CD Reviews

The Young ‘Uns – Tiny Notes (Hudson Records HUD036CD)

The fame of this trio took some time to spread southwards from their native Teeside but by ten years ago, the growing fame surrounding them has reached the ears of this Lewes folk club organiser. The opportunity of this visit south was taken to interview them and the subsequent article appeared in “fRoots” in May 2014. They were really very promising then and this great album shows how much that promise has been fulfilled.

The development shows itself in a variety of ways; the attack and certainty of their harmony singing is marked. They have broadened their approach in the studio with several of the songs being treated to a big production with their David Eagle accompanying on piano joined by a string quartet playing arrangements written by Jon Boden and they provide an excellent contrast to the raw attack of the unaccompanied songs.

Perhaps the most profound development has been in the songwriting of Sean Cooney. Every well-grounded song has a strong impact with strong melodies. Several of them deal with aspects of tragedies, whether large (Lockerbie, Aleppo) and small (the London Bridge terrorist murders, a single killing in the troubles in Derry). Other issues such as youthful persons’ suicides. These sit alongside some more pastoral pieces, but all are of high quality.

As this is being written they are near the start of a 17-day tour of major venues all over the British Isles which will be followed by four top festivals in August. This album shows that they deserve all of this.

https://hudsonrecords.co.uk/product/--tiny-notes

Vic Smith

Ruth Angell - Hlywing (Talking Elephant Records TECD484)

Ruth is best known on the folk circuit for her work with Ashley Hutchings and has accompanied him on several of his recent CDs. She also works in an occasional duo with Becky Mills who also plays on this, Ruth’s first solo album. Ruth plays violin and provides the vocals and there are also a variety of other talented guest musicians. The album includes 10 tracks of which nine were written by Ruth and the other is Magdalene Laundries by Joni Mitchell. The album title comes from an old English word for shelter and refuge and is pronounced Hu-lee-weenguh. Ashley described this album as “truly wonderful” and Ruth as a “terrific musician”.

Alan Castle (Editor)

Folk At The Drum

The club meets every Monday evening at The Drum Inn, Stanford, Stone Street (TN25 6DN), between Canterbury and Hythe, from 7 till 10pm.

If you enjoy playing or listening to acoustic music of all types (folk, blues, country, rock, etc), you are very welcome to join us in the function room of the pub for a relaxed and entertaining evening.

Nominal £2 entry fee.

For more information, contact Jeff on 01303 813188

June - July

Yes, Faversham Folk Club is open every Wednesday, 8 pm til 1030... we welcome performers and audience to our popular Singers’ Nights. On Guest nights, floor spots are welcomed by M/Cs if you arrive soon enough. A warm welcome is always available at The Limes!

7 June Pete Coe - Troubadour supreme Pete returns by popular demand with his unique and wide-ranging songs on a variety of instruments… a consummate committed performer. A long-time Faversham favourite- catch him if you can. £9/10

28 June Hilary Spencer - Good to rebook Hilary, whose entertaining presentation enlivens every evening. Blessed with an amazing range, she brings music-hall, ballads and chorus to perfection. £9/10

5 July

Dave Gibb - From the hills of Dumfries and Galloway Dave brings songs with stories, all accompanied with exquisite finger-style guitar work. Halfway Up The Stairs and Privateer are his work, and you may recognize others as he weaves his magic. £8/9

26 July

Claude Bourbon - Wow! Romantic, medieval and Spanish/ progressive blues with vocal elements of Dylan/ Cat Stephens with a long list of prestigious festival appearances… ‘his music would not have been out of place in the courts of Emperors and Kings’… a treat for Coronation year! £9/10

All August Singers’ Nights

Coming in September: 6th Derek Gifford, 20th Edwina Hayes

All others Singers’ Nights, and not, necessarily, as advertised in the local paper, Swingers. All other Wednesdays are Singers Nights, only £2, where traditional mixes with contemporary and jollity is encouraged.

We ask that you please test yourself before coming to the club, to keep guests and all of us safe and well. We do what we can to ventilate and keep safe by distancing. See you at the Limes!

TICKETS JUST £80 ( NOR-