might draw the line (see what I did there?) at any life sized portraits of Bobby Brooker's Warthog, Montmorency Kingdom The Third. 

      Next month we continue this momentum with the return of Bird In The Belly. All the way from Sussex although vocalist Ben is a Nunny exile. Winners of Anker Folk's "Treacle Trophy" last month for being voted their 2022 Album of The Year, they are musically and vocally outstanding. Note the full house in this picture taken last February. 

Happy New Year

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. 

For most of their set they were joined by Stephen Boyer on cahon. it was good to see Steve out and about again. He's been very poorly. He'll be back next month with another Steve as "The Steves."  KC Jones were also persuaded to perform their Christmas Song. All still quite legit for us non-secular types, as decorations were still mostly up at that time and The Works were flogging decorations off Rope walk. This all added to the general bonhommie and festive feeling. A tin of chocolates was passed round adding to the party mood. It was turning into a bit of a party. Colin even managed to blow some harp. Matron. 

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.

Felix Have Me Dad

( One of the classic Donnelly festive parodies from Keith's new Christmas album) . A song which is an homage of sorts to Jose Feliciano and the Three Tenors wishing us a Happy Christmas in Spanish/English. Of which more later.

There were many counter attractions competing for an audience at NFC on Wednesday. Elsewhere a hardy bunch of locals had braved the snow to trek North to Aviemore for some Costa Del Cairngorm thingy. There was apparently football on the telly, late night Christmas shopping, (though not in Nuneaton),the usual parking confusion (see next paragraph below) and various malicious continuations of seasonal Lurgies (great name for a band?).  Plus, the temperature outside had plummeted below zero well before the doors were even open.

As regards parking confusion, I need to point out again that there are two free car parks (Victoria Street One and Victoria Street Two), just across Roanne Ringway from The Crew, almost on the junction with Queens Road and The Ring Road itself.. Indeed the building itself is within eyesight once you get out of the car.  Both of these car parks are within a two minute walk of The venue.  We always use these two even though there is apparently also free parking (when there are spaces!) at the Abbey Theatre. To access the Victoria Street Car Parks, instead of turning up Queens Road towards Lidl, The Crew and The Theatre, turn left  (if coming round it from the North). Or turn right if coming to the lights along the A444, from the South. Follow this short spur of Queens Road past Johnsons the Jewellers, Iceland. The Lord Hop Micropub,The Co-op Club, Salvation Army H.Q. and the back of Rope Walk Shopping Mall on this two minute journey as it curves round to the right, almost a 360 turn before  It quickly becomes Dugdale Street and then Victoria Street. At the end of Victoria Street you can park free  6pm-8am  and virtually next to that four way junction just described. ( For Satnavs the car park postcode is CV11 5GE). Step out of the car and you are back next to Johnsons The Jewellers. Within under a minute on foot you are back at the junction where you turned, with its plethora of pedestrian crossings. The Crew (and so The Queens Hall above it) is visible, diagonally opposite where you have parked.  Try this link or just look it up on Google Maps. carparkmaps.co.uk/carparks/view/18630

    Right. That out of the way,  the Queen's Hall was warm and cheerful inside. The Church End Fallen Angel was frankly divine and thankfully,  enough people turned out to make the trip worthwhile for those who were performing. Not as many as in the Olden Days when local people supported their Local Folk Clubs everywhere, but fortunately our numbers were swelled by people coming in from Coventry and Birmingham. 

   Top of  the bill we had Lauren South and Keith Donnelly, seen on stage together at NFC for the first time . We had a debut feature from Folk rockers Fables and Lies and a classic traditional Seasonal set from our old friends Thrupp'nny Bits. 

Late last Wednesday I wrote on the NFC Facebook Page " Last night was an eclectic cornucopia of Festive and traditional Folkie entertainment." A fair and accurate summation of what went on. Fables and Lies were making their NFC debut. An affable and friendly crowd of musicians, I'd got it in my head that they were from the far South of the County but far from it. They were from Rugby, Coventry, Corby and all over.. And Corby isn't even in Warwickshire. (Yet). They brought in a fully miked up drum kit, electric bass, electric lead, fiddles and all sorts of anciliary items. I'm sure there was a wardrobe being carried up the stairs somewhere. Ross, our techie, watched all this nonplussed. He's seen it all, and the sound check seemed to go well. They certainly woke the audience up with a robust and energetic opening set.

