Shrewsbury Folk Festival @shrewsburyfolk
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S
ICKET NOW
23.24.25.26 august 2019
!
OYSTERBAND
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N S AL
Ceilidh Bands Concerts Morris Teams Workshops
KATE RUSBY P@ndemonium! Andy Fairweather Low and the Low Riders featuring the Hi Riders Soul Revue
Eddi Reader
refolkus
Martin Barre
CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF JETHRO TULL
R E V. SEKOU
Capercaillie MARTYN JOSEPH SKERRYVORE Daphne’s Flight
Birds of Chicago GARY STEWART’S GRACELAND
Jiggy AMY THYST KIAH Phil Beer Band Steve Knightley While and Matthews Big Band Blair Dunlop Merry Hell Cajun Country Revival AKA Trio Edgelarks Grace Petrie While, Matthews & While Mankala Jim Moray’s Kingstone Press Folk Slam
plus many more! see website for latest…
Children’s Festival
for 11-20 year olds
Craft Fair Great Campsite Singarounds and Sessions Caterers Real Ale and Cocktail Bars
Dance Acts: || WHAPWEASEL || RELENTLESS
|| JOHN SPIERS CEILIDH BAND
|| CORRYVRECHAN SCOTTISH DANCE SHOW
www. shrewsburyfolkfestival .co.uk
W
ith many folk clubs and dance venues taking a summer break, why not try a festival to get your ‘folk fix’?
Thanks to the immense variety of festivals, you can see your favourite artists and catch new acts from other parts of the UK or abroad. Each festival is different in duration, style, atmosphere, facilities and location, so research is essential! Looking through this issue of Unicorn Magazine is a great place to start! Some focus on dance, others on the music and workshops. Most have excellent activities for children (and may allow pets) – perfect for a family break. There’s also great shopping at the trade stalls and delicious food.
pub or B&B. Once you’ve sampled the magic, you can try longer festivals over a weekend or a week – yurt ‘glamping’ or camping in a tent or campervan. Or Costa del Folk in sunny Ibiza or Portugal. So if you’re not already a regular, why not give festivals a try? Choose carefully and book tickets and accommodation early. Clive and I look forward to seeing you – perhaps at Kimpton on 6th July, Folk by the Oak on 14th July or the Royston Shindig over August Bank Holiday. Whatever you choose to do, we wish you a wonderful summer of folk. Thank you for supporting Unicorn Magazine. See you around the clubs!
If you’re new to festivals, maybe start with a oneday event, perhaps staying overnight in a local
Clive & Sandra
Editorial
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Strumming & Dreaming: The Bridge
15
Contents
3
Gig Review: Navaro @ The Stables
17
Feature: Royston Shindig
4
Morris Diary
Feature: St Michael’s Folk Evening 2019
6
Morris Diary Index
19
Chatterbox
7
Feature: Kimpton Folk Festival 2019
21
Round the Clubs
7
Feature: FolkEast
Gig Review: Strummers’ 3rd Birthday
8
Diary
CD Review: Red Velvet
8
Club Index
28
Sessions
9
Feature: House Concerts
31
Shall We Dance?
10
Feature: The Sound Engineer
35
Gig Review: New Roots 2019
12
Gig Review: Martin Olyett
Gig Review: Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening 13 Feature: Elizabeth & Jameson
14
23 25 – 27
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News:
© Unicorn Magazine 2019
Clive Batkin 07771 822414 clive@cbatkin.plus.com unicornmagazine @hotmail.co.uk Sandra Lawes unicornmagazine @hotmail.co.uk Contact address: 2 Hill Close, Harpenden, Herts AL5 5JE Once you have finished with your copy of Unicorn Magazine, please recycle it responsibly... (or simply keep it forever!)
We take great care to ensure all elements of Unicorn Magazine are accurate. However, we accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes that appear. The views and opinions expressed in submitted articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Any personal views expressed in submitted articles are the writers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Unicorn Magazine editorial team. It will be assumed that any letters sent to the magazine are intended for publication unless otherwise obviously stated. We reserve the right to edit any material sent to us for style, content or length. Please note we cannot print material previously published in other publications without express written permission from that publisher. We reserve the right not to publish certain elements of free listings information if it appears elsewhere in the magazine, or where space restrictions do not allow.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.UNICORNMAGAZINE.ORG UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
38 44 – 46
CD Reviews
Front cover: Jamie Swannell working on one of his guitars... See his ad on page 30 of this issue
CB1510 • July 2019
18 – 19
Editorial Team:
WWW.UNICORNMAGAZINE.ORG
Printed by Newman Thomson Ltd 3
IT’S TIME TO SHINDIG AT ROYSTON!
A
ugust Bank Holiday this year sees Royston Folk Club hosting its first ever open-air event – its fabulous ‘Summer Shindig’.
We’ve built a reputation as one of the friendliest and most professional clubs in the country over the past five years, and for the past two years, we’ve run a very successful Young Artists Competition. That event has helped place performers like The Trials of Cato and Katie Spencer at centre stage, but the event’s increasing success has made it harder to find return slots for our favourite artists.
CHRIS FOX
So our brand new Summer Shindig will give some of our favourites extra playing time and provide the ideal opportunity for everyone – including our regulars, The Roystoneers – to mingle in the sun with friends and family and enjoy the music. Over the two-day August Bank Holiday event (Sunday 25th / Monday 26th August) more than 18 acts are booked to appear in 40 – 60 minute slots. These include local favourites like John Meed, Chris Fox and Kelly and Woolley, plus several from farther afield – including Black Scarr, Hunter Muskett and the King Driscolls.
PADDY FINDLAY & LLOYD CROWLEY
Taking place at club organisers Chris and Lesley Walls’ spacious bungalow – there’s full catering, camping and a licensed bar. Details: www.roystonfolk.org or on Royston Folk Club’s Facebook page. We will be raising money for One-to-One Enfield – a charity that helps people with learning difficulties, supported by Creative Royston and The Bridge.
LIZZY HARDINGHAM
Tickets: £30.00 for the whole weekend or £20.00 for Sunday and £15.00 for Monday (children and pets welcome at no extra cost). We’d love to see you there! www.roystonfolk.org [See their ad on page 20 – Ed.]
KELLY & WOOLLEY 4
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
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raffic will give way to music and dancing when St Michael’s Street, St Albans will be closed from 8.00pm – 10.00pm for the thirty-second St Michael’s Street Folk evening. Since 1988, this event, held on the first Wednesday in July, has become firmly established in the local calendar. This year, it will also be the opening event of St Albans International Organ Festival Fringe Festival. The evening will start with an overture by St Michael’s bell ringers (7.15pm – 8.00pm), when the music and dancing starts. Eleven dance groups, representing traditions from all over Britain, Ireland and the Appalachian mountains will be dancing, with pupils from St Michael’s School doing maypole dances in the school playground. Wicket Brood performs mysterious dances from the Welsh borders – traditionally the dancers used soot or burnt cork to paint their faces, but to avoid misunderstanding and add colour, the dancers now use green and purple face paints. St Albans Morris and Phoenix do dances from the Cotswolds while Ramrugge Morris and Whitethorn Morris take their dances from the North West of England. Tappalachian, will feature their showy dances based on traditional stepping from the Appalachians and Irish dances by the Louise Walsh Irish Dancers. Irish musicians from Comhalthas Ceolteori Eireann will join other St Albans musicians for an informal session in the Rose and Crown, while ukuleles by the Ver Players will fill the car park – the Six Bells Allstars will be playing in the Six Bells. The anglo-cuban sounds of the Swan Vesta Social Club can be heard in St Michael’s Churchyard while Run of the Mill and Redbourn Folk Club will be singing in the garden of Kingsbury Manor. Further information from Trevor Adams: 01707 883476, fatfdofd@ntlworld.com, www.stmichaelsfolkevening.org.uk.
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Alison Macfarlane
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
An old friend of Unicorn Magazine, Pete Morton, is currently crowdfunding his next album. Here is an explanation from him: “I’ve a long list of new self-penned songs, traditional gems and classics from fellow folk artists I’m planning to hone down to about 12 songs. The project is off the ground with rehearsals already taking place with folk singer and multiinstrumentalist Matt Quinn, who I had the privilege of working with in Mick Ryan’s ‘A Day’s Work’. Matt will be helping with arrangements, helping choose our fellow travellers, and general artistic direction. As many of you may know, I’ve been recording albums for a long time (1987 was the first one!) and the last three were for the Cumbrian label, Fellside, who after 40 years of releasing a wide variety of fantastic folk records, decided to call it a day last year. Therefore, it was time to go it alone. Your support in making this album would be eternally appreciated, with a number of rewards stated in the margin of this page. I hope you can help and look forward to sharing the end result with you all! Many thanks and best wishes, Pete”. His campaign ends on Monday 1st July – view it here: www.kickstarter.com/ projects/petemorton64/pete-mortons-new-album. Martin McGrath (a beginner) is seeking a Mandolin teacher in the Bedford area? If anyone knows of one, please let us know and we’ll pass on the message.
Change of day for Redbourn Folk Club: After many years of being held on Thursday nights, the Redbourn Folk club will be moving to Wednesday nights from September 4th onwards. Luckily most of the guests already booked for the Autumn season could switch to the new day except for Irish singer and musician, Colum Sands who will be visiting the club on Thursday September 19th, the gig to be held at the cricket pavilion on Redbourn Common. All other evenings will continue to be held at their regular venue: The Old School Room at the Hollybush Pub, Church lane, Redbourn. Guests for the Autumn include Reg Meuross; na mara; Kim Lowings & The Greenwood; Cathryn Criag & Brian Willoughby and many others. (See their ad on page 5).
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
We were very sorry to hear of the loss of two stalwarts of the local folk scene this quarter. Here are some words of tribute: It was with great sadness that we heard of the sudden death of Geoff Perrin. Geoff was an enthusiastic supporter of folk music in St Albans, playing the tenor banjo for more than 30 years and more recently traditional fiddle. He was a reliable contributor at the long-running Rose and Crown session, always able to suggest and start sets of tunes and happy to support other players. He and his partner, Maggie, were also great stalwarts of the sessions at the Sidmouth Folk Festival. Geoff was a founder member of the ceilidh band ‘All Hands Around’ and with Alison, saw the band through many changes of lineup. We (Alison, Simon and Ellie) enjoyed many years together in the band with Geoff supplying a solid banjo backbone to the music. He will be greatly missed. We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Maggie and his family. [from Ellie]. Vicky Martin collapsed after playing a gig in London at the Slaughtered Lamb at the age of 72. Despite every effort the medics were not able to revive her. It had been an enjoyable gig and she was in good spirits. Vicky was the founder member of the Delta Ladies, which combined Roots and Americana with World Music. Vicky was a musicologist and knew well the collected works of Woody Guthrie, Dylan and many more and these were an influence in her writing. She introduced many outside influences to colour the sound, being an avid listener to Classical Music, Jazz and Blues. Vicky played guitar, banjo, Irish Bouzouki (mandola) and the Kandela (a unique instrument based on the Appalachian dulcimer, but with a longer scale length and full chromatic frets). Vicky had been involved in music life-long and had written some distinctive songs, many of which will continue to be performed. Delta Ladies will also continue as was Vicky’s wish. Many of Vicky’s performances including her last gig are available on video via www.deltaladies.com. Vicky was a huge personality and very much a character in the best sense and will be missed by many and particularly by her many musical collaborators over the years. I worked with Vicky since 2004 and have some great memories of our musical adventures during that time. [from Diana Stone].
