Blogs From 2015 to Jan 2016
(These blogs have been transferred from our old website)
20th December 2011 Thank you to everyone who contributed to Andy and Barbara's night. We managed to raise £180 as well as having an excellent evening on music and song however some of the plaudits have to go to Simon who set up the ground breaking connection on his laptop with Andy and Barbara in Cambodia. Mind boggling stuff!- well for me anyway! Probably for today's primary school kids it would just be run of the mill but as an ageing Luddite it was wonder for the heavens to behold!!!
I enjoy this potential of the club and the fact that we can make a difference albeit in some small way so thanks again to all who contributed to this event.
Somewhere on Keppler 22B however, things were stirring! Not Keppler 22A or C as they had not had the Quiz!
Out on the farthest reaches of the known, or unknown, universe brains were ticking and clanking in an attempt to solve the clues which had been sent to them in a bottle floating across space and time.
Clue 1 ..........Dracula?
Clue 2 what do you get under a house?
Clue 3 which famous cowboy had a horse called Trigger?
Clue 4 what is the name of a famous brand of guitar?
Clue 5 "Iron my rat"
So we struggled for the answer, desperately seeking the truth and, suddenly, like a flash of knowledge from the deepest stirrings of original time, that moment of clarity that all artists crave when suddenly ( I think I already said suddenly-well it was reasonably sudden by comparison to things which are not so sudden-like bananas!) ....................
There was a thump on an old Salvation Army Drum (no disrespect intended) and the heavens opened and the mist cleared and all became purity and light.........
Yeeeeeees....it was........
Vladimir Clay Rogers-Gibson none other! And the rafters rang and people cheered and there was merriment and happiness all across the land!!
And there were some floor spots and Paul did the knobs and Simon sang a brilliant song dedicated to our friend Roy Martin whose 86th birthday we had come to celebrate.
Not to forget the enigmatic T-shirts with cryptic comments organised by Dave and Simon.
What a night!
Sometimes there are no words to describe the success and magnitude of an evening and that was one of the best we have had.
I do not want to spoil it by talking too much but I would like to mention our newcomers Brian and Megan who kindly agreed to follow me in second spot and provided a fantastic start to the night.
Thanks to Paul and Jacqui for the food and all the Bells and to all of you who came and made it the night it was.
I loved it and had an excellent time.
A night with everything!!
A night to remember!!
Let's have some more of that!!
Councillor Roy Martin will be 86 on Boxing Day and we wish him well and long may he prosper. He has been a stalwart member and contributor to the club and a good friend. The Caverners were fantastic and much enjoyed and appreciated.
Also a special mention for Geoff and Elaine who finished the night with an excellent rendition of "White Christmas"
I have started making arrangements for next year when we will be 20 years old!! And I think our party will be on May 1st so watch this space!!
Thanks everyone and have a lovely Christmas and New Year
See you soon
Watch the skies!!
All the best
Chris
8th November 2011
“Hi everyone,
Can I remind everyone that Andy and Barbara are away in Cambodia and part of what they are doing is working at an orphanage to help with some charity work.
The name of the orphanage is New Futures Orphanage in Takeo Province. Here's the web address. They would welcome any interest or support.
www.newfuturesorganisation.com
We will be doing a special night for them on the 6th Dec so bring lots of cash!
What a fantastic extended evening with John and Rachel, they played some excellent songs, some lovely variety and a fantastic performance.
Everyone had positive remarks and feedback and I think the whole concept of the extended sessions has worked well so far.
I really enjoyed the evening and Paul was excellent on the PA and in setting up the gear so thanks to him. Simon took some photos so there will be an update of pix.
The quality of performances is fantastic at the moment and I was saying to someone that the last couple of years of the club have been the best we have seen.
I loved everyone’s set and it was good to hear so much variety so, just for a change I am going to comment on everyone.
Gary with the George Formby was entertaining and played some popular stuff which went down well however I did point out that we always hear the popular stuff and that George had a considerable Heavy Metal repertoire which we yet have to hear. I have told Gary to get rehearsing on this.