Thrupp'nny Bits then quietened things down a little with a selection of their Christmas and Seasonal songs. Most (if not all) of which, are available on CD. We had Shepherds Arising and those poor Wrens pursued, and Wassails of various shapes and sizes. Plus my personal favourite, The Pudding Hunt. Tally Ho! Nothing like the TB's to get one persuaded that its beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Which led us to the interval. A quick jug collection and a chance for a wee break before we romped off again. Some bloke dressed as a grumpy elf ,who'd been compering the evening read out his now infamous Christmas Notices and Answers to The Christmas Quiz. Then mercifully, it was back to proper entertainment. The photo of this idiot below is by Kevin Hargraves. There were none of our usual photographers there on Wednesday although I did spot a welcome (and newly shorn) Andy Jones later on, and he was busy snapping away. I've not seen any of his work yet.so the photographs here, other than Kevin's, are I'm afraid...mine.

We had originally got Phil Hare to come and headline this December 2022 spot, but given the weather, the long return journey and our attendances recently, I'm glad we agreed to rearrange and that Lauren and Keith were able to step in. Phil will now be playing in September next year. When (hopefully) there won't be any frost and snow. Although in this country...you never know...

Both Lauren and Keith were in fine voice. I'm not going to reveal  too much about Keith except to say that he was very good, did lots of jokes, was very festive and very often, funny. ( Sometimes intentionally). This is because he's on at Atherstone Folk Club on the 21st December. So if you are not dancing naked round a bonfire that night (it's The Winter Solstice), get out there, support your local Folk Club and have a good time. Besides, if you weren't at NFC last Wednesday it will present you with another opportunity to purchase Keith's EXCELLENT new Christmas Album. Everything you would expect from this maestro of parody. The perfect late gift for that special Folkie in your life. 

     Lauren is a fine musician and has an immaculate voice. She is an accomplished writer (as is Keith) and as well as doing some favourites together they also showcased some thoughtful and tastefully arranged new material. As a duo it's an interesting combination of voices and content but it somehow works. It's a bit like Pork and Stuffing or Ice Cream and Strawberries. I'm not daft enough to identify which one is which but do try to get along and see them so you can decide for yourselves.

Finally a thanks to all those whose hard work during 2022 continued to keep NFC surviving in what have been at times challenging circumstances. Most importantly, audience members and performers. Then let's have a round of applause for Rich Burlingham for his ongoing support and wonderful husbandry of beautiful, locally brewed Church End Beers. Jenna and Pete Willow provide invaluable help with advance publicity.  Aaron and new kid on the block Evelyn, keep the audiences provided with refreshment, help putting the chairs out and just keep on smiling. Thanks also to Ross for his sound work (see what I did there?), mixing, adjusting levels, stage swapping and all round general expertise. And Maggie my right hand woman who despite sometimes being poorly, faithfully puts her hand to helping out with, well,  everything. God Bless Us Every One!

 A few people have chosen to turn their back on us this year and a few others continue to stay away. I regret that and hope that some of them  can see it in their hearts  to return one day. Christmas is after all, supposedly a time of forgiveness, Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All. 

Fiddling about

        Filled with a slowly rekindling enthusiasm for supporting live  music last Thursday,  I got home from a second consecutive night out clubbing(!!). Before turning in, exhausted (but fulfilled). As midnight struck, the last thing I read was a constructive comment. It was from an NFC regular Jak Lynch, posted on  the Folk Monthly Facebook Page. I replied to it with a comment about how comforting it was to see him again. To be clear over the use of the word "again," it wasn’t irony, suggesting that Jak had  returned  suddenly, to something previously left alone, it was a compliment. It was an acknowledgement of those foot soldiers like Jak who can be seen not occasionally, but again and again as often as time, work and family commitments permit, supporting live music in their local venues. I'm very  conscious of the fact that if people like Jak don't keep on coming, these venues will eventually cease to function.