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B
ack in 2016 Deirdre Murphy and I persuaded a group of like-minded musician friends to join us in setting up Strummers (with “music with a social conscience” as its tagline), as we felt there was a demand for a left-leaning club on the local folk scene. After two years we made the tough decision to leave the club to devote our energies to our band Red Velvet, confident that we had left it in very capable hands. It was therefore a great pleasure for me to go along to Strummers’ 3rd Birthday gig on 26th January, to catch up with old friends and to listen to some great music. The line-up for the evening was very strong: singer-songwriter Tony Phillips, exciting folk duo Causton and Walker and chocolate-voiced Norwichbased songster Marina Florance. First up was Tony Phillips, performing his recently written material, accompanied by Richard Twigg on mandolin and harp, Andrew Martin on cajon, Marie Mace on bodhran and Tony Mace on flute/ whistles. My personal highlights of Tony’s set were “Resistance”, with its Middle-Eastern melody line and spellbinding lyrics, and “The Singer and the Song”, his tribute / eulogy to Roy Bailey, who first fostered Tony’s passion for both sociology and music. From the moment she steps onstage, Marina Florance has the audience in the palm of her hand. There is a special intimacy that she creates with her gentle songs and relaxed, unassuming manner. Marina’s 45-minute set seemed over in a flash, but for me the standouts were “Coffee shop song”, a beautiful little love song, “Sirens”, written after attending a “Warm & Toasty memory afternoon” at the Clacton Widows’ Friendly Group, and “Every woman”, inspired by the overwhelming sense of freedom Marina felt on a drive back from Cardiff. Marina’s set ended with the Bonnie Raitt-esque “Big-legged woman”, which she introduced, to the audience’s delight, by saying: “If you can’t do anything about your legs, you might as well sing about them”. The evening concluded with duo Bryan Causton and Penni McLaren-Walker, who are – though I hesitate
8
to use the word – veterans of the local folk scene, and among the busiest people I know. They are equally confident with tunes and jigs, which is when Bryan’s delightful spidery mandolin work comes into play, and with Penni’s self-penned ballads, such as “Fen Woman”, written for the “Fen Songs” project with poet Clare Crossman, and “Song of the Fisherman”. One song of theirs that I hadn’t heard before was “Keeping tradition alive”, with which the audience sang along enthusiastically, clearly approving of the sentiment. After all, that’s what Strummers are doing! Les Ray
‘Darkness & the Angels’ Red Velvet
T
his latest EP from singer / songwriter team Deirdre Murphy and Les Ray sees them joining with drummer Colin R. Smith, keyboard / electric guitarist Gene Thunderbolt and bassist Mike Udin, and the result is a more folk-rock / bluesy sound for the group (you may remember we reviewed their live launch gig for the recording in the last issue). I liked all five of the tracks... After the War features a clever riff and particularly thoughtful lyrics, Ride of Darkness with its piano motif over the guitar riff, Self-Storage featuring a church-sounding organ (telling the dangers of hoarding – this one struck a particular chord with me!), The Fourth Freedom has a rock feel to it (fuzz guitar, louder drums and a guitar solo!) and That’ll never happen in real life is a nicely light-hearted opening to the whole affair. Fans of song-based music with thoughtful lyrics will, I am sure, enjoy this recording – more details from the band website www.redvelvetfolk.co.uk and, as ever, don’t forget to read Les’ column on page 15 of this issue.
PLEASE MENTION UNICORN MAGAZINE WHEN REPLYING TO ADS
Clive Batkin
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
We would strongly suggest checking with the venue / organiser before attending any of the below since unfortunately we can’t be held responsible for the accuracy of the information
SUNDAY LUNCHTIMES
S TONY STRATFORD • Vaults Bar, High Street (Weekly, lunchtimes): Jane, 01908 566407
SUNDAY EVENINGS
M ILTON KEYNES • see www.mksessions.blogspot.com (Weekly) M ILTON KEYNES • New Bradwell Sports Club, New Bradwell (1st): Patsy, 07932 157610 S T ALBANS • Great Northern, 172 London Road, AL1 1PQ (28 July, 22 September, 6.00pm). Alison Macfarlane, 01727 852111 L EIGHTON BUZZARD • The Swan, Northall (1st) Richard Chatterley, 07790 023220 MARSWORTH • Red Lion, 90 Vicarage Rd, Marsworth, Tring HP23 4LU (2nd) 7.30 – 9.30pm. New Moon Morris and Friends slow and steady folk tune session for beginners and improvers. Louise, 07791 651199 MARSWORTH • Red Lion, 90 Vicarage Rd, Marsworth, Tring HP23 4LU (3rd) 8.00 – 11.00pm. New Moon Morris and Friends open session. Squire.newmoon@gmail.com MARSWORTH • Red Lion, 90 Vicarage Rd, Marsworth, Tring HP23 4LU (4th) 7.30 pm. Folk session. Jon Marks, jonmarks77@yahoo.co.uk
MONDAY EVENINGS
A SHWELL • Rose & Crown (1st): Ian Chandler, 01462 743091 CHATTERIS • Chatteris Folk Club, Honest John, 24a South Park St, PE16 6AR (3rd), Acoustic music and song: Keith Cheale, 02354 652868 SOHAM • Cherry Tree, Fordham Rd (3rd): Claire White, 01353 720550 S TEVENAGE • The Marquis of Lorne (upstairs) (2nd, 8pm): Gary Moyle, 07960 953778 T OTTERNHOE • Old Farm Inn (8.30pm, bi-weekly): Andrew Marlow, 07771 780341
TUESDAY EVENINGS
A BINGTON PIGOTTS • Village Hall, SG8 0SH (8–10.30pm, 3rd, admission £2 per person): George Norris, 01763 853062 AMPTHILL • The Albion, Dunstable Street (2nd): Rod Ward, 01763 852 377 DUNSTABLE • Globe, Winfield St (Weekly): Maureen, 01582 512300 DUNTON • March Hare, Dunton, nr Biggleswade (1st): John Pritchett, 01767 448093 (pub) G T WILBRAHAM • Memorial Hall Social Club (3rd): Dave, 01440 783280 H EMEL HEMPSTEAD • Leverstock Green Cricket Club, 24 Bedmond Road, HP3 8LJ (1st Bluegrass and oldtime songs and tunes): Chris Lawrence, 01442 215826 H ISTON • Boot, Histon, nr Cambridge (1st): Dave Benford, 01223 880553 MARCH • Georges Folk Club, 61 High Street, PE15 9JJ (1st), Acoustic music and song: Mark Gibson, 01354 652868 R ICKMANSWORTH • Conservative Club, Bury Lane (2nd): Michael, 01923 770425 TEWIN • Rose & Crown. (3rd evenings). Acoustic, vocal, instrumental. Kit Burgess, 01438 869435 T RING • Kings Arms, (8.30, 1st, trad Irish songs & tunes, led by Chan Reid/fiddle, John Devine/pipes, Neil Stanton/guitar): Rob Muirhead (landlord), 01442 823318
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
W OOTTON (Beds) • The Cock MK43 9JT (8.00pm, broad acoustic & folk): Mike Carter Jones, 01234 768555, Pub (Karen), 01234 930034
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
B ARTON-LE-CLAY • Waggon & Horses (8.30pm, fortnightly): Ann, 01582 560815 B ENINGTON (Stevenage) • The Bell (1st): Kit Burgess, 01438 869435 C AMBRIDGE • Six Bells, Covent Garden (8.30pm, 2nd, Bluegrass & Old Time): Jim, 07803 158084 C HINNOR • Chinnor Methodist Church, 62 Station Road, OX39 4PZ (2.00pm to 4.00pm, 2nd , slow and steady but fun): Liz 01844 351565 E LY • Town Folk, The Town House PH, Market St, Ely. (2nd and last): Liam, 01353 659614 or 07468 240798 debrunliam@outlook.com H ITCHIN • The Bucks Head, Stevenage Road, Little Wymondley, Hitchin, SG4 7HY (9.00–11.00pm, 1st, 9–11pm, Ramrugge Clog Morris): Kerry 07877 930201 M ARCH • March Folk Club, Royal British Legion Club, Rookswood, 27 West End, PE15 8DP (3rd), Acoustic music and song: Keith Cheale, 02354 652868 M OGGERHANGER • Moggerhanger Village Hall (7.00pm for 8.00pm, 1st): Chris Bashford, 01767 640242 R ADLETT • Cat & Fiddle, Cobden Hill, WD7 7JR (8.00pm, 2nd): Nick, 020 8207 3057 S T ALBANS • The Robin Hood, Victoria Street, AL1 3TG (8.30pm, weekly): Alison Macfarlane, 01727 852111 S T ALBANS • White Swan, Dagnall Street (8.30pm, weekly, Traditional Irish Instrumental): Rick, 01727 852976 T EBWORTH • Queens Head, LU7 9QB (4th, free food): Richard Chatterley, 07790 023220 T OWERSEY • Village Hall (7.30 for 8.00pm, 3rd): Andrew Leleux, 01296 615160 W ELHAM GREEN • North Mymms Social Club, AL9 7PQ (2nd): Alan Francis, 07774 859758
THURSDAY EVENINGS
H ERTFORD • Great Eastern, Railway Place (1st): K IMPTON • The Boot (2nd & 4th): Doug, 07973 751039, jennerdouglas@me.com L UTON • Black Horse, 23 Hastings Street, LU1 5BE (weekly from 9.00ish) Acoustic music not specifically folk music: Nigel Bailey, 07788 431470 T OWERSEY • Three Horseshoes (last): Grant, 01844 212322 WOBURN SANDS • Royal Oak (2nd & 4th): Vic Longhorn, 01908 582660
FRIDAY EVENINGS
A YLESBURY • Queens Park Arts Centre (1st, 3rd and 5th): Amanda Diamond, 01296 424332 S T NEOTS • Chequers, St Mary’s St, PE19 2TA (Second Friday: 12 April, 10 May, 14 June): Sarah, 07857 311834, ssennett@theiet.org S TEEPLE CLAYDON • Prince of Wales MK18 2NP (2nd, Open Mic): Charlie, 07925 145062 W ELWYN • Brocket Arms (7.30pm, 3rd) Doug, 07973 751039, jennerdouglas@me.com ORGANISERS PLEASE NOTE: WE WILL NOW CONTINUE TO PRINT ALL DETAILS AS SHOWN UNLESS WE HEAR OTHERWISE. MANY
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JULY
Monday Tuesday Friday Monday Tuesday Friday Saturday Monday Tuesday Friday Monday Tuesday Friday Monday Tuesday
AUGUST Tuesday Saturday
1 • Club night • SFDC 2 • Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2 5 • Dance with Spring Greens and caller Barrie Bullimore • FF 8 • Club night • SFDC 9 • Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC3 12 • Dance with caller Nigel Close • FF 13 • Dance with Keeping Thyme and caller Jean Byron. £9.00. Please bring a plate of food to share • BFC 13 • Dance with caller Sheila Sturgess 7.30pm • WFDC1 15 • Club night • SFDC 16 • Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2 19 • Dance with The Friday Folk Band and caller Mike Bennett • FF 22 • Club night • SFDC 23 • Dance 10.00am - 12noon • WFDC2 26 • Garden Dance with Spring Greens (phone for details) • FF 29 • Club night • SFDC 30 • Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC22
Tuesday Friday Tuesday
6 • Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2 10 • D ance with caller David Ashworth 7.30pm • WFDC1 13 • Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2 16 • Evening BBQ (phone for details) • FF 20 • Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2J
Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday Tuesday Thursday Friday
2 3 5 6 10 12 13
SEPTEMBER
Saturday Saturday
10
14 14
Tuesday Thursday Saturday
17 19 21
Tuesday Thursday Saturday
24 26 28
• Club night • SFDC • Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2 • Club night with club caller • NFDC • New term of dances starts • FF • Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2 • Club night with club caller • NFDC • Ceilidh with The Cock & Bull Band and caller Barry Goodman • UC • Dance with Chris and Julie Dewhurst and caller Brian Stanton • BFC • Dance with caller Andrea Stodell 7.30pm • WFDC1 • Dance 10.00am - 12noon • WFDC2 • Club night with club caller • NFDC • Playford Ball with The Forest Band and caller Andrew Swaine 7.00pm – 10.30pm • CFA • Dance 10.00am – 12noon • WFDC2 • Club night with club caller • NFDC • Ceilidh with The Jam and Crumpet Band and caller Mary Panton. 8.30pm – 10.30pm. £9.00 adults, £5.00 students, under 16s free. Licensed bar, off street parking • NC
ORGANISERS & VENUES
BFC Bedford Fine Companions Goldington Academy, Haylands Way, Bedford MK41 9BX Chris Rutt, 01462 700451, https://finecompanions.wordpress.com CFA Chiltern Folk Association Amersham Community Centre, Chiltern Avenue, Amersham, HP6 5AH Joyce Stace, 01494 727512, or secretary@chilternfolk.org.uk FF Friday Folk Verulam School, Brampton Road, St Albans, AL1 4PR Bob Barrett, 01727 856508 / 07762 085629, www.fridayfolk.org.uk MFDC Marlow Folk Dance Club Flackwell Heath Community Centre, 1 Swains Lane, Flackwell Heath, High Wycombe, HP10 9BN Janet Boothman, 01494 531716, boothman@clara.co.uk NC Northampton Ceilidhs Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road, Abington, Northampton, NN1 5LL John & Ruth Green, 01933 397767 or 07760 197921, www.northamptonceilidhs.co.uk NFDC Northampton Folk Dance Club Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road, Abington, Northampton, NN1 5LL Gwynneth Moore, Secretary, 01604 711342, www.northamptonfdc.wordpress.com SFDC Staplers Folk Dance Club St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Road, Hitchin, Herts, SG4 9JP Gill Goodman, 01462 456811, gillagoodman@hotmail.co.uk, www.staplers.org.uk UC Unicorn Ceilidhs St Mary’s Hall, Church Street, Baldock, SG7 5AE Alan Creamer 07946 439095, alan@creamer.me.uk, www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk WFDC1 Winchmore Folk Dance Club Trinity Church Hall, Church St / Gentleman’s Row, Enfield, EN2 6AN John 0208 926 7293, Gillian 0208 360 6226, Joyce 0208 886 2696 WFDC2 Winchmore Folk Dance Club The Village Hall, St Peter’s Church, Vera Avenue, London N21 1RJ Loretta Marigold, Loretta@thewmarigolds.co.uk
Don’t forget to visit these amazing festivals, happening in the Unicorn area this summer... FREE E PROGRAMM HATFIEL D HO USE, HER A fest ival of TS, SUN folk ’s park
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THE SELECTER HOTHOUSE FLOWERS
SETH LAKEMAN RUSTY SHACKLE ELEPHANT SESSIONS STEVE KNIGHTLEY
Sing your heart out, play like a child & dance like no-one’s watching
019
FRIDAY JUNE 28TH
SAT 24