SAM – Glynn and Shirley played some excellent folk tunes on their debut at the club and I hope we will see them again. They confessed they had witnessed Councillor Roy tap dancing at an earlier evening.
Mick played some of his usual well sung and well played pieces with much response and appreciation. He is a stalwart of the evening and an important regular performer.
Geoff has played a couple of times now and writes some strong songs and plays and delivers well. I hope he continues to come as he is a positive energy and enjoys the night
John and Rachel were excellent and an absolute delight. I was waiting for this and was well pleased.
Councillor Roy never ceases to amaze and delight. Is there no end to his talent and diversity? It’s his birthday night soon so be there and be square round or any shape you like ‘cos it’s all cool.
I am pleased that Francis is coming now. He played an excellent tribute to Bert Jansch and some other lovely pieces. A player of some sensitivity and quality and a pleasure to see and hear. Remember to see the Elevators if you get the chance!!
Chris Liddiard avec Stetson and some fine country y’all. It’s always good to see him and hear some of his self-penned stuff. Another great session on the night.
Lizzie has such a lovely voice and wonderful delivery and I love the material that she (and Darren) perform. The autoharp had reverb – which is quite a good name for a band!!
Alex finished the night for us with some powerful songs from his personal repertoire. I still think he is a New Romantic plant and we will all have green and pink hair and be singing Duran Duran songs if we are not careful.
A great night!!! I went home with a smile!! Some of these nights I think “If that was the only one then that would have been enough" - and then it gets even better!
Less of this sentiment Mansell ……………………..
See y’all soon,
25th October 2011
Hello there all you blogsters!
Well the old folk club just keeps rollin’ along and I am enjoying myself at the moment.
The recent appearance of Francis and reappearance of Phil has seen our range of participants broaden in number and quality and, along with our usual friends I think we are beginning to have some seriously interesting and varied evenings.
Francis has played some lovely tunes and an interesting mix which has included two of my personal favourites in the Skye Boat Song and Marie’s Wedding while Phil’s blues has a level of authenticity and I have especially enjoyed the “John Lee Hooker” numbers.
So as well as Mike and John and Rachel and Simon and Councillor Roy, Derry.. not to mention all the other nights, I think things are pretty cool at the moment.
I would like to thank the Dawgs and James Morris for their excellent input on Extravaganza Night which proved to be a great success and was enjoyed by everyone I talked to, which was nearly everybody.
I would also like to mention that Andy Barnes (Knobs) is not going to be around for a few months. He and Barbara are going on an extended visit to S.E. Asia.
While they are there they will be spending some time working in an orphanage which I believe they have visited before so I have had the idea that we will do a night for them and collect some money for the orphanage. We will maintain digital contact with them so watch this space and start saving up! I am going to ask Simon to make some links etc. on the website.
Further to this a lady called Jill, who is a regular member of the Club, donated us a small classical guitar which needs a bit of TLC but I thought we could fix it up and we can all sign it and raffle it to raise some money for charity or maybe donate it to some young player? Let me know what you think!
So lots to be thinking about and get involved in
As I said the other night I am really disappointed that I didn’t see Tommy Cooper put in charge of the big collider. It is going to be an on-going interest for me. I have learned a lot from it! I now know I am here, at the centre of the universe! …..but then so is everyone else……..I always had a sneaking suspicion about this!! It explains a lot…but, then again, very little!!
However, at the risk of wittering on and annoying some who I will not mention I am going to say that I hope to see you all soon for John and Rachel’s night on the 8th Nov.
We say farewell to Bert Jansch and someone may wish to do a tribute to him next time. He was a great guitarist and songwriter-a very talented man and a great loss to our genre.
See you soon pop pickers or maybe finger pickers!!
All the best Chris “Big Bang” Mansell
2nd September 2011
Hello everyone, sorry it has been a while since I last wrote something but times have been busy.