      It is harder, in physical terms to plan an event in advance than it is to just turn up in a back room and take it in turns to play music. That isn’t a lofty statement of superiority, it is just a fact. Yes, performing is hard, but doing both, first the coordination of the event and then the performance, with the added responsibility of catering for an audience who (quite rightly) arrive expecting to be entertained, can be doubly punishing. And the killer is when,  (after all that pre-planning and psyching up beforehand), hardly anyone turns up. It is disappointing for all: a shared anti climax for audience and performer alike.

     That didn’t happen on Thursday night. Someone reminiscing about the Good Old Days pointed out that when NFC first launched, 60-70 people regularly used to assemble in a concert room on a cold wet Wednesday to enjoy live music. Sometimes even more. Last night, as we slowly topped thirty, I felt elation. Because these are different times, we had mucked about with the date and given the number of counter attractions, it was encouraging to see that many finding us at all. The Pandemic definitely hasn’t yet fully gone away. People are still recovering. We are now officially in Recession. There is a cost of living crisis. Times are hard for everyone except the very  rich. You can see that every time you set foot in a shop or watch a news bulletin.

       Our region is blessed by the number of people who want to be seen and to perform in Folk Clubs and open venues. Which in turn generates unusually high numbers of places aspiring to promote music. Unfortunately there are not the same sort of audience members able or prepared to come out every night of a week to support them. It is a physical ( and a mathematical) impossibility for them to do so.  But with all that said, on Thursday there was a decent enough number of people in the room to make it all seem worthwhile. They clapped and cheered and whooped. They sang along, and pounded the tables where (appropriate ). They even danced, at times, amplifying the extraordinary levels of enthusiasm and commitment pulsating towards them from the stage.

   That wasn’t the only thing pulsating. It being not our usual First Wednesday, there were other events going on down below. The Crew, being the prime music pub in the area, I suddenly felt low frequency rock bass guitar  thrumming through the floor and into my kneecaps.  I thought at first it was radio interference, coming through the monitor speakers onto the stage. On further examination I discovered a full blooded Rock Karaoke going on downstairs. Whilst the rest of the town slept, The Crew was rocking, both upstairs and downstairs. Fair play to them. It was only 9pm-it’s either get out and enjoy yourselves or sit at home watching a group of idiots make fools of themselves in an Australian jungle. 

     Our headline act were Thorpe and Morrison. The returning Harry and Sean. Joined at the hip, musically. They had wowed us with a support spot to Kevin Dempsey previously and did not disappoint this time. Harry's percussive guitar style had us peering anxiously up to the stage through our fingers at times, especially after he admitted he had fitted a new set of strings. They must be A grade telegraph wire because he gave those guitars a proper hammering at times.. Harry is capable of subtle nuances up and down the fret and delicate tricksy harmonics at times, but when needs must, he can belt the living bejasus out of most parts of a guitar body. Combined with his reinforced boots stomping out a beat on an amplified board you really wouldn't know that Bon Jovi were being simulated downstairs. 

      Sean's fiddle playing is a sophisticated counterpoint. As well as Celtic stuff reinforcing his Scottish roots there are elements of Scandinavian and Appalachian about his solos. He can rock out with the fiddle too but at other times the soft, gentle sounds he coaxes from the bow or plucking the strings are that of a violin rather than a fiddle, exemplifying a classical background. 

     And then we come onto Michelle Hollaway. Singer with Bonfire Radicals, experimentally branching out on her own. A pocket battleship of a vocalist in her patterned tights, furiously passionate as she blasted out thirty minutes of dynamite.  If you wanted a definition of "Owned The stage" there it was. Right there for all to see and hear. Acapella songs delivered with a raw, and angry belief. With the audience firmly clenched in her  diminutive fist, she stood up there belting out highly charged  lyrics with emotion so fierce no-one hardly dared to breathe. Later she would return to join Sean and Harry in an electrifying cover of "Sovay" and join in with some furious instrumental passages which made Ian Anderson on one leg seem positively mundane. 

      Winding it back, with some running order rearrangements due to logistical obstacles, Tyburn-Jan Richardson and Hedley-started and finished the evening. By a strange quirk of fate and National Rail timetabling, they were there at the beginning to kick the evening off and back to round it all off at the end. Thanks also to a bit of input from Atherstone Folk Club's Phil Benson who linked the acts whilst I made a dash to Trent Valley Station. Jan's singing was as good as I had ever heard her. There was a waspish, raunchy tone to a couple of her numbers which really caught the imagination. All complimented by Hedley's sensitive and sophisticated playing.