NEWTON FAULKNER FROMT H E J A M
TICKETS ON SALE NOW www.towe rseyfestival.com
18/04/2
• Folk Fantastic in the Fighting Cocks • Friday Folk Social Dance Club open evening
FRI 23
FISHERMAN ’S FRIENDS THE UNTHANKS
STEVE HARLEY & COCKNEY
REBEL THE MELROSE QUARTET KITTY MACFARLANE LUKE DANIELS COSMOTHEKA
SUNDAY JUNE 30 : INFORMATION• Final of the Write a new Roman
09:28
PAGE
TH
SCAN ME
song for St Albans competition
g.uk music.orin The White Lion k lbansfolk ival.org.u • Music session in the Robin Hood • www.sta 9 atthefest th lbansfolk • Bathtub Ginn in the Farmers Boy • www.sta 30 201 .org.uk th Festival Concert antheatre 28 – g.uk with Flook • www.rom music.or DETAILS: June lbansfolk plus Watford Folk Song but • info@sta competition • www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk winner Glenn Koppany & New Roots are free, folk open 852111 • Friday festival events running and • 01727 2019 finalist Nancy Potts • www.stalbansfolkatthefestival.org.uk given, Hall, of a price is • the costs Roman Theatre, Verulamium, The Church info@stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk Except where be taken towards need Bluehouse Hill, St Albans – 10.00pm DayNo of music: • For times, addresses of venues s willAL3 6AE Band. 7.45pm FRONT PAGE collection No previous Friday Folk • Free showcase performances & other details, see festival and other festival. PAGE partner. 8.00pm – 11.00pm g theBACK Barrett and the the pubs leaflet or with ain Waterstones,explain thank organisin & web sites Theatre to will The Old Court Room, your own caller and Ovo would like Tickets in advance, price £18.00, turn up on Mermaid, The Farmer’s as theThe on: Boy, organisers festival events online at The ce is needed in its Roman www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo, The Whiteinformati Hart Tap, The White Lion Further GLENN KOPPANY are hosting NANCY POTTS experien which n £4.00. and the Garibaldi by phone venues Festival Concert thank county on 0333 666 3366 our Admissio INFORMATION: to FURTHER include like to dances. or in person at St Albans us also g.uk White • UkeleleEVENTS workshop in The Mermaid FESTIVAL inviting Central OTHER We should ayfolk.or Library, or for s and Chris on the door on the night www.frid • TH Singaround in the Courtyard Café Festival 2019. Anthony Rowland from 7.00pm, price £19.00. Theatre c JUNE 28and music sessions SCAN ME Lane, FRIDAY es. Mills, • www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk Abbey Mill in the Goat rs Roma • Folk Fantasti locality allowanc councillo Cocks, 16 .uk from their • www.stalbansfolkatthefestival.org help Fighting RT: Ye Olde • Friday for financial folk open evening L CONCE AL3 4HE. • www.romantheatre.org.uk open at 7.00pm THE FESTIVA evening St Albans CB1518 Albans, AL1 3XG : Doors Road, for an St ABOUT Hall, Marlborough The Church • info@stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk – 11.00pm oldest pub there is th 2019 variety 8.00pm CB1518 with Bob MORE SAFF Festival Posters FOR PRESS.indd 1ing a Britain’s to which Members Night New – 10.00pm: th – 30 7.45pm join us at showcas 14:45 • 01727 852111 ury Estate 23/05/2019 lay-by Come and We will be Gorhamb book, just point in a are free, but is on the a price and Friday Folk Band. No need to June 28 folk music! Barrett given, festival events isdrop-off Please Except where The theatre there is a of charge of fantastic Estate. free ury the running and your own or with a partner. No previous by car, but costs ofuse turn uplyon towards taken Gorhamb no accesscollections willtobethe of acts complete the If it is full, is needed as the caller will explain the entrance festival. Car Park. experience TH opposite organising the um Museum Further information: JUNE 30 car parks. Verulami centre and other SUNDAY dances. Admission £4.00. to thank the pubs or citylike would park in the as The organisers ster Lodge for St Albans www.fridayfolk.org.uk ate clothing, Ovo Theatre 1RN and song events Westmin festival AL1 hosting appropri the are it if venues which with Albans new Roman rain, but in its Roman prepared Lane, St • Write a• Folk Fantastic it won’t Festival Concert Sopwell include us toWe hopeour to starting with for invitingcool. Please come Lion, 91 unsafe to ion final, it isalso Mill Lane, like thank county can be Cocks, 16 Abbey unless The White should 2019. onWe Ye Olde Fighting The competit with Theatre Festival evenings will carry by the songs – 5.00pm: prepared White Chris and concert followed come Rowlands 2.00pmSt Albans AL3ion, 4HE. Anthony Mills, please councillors Roma does, the Glenn Koppany introduct feedback at 7.00pm looks likely, ion Winner the judges’ If rain – 11.00pm: s. locality allowances. from their 8.00pm the judges’Doors open financial help do so. for Competit with umbrella site, pub for an evening song writing Nancy Potts ofs but no heritage and finishing Come and join us at Britain’s oldest waterpro plus Watford 2019 Finalist tries an ancient CONCERT: a variety theatre AL1 3TG session showcasing Theatre isTHE FESTIVAL will be Albans MORE ABOUT & New Roots but OVO of fantastic al music folk music! We A s. Street, St As the Roman is challenging, • Tradition THE ‘WRITE s with disabilitie free of charge of English, 126 Victoria access completely of acts • FINAL OF Hood, member session disability SONG FOR to which there is to discuss Estate to The Robin .org.uk welcome An informal on the Gorhambury odate isaudience The theatre ITION NEW ROMAN DANCE IN – 9.00pm: 30TH acoustic music. All to accomm info@ovotheatre ’ COMPET a lay-by • DAY OF 6.00pm SUNDAY JUNE OVO and CITY CENTRE car, but there is a drop-off point in by on ST ALBANS access noemail OP other folk Please ST ALBANS Please PUBS WORKSH Irish and entrance to the Gorhambury Estate. theents. requirem opposite MUSIC IN sing • UKELELE access play or • DAY OF a new Roman song for St Albans Park. If it is full, use MORE... listen, • Write VENUES park in the Verulamium Museum Car • & MUCH 1PQ1RN & OTHER AL1AL1 Albans Lane, St car parks. Albans White Lion, 91 Sopwell The Ginn UNDS & the Westminster Lodge or city centre Road, St • Bathtub festivalwith starting • SINGARO final,the th 2019 S 134 London The competition bring 5.00pm: clothing, as 2.00pm –Boy, th – 30 Ginn will the songs 18:17 Please come prepared with28appropriate MUSIC SESSION The Farmer’s introduction, s and by 18/05/2019 : Bathtub followedbluegras if it but rain, won’t it the judges’ June hope of We cool. – 11.00pm evenings can be s brew 9.00pm infectiou the judges’ feedback it is unsafe to and finishing with anwith does, the concert will carry on unless CB1518 to an end prepared with blues. do so. If rain looks likely, please come country • Traditional music session waterproofs but no umbrellas. St Albans AL1 3TG The Robin Hood, 126 Victoria Street, heritage site, of English, As the Roman Theatre is an ancient 6.00pm – 9.00pm: An informal session OVO theatre tries Winner Glenn Koppany All welcome to disability access is challenging, but plus Watford song writing Competition Irish and other folk and acoustic1music. with disabilities. PRESS.indd & New Roots 2019 Finalist Nancy Potts 2019 FOR to accommodate audience members or sing playBrochure listen,Festival to discuss SAFF CB1518 Please email OVO on info@ovotheatre.org.uk A ‘WRITE THE OF • Bathtub Ginn FINAL • access requirements. • DAY OF DANCE IN St Albans AL1 1PQ NEW ROMAN SONG FOR The Farmer’s Boy, 134 London Road, ST ALBANS CITY CENTRE will bring the festival ST ALBANS’ COMPETITION 9.00pm – 11.00pm: Bathtub Ginn • DAY OF MUSIC IN PUBS of bluegrass and • UKELELE WORKSHOP to an end with an infectious brew & OTHER VENUES th 2019 th – 30 • & MUCH MORE... country blues. • SINGAROUNDS & June 28
L EVENTS
OTHER FESTIVA TH 28 FRIDAY JUNE
SATURDAY JUNE 29TH
Day of dance in St Albans City Centre: 3XG Christopher AL1Place, evening • in Civic Centre, St Albans, Upper Dagnall Street, by the Road, with Bob Marlborough Clock Tower and outside the s Night Abbey west front book, just : New Member to
FLOOK
FLOOK
CB1518
MUSIC SESSIONS
18/05/2019 18:17
CB1518 SAFF Festival Brochure
2019 FOR PRESS.indd 1
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
The Priory Centre, St. Neots, PE19 2BH Every Tuesday 8.00pm
Email – stneotsfolkclub@aol.com Telephone - 01234 376278 www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk
July 2 Open Stage July 9 Stanley Accrington July 16 The Keith Pearson Trio July 23 Stone Junction July 30 Round the Room CLUB CLOSED FOR AUGUST Sept 3 Open Stage Sept 10 Jeff Warner Sept 17 Phil Beer (tickets: £14.00 & £16.00 from July) Sept 24 Round the Room
Wednesday 17th July
If you fancy dancing North East Rapper or Yorkshire Longsword or Medieval Buffens join us on a Tuesday at 8.30-10pm in the Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage, SG1 1UP or email bagman@stevenagesword.org.uk
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
James Hickman and Dan Cassidy £12 (£11 advance)
Wednesday 14th August
(Club closed)
Wednesday 18th September
Miranda Sykes £13 (£12 advance)
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NEW ROOTS, 7 TH APRIL 2019: A COMPETITION FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS
I
t’s the best concert of the year,’ says Barry Goodman, introducing the New Roots finalists every April at the Trestle Arts Base, St. Albans, and for the twenty years of the competition’s life that has remained true. It’s one of the biggest, too: the music begins with the first act at 11:00am and finishes at about 3:00pm with an hour for lunch. This year, there were twelve acts in total (two classes: under 18s and 18–24 year olds). To take part, young people from all over the country send in up to fifteen minutes of recordings in all styles of traditional and contemporary folk, roots or world music. There isn’t a winner: the four judges listen carefully to the music sent in, looking for quality of performance and material rather than polished recordings, and invite the best dozen or so to perform at the final concert. They perform a similar amount of music on the day. Then the judges retire to prepare comments, encouragement and suggestions to help each one develop their performance. Those who aren’t chosen to perform on the day will still get helpful comments. While the judges are out of the way, the performers take over the stage for an impromptu session of shared tunes and songs. The audience of friends, folk club organisers and families join in with this too and there’s a heady atmosphere. Throughout the day the young musicians have been listening
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to one another as well as performing, and they have plenty of opportunity to meet, talk, begin friendships and make new connections. It’s inspiring for everyone who goes along in any capacity, and rewarding for the musicians. The organisers know it must be daunting for the participants, but do their best to put the players at their ease. The rewards are the opportunity for all finalists to perform at a selection of folk clubs and folk music festivals throughout the country: this year, eight festivals and eleven clubs. These are valuable opportunities for the young musicians to perform to audiences outside their home territory. Any new performer will know just how difficult bookings like this are to come by. New Roots has been a launch pad for many of today’s established performers. As always, the range and quality of performances this year were breathtaking. We had lively Scottish fiddle music from Arthur Coates, seasoned with Quebecois foot percussion; delicate vocal harmonies from Burdock; Finn Collinson, who gave his recorder the voice and style of traditional whistle player; Iona Lane, who took command of the stage with the high tragedy of a traditional ballad; Madeleine Morris, offering traditional songs and a compelling one of her own which combined social comment and personal passion; Megan Wisdom, enhancing two of her traditional-style songs with a charming harmonium
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accompaniment; Missing Richard, whose intelligent, subtle accordion danced round the fiddle’s honest simplicity; Heather Ferrier, with technical and musical fireworks on the accordion; Molly Pipe, with a vocal acrobatic display in both humorous and moving songs; Nancy Potts, singing with the fiddle and playing with a solid groove; Rachel and Fiona Todd, combining fiddle and melodeon with gentle sensitivity and grace; and Sarah Stock, delivering a traditional song and one of her own with well-judged and inventive guitar accompaniment. This year’s judges were the musicians John Dipper and Anna Tabbush, Chippenham Festival organiser, sound engineer and musician Andy Stafford, and Valmai Goodyear of Lewes Saturday Folk Club in Sussex. Barry Goodman MCs the concert and helps the judges marshal their thoughts with his trusty laptop. New Roots is the creation of Alison Macfarlane, who nurtures it with thorough, goodhumoured, patient efficiency and her profound commitment to inspiring and enthusing young performers to carry on the flame of folk music. Valmai Goodyear
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S
unday 17th March saw me off, once again, to one of my favourite venues, Kings Place in King’s Cross (up that London), for what turned out to be yet another terrific evening of entertainment...