The club has seen some of its best evenings that I can remember and I find it sometimes a little overwhelming that we are maintaining a steady input and output of quality music and fun.
We attract new performers on a regular basis two of which I will mention in Howard and Bryony who sang and played on 30th August.
The evenings are well attended and people are staying to listen and the whole thing seems to be witnessing some golden moments.
I think the Extended Sessions are proving to be a good idea and the next one will feature John and Rachel on the 8th Nov.
Also note the Beatles night on the 13th Sep and the Extravaganza on the 27th Sep. – all are welcome!
I have to say that I really enjoy running the nights at the moment and I feel that we are seeing some success as a result of the years of persistence however I am always up for suggestions so if anyone would like to run an evening or come in with a theme then I am happy with that-it is your club my only requirement is that you enjoy yourselves.
To me there is no issue of quality or importance or professionalism or anything like that - no judgement. You take part and do what you can. It is more important to try, no one minds if you forget the words or play a bum note ‘cos I do it all the time. I also try to be fair about how I put people on and move it around a bit so that we all get the chance to go on at different times.
Next year will see twenty years of the Folk and Blues club - amazing and quite scary really!! To think that I have spent nearly one third of my life running the club – I don’t think we have missed a session as far as I know.
I think this calls for some kind of celebration so I have already embarked upon negotiations with Paul to see what may be possible. I am thinking of a two day event with floor spots and special guests etc. so watch this space!!
I am going to sign off by saying I am pleased that we have created such a positive, creative and enjoyable vibe and we are seeing lots of new people of varying ages and abilities which is exactly what I had in mind all of those years ago, so I am pleased that it is working in that sense but I would also like you to feel that you can get more involved – it isn’t my club its yours!
I would also like to thank Andy and Simon for their continuing support.
We would love some photographs if you have any and little videos – long live Cecil B de Mille!!!
Best wishes
Moth joke in Latin coming soon
chris
21st February 2011
Well it’s been a while since I offered my last crumbs of a general pretence of the ability to intellectualise and comment about matters pertaining to the old Six Bells Folk and Blues club.
Time passes and many things have happened. Much water has flowed under many bridges, carrying with it tales of laughter, mystery and emotion and it pleases me to announce that all is good with the club and things seem to be progressing in a positive and enjoyable fashion. Of course those of you who attend regularly will already know that.
The beginning of the “featured nights” saw Darren and Liz play some excellent music accompanied by Richard on Bass and Jim Tippler and Rupert Cobb on trumpet. They are capable of some wonderful harmonies and their choice of songs was lovely. I must admit to being entirely self-indulgent on this as I particularly like what they do and we will definitely have them on some more.
So this kicked off these sessions very successfully and it seems to me there is some great scope and potential in this as it allows us our floor spots and makes sense of letting some performers have a little more time to spread out a little. I have already asked one or two others about doing one of these spots and we have some healthy and lively interest.
I am also looking at doing some more Charity Events which, basically, see us doing the same ‘ole evening but giving the cash to whomever.
There has been the suggestion that we visit other clubs as a group. I went to Lisa’s club at the Roebuck in Laughton and played a couple of numbers and it was a lovely evening. There were people there I have not seen on the circuit so there could be some opportunity for symbiosis here. I am happy to hear what anyone thinks.
We’ve got Lizzie and Rowan hosting on the 1st March and, if you remember we have young Dan coming to make our new video so anyone wanting, or not wanting, to feature can let me know.
I have been experimenting with the running order a bit. I must admit it is the most stressful aspect of the night-trying to get everyone on. I have been trying the old trick of putting people on the list as they turn up but this can often lead to strange combinations so I guess we will have to continue with the Duckworth-Lewis approach and the application of random quantum decisions which appear as gas like formations telling me how to proceed, and if you believe that you should be performing along with the rest of us. Between this and the straight jacket we seem to pull it off. I have never had any serious complaints about the general level of chaos we manage to perpetrate and one could always see the evenings as an extended physics experiment. Let’s hope that “e” really does equal “mc2” or we are stuffed basically, but then it doesn’t seem to matter.