     It would be churlish not to mention the latest Church End draught Real Ale laid on-Fallen Angel, once again served in a superlative condition. And thanks to to Ross for his work on the Sound desk and to Aaron, a bundle of energy behind the bar. (And behind the vacuum cleaner, early doors!) 

     Thanks also to Ray Buckler for these photos. Our long time friend John B. Smith would have loved a night such as Wednesday, but all on the local Folk Scene were saddened to hear of his tragic bereavement on the day. Sincere Condolences from all at NFC go to JBS, a tower of strength in recording and capturing performance shots at all local venues. We are truly sorry for your loss, mate. 

   It was simply, one of those nights. Just as with Sunjay and Lee the night before at Bedworth F.C., the musicianship was breathtaking. If you missed one or the other or both of these excellent sessions -truly anyone who was there would feel genuinely sorry for you. 

Paper Back

      I'm going to have to start with Paper Circus. I am clearly biased here. I feel an almost paternal glow of pride over how far they have come. It was me who on first hearing them at an Open Mic session at The Twisted Barrel Brewery Tap, suggested that they should come over to Nuneaton and try out the Folk Circuit. They went down a storm (as I knew they would) and the rest as they say is history. If I'd been a Record Producer or if I'd owned a Record Label I'd have signed them up there and then after that debut. At that time they were a trio including Jim Park on cello. Jim left and Merlin on double base has since filled in admirably. Jim made a very strong contribution to the unique sound of the Circus. They were difficult shoes to fill. After he left it sounded neither better nor worse. It was just different. And still utterly brilliant.

 (photo by John B. Smith).     They held the audience in the palm of their hand last night, during two captivating sets. Whilst  compering I twice referred to them as "The Lindor Chocolate of Folk. " That caused a few titters, but listening to Jennian's voice curling around the subtle canvas which Merlin and Suraj Nagar lay down for her really feels like indulgent luxury. There are few female singers who can touch this quality. Many aspire. Few can emulate it. Without being too sycophantic, there is so much I like about this trio. I know I'm not alone, because we had a much better attendance last night and they weren't all Hawkesbury "Shoupies" * 

       Let's avoid the obvious (The Voice) and start with a few of the other things I admire about Paper Circus . Like Bird In The Belly, They  are immensely talented both musically and instrumentally. Like Bird In The Belly they are good fun to be with, nice people and totally grounded. There is no big Diva thing, they just get on with it. Their sound check was brief and to the point. I've seen and heard other acts take almost an hour over this-freezing other artistes out of the opportunity to get on stage and try out beforehand. So a tick for that.  This positive attitude continues on stage where they don't dress up or overdo the theatrics, because they know there is no need to hide behind hats, glitter,  boas, shawls, and all the other frippery. There are no melodramatic gestures or theatrical hand waving. When you have a voice like Jennian's you just need to concentrate on getting it out there, operatically pure. Like clear crystal. Whilst Paper Circus were on you could hear a pin drop during the quieter numbers. 

   One of the most noticeable (and likeable) things about Paper Circus on stage is that they are clearly having a good time. Between songs there is banter and laughter and if they do attempt a lighter song like "Here Comes The Sun,"  they are not afraid (or able ) to hide their obvious enjoyment in performance. If someone makes a mistake (and everyone in the business does) they just laugh it off and carry on. Exactly as it should be. They are very professional and stage savvy.  In a big room like ours with its own bar and other facilities integral, there is inevitably background noise even with a state of the art sound system. In one lull between notes, the electronic till beeped. In another, an empty bottle hit the recycling bin. Nobody (least of all Jennian) batted an eyelid. We were all so focussed. 