Support for the night came in the form of the Rheingans Sisters, Rowan and Anna. These consummate musicians performed a fantastic set of material, and were very engaging and funny with the audience.
I knew, in advance, taht anything featuring Kathryn Tickell was going to be a delight, but I was particularly interested to see and hear her new unit, The Darkening (ever since I had heard the track ‘O-U-T spells out’ on the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show). I think this night was the first of her latest tour, specifically highlighting music from the new band recording ‘Hollowbone”.
Both are incredibly talented and I really enjoyed their entire performance, which served as both an excellent warm up and sharp stylistic contrast to Kathryn’s set which followed.
Featuring the combined talents of Kathryn herself on Northumbrian pipes, fiddle & vocals, Amy Thatcher on accordion, synth, & vocals, Kate Young on vocals, fiddle & charango, Cormac Byrne on bodhran & percussion, Kieran Szifris on octave mandolin and Joe Truswell on drums, the band produced a mighty sound. If I had one teeny criticism (and who am I to criticise such musical luminaires, you might say – and of course you would be right, too...) it was the lack of bass guitar (I have a real aversion to bands with drums yet no bass), but I’m sure there’s a good reason behind that decision...
Again the King’s Place sound crew dealt very well with the various instuments and changes the sisters employed (fiddle, voice, banjo, whistle etc) as well as with a unique French stringed instrument (hit with a beater) whose name I am ashamedly ignorant of (it can be seen on the track Lo Segoner on their YouTube channel though so any ideas do let us know?) All in all it was a marvellous night and do check out both acts and the venue if you have not already done so. Clive Batkin
Both the material and the way they performed to the audience was of the usual, incredibly high standard that one would expect from Kathryn, and I really loved the slightly weird / ‘otherworldly’ vibe of many of the new tunes. Kings Place never fails to deliver as a backdrop for any musical performance, but for one such as this where a complex sound is dependent on being able to clearly hear numerous instruments, I think the venue really excels.
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ELIZABETH & JAMESON – A STUNNING NEW ACOUSTIC COLLABORATION
T
wo rising stars of acoustic music have joined forces as the duo Elizabeth & Jameson. Hannah Elizabeth of the traditional folk trio Said The Maiden and Griff Jameson from folkrock band Fred’s House combined their individual musical backgrounds to create an indie-folk sound. Hannah’s influences are traditional folk roots, in stark contrast to Griff’s quirky rock / pop anthems. The blending of these backgrounds is sublime – classic song writing at its best, a stripped back, harmony-driven sound with guitar, violin and exquisite vocals. Having opened for Scott Matthews, Bob Fox, Richard Digance, Jim Causley, John Kirkpatrick, Jon Allen and Daoirí Farrell, the duo are now touring across the country. They have received critical acclaim for their two debut studio EPs, and NMG Award nominations for Best Folk, Country & Acoustic Act in 2017 and 2018. Exciting future plans include their first full-length studio album – ‘The Whitby Project’– a concept album inspired by the sights, sounds, folklore and legends of the seaside town of Whitby in North Yorkshire. They have released ‘Endeavour’, a track from the album on a limited edition EP available as part of a pre-order package. It’s inspired by letters written by Captain James Cook’s wife Elizabeth and the themes of love, longing, and a life altered by personal loss. Also on the EP are three new live tracks recorded for The Myrtle Sessions, the series of live online sessions they also launched this year. To find out more about their music and gigs, visit the website. www.elizabethandjameson.co.uk. Sandra Lawes
[See their ad on page 30 – Ed.]
PHOTOS BY MATTHEW RIX 14
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
T
he undersigned is delighted and privileged to be involved in running The Bridge, the umbrella group for folk clubs, sessions and open mics around the Cambridge area that we launched in 2017. Last year we were invited to organise some music for the Club Tent on the Saturday afternoon of Cambridge Folk Festival (see my column in issue 144), and I’m please to say we’ve been invited back this year. We’ll be packing a huge variety of fine music by young and not-so-young performers into our three hours. The promising youngsters include Lizzy Hardingham from Hertfordshire, who won the Royston Folk Club Young Artists Award last year, I Claudia and Josh Robins from Cambridge, the former an exciting, eclectic performer and the latter a fine songwriter with an excellent selection of covers (he can often be seen busking in Cambridge). Two more experienced acts are When Rivers Meet and four-piece band DodoBones. When Rivers Meet are a blues and roots rock duo from Essex, an exciting live act who combine well crafted
self-penned songs and reworked traditionals. DodoBones, from Hertfordshire, are an acoustic indie band with an ironic-pop edge. Our ‘veteran’ this year is Terry Hiscock, a founder member of the band Hunter Muskett, formed back in 1969. After two albums they eventually wound up the band in 1974, but reformed in 2010 to record a third album and return to performing. Terry will be performing his own beautiful songs, accompanying his fine voice with skilful guitar playing. Cambridge 105 Radio are hoping to be broadcasting from the Cherry Hinton site again this year, including a special Festival Edition of my show Strummers and Dreamers, so look out for details on the station’s website closer to the time. For performer profiles and photos and website links, check out The Bridge website: • www.cambridgebridge.co.uk • https://cambridge105.co.uk • www.cambridgelive.org.uk/folk-festival
Les Ray
The Home of Cambridge Music Strummers & Dreamers
Live – Fortnightly on Mondays at 7pm Catchup – cambridge105.co.uk/strummers
Online | On Digital | On FM
www.cambridge105.co.uk
[We will be reviewing the new Navaro album ‘so long Wichita’ in the next issue – Ed.]
so long Wich
ita
Navaro
We have recently received two reviews of the same gig from two different readers, so we thought it would be interesting to include them both!
B
ased, as they surely must be, down at the “Love’s Labour’s Lost and Found Office”, Pete White and Steve Austin have conjured up many memorable melodies, entertainingly a jaunty tune often belying the melancholic subject. These wry wordsmiths tell intriguing stories of complex lives, of romance, of heartbreak – and, ahem, rather jolly one-night stands. Then we have Beth Navaro, warm, funny and highly personable, with a voice so pure and truthful it would surely convince any celestial choir to skip harp lessons and listen. Pete and Steve with their distinctive, unmistakable voices took turns at lead with Beth, giving us a selection of 27 songs mainly from their well received albums “Under Diamond Skies”, “Home Is Where Your Heartlands” plus the current release “so long Wichita”. Thus already plenty of good variety for the bards and balladeers in the audience to enjoy; and when these three songsters then weave in their cleverly blended harmonies, a special magic happens.
M
y wife and I were nearly late for the show and were lucky to find the last two seats – nice and full we thought!
The show started with some well loved older classic songs, known by many there, given hushed ‘yay’s’ and nudging of companions. The band soon moved on to the new songs on the latest album “so long Wichita”. The first half of 45 minutes flashed by (sign of a great gig?) and on their return to the stage for the second half the quality still shone. The songs and the singing were both fantastic with expert and beautiful guitar playing all underpinned by great bass playing by Clive Batkin. A wonderful show and the queue to purchase copies of the album was the longest I have seen at a gig recently. Great lighting and sound from the stable crew all added to the performance – a good night was had by all!
Suspicion arose that Steve’s fabulously shiny showjacket might have been recycled from a tuning fork, as straight from the very first note Navaro gave us a pitch-perfect three-part harmony to start off ‘The Fall’. Clive Batkin, their self-described “weird uncle” joined in from ‘Pillars’ onwards to add laidback laconic bass and towards the end of the show, Beth demonstrated her seemly effortless vocal range in the self-penned ‘Blackbird’.
Keith ‘Bottlefolk’ White
Navaro clearly enjoyed their live performance as much as the highly appreciative audience. On stage they effortlessly reproduced their recorded sound, yet with the added je ne sais quoi of fun and personality. My advice? Catch them as soon as you can! Info and gigs on: www.navaromusic.co.uk and www.facebook.com/navaromusic John Hooper
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Tuesday
2
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Grand Junction Arms PH, Bulbourne, Tring, HP23 5QE
Wednesday
3
8.00pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • Bedford Pub Tour TBC
3
8.00pm
ST ALBANS MORRIS • St Michael’s Folk Evening, St Michael’s, St Albans
3
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Swan PH, Park Road, Bushey, Herts, WD23 3EE
4
8.00pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Half Moon PH, Hitchin, Herts, SG4 9TZ with Baldock Midnight Morris
4
8.00pm
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • The Half Moon PH, Hitchin, Herts, SG4 9TZ. Guests of Letchworth Morris
Saturday
6
All day
ST ALBANS MORRIS • Blackheath Morris Day of Dance, The Clubhouse, Balmoral Avenue, Beckenham, BR3 3RD
Sat/Sun
6&7
Weekend
Monday
8
8.15pm
ST ALBANS MORRIS • The Crown and Sceptre PH, Bridens Camp, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 6EY
Tuesday
9
8.00pm
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • North Star PH, Welwyn, Herts, AL6 0TA with guests Tappalachian
9
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The George and Dragon PH, Quainton, HP22 4AR
10
8.00pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Three Cranes PH, Turvey
10
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Black Cat PH, Lye Green, HP5 3LF
10
9.15pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Golden Eagle, Ashley Green, HP5 3PW
Thursday
11
8.00pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Pig and Abbot PH, High Street, Abington Pigotts, SG8 0SD with Devil’s Dyke Morris Men
Saturday
13
2.00pm – 5.00pm
Sunday
14
1.00pm
ST ALBANS MORRIS • Wheathampstead Village Day, The Memorial Hall, Wheathampstead, AL4 8AY
Monday
15
8.15pm
ST ALBANS MORRIS • The White Lion PH, 91 Sopwell Lane, St Albans, AL1 1RN with Tappalachian
Tuesday
16
8.00pm
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • The Fox PH, Pirton, Herts, SG5 3PS with guests Stevenage Sword
16
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Hampden Arms PH, Great Hampden, HP16 9RQ
17
8.00pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Cock PH, Broom
17
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Queens Head PH, Pinner, HA5 5PJ
17
9.15pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Old Orchard, Harefield, UB9 6HJ
Thursday
18
7.45pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Toddington Tour (guests of Golden Hare)
Saturday
20
All day
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • Hitchin Day of Dance as part of Hitchin Festival, Herts
20
All day
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Bedford Day of Dance - Bedford Town Centre with other sides including Stony Redcaps
Sat/Sun
20 & 21
TBA
Sunday
21
2.15pm
ST ALBANS MORRIS • St Saviour’s Beer Festival, 25 Sandpit Lane, St Albans, AL1 4DF
Tuesday
23
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Broad Leys PH, Aylesbury, HP21 9LB
Wednesday
24
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Plough PH, Tyttenhanger Green, AL4 0RW
24
9.15pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Green Dragon PH, London Colney, AL2 1RB
25
8.15pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • The Stone Jug PH, Clophill, MK45 4BY with Bedford Morris Men
25
8.15pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Stone Jug PH, Clophill, MK45 4BY with Letchworth Morris Men
30
8.15pm
ST ALBANS MORRIS • The Half Moon PH, 60 Tring Road, Wilstone, Tring, HP23 4PD (Guests of Whitchurch Morris)
30
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN •The Half Moon PH, Wilstone, Tring, HP23 4PD (with St Albans Morris)
31
8.00pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Bell PH, Odell
31
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Rising Sun PH, Berkhampsted, HP4 2EG
Thursday
JULY
Wednesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Tuesday
Wednesday
18
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • Potty festival, Sheringham, Norfolk
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • Benington Fair, Benington, Herts
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • At Henley-in-Arden, celebrating the 70th anniversary of Jockey Men’s Morris and the 60th anniversary of Shakespeare Morris Men
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
5
8.15pm
ST ALBANS MORRIS • The Alford Arms PH, Frithsden, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3DD
Sunday
11
11.30am
ST ALBANS MORRIS • Pitstone Museum, Vicarage Road, Pitstone, LU7 9EY
Monday
2
8.15pm
ST ALBANS MORRIS • The Farmers Boy PH, 216 Common Road, Kensworth, LU6 2PJ
Saturday
7
2.00pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Potton Show, Potton, Beds, SG19 2RP
Monday
9
8.15pm
ST ALBANS MORRIS • The White Hart Tap PH, 4 Keyfield Terrace, St Albans, AL1 1QJ
Wednesday
SEPTEMBER
11
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • OPEN EVENING Practice, Pump House, Watford, WD17 2JP
Monday
16
8.00pm
ST ALBANS MORRIS • Taster evening, The Scout Hut, Riverside Road, St Albans, AL1 1RX
Wednesday
18
8.00PM
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • OPEN EVENING Practice, Pump House, Watford, WD17 2JP
Saturday
21
TBC
Wednesday
25
8.00pm
28
12noon – 4.00pm
28
All day
LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN • Severn Valley Railway, Shropshire
28
All day
ST ALBANS MORRIS • St Albans Morris Day of Dance, various locations in St Albans
AUG
Monday
Saturday
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Clog 40th Anniversary, Pump House, Watford, WD17 2JP WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • OPEN EVENING Practice, Pump House, Watford, WD17 2JP BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • Fairfield Apple Day, Fairfield, Stotfold, Beds
BALDOCK Midnight Morris – Cotswold, Border, Raglan, Fieldtown, Baldock Contact: Steve Murphy 07950 039132 stevemurphyhere@btinternet.com BEDFORD Morris Men – Cotswold, North West and Border Contact: Phil Nicholson 07756 064181 www.bedfordmorrismen.org.uk Programme is subject to change so please check the website www.bedfordmorrismen.com/new-events LETCHWORTH Morris Men – Cotswold Contact: Andrew Harper 07771 903964 harperandrew937@gmail.com www.letchworthmorris.org.uk
PHOENIX MORRIS AWARDED CUP
P
hoenix Morris, based in Rickmansworth, were delighted to be awarded Kathleen & Alan Deans Cup for the best individual entry in the Rickmansworth Day parade this year. The cup was presented to the Rickmansworth Society in 1981 and is presented each year to the entry on the day by the Committee of the Rickmansworth Society.