Anyway I am beginning to ramble a bit so it must be time for another rock’n’roll injection so I am going to peruse the infinite mysteries of Youtube yet again and report back accordingly.
Maybe we will do a suggested links option on the home page...........
See you when the deserts freeze and the camels come skating home..........or is that desserts and were they just?........or nearly.......
Even I don’t know what it means!!
Don van Vliet is dead............. Long live Captain Beefheart.
Chris
21st December 2010
WELL WELL WELL.......!!
I guess it all started when I discovered the green plastic frog on the way into the music room which seemed to set the socio-contextual parameters of the whole evening. I discovered that you could draw round the frog with a pen making an excellent frog outline and all this happened before the evening had even started!!
I don’t think I can remember a better night, we’ve had some good ones but this was special!! It was hard work for me but I enjoy that when everything goes OK and everyone is happy.
I think we got a perfect mix of floor spots, invited bands, food, drink, audience participation and the odd moment of bizarreness from yours truly but then there have to be some pockets of surrealism left on the planet. We put everyone on and everybody seemed to have a good time and went home positive and happy so we did our job and followed the prime directive.(Which is to have a good time!)
I had a message from Councillor Roy to say that he wasn’t well so he and Alex were unable to show but I would like to give them a special mention for all their support and positive input over the past year or so.
Lizzie and Rowan kindly kicked off for us and were excellent as per usual and the East 17 number...!! I knew I recognised it....!! So thanks to them and also for support and hard work. They are a real pillar of the club.
Mick is always good to hear with his interesting songs and very sturdy guitar style. I think, sometimes, that when we listen to the songs we forget that there is very proficient musical support in the background. I remember thinking the first time Mick played, what a fine guitarist he was.
Derry is one of our shining lights in the sense that he brings a unique quality to the club with his classical and ragtime piano pieces. Last night he played beautifully and, along with the general feeling of the night he was well appreciated and warmly received so a special mention for him.
Then there was this strange character with some self penned songs about penguins and art and a specially written song for the night with some mention of my recent hirsute developments-I should coco!! None other than Simon Watt Ladies and Gentlemen!!
I would like to give Simon a very special mention as he not only comes to the club regularly and plays some excellent stuff in his own inimitable style but he works behind the scenes for us on the website which is no mean feat believe me!! Especially having to work with a surrealist aimlessly wandering presenter like yours truly!! Simon and I had a little discussion about the evening and were a little concerned about the weather and attendance so decided to do it all downstairs so thanks to him for supporting me with that as I was having a few kittens-not literally- I try to be a vegetarian most of the time!
It is always wonderful to see Thea with her guitar because I know that half the battle is won!! There only remains the process of getting her on stage!! I think she has a special talent and writes some lovely songs. She takes things seriously which I think is laudable and I hope we can continue to encourage her to do a bit more. A round of applause for all her pals as well who filled the top area very efficiently.
The Ice Cream Bikinis were fantastic and very impressive with some well chosen tunes and excellent delivery. Becky is a lovely singer and the band Jon, Jim Andy and Rowan provided some brilliant support and interesting arrangements so millions of plaudits to them and let’s do it some more!!
They were playing sort of unplugged and, as I was saying to Jon later, I think some of the playing translated very well to acoustic and made for an interesting and informative experiment worthy of further consideration and evaluation........yes professor!!
So to the main bit. I was very pleased the Dawgs could come and they made an excellent top of the bill for the night and a memorable performance!!
I remember the first time we put the Dawgs (Cajun) on for a full gig. I think it was a Sept. I was very impressed by the rhythm and pulse of it all and thought “well have more of this matey”. I think they play brilliantly and some good stuff too!! The audience loved them and I was watching people dance and generally get into the whole thing.... a great set!! We will definitely have some more of that!!
They came, they saw and they rocked....veni, vidi, rocki as they used to say in Rome! I just love that thing where you can’t avoid simply grooving along!!