     I also admire their repertoire. It contains a mixture of uplifting and very dark songs. Like their covers of Mazzy Star's "Into Dust" (a personal favourite) and Massive Attack's "Teardrop." (ditto).  These are immensely powerful numbers. Tackled acoustically they could go horribly wrong. But none of these songs'  solemnity and power is lost. This is down to the strength of their arrangements. It sounds effortless. It looks effortless. It obviously isn't. Last night they ranged from classic, traditional folk into the contemporary world and back without barely a murmur. Wisely, they retain much of this material as the rock which their set list is built upon. They thread in their own compositions (excellent by the way) with the minimum of fuss. If they didn't introduce them as such, you genuinely would not be able to differentiate between their original songs and the cover versions. So they can get traditionalists singing along with "The Parting Glass" or  "Mountain Thyme," whilst also embracing Dylan ("All Along The Watchtower")  And they carry it all off with aplomb. I know from personal experience that they will listen to a recommendation for a new addition to the set list and then work around it in rehearsal to see if they can adapt it.  Suraj and Merlin are the engine room. ( Merlin? See what I did there?). They provide the cement. (Mixed metaphor?). 

     The audience demanded two encores and got them. The band sent them home singing with two old favourites from earlier set lists (and earlier times). "Hushabye Mountain." (a lullaby from the score of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) and "Those Were The Days" a number one hit for Mary Hopkin long ago when dinosaurs roamed the land and the earth was new. That's something they also successfully manage to pull off: juxtaposing the dystopian Handmaid dread of "Into Dust," with a bleak song by The U.S. rock band Brand New and then getting the audience to sing it along with them. Light and Shade. The ingredients of most successful set lists. 

John Mosedale writes good songs. He's made several trips from Herefordshire  to all our local clubs previously to do feature spots. But due to You-Know-What we hadn't seen him for two years. It was good to have him back last night after a long time away. Sensibly, he included some of his more popular songs with some newer ones in an entertaining 30 minute slot. (John refers to his finale self deprecatingly as a "Medley of My hit") He also added in some new numbers. John is pals with Richard Digance and that shows in his song writing and his patter. He brought his own video crew along with him last night and they generously agreed to shoot the whole show. That should be interesting if it turns out. Photo below by John B. Smith.

       Last but very definitely not least, to kick us off early doors ,the Queens Hall stage groaned under the combined tonnage of The Hawkesbury Trawlermen last night. Not everyone gets the joke. Yes: they ARE a Shanty Crew and a very decent one, but Hawkesbury is a canal junction between Nuneaton and Coventry, where the Coventry meets the Oxford. It is possibly the most landlocked place in England. Rather than waves and foghorns the most noise comes from the nearby M1 and the railway line. You definitely couldn't get a Trawler in there unless it was a Triang one. So it was with a creaking of the knees (rather than the ship's rigging)last night as Dave Webb, Wes Hall, Malc Gurnham, Phil Benson, Bob Brooker, Popsy Read, John Meechan , Alan Stocks and Geoff Veasey assembled in (nearly) a crescent. In the picture below taken by John B. Smith, Bob is on his feet and awake at this point. 

     Crew members took turns to lead, with the choir adding support from the rear. They are getting to be old (very old!) hands at this now. Having appeared previously at The CV Folk venue in Coventry, The Lord Hop in Nuneaton and Bedworth Folk Club,this was their NFC debut. They also appear regularly at The Attleborough Arms in Nuneaton. Serenading diners.

        Scrutinise closely and you will see that Malc Gurnham (absent from the other photos) was also there. ( Eye Candy for the Over 80's above was provided by John B. Smith). 

( * "Shoupie" (n.)- an amalgam of Groupie and Shanty man. Mature  and mostly (but not exclusively) female followers of elderly men wearing striped jumpers whilst belting out maritime songs of a similar vintage . The photo below (by Max Wright) proves that there were actually nine Trawlermen present last night. Bob denies he was asleep and says that he was just snatching 4O winks. The Hawkesbury Trawlermen, due to their venerable age (aggregate years 600+) and their landlocked position (sometimes they don't move for hours), have become a bit of a cult. At least, I think that is how it is spelt. 

         I thought the sound was excellent last night. Thanks go to Ross on the mixing desk and also to Aaron behind the bar. And to Rich Burlingham for providing the premises and not one but TWO Church End beers on draught: a stout and a sessions bitter. Finally let's hear it to for Mags. She puts up and takes down the sign. She collects and then counts the jug collection. She distributes and then collects the fliers on tables. Without her-no club.  Simple as.

Taking the Michael?