“We were delighted to receive the cup” commented Squire, Michael Stimpson, “I think this is the first time we have taken part in any event and been honoured in this way”.
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
ST ALBANS • St Albans Morris – Cotswold Contact: Richard Hayes (bagman) 01727 847772 bagman@stalbansmorris.org.uk www.stalbansmorris.org.uk VALE OF AYLESBURY Whitchurch Morris Men – Cotswold Contact: John King 01296 420 846 info@whitchurchmorris.org.uk www.whitchurchmorris.org. or on Facebook WATFORD Woodside Morris Men Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre, Local Board Road Lower Watford High Street, Watford WD17 2JP Contact: Nick Wilson 07860 663033 pete@iw2.co.uk www.woodsidemorrismen.com
In addition to local bookings, Phoenix Morris also perform at events and Folk Festivals throughout the UK such as the Sweeps Festival in Rochester and the Wimborne Folk Festival. When dancing out the Side collect for local charities including the Colne Valley Special Sailors based in the Aquadrome. The Side practice every Wednesday evening at the Scout Hall in Ebury Road unless dancing out and are always looking for new dancers and musicians to join the side. For further details ring the Squire, Michael Stimpson, on 01923 770425 any weekday afternoon.
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
T
wo more exciting star acts have been revealed to complete the line-up for this year’s unmissable Kimpton Folk Festival on Saturday, July 6th 2019. Glymjack is a four-piece folk band who’ve been building a big reputation around Hertfordshire and beyond. They won the admiration of Show of Hands duo Steve Knightley and Phil Beer, who play on Glymjack’s recently released debut album Light The Evening Fire, which has been described by Acoustic magazine as “as good as contemporary folk comes”. Led by singer-songwriter Greg McDonald, Glymjack play a mixture of traditional and self-penned material, with a strong line in anthemic songs which get audiences singing and clapping along. As well as his work with Glymjack, Greg is a regular member of the Phil Beer Band. The Wilderness Yet combines the talents of folksinger Rosie Hodgson, traditional fiddler Rowan Piggott, who’s already known to Kimpton Folk Festival audiences, and guitarist-flautist Philippe Barnes. Independently, they have already impressed audiences with their consummate musicianship; together they are something very special. Glymjack and The Wilderness Yet complete a starstudded line-up for this year’s Kimpton Folk Festival. Returning to the festival as its new patrons are the awesome Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, who recorded half of their brilliant new live album at a special concert in Kimpton village church. James and Nancy will be headlining in the same venue, sharing the stage with the equally brilliant duo Jess and Richard Arrowsmith, before combining for a final set as the Melrose Quartet.
It’s very likely (though not absolutely guaranteed) that James and Nancy will be among the star festival acts staging “surprise” appearances on Kimpton village green. Short sets by top acts will be injected into an afternoon of free music and dance entertainment, culminating in a rip-roaring ceilidh. The headliners in the special “get-up-and-dance” evening concert in the Memorial Hall are the amazing Sheelanagig, who are wowing audiences all around the world with their foot-stomping music. They’ll be offering a mixture of furious dance medleys and brilliantly arranged original pieces, all performed with irresistible humour and energy. They’re supported by Kimpton favourites Smith and Brewer Band. There’ll be seating and dance areas in the venue. Also appearing at this year’s Kimpton Folk Festival are Edgelarks (Hannah Martin and Phillip Henry), Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts, who are returning to touring after becoming parents, Ninebarrow, Kimpton favourites Alden, Patterson and Dashwood, Kim Lowings & The Greenwood, Odette Michell and Lizzy Hardingham. Other attractions around the village are activities for kids of all ages, including story-telling and face-painting. There will be singing and instrument workshops in the Dacre Rooms, and open-mic and other sessions in The Boot. For more information and tickets go to www.kimptonfolk.uk Brian King
[See their ad on page 34 – Ed.] KIM LOWINGS & THE GREENWOOD
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
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FOLKEAST – A FUN, FAMILY FRIENDLY FESTIVAL IN BEAUTIFUL SUFFOLK An article by Sandra Lawes, from her interview with Becky Marshall-Potter
F
olkEast organisers Becky and John MarshallPotter took their passion for music to a new level in 2012 when they sold their home to start this annual festival. Becky’s background in theatre and teaching and John’s in event management meant they were ideally qualified to succeed, and seven years on this unique festival is firmly established.
For one glorious weekend in August (16th–18th this year) the grounds of the spectacular Glemham Hall near Aldeburgh, Suffolk (the home of the Cobbold Brewery family) become a bustling festival village with an inviting and vibrant ambience. FolkEast is very much a family affair, as Becky and John’s two sons also play key roles in promoting the festival and managing the site. And with hands-on patrons The Young ‘Uns, this ‘National Folk Festival with a strong sense of the local’ as Becky describes it, is full of creativity, fun and humour. To encourage variety and new talent, there are different programmers for different stages, and headliners this year include Richard Thompson, Cara Dillon, Karine Polwart, Calan, John Smith and the Sharon Shannon Band. An unusual aspect of FolkEast is that everyone involved – including the organisers, sound engineers and stewards – are all unpaid volunteers, attending because they really want to be there. One engineer even flew back in the middle of a Coldplay tour to take part! There are seven stages, including the Moot Hall and the picturesque St Andrew’s Church on the estate, plus a dedicated ceilidh tent. In case of rain, all are under cover and seated except the main stage
which is an outdoor amphitheatre where people are encouraged to bring folding chairs. There’s a large space for camping (no hook ups) and plenty of portaloos and free hot showers. Please contact the organisers at info@folkeast.co.uk about accessible camping and companion tickets. And if camping isn’t your style, there’s a good choice of local accommodation but make sure you book early – see www.suffolkcoast.co.uk. Becky and John deliberately keep fees low for the stallholders, so they can pass the savings on to customers, and all catering is locally sourced – chosen for quality and variety. You can eat all your meals on the festival site without choosing the same option twice! There are bars of all shapes and sizes – each run like venue in its own right, and beer is £3.00–£3.50 a pint. There’s the ImaGINe gin bar too! All the activities are family and especially child friendly, suitable for people of all ages from 2 to 92 to join in – a children’s trail, folk moot, paint-out competition, pottery throw-down, art workshops, lino printing, sketching and the ever popular Social Knitwork for knitters of all levels of experience. These are free where possible but sometimes there’s a small charge for materials. Tickets in advance cost £120.00 (£108.00 for concessions, free for under 11s), day tickets are also available, and by the way only assistance dogs are allowed on the festival site. So if you love folk music and want great company, great food and drink and a relaxed, gentle festival in a beautiful setting, why not give FolkEast a try? See www.folkeast.co.uk for full details.
Dance the night away . . . it’s a barn dance – or is it a ceilidh? A ceilidh (say
kayley) is your chance to dance English folk dances with others. The caller explains all the moves and walks them through – the band starts – and a great time is had by all! There’s usually a dance display in the interval and a raffle. Singles and groups are welcomed – just come and enjoy dancing to great music from top bands. Tickets only £11 - singles & groups welcome.
See www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk
FRIDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER
We take a break from organising ceilidhs during the summer months, and get out and enjoy the various festivals the UK has to offer. We’re back in September, (see right) and then monthly until The Big Ceilidh on New Year’s Eve. Diaries ready? Fri 11th October - Valiant Dance Band with Sheena Masson calling. Fri 8th November - Hosepipe Band with Adam Hughes. Fri 13th December - Chalktown with Jane Bird
St Mary’s Hall, Church St, Baldock SG7 5AE
cock & bull band with caller
barry goodman
Formed in 1979, and very wel the rhythmic powerhouse of l known throughout the dance world: Lockwood on keyboards andPaul Martin on mandocello and Pete Sainsbury on sax, clarinet andpercussion is augmented by Vanda recorders, and and whistle. A wonderful sou Lynn Swain on flute nd! Barry has called with most of the top UK ban ds at many fest and is nationally respected as a caller and musician. He alwivals, conjures up a superb atmosp here, with excellent dances.ays Don’t miss the season’s first dance!
FULL BAR with REAL ALE
Tickets now available on line see website for details
Doors open 7.30 p.m. Dancing 8.00 to 11.00 p.m.
Summer 2019 15 Jun Saturday Special with Lynne Render & Momentum at Verulam School 21 Jun Barry Goodman 28 Jun New members' night with Bob Barrett and Friday Folk Band 5 Jul Barrie Bullimore and Spring Greens 12 Jul Nigel Close 19 Jul Mike Bennett and Friday Folk Band 26 Jul Garden Dance with Spring Greens (phone for details) 16 Aug Evening BBQ (phone for details) 6 Sep New term starts
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
Monday
1 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Na-Mara 1 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround 1 STAPLERS • Club night 1 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 2 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Open Stage Wednesday 3 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers 3 ST ALBANS • St Michael’s Street Folk Evening, St Michael’s Street, St Albans Thursday 4 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance – caller John Green 4 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Local Singers and Musicians 4 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Oka Vanga 4 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 5 CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance 5 FRIDAY FOLK • Spring Greens – caller Barrie Bullimore 5 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Terence Blacker Monday 8 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singers featuring Malcolm Hobbs 8 HERGA at the Castle • Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman 8 STAPLERS • Club night 8 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 9 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Stanley Accrington Wednesday 10 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Pembroke 10 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers and AGM Thursday 11 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance – caller George Hearnden 11 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers Night 11 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 11 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 12 FRIDAY FOLK • Dance with caller Nigel Close 12 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Showcase Night – featuring Terry Hiscock and Dusky Sunday 12 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround Monday 15 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Moon and space themed singaround celebrating 50 years since the first moon landing 15 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround 15 STAPLERS • Club night 15 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • James Hickman & Dan Cassidy Tuesday 16 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • The Keith Pearson Trio Wednesday 17 ELY FOLK CLUB • James Hickman & Dan Cassidy 17 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Westward Ho! 17 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 18 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance – caller TBA
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
18 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 18 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • James Hickman & Dan Cassidy 18 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing (last meeting before September) Friday 19 FRIDAY FOLK • The Friday Folk Band with caller Mike Bennett 19 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Odette Mitchell Monday 22 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singers featuring New Roots Finalist Megan Wisdom 22 HERGA at the Castle • Theme night – ‘We’re doomed!’ 22 STAPLERS • Club night Tuesday 23 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Stone Junction Wednesday 24 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Lynne and Pat 24 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 25 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 25 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage with feature spot by Odette Michell Friday 26 FRIDAY FOLK • Garden Dance with Spring Greens (phone for details) 26 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Concert – Skinner and T’witch. Support Velvet and Stone 26 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround Monday 29 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singaround 29 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround 29 STAPLERS • Club night Tuesday 30 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Round the Room Wednesday 31 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers
— T H E WO ODY I S SU E —
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Thursday Friday Saturday
Sunday
Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Wednesday Thursday Sunday Monday Wednesday
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1 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers Night 1 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • At Cambridge Folk Festival. Tune session in the bar 2.00pm – 4.00pm 2 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • At Cambridge Folk Festival. Tune session in the bar 12noon – 1.30pm 2 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Hosting the club tent at the Cambridge Folk Festival 3 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • At Cambridge Folk Festival. Flowergarden singaround 1.00pm – 3.00pm 4 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • At Cambridge Folk Festival. Flowergarden singaround 1.00pm – 3.00pm 4 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Club tent concert 4.15pm – 7.15pm 5 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singaround 5 HERGA at the Castle • Guest night TBA 5 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround 7 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers 8 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Local Singers and Musicians 9 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Showcase Night – featuring Odette Michell & Colin Davis 10 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Oxjam Festival 12 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Julian Mount 12 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround 12 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround 14 ELY FOLK CLUB • Club closed 14 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers 15 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 16 FRIDAY FOLK • Evening BBQ (phone for details) 19 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singaround 19 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround 19 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround 21 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers 22 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers Night 25 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Musical Mystery Festival Tour 25 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Summer Shindig with 20 artists. See www.roystonfolk.org/shindig/ 26 HERGA at the Castle • Club closed 26 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Summer Shindig with 20 artists. See www. roystonfolk.org/shindig/ 26 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Club closed 28 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers
Thursday Friday
29 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 30 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Concert – Ward and Parker. Support TBA
W
hen sending in your electronic attachments and submissions for either Sessions, the Diary, SWD, Morris Diary or your Adverts (i.e. basically anything you send us via email!) please remember to include your club / organisation name in the file name (and ideally the issue number if possible) so we don’t miss anything / get entries muddled up. Also, if you prepare your ad in Word, please save it as a PDF and send it to us in that format (and don’t forget to delete the background template / don’t include any box outlines).
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
Sunday
1 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 7.30pm Monday 2 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singers featuring Don Perera 2 HERGA at the Castle • Guest night TBA 2 STAPLERS • Club night 2 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Bruce Watson from the Antipodes Tuesday 3 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Open Stage Wednesday 4 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers 4 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage Thursday 5 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance – caller TBA 5 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 5 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 6 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Open Stage with Dave Jenkins 6 FRIDAY FOLK • Dance 6 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround Sunday 8 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 7.30pm 8 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Sam Carter Monday 9 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singaround 9 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround 9 STAPLERS • Club night 9 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Skinner and T’witch Tuesday 10 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Jeff Warner Wednesday 11 BALDOCK FOLK CLUB • Singaround. Showcase act Fred’s House 11 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Rob Clydesdale 11 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers 11 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Craigh & Willoughby Thursday 12 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance – caller TBA 12 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Local Singers and Musicians 12 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 13 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • State of the Union 13 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Showcase Night – featuring Red Velvet and the Stout Brothers 13 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Martin Carthy Sunday 15 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 7.30pm 15 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Martin Simpson Monday 16 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Pilgrims Way 16 HERGA at the Castle • Theme night – ‘The Battle of the Sexes’ 16 STAPLERS • Club night 16 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 17 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers 17 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Phil Beer (tickets £14.00 & £16.00 from July)
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Wednesday 18 ELY FOLK CLUB • Miranda Sykes (support False Colours) 18 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Anna Wells 18 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers Thursday 19 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance - caller TBA 19 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 19 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Colum Sands at Redbourn Cricket Club 19 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 20 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Newcomer showcase with Karen Pfeiffer & Paul Walker 20 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround Sunday 22 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • 10th Anniversary Folk Day – Singaround at Alexandra Gardens 3.00pm – 5.30pm 22 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • 10th Anniversary Charity Concert 7.30pm 22 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Melrose Quartet with additional sets from Nancy, James, Jess and Richard Monday 23 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singaround and AGM 23 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround 23 STAPLERS • Club night 23 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 24 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers 24 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Round the Room Wednesday 25 BALDOCK FOLK CLUB • Bernard Hoskin 25 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Delta Ladies 25 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers 25 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Liz Simcock Thursday 26 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance – caller TBA 26 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers Night 26 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 27 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Edwina Hayes 27 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Concert – Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage. Support Kelvin Davis 27 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • New Roots Night 1 - (Artists TBA) Sunday 29 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 7.30pm 29 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Sam Kelly & Jamie Francis Monday 30 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singers featuring Clive & Sue Carey 30 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround 30 STAPLERS • Club night 30 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround
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[ Listed alphabetically by location ] BEDFORD • Bedford Folk Dance Club Church Barn, Church End, Biddenham, Bedford, MK40 4AS Contact: Ron D. Law, 01234 825574 www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com
ST ALBANS • Friday Folk Social Dance Club Methodist Church, Marlborough Rd, St Albans AL1 3XG Contact: Bob Barrett, 01727 856508, 07762 085629 www.fridayfolk.org.uk
BEDFORD • Bedford Folk Music Club Kempston Hammers Sports and Social Club, 134 High Street, Kempston, Bedfordshire MK42 7BN Tel: 01234 853262 Contact: Mike Blair, 01525 404513 – see us on Facebook
ST NEOTS • St Neots Folk Club Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St Neots PE19 2BH Contact: Roger Pitt, 01234 376278, www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk
BLACK FEN • Black Fen Folk Club NCI Sports and Social Club, 1 Holland Street, Cambridge CB4 3DL Contact: Pete Barrett, Petebodhran@yahoo.co.uk www.blackfenfolkclub.com CAMBRIDGE • Cambridge Folk Club Golden Hind PH, 355 Milton Rd, Cambridge CB4 1SP Contact: Marion Treby, 01638 603986 www.cambridgefolkclub.co.uk CHESHAM • Chesham Folk Club White Hill Centre, White Hill, Chesham HP5 1AG Contact: Ray Butler, cheshamfolk123@gmail.com www.cheshamfolkclub.org.uk ELY • Ely Folk Club The Old Dispensary, St Mary’s Street, Ely, Cambs CB7 4ER (no bar) Contact: Ruth Bramley / Andy Wall, 01353 740999 / 01353 664706, www.elyfolkclub.co.uk HARROW • Herga at the Castle The Castle PH, 30 West Street, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3EF Contact: Tim Brooks, 01923 264536, www.herga.club
STEVENAGE • Roundabouters Country Dancing Club Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage, SG1 1UP Contact: Lorna Sharpe, 01438 727 293, roundabouters@live.co.uk, www.roundabouters.org.uk WALTHAM ABBEY • Waltham Abbey Folk Club The Angel PH, Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1EJ Contact: Jan Ayres, 01992 613987, www.walthamabbeyfolkclub.com WATFORD • Watford Folk Club Colne River Room, Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre, Local Board Rd, Watford, WD17 2JP Contact: http://watfordfolkclub.co.uk
DON’T FORGET YOU CAN DOWNLOAD A GENERIC POSTER FROM OUR WEBSITE FOR USE AT YOUR CLUB OR VENUE PICK UP OR DISPLAY YOUR FREE COPIES TODAY…
HERTFORD • Four Rivers Folk Club (formerly The White Horse Folk Club) The Hertford Club, Bull Plain, Hertford, SG14 1DT Contact: Pat Crilly 07971 804418, patcrilly@hotmail.com © UNICORN MAGAZINE 2018 • CB1467
HITCHIN • Hitchin Folk Club Sun Hotel, Sun St, Hitchin, SG5 1AF Contact: Maureen Jones, 01462 812391< goodmusic@hitchinfolkclub.co.uk www.hitchinfolkclub.co.uk HITCHIN • Staplers Country Dance Club St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Rd, Hitchin SG4 9JP Contact: Gill Goodman, 01462 456811, gillagoodman@hotmail.co.uk, www.staplers.org.uk LINSLADE • Linsleighders Folk Dance Group The Forster Institute, Waterloo Rd, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard LU7 2NR Contact: Elizabeth Corser, 01525 378010, Elizabeth.corser@btinternet.com
www.unicornmagazine.org
CB1467 Unicorn Magazine Generic A4 poster FOR PRESS.indd 1
13/3/18 15:56:22
REDBOURN • Redbourn Folk Club Old School Room, Hollybush PH, Church End, Redbourn AL3 7DU Contact: Jenny McNaught, 01582 793164 www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk ROYSTON • Royston Folk Club Old Bull Inn, 56 High St, Royston SG8 9AW Contact: Mark Gamon (showcases) 07738 183158, Chris Walls (concerts) 01763 260 556, www.roystonfolk.org
CB1501 Unicorn Magazine Issue 146 FOR PRESS.indd 1
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ST ALBANS • Folk at the Maltings The Maltings Arts Theatre, Level 2, The Maltings, St Albans AL1 3HL Contact: Alison Macfarlane, 01727 852111 www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
Fridays – 8.00pm
2019 SEASON July SUMMER BREAK August SUMMER BREAK September Friday 6th
PERFORMERS’ NIGHT
Friday 27th ELIZABETH & JAMESON GOOD EARLY NEWS... December Friday 6th
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Friday 20th CHURCHFITTERS CHRISTMAS CRACKER
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
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29
Guitars handmade in Cambridge Repairs, Setups & Making Classes www.swannellguitars.co.uk jamie@swannellguitars.co.uk 07793003795
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
HOUSE CONCERTS
House Concerts – a wonderful opportunity for performers to play in small ‘intimate’ venues. Guests hear a musician ‘up close and personal’ and artists appreciate playing when there’s a gap in their diary, gaining new fans and selling some CDs. I’ve held three – for Broom Bezzums, Edwina Hayes and Dan Walsh. Here’s how these events work for me: I met Broom Bezzums and asked if they would consider a house concert. We agreed a date and a £300 minimum fee. This amount was acceptable to my other invited artists. My lounge seats 22, with the artists playing in the bay window – and fairy lights around the room add to the atmosphere. I produced a flyer and e-mailed/delivered it to friends and neighbours. I sell out quickly – most people return each time as they love the informality of the gig, chatting to the artists and discovering new talent. If I’ve any seats left, about two weeks before the concert I tell my local folk club (Hitchin) and the artists, then everyone who attends has a connection and is known to someone. It’s £15.00 on the door, everyone brings a bottle (I provide interval drinks and a ploughman’s buffet), plus a raffle (bottle of wine and the artist’s CD). I choose to give the artists all the money. I offer the artists a meal before the concert, they stay in my en suite spare room and appreciate a cooked breakfast! I now host two annual concerts, April and October – Daria Kulesh is booked for October! Sally Patterson
[Do send us your experiences of house concerts and we’ll do a follow up in subsequent issues – Ed.]
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
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Dunton Folk Trials of Cato 21st September
Rosie Hood and Cohen Braithwaite Kilcoyne
2nd November
Belshazzarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Feast 30th November
Carols at the March Hare
3rd December
www.duntonfolk.co.uk
DANCING COTSWOLD MORRIS
SINCE
1930
WE MEET EVERY MONDAY - COME AND JOIN US VISIT
OUR WEBSITE FOR FURTHER DETAILS
STALBANSMORRIS.ORG.UK @STALBANSMORRIS
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
1 5 t h
-
2 1 s t
O C T O B E R
2 0 1 9
I
ING FLIGHTS UD L NC
FROM
£719pp
(4 SHARING)
£819pp
(2 SHARING)
FAIRPORT CONVENTION- SKIPINNISH LES BARKER - ROVING CROWS THE CHURCHFITTERS - SHOW OF HANDS
featuring
MIRANDA SYKES and CORMAC BRYNE
ANTHONY JOHN CLARKE - THE TRIALS OF CATO GRANNY ’S ATTIC - WILLY POR TER KEITH DONNELLY - THE THUMPING TOMMYS DARK HORSES - BELLA, POLLY AND THE MAGPIES
THE GOAT ROPER RODEO BAND - LUKE JACKSON BANTER - RACHEL CROFT - HYDE FAMILY JAM PLUS MANY MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!
TO BOOK C A L L 0 1 2 5 4 4 4 5 0 5 0 O R V I S I T W W W. C O S TA D E L F O L K . C O. U K
6 July 2019 7 July 2018
A lovely one day village festival
Editorial
3
Feature: Elizabeth & Jameson
14
Contents
3
Strumming & Dreaming: The Bridge
15
Feature: Royston Shindig
4
Gig Review: Navaro @ The Stables
Feature: St Michael’s Evening 2019
6
Morris Diary
7
Morris Diary Index
Gig Review: Strummers’ 3rd Birthday
8
Feature: FolkEast
CD Review: Red Velvet
8
Diary
Sessions
9
Club Index
28
Shall We Dance?
10
Feature: House Concerts
31
Gig Review: New Roots 2019
12
Feature: Kimpton Folk Festival
32
Review: Dunton Wassail
36
Chatterbox
Glymjack
gilmore and roberts
19
Nancy Kerr sheelanagig 7 Feature: Kimpton Folk Festival 2019 21 and James Fagan
melrose Round the Clubs quartet
Gig Review: Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening 13
edgelarks
17 18 – 19
Jess and richard arrowsmith
23
25 – 27
Ninebarrow
Jaywalkders
Lizzy Hardingham
Odette michell
Kim Lowings and the greenwood
alden patterson and dashwood
smith and brewer band
Buy your tickets now from www.kimptonfolk.uk
AN UNSUNG FOLK HERO – THE SOUND ENGINEER
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ver wondered what the sound engineer does – or why you have to wait outside a venue until the sound checks are done? To find some answers, I interviewed Keiron Jones who runs Hitchin Folk Club with his wife Maureen, and usually does the sound at his own club, and other local events.
What does the sound engineer do? Working as a team with the musicians, he ensures the sound the audience hears is of the highest quality in tone, clarity and balance between individual performers, their instruments and their voices. He can truly make a difference to a performance with his settings and special effects! Surprisingly, the musicians don’t hear what the audience hears through the public address system (PA). To assist their performance, they hear tailored sound through their monitors – either boxes on stage or the superior in-ear monitors (IEMs). Only the engineer can hear what the audience hears, and his key assets are his ears! Digital equipment is now available, with built in features and displays to ensure the audience hears each voice and instrument as it was intended. Frequencies causing “feedback howl” can be quickly identified and notched out, and the whole set-up can be saved and recalled later. What happens during the sound check? Normally, musicians give the sound engineer a technical specification before the gig, detailing the stage layout, who stands where, what instruments they play and even who takes the lead on each song. This gives time to resolve queries and ensure the appropriate equipment is available. During the sound check, each musician and instrument is put through its paces – demonstrating how they will play and what special effects are
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needed. Every act is different every voice has a different timbre. The audience isn’t allowed in as they can’t resist talking which distracts the musicians and the engineer - and many artists don’t like to be seen setting up. Throughout the gig, the sound man is constantly listening, adjusting the levels as a musician flips between picking and strumming or singing softly or loudly. Once the adrenalin kicks in things often get louder. The audience shouldn’t ‘notice’ the sound. If they can see an instrument being played but can’t hear it, or one instrument drowning out another or the vocals, then he isn’t doing his job properly, not listening. He also responds to signals from the artists, adjusting the sound in their monitors. What can go wrong? An engineer’s nightmare is equipment failure – then he needs a solid understanding of the technology and really earns his fee! How do you become a sound engineer? There are university degrees in sound technology for aspiring engineers, but many have no formal training. They learn through experience and watching experts and, like Keiron, from an evening college course, where he was taught by a former leading BBC recording engineer.
he sound engineer is definitely an unsung hero – rarely praised when sound is great and often criticised, as many folkies have strong opinions! So remember - he’s doing a very difficult job getting the right sound from the band and the available equipment, which can vary hugely in both quality and capability! Sandra Lawes
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FRI 23
SUN 25
FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS THE UNTHANKS
THE SELECTER HOTHOUSE FLOWERS
STEVE HARLEY & COCKNEY REBEL
THE MELROSE QUARTET KITTY MACFARLANE LUKE DANIELS COSMOTHEKA SAT 24
NEWTON FAULKNER FROMT H E J A M OYSTERBAND
CATRIN FINCH & SECKOU KEITA
SETH LAKEMAN RUSTY SHACKLE ELEPHANT SESSIONS STEVE KNIGHTLEY MON 26 GEORGE HINCHLIFFE’S
U K UL EL E ORC HESTRA OF G R E AT B R I TA I N
RURA SAM KELLY & THE LOST BOYS
JOE BROUGHTON’S CONSERVATOIRE FOLK ENSEMBLE
WILL VARLEY NANCY KERR & JAMES FAGAN
+ 48 HRS OF DANCE & CEILIDH WORKSHOPS SILENT DISCO LATE NIGHT SESSIONS FILM STORYTELLING REAL ALE & CIDER SESSIONS & JAMS YOUTH FESTIVAL CHILDREN’S PROGRAMME DAY TICKETS FROM £35 4 FULL DAYS £139 UNDER 5’S FREE CONCESSIONS AVAILABLE CAMPING AVAILABLE
TICKETS ON SALE NOW www.towerseyfestival.com Sing your heart out, play like a child & dance like no-one’s watching
(Main copy courtesy Julian Mount)
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n Friday 26 April 2019, we welcomed Martin Olyett as our guest. He’s a Luton lad who knows his way round a tune. If you like sensitive singer-songwriter stuff, with subdued lighting, a melted candle stuck in an old Chianti bottle, and some self-penned songs that will make you sing, laugh and cry, you should have been there! He had some of his highly reviewed CDs for sale too (he may have a few left!). Local performer and regular visitor to the Folk Club, Martin writes unique modern Folk Songs and the packed room was testament to the high regard in which he is held. Martin played two superb 45-minute sets and received a muchdeserved encore at the end. It was a great night with a very high standard of floor singers too.
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“Delighted to see such a stellar turnout. Martin delivered two beautifully paced and programmed sets with his trademark humility, grace and charm.” Mark Blanchard “Great guy, great music and a great night out!” Vernon Stanbridge “Thanks, Martin, for a fantastic night. You were really on top form, our floor singers were great and our audience were warm, appreciative and enthusiastic. Well done – it was a pleasure and a privilege to be compere for the evening” Pete Nutkins This is what makes the Watford Folk Club. Wonderful music and oodles of talent! Many thanks to everyone who was there! Watford Folk Club meets every Friday at 8.00pm: www.watfordfolkclub.co.uk.
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
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First Quarter 2
Wed 9th Jan - Junky Ju Wed 23rd Jan - Kelvi Wed 13th Feb - John Rh Wed 27th Feb - Grah Wed 13th Mar -Jerem & Jos Wed 27th Mar - Rose
First Quarter 2019 Wed 10th July - Pembroke Wed 17th July - Westward Ho! Wed 24th July - Lynne & Pat August Club Closed but Sat 10th Aug -Oxjam Festival Sun 25th Aug -Musical Mystery Tour Festival Wed 11th Sep - Rob Clydesdale Wed 18th Sep - Anna Wells Wed 25th Sep - Delta Ladies
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
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‘‘Dare’ | Banter: Banter’s second studio album ‘Dare’ is a total delight. I highly recommend it, as do such folk worthies as Phil Beer, Steve Knightley, John Spiers and Ashley Hutchings among many others. Banter is three skilled musicians at the top of their game – Tim Walker, Nina Zella and Simon Care – who produce such a wonderful sound it’s hard to believe they are not a big band. They fuse jazz, soul and blues with a solid respect for their traditional ceilidh band/Morris tunes roots and combine this wonderful sound with crystal clear, thought-provoking lyrics. The production is superb – done by the band members themselves - with every note and every word as clear as a bell. They also arranged all 12 tracks – some traditional, some penned by Nina and a final track (my personal favourite) an outstanding rendition of Sting’s ‘Roxanne’. Tim plays drums, percussion and brass, Nina is on keyboards and Northamptonbased Simon (who we interviewed in issue 144 of Unicorn) plays melodeon and concertina. All three contribute to the vocals and their energy, talent and enthusiasm shine through every number. The album cover is also eye-catching and professional – with an intriguing explanation of the CD title ‘Dare’. This album will have pride of place in my collection and, in my opinion, should be available on the NHS! Banter performed to packed venues throughout their first UK tour this Spring and you can see the band at a host of festivals this summer - check out their gigs and find more information about this CD at www.banter.band | SL 2
‘‘Roots & Wings’ | Sabrina Piggott: This is Sabrina’s debut CD, following her EP ‘Goosebumps’. Although now based in Yorkshire, Sabrina’s Irish heritage shines through every track on this album, which seemed to me very like poetry set to gentle music. Writing all ten tracks herself, Sabrina sings them in a delicate soprano voice - like finely cut crystal, and to my ear the songs all share a similar tone. Sabrina accompanies herself on acoustic guitar, Indian harmonium and bodhran – and expertly demonstrates her champion Irish
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bodhran playing skills. The celebrated cellist David Hornberger and the CD producer David Crickmore also provide intriguing instrumental backing and rhythms. I was fascinated by the lyrics which I found on Sabrina’s website – a nice touch – and where you can also find full details of her live gigs. Sadly, none of them are in our area at the moment. More details from www.sabrinapiggott.com | SL 3
‘Distant Days’ | Steve Tilston: Steve Tilston is that very rare combination of singer, songwriter and guitarist who excels at all three and this album demonstrates his skills most admirably. If you are new to his work it provides an intriguing selection plucked from his nearly fifty years on the road. For long-time fans, it offers an interesting re-interpretation of some of his best work. Steve takes the listener on a journey from the almost autobiographical ‘The Road When I Was Young’ to the much covered ‘The Slip Jigs And Reels’ with nods to corruption both old and new. Together with some fascinating historical tales and a couple of instrumental tracks this album hints at Steve’s interest in the world at large. It is hard to believe that ‘Pretty Penny’ was written before the financial crash of 2008 - how pertinent these words remain today! To help understand where he gets his inspiration, each of the 19 tracks has a brief explanation of its origin, whether from pure imagination, life’s hard knocks or some historical fact. On the more sentimental songs his music has a poignancy which makes it stand above others in the same genre while the instrumental tracks will have would-be guitarists crying into their beer. But for those who understand such things the different tunings used on some of the tracks are given. The album has an assured and easy listening quality that makes you think Steve just sat down and played some songs purely for his own satisfaction, not realising it was being recorded. How lucky for us that it was! For more information about Steve Tilston and to buy the CD, visit www.stevetilston. com | BG
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
BG | Reviewed by Barry Guy SL | Reviewed by Sandra Lawes
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‘Twenty Live!’ | Mabon: Jamie Smith’s fivepiece band – Mabon – will need no introduction to Unicorn readers. ‘Twenty Live!’ is the seventh album from these exciting performers and its 12 tracks are an appropriate celebration of 20 years of their highly original interceltic world music. Leveraging both their Welsh heritage and their global experience, Mabon have produced an exhilarating CD which shows off their superb musicianship and creates a fabulous listening experience – as close to a live gig or festival as you could get. It’s very easy to ‘dance around the kitchen’ as they suggest, and ‘let ourselves go’ as people so often do at their live gigs. Played to perfection by these skilled musicians, the traditional instruments (accordion, fiddle, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, upright electric guitar and drums) are ideally suited to the variety of different tracks – from the frenetic, musically challenging ‘The Accordionist’s Despair’ to the haunting, gentle ‘Hummingbird’. Some of the tracks are sung in Welsh, highlighting the lyrical nature of this beautiful Celtic language. The CD sleeve is as exciting as the music, with colour photos of Mabon in action and comprehensive back stories for all 12 tracks. Over the next few months, Mabon will be playing at venues as diverse as Cromer (Folk on the Pier), the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Wickham Festival and Sunfest in Ontario, Canada. Their ‘Twenty!’ tour continues in the Autumn and full details about this great band and all the forthcoming gigs can be found at www. jamiesmithsmabon.com | SL 5
’Busking Beyond Borders” | David Fisher: David Fisher spent three years busking around 50 countries across three continents and has distilled his mammoth journey into his second album ‘Busking Beyond Borders’ – An album of songs about travelling and busking’. Born and raised in Milton Keynes, David is now based in Birmingham, but his horizons extend far afield. The 10 self-penned tracks are truly ‘folk’ stories – including tales of hitchhiking in the Balkans, busking in the harsh Swedish winter, wild camping in the Arctic, Latvian folklore and some fleeting romances. David’s voice is strong with an attractive raw natural power, ideal for attracting a crowd when busking. He accompanies himself on the guitar, harmonica, mandola and banjo, and I’m not the first reviewer to detect hints of the styles of Gordon Lightfoot and Richard Thompson. I also heard echoes of Simon and Garfunkel’s harmonies when Annika Baumann provides additional vocals
UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
on six of the tracks. Released at the end of 2018, the album is rooted in David’s personal experience as a travelling musician, and he’s also produced a book of the stories behind the songs. I think it’s a pity he didn’t include brief notes about these back-stories on the CD sleeve, but I’m now keen to read the book and find out more. David also writes a thought-provoking blog www.buskingadventures.com covering a range of issues including Brexit and its effect on musicians. As far as I can see, David isn’t currently performing in this area but there’s more information at www. davidfishermusician.com and on Facebook and Twitter | SL 6
’‘Rogues & Rovers Tyburn Road’ | Ian Giles & Dave Townsend: Dave Townsend and Ian Giles will need no introduction to most Unicorn readers as they have been singing and playing together on the folk scene – especially in Oxfordshire – for a long time. Their latest album exemplifies everything excellent about traditional folk music and song – skilled musicianship, foot tapping rhythms, fascinating stories and hearty singing. The 16 tracks tell tales of poachers, sailors, highwaymen, seducers and other ne’er-do-wells as they travel that road to ruin that so often ended on the gallows at Tyburn Hill. In a relaxed and comfortable style, Dave plays a Wheatstone tenor-treble English concertina, a Wheatstone baritone concertina and a Crabb doublereeded baritone English concertina. Ian plays a two-row Dino Baffetti D/G melodeon. They both contribute to the clear lusty vocals on these unusual traditional songs. They have both written one or two of them and enhanced others with extra verses. Those of you with a keen ear will notice the Morris themes woven into many of the tunes. The CD cover is an evocative woodcut from a 17th century ballad sheet and the album comes with a very interesting booklet providing fascinating back stories to the tracks. It also details the other albums that Dave and Ian have produced, as well as a reference to their two themed shows ‘Rogues & Rovers’ and ‘Topsails & Wordsmiths’. Full details of Dave and Ian’s gigs, workshops and albums are on their website www. davetownsendmusic.com | SL We have received a particularly large number of CDs for review recently so, if yours has not featured here as yet, please bear with us while we try to review and incorporate as many as we can...
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GUE
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REVIE ST LES RAY
‘Art of Landing’
‘A Little Cup of Tea’
Craig Joiner
Proper English
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his ten track recording is the first solo album from the musically prolific, Craig. I have know of Craig’s music for many years, through such diverse routes as his work with Romeo’s Daughter, The Slaves, the use of his tunes on TV and film etc, but it’s only recently I’ve come across him in a folk music context – and glad I am to see it, too! Anyone that has seen Craig will know what an excellent singer, guitarist he is, but this album shows the songwriter side of him off to great effect. All the tunes have thoughtful and intelligent lyrics, with what I suspect are some true life stories behind them. If I had to pick one favourite, I found the track “Lolly Song’ to be the one that really stuck in my head (I’m assuming it’s tune about his wife, who also sings on the record here and there). This album is very much focussed around Craig’s voice and acoustic guitar, but there are some very nice subtle touches of other voices and instrumentation on there, all of which make this a really classy affair. The production quality is terrific, and I really like the rather sombre cover with its use of subtly-toned & moody photography, plus the ever-interesting and useful liner notes. Coincidentally I’ve just seen Craig play live twice recently (at both Bottlefolk Folk Club and his storming set at Redbourn Folk Club’s Folk on the Common day) so take it from me that what you hear on the recording is what you get live – a fantastic vocal range and clarity, great guitar playing and the best cover of John Martin’s ‘May You Never’ that I’ve ever heard (and I’ve heard a few in my time, I can tell you!). Craig seems very busy with gigs at the moment so take this opportunity to go see him at a folk club near you as soon as you can – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed! Clive Batkin
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must start with a confession: I’m not a huge fan of traditional folk music (I’m more passionate about singer-songwriters, being a songwriter myself). That said, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this CD. Based in Suffolk, Proper English are Ed Caines, Rob Neal and Derek Simpson, who play a number of instruments and all sing, taking lead in turns and providing harmonies. Their website calls the album “a mix of songs and tunes we have performed over the last 40 years”, while the liner notes say the band “have always been more interested in performing live”. The 21 tracks on the CD make it clear that the band have truly immersed themselves in local folk music, and the recording has a real live feel, taking the listener through a range of emotions as a live gig would. There are songs gleaned from the tradition, such as Out in the Green Fields with its very join-in-able chorus and The Lincolnshire Wedding Song, which is clearly and unreconstructedly from another age. There are skillfully executed sets of tunes interspersed throughout the album, but there is also space for some delightful music hall-style pieces, such a Don’t ‘ang my ‘arry, with its mock melodrama (which reminded me of Cream’s A Mother’s Lament), The Old Armchair, or Father went to Yarmouth, a rollicking one-man holiday trip spoiled by many mishaps and too much beer. Other songs express more downbeat moods, such as the sadness of Sam Larner’s The Drowned Sailor or the pathos of Last Long Mile - And When I Die. The presentation and artwork of the CD are rather understated, as you’d expect from an album entitled “A Little Cup of Tea”, but the liner notes are very informative as regards the originals of the songs and tunes. To sum up, having listened to “A Little Cup of Tea”, I’m looking forward to being able to catch Proper English live, as is quite proper. https://properenglishdotdance.wordpress.com Facebook: @Cainesnealsimpson Twitter: @Properenglish3 Les Ray
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A COUPLE OF NEWSWORTHY ITEMS A METAMORPHOSIS: EASTBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FOLKDANCE FESTIVAL BECOMES MAY HEYDAYS AT EVESHAM
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rom the May Bank Holiday 2020, Evesham will be host to a ‘new’ annual international folkdance festival. After 44 years, the Eastbourne International Folkdance Festival, EIFF, will be relocating from East Sussex to a more accessible geographical area and a single-site venue. May Heydays, the Folkdance Festival in the Vale, will follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, offering social dances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening and on Monday afternoon, with a whole range of dance workshops during the days. Genres range from English folk (modern compositions plus historical styles), American, especially Contra and Squares, and Scottish, to International dances from Eastern Europe and beyond. There will also be choices including French, Lindy-hop or Jive, singing and music workshops and even guided walks. The festival is moving to have all events on a single site, Evesham’s de Montfort School, rather than being spread across three sites.The festival is run not to make money but to provide an opportunity for the folk dance community to get together and enjoy dancing to great music and calling from the best of British and international bands and callers. Line-up for 2020 includes US callers Joanna Reiner & Carol Ormand, Rhodri Davies, Trevor Monson, John Sweeney, Karin Bellaart and others. Bands include Wild Ride, Portland Drive, Purcell’s Polyphonic Party, Keeping Thyme, Klerizma, Confluence and Albireo. The festival will have opportunities for attendees to steward at reduced rates and camping will be available on site. Further information (including pictures from this year’s Eastbourne festival) can be found on the festival website, http:// mayheydays.org.uk. Super Earlybird tickets have been on sale since June 4th, with Earlybirds from October 1st. Those interested are welcome to email or call Mecki Testroet, director@mayheydays.org.uk, 01308 423 442.
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NATIONAL TRUST CALL FOR OPEN MIC PERFORMERS AT WOODFEST
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o you love performing on an open mic stage? Why not come along to WoodFest at Hatfield Forest in Essex and be part of our festival in September 2019? Local acoustic musicians of all genres are warmly invited to apply for 20 minute spots on the Open Mic stage at the wonderful WoodFest 2019. You could be part of this unique celebration of the Forest which attracts up to 8,000 people over two days. The three day Festival runs from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 September. There will be over 80 live music acts on two stages and the open-mic slots will be spread across the two days. There will also be the usual craft stalls as well as locally sourced food, cider and real ale and of course the popular Gin Bar. Open Mic Stage Manager Chris Brimley said: “The open-mic slot is a really popular slot at the Festival. It’s a great opportunity for aspiring acts to try out new material, or it could be the first time someone has performed on stage in front of an audience. I love the variety of acts that we get for these slots. It could be country, blues, jazz, folk or even a bit of acoustic rap. The WoodFest audience loves something different!’ Festival organiser Ian Pease says ‘WoodFest is the highlight of the year at Hatfield Forest. It’s wonderful to see so many of the local community come out to support the Forest during the summer months. I know there’s lots of musical talent in the local area so I can’t wait to see what acts we get for the Open Mic slots. The Festival is growing in popularity each year so it’s a fantastic opportunity for any budding artist to play on the Open Mic stage in front of such a welcoming audience.’ Camping pitches are available for the unique opportunity to spend a night in the forest. Campsite pitches start at £75 for the two nights and can be booked via the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk or via the National Trust box office on 0344 2491895.
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FOLK M USIC B Y T HE SEA JON B ODEN & T H E R E M NANT K I NG S | TH E P O O Z I ES | T I M ED EY THE OUT SIDE T RA C K | M E G S O N | TH E WILLO W S | S H EELA N A G I G NOB L E JAC K S | K I TTY M AC FAR L A N E | K A B A N T U GRANNY’S ATTI C | NI NE B AR R O W | B A N T ER A LDEN PAT T ER S O N & D AS H W O O D | H O T R O C K P I LG R I M S MOIRAI | PILG R I M ’S WAY | B E L L A, P O LLY & T H E M A G P I ES DAMIEN & TH E O - M E N | TR U C K S T O P H O N EY M O O N PET E C O E , L AU R A S M YTH , B R I A N P ET ER S Z ULU T RADIT ION | M O O NR AK E R S | B E N WA LK ER | S T R A N N I K RYAN YO U NG | M I S H R A | J E F F WA R N ER ANTH O NY J O H N C L AR KE. . . PLUS M ANY M O R E TO B E AN N O U N C ED ! C O N C ERTS . CEI L I D H S . WO R KS H O PS . D ANC ES . C H I L D R E N ’ S F E ST I VA L CRA FT & MUSI C FA I R . FE S TIVAL C AMPS ITE . MO RR I S D A N C E R S . P U B SE SSI O N S
F E S T I VA L T I C K E T S AVA I L A B L E N O W ! WITH OR WITHOUT CA M PI N G F O R A W E E K , W E E K E N D O R D AY - NO BO O KING FEES IN 2 0 19
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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 147
PROGRAMME JULY TO SEPTEMBER 2019 with highlights of October and November 2019
EVERY FRIDAY, 8PM, THE GOLDEN HIND, 355 MILTON ROAD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 1SP
*The Cambridge Folk Club is closed during July Fri 2 Aug:
Cambridge Folk Festival Club Tent: 5pm to 8pm
*The Cambridge Folk Club is closed during August Fri 6 Sep:
Open Stage with Dave Jenkins
Fri 13 Sep:
State of the Union Support: Martin Baxter
Fri 20 Sep:
Showcase; Entry: £10(door), £9(advance), £8(members) Karen Pfeiffer and Paul Walker; Pulling Daisies; Dodo Bones; Luke James Williams
Fri 27 Sep:
Edwina Hayes Entry: £11(door), £10(advance), £9(members) Support: Kev Walford & Kelly Pritchard
Fri 4 Oct:
Gilmore and Roberts Support: Bity Booker
Fri 18 Oct:
Stella Hensley and friends Entry: £10(door), £9(advance), £8(members) Support: Chris Newman and Humfry Finkel
Fri 15 Nov:
Daoiri Farrell Entry: £13(door), £12(advance), £11(members) Support: Brian Cleary and friends
Fri 29 Nov:
Fred’s House
Entry: £5(door), £3(members), £3(performers) Entry: £15(door), £14(advance), £13(members)
Entry: £12(door), £11(advance), £10(members)
Entry: £12(door), £11(advance), £10(members)
Tickets for main acts on our website, www.cambridgefolkclub.co.uk or phone 01638 603986
HATFIELD HOUSE, HERTS, SUNDAY 14 JULY 2019 A festival of folk’s finest acts gathered in beautiful leafy parkland for one uplifting summer day of music.
FRANK TURNER & THE SLEEPING SOULS THE STAVES SETH LAKEMAN THE LOST WORDS SPELL SONGS: KARINE POLWART, JULIE FOWLIS, SECKOU KEITA, KRIS DREVER, KERRY ANDREW, RACHEL NEWTON, BETH PORTER, JIM MOLYNEUX PLUS A TALK BY AUTHORS ROBERT MACFARLANE & JACKIE MORRIS
KARINE POLWART
TALISK • ELEPHANT SESSIONS • GRACE PETRIE THE TRIALS OF CATO • BRÌGHDE CHAIMBEUL HANNAH READ • LONDON YOUTH FOLK ENSEMBLE
PLUS MORE ARTISTS! PACK UP A PICNIC, GATHER YOUR FRIENDS AND JOIN US FOR A FESTIVAL IN A DAY! Family Friendly • Children’s Activities Workshops • Craft Tent • Vintage Tent Music Stalls • Delicious Food • Real Ale Bar
Registered charity no. 1106746
folkbytheoak.com