I would also like to thank Jim Tippler, the Dawg’s Guitarist, for his help with the night and for kindly supporting us with the sound and supplying the PA. I couldn’t have done it without him so a very special thank you.. a real pal and a good supporter of the club!!
It was a pity the Dawgs couldn’t have played a little longer but the “enemy” was against us and we had to move on.
I once made a pledge not to miss anyone to the best of my ability and we still had a couple of performers to go....
How lovely to see Sam Green back from Durham University. His sojourn to the north had obviously not dented his ability and he played and sang a couple of excellent songs to everyone’s delight.
Now!!....
I suddenly noticed that in the next band that I was playing???.........at least that is what it said on the ID card!!! I rushed to the mirror to check that I still existed but realised that Gavin had nicked my badge!!!... cheeky devil!!...but I cant’ blame him given the general tenor of the night but I also can’t explain anyone wanting to be me??...I find it hard enough myself!!!! So it was a relief for someone else to be me for a bit...a few moments off...a busman’s holiday!!
Gavin, Jerome and Dave recently, sort of, resurrected reformed and regenerated or recycled??.....whichever way it goes they were brilliant with some well played stuff and especially the Led Zep cover !! I think maybe there is a little possibility there.. hmmm!! I renamed them Cajun Led!! And we’ll definitely have more of that.
John and Rachel finished the night for us in fantastic fashion with a couple of brilliant tunes, excellent vocals with some strong bluesy guitar bits from John as per usual but some sensitive support work for Rachel as well. I thought that “ Dark end of the street” was especially lovely and is, in fact, one of my favourite tunes.
John and Rachel have been a fantastic support to the club and I would like to give them a special thank you for finishing our excellent night and just for being them!
So we all went home tired and fed and watered and having enjoyed our special Christmas Event.
However I can’t sign off until I have thanked Paul Newman and all at the Bells for the space and time and food and drink and all of the support they have shown and continue to show!!
What a good band!!!
Well have some more of that matey!!!!
Dear Pals
Have a lovely Christmas and New Year.
Thanks for being part of the best Folk and Blues Club in the Universe.
Chris
20th December 2011 Thank you to everyone who contributed to Andy and Barbara's night. We managed to raise £180 as well as having an excellent evening on music and song however some of the plaudits have to go to Simon who set up the ground breaking connection on his laptop with Andy and Barbara in Cambodia. Mind boggling stuff!- well for me anyway! Probably for today's primary school kids it would just be run of the mill but as an ageing Luddite it was wonder for the heavens to behold!!!
I enjoy this potential of the club and the fact that we can make a difference albeit in some small way so thanks again to all who contributed to this event.
Somewhere on Keppler 22B however, things were stirring! Not Keppler 22A or C as they had not had the Quiz!
Out on the farthest reaches of the known, or unknown, universe brains were ticking and clanking in an attempt to solve the clues which had been sent to them in a bottle floating across space and time.
Clue 1 ..........Dracula?
Clue 2 what do you get under a house?
Clue 3 which famous cowboy had a horse called Trigger?
Clue 4 what is the name of a famous brand of guitar?
Clue 5 "Iron my rat"
So we struggled for the answer, desperately seeking the truth and, suddenly, like a flash of knowledge from the deepest stirrings of original time, that moment of clarity that all artists crave when suddenly ( I think I already said suddenly-well it was reasonably sudden by comparison to things which are not so sudden-like bananas!) ....................
There was a thump on an old Salvation Army Drum (no disrespect intended) and the heavens opened and the mist cleared and all became purity and light.........
Yeeeeeees....it was........
Vladimir Clay Rogers-Gibson none other! And the rafters rang and people cheered and there was merriment and happiness all across the land!!
And there were some floor spots and Paul did the knobs and Simon sang a brilliant song dedicated to our friend Roy Martin whose 86th birthday we had come to celebrate.
Not to forget the enigmatic T-shirts with cryptic comments organised by Dave and Simon.