 

     Last Wednesday night, as so often happens, the quality of performance at Nuneaton Folk Club was once again outstanding. We welcomed back Adam Wilson and Des Patalong to fill our longer 30 minute feature spots. And (after several postponements, rearrangements and cancellations due to Covid), we finally got Mike Reinstein to travel up from Sussex. I’ve played all three artistes on Anker Folk many times. Deservedly so, because their material is top class.

     It was also great to see  returning audience members. People we have missed and who always add quality to our evening, just by being there. People like John B.  Smith, Mick Stanley, Keith Donnelly and Ray Buckler. And there were  newbies. At least four. Please try us again and tell your friends. 

   The turnout  was a tad disappointing. The foresight of the Tory Council in closing most local car parks since our July session probably did not help. Although- (future attendees please note)- there is STILL free local parking nearby in Victoria Street.

Our August guest Mike Reinstein deserves great credit for keeping going under quite difficult circumstances. He was thoroughly professional. There was a remarkable variety in all his songs. Some were funny. Some were poignant and some were both.

All of them showed a great deal of craft, both in their composition and delivery. His background is in Drama, Education and Children’s Entertainment. And it showed throughout. One of the wittiest, most articulate performers we’ve ever welcomed to the Queen’s Hall, Mike was an excellent and thoughtful songwriter. He was erudite, polished and intelligent. And if you look at the photos JBS has uploaded to the NFC Facebook Page-count the facial expressions-he has dozens! 

Making a welcome return, Adam Wilson was (as ever), charming, likeable and earnest. He has a superb voice and writes great songs. The few cover versions he does do are immensely polished. As a Neil Young Tribute Act alone he could make a fortune in the Wine Bars and Tapas Restaurants of South Warwickshire. He once again forgot to bring along any of his excellent CD’s but if anyone contacts me, I can pass on details of how to buy one. They are well worth a listen.

Des Patalong has a voice and a presence that needs no P.A. His own songs are really clever and full of passion Des cares. He really does care. The spot he took on was advertised as being the Thrup’nny Bits, but due to ill health they could not make it and Des had to fly solo. (Get well soon Gareth!). He held the fort magnificently.

Some other old bloke making a fool of himself started the evening. The less said about that the better. He was returning from a throat and chest infection and sang like Lee Marvin. A sprinkle of people sang along with “Di Di The Ice Cream Man.”   ( Soon to be released on a CD?). The rest of the audience just looked either frightened or confused. Probably shouldn’t have even tried  the Barry Manilow spoof or the Three Lions parody. Oh well. That's the career in stand up fooked. 

     The Street Fight (Interval) Amongst the most energy expended in the area all night was the unedifying spectacle of two women on the pavement outside, air punching, and trying fairly unsuccessfully to hit each other. Hilarious. Treacle at its spectacular best.

       Despite the talent evident in the room the attendance was low. This was no reflection on Mike Des or Adam.  It is true that August is a holiday month and also the Festivals like Sidmouth are in full swing. However, it is also my personal opinion that having three folk nights within a few metres of each other inside five days is unfortunate. It does not matter how much each one costs or whoever the billed artistes are. People just will not come out three nights out of five. ( Some can no longer afford to).

      This level of competition does not happen in any other town I know of. At NFC we are not subsidised or profit making, or able to run at a loss. The Club funds are now dry. We  cannot go on inviting people to travel long distances to play to a virtually deserted room. There are alternatives. We will need to consider some of them over the next few months.

      My thanks go again  to Rich Burlingham for continuing to supply the room, the excellent facilities and the Church End Goats Milk. (that’s local real Ale to out of towners). And also to Pete W. for helping us out with advance publicity. Thanks also to Aaron for working the bar, and to Ross for driving the sound. Great also, to have top photographers like John B. Smith  back in the room. All the photos shown here are used with his permission. Thanks finally  to Pete Botting for his kind donations towards Anker Folk on Anker Radio. We'll be spinning them soon, Pete. 

      Finally a word for the witty Yoof who shouted “No one carries cash nowadays!” before running off downstairs to watch the fight outside. The object of terror which drove him and his mates away was the Interval jug collection. They had stayed to listen to the music for free, in air conditioned comfort, with a bar and toilets but then baulked at making any contribution towards it. Which is their prerogative of course. But if you are going to heckle lads, at least make it serious. A Post Office survey released this week also proves your supposition is wrong. So come along to NFC, enjoy the music and don't be a tightwad.