What a night!
Sometimes there are no words to describe the success and magnitude of an evening and that was one of the best we have had.
I do not want to spoil it by talking too much but I would like to mention our newcomers Brian and Megan who kindly agreed to follow me in second spot and provided a fantastic start to the night.
Thanks to Paul and Jacqui for the food and all the Bells and to all of you who came and made it the night it was.
I loved it and had an excellent time.
A night with everything!!
A night to remember!!
Let's have some more of that!!
Councillor Roy Martin will be 86 on Boxing Day and we wish him well and long may he prosper. He has been a stalwart member and contributor to the club and a good friend. The Caverners were fantastic and much enjoyed and appreciated.
Also a special mention for Geoff and Elaine who finished the night with an excellent rendition of "White Christmas"
I have started making arrangements for next year when we will be 20 years old!! And I think our party will be on May 1st so watch this space!!
Thanks everyone and have a lovely Christmas and New Year
See you soon
Watch the skies!!
All the best
Chris
8th November 2011
“Hi everyone,
Can I remind everyone that Andy and Barbara are away in Cambodia and part of what they are doing is working at an orphanage to help with some charity work.
The name of the orphanage is New Futures Orphanage in Takeo Province. Here's the web address. They would welcome any interest or support.
www.newfuturesorganisation.com
We will be doing a special night for them on the 6th Dec so bring lots of cash!
What a fantastic extended evening with John and Rachel, they played some excellent songs, some lovely variety and a fantastic performance.
Everyone had positive remarks and feedback and I think the whole concept of the extended sessions has worked well so far.
I really enjoyed the evening and Paul was excellent on the PA and in setting up the gear so thanks to him. Simon took some photos so there will be an update of pix.
The quality of performances is fantastic at the moment and I was saying to someone that the last couple of years of the club have been the best we have seen.
I loved everyone’s set and it was good to hear so much variety so, just for a change I am going to comment on everyone.
Gary with the George Formby was entertaining and played some popular stuff which went down well however I did point out that we always hear the popular stuff and that George had a considerable Heavy Metal repertoire which we yet have to hear. I have told Gary to get rehearsing on this.
SAM – Glynn and Shirley played some excellent folk tunes on their debut at the club and I hope we will see them again. They confessed they had witnessed Councillor Roy tap dancing at an earlier evening.
Mick played some of his usual well sung and well played pieces with much response and appreciation. He is a stalwart of the evening and an important regular performer.
Geoff has played a couple of times now and writes some strong songs and plays and delivers well. I hope he continues to come as he is a positive energy and enjoys the night
John and Rachel were excellent and an absolute delight. I was waiting for this and was well pleased.
Councillor Roy never ceases to amaze and delight. Is there no end to his talent and diversity? It’s his birthday night soon so be there and be square round or any shape you like ‘cos it’s all cool.
I am pleased that Francis is coming now. He played an excellent tribute to Bert Jansch and some other lovely pieces. A player of some sensitivity and quality and a pleasure to see and hear. Remember to see the Elevators if you get the chance!!
Chris Liddiard avec Stetson and some fine country y’all. It’s always good to see him and hear some of his self-penned stuff. Another great session on the night.
Lizzie has such a lovely voice and wonderful delivery and I love the material that she (and Darren) perform. The autoharp had reverb – which is quite a good name for a band!!
Alex finished the night for us with some powerful songs from his personal repertoire. I still think he is a New Romantic plant and we will all have green and pink hair and be singing Duran Duran songs if we are not careful.
A great night!!! I went home with a smile!! Some of these nights I think “If that was the only one then that would have been enough" - and then it gets even better!
Less of this sentiment Mansell ……………………..
See y’all soon,
25th October 2011
Hello there all you blogsters!
Well the old folk club just keeps rollin’ along and I am enjoying myself at the moment.
The recent appearance of Francis and reappearance of Phil has seen our range of participants broaden in number and quality and, along with our usual friends I think we are beginning to have some seriously interesting and varied evenings.
Francis has played some lovely tunes and an interesting mix which has included two of my personal favourites in the Skye Boat Song and Marie’s Wedding while Phil’s blues has a level of authenticity and I have especially enjoyed the “John Lee Hooker” numbers.
So as well as Mike and John and Rachel and Simon and Councillor Roy, Derry.. not to mention all the other nights, I think things are pretty cool at the moment.
I would like to thank the Dawgs and James Morris for their excellent input on Extravaganza Night which proved to be a great success and was enjoyed by everyone I talked to, which was nearly everybody.
I would also like to mention that Andy Barnes (Knobs) is not going to be around for a few months. He and Barbara are going on an extended visit to S.E. Asia.
While they are there they will be spending some time working in an orphanage which I believe they have visited before so I have had the idea that we will do a night for them and collect some money for the orphanage. We will maintain digital contact with them so watch this space and start saving up! I am going to ask Simon to make some links etc. on the website.
Further to this a lady called Jill, who is a regular member of the Club, donated us a small classical guitar which needs a bit of TLC but I thought we could fix it up and we can all sign it and raffle it to raise some money for charity or maybe donate it to some young player? Let me know what you think!
So lots to be thinking about and get involved in
As I said the other night I am really disappointed that I didn’t see Tommy Cooper put in charge of the big collider. It is going to be an on-going interest for me. I have learned a lot from it! I now know I am here, at the centre of the universe! …..but then so is everyone else……..I always had a sneaking suspicion about this!! It explains a lot…but, then again, very little!!
However, at the risk of wittering on and annoying some who I will not mention I am going to say that I hope to see you all soon for John and Rachel’s night on the 8th Nov.
We say farewell to Bert Jansch and someone may wish to do a tribute to him next time. He was a great guitarist and songwriter-a very talented man and a great loss to our genre.
See you soon pop pickers or maybe finger pickers!!
All the best Chris “Big Bang” Mansell
2nd September 2011
Hello everyone, sorry it has been a while since I last wrote something but times have been busy.
The club has seen some of its best evenings that I can remember and I find it sometimes a little overwhelming that we are maintaining a steady input and output of quality music and fun.
We attract new performers on a regular basis two of which I will mention in Howard and Bryony who sang and played on 30th August.
The evenings are well attended and people are staying to listen and the whole thing seems to be witnessing some golden moments.
I think the Extended Sessions are proving to be a good idea and the next one will feature John and Rachel on the 8th Nov.
Also note the Beatles night on the 13th Sep and the Extravaganza on the 27th Sep. – all are welcome!
I have to say that I really enjoy running the nights at the moment and I feel that we are seeing some success as a result of the years of persistence however I am always up for suggestions so if anyone would like to run an evening or come in with a theme then I am happy with that-it is your club my only requirement is that you enjoy yourselves.
To me there is no issue of quality or importance or professionalism or anything like that - no judgement. You take part and do what you can. It is more important to try, no one minds if you forget the words or play a bum note ‘cos I do it all the time. I also try to be fair about how I put people on and move it around a bit so that we all get the chance to go on at different times.
Next year will see twenty years of the Folk and Blues club - amazing and quite scary really!! To think that I have spent nearly one third of my life running the club – I don’t think we have missed a session as far as I know.
I think this calls for some kind of celebration so I have already embarked upon negotiations with Paul to see what may be possible. I am thinking of a two day event with floor spots and special guests etc. so watch this space!!
I am going to sign off by saying I am pleased that we have created such a positive, creative and enjoyable vibe and we are seeing lots of new people of varying ages and abilities which is exactly what I had in mind all of those years ago, so I am pleased that it is working in that sense but I would also like you to feel that you can get more involved – it isn’t my club its yours!
I would also like to thank Andy and Simon for their continuing support.
We would love some photographs if you have any and little videos – long live Cecil B de Mille!!!
Best wishes
Moth joke in Latin coming soon
chris
21st February 2011
Well it’s been a while since I offered my last crumbs of a general pretence of the ability to intellectualise and comment about matters pertaining to the old Six Bells Folk and Blues club.
Time passes and many things have happened. Much water has flowed under many bridges, carrying with it tales of laughter, mystery and emotion and it pleases me to announce that all is good with the club and things seem to be progressing in a positive and enjoyable fashion. Of course those of you who attend regularly will already know that.
The beginning of the “featured nights” saw Darren and Liz play some excellent music accompanied by Richard on Bass and Jim Tippler and Rupert Cobb on trumpet. They are capable of some wonderful harmonies and their choice of songs was lovely. I must admit to being entirely self-indulgent on this as I particularly like what they do and we will definitely have them on some more.
So this kicked off these sessions very successfully and it seems to me there is some great scope and potential in this as it allows us our floor spots and makes sense of letting some performers have a little more time to spread out a little. I have already asked one or two others about doing one of these spots and we have some healthy and lively interest.
I am also looking at doing some more Charity Events which, basically, see us doing the same ‘ole evening but giving the cash to whomever.
There has been the suggestion that we visit other clubs as a group. I went to Lisa’s club at the Roebuck in Laughton and played a couple of numbers and it was a lovely evening. There were people there I have not seen on the circuit so there could be some opportunity for symbiosis here. I am happy to hear what anyone thinks.
We’ve got Lizzie and Rowan hosting on the 1st March and, if you remember we have young Dan coming to make our new video so anyone wanting, or not wanting, to feature can let me know.
I have been experimenting with the running order a bit. I must admit it is the most stressful aspect of the night-trying to get everyone on. I have been trying the old trick of putting people on the list as they turn up but this can often lead to strange combinations so I guess we will have to continue with the Duckworth-Lewis approach and the application of random quantum decisions which appear as gas like formations telling me how to proceed, and if you believe that you should be performing along with the rest of us. Between this and the straight jacket we seem to pull it off. I have never had any serious complaints about the general level of chaos we manage to perpetrate and one could always see the evenings as an extended physics experiment. Let’s hope that “e” really does equal “mc2” or we are stuffed basically, but then it doesn’t seem to matter.
Anyway I am beginning to ramble a bit so it must be time for another rock’n’roll injection so I am going to peruse the infinite mysteries of Youtube yet again and report back accordingly.
Maybe we will do a suggested links option on the home page...........
See you when the deserts freeze and the camels come skating home..........or is that desserts and were they just?........or nearly.......
Even I don’t know what it means!!
Don van Vliet is dead............. Long live Captain Beefheart.
Chris
21st December 2010
WELL WELL WELL.......!!
I guess it all started when I discovered the green plastic frog on the way into the music room which seemed to set the socio-contextual parameters of the whole evening. I discovered that you could draw round the frog with a pen making an excellent frog outline and all this happened before the evening had even started!!
I don’t think I can remember a better night, we’ve had some good ones but this was special!! It was hard work for me but I enjoy that when everything goes OK and everyone is happy.
I think we got a perfect mix of floor spots, invited bands, food, drink, audience participation and the odd moment of bizarreness from yours truly but then there have to be some pockets of surrealism left on the planet. We put everyone on and everybody seemed to have a good time and went home positive and happy so we did our job and followed the prime directive.(Which is to have a good time!)
I had a message from Councillor Roy to say that he wasn’t well so he and Alex were unable to show but I would like to give them a special mention for all their support and positive input over the past year or so.
Lizzie and Rowan kindly kicked off for us and were excellent as per usual and the East 17 number...!! I knew I recognised it....!! So thanks to them and also for support and hard work. They are a real pillar of the club.
Mick is always good to hear with his interesting songs and very sturdy guitar style. I think, sometimes, that when we listen to the songs we forget that there is very proficient musical support in the background. I remember thinking the first time Mick played, what a fine guitarist he was.
Derry is one of our shining lights in the sense that he brings a unique quality to the club with his classical and ragtime piano pieces. Last night he played beautifully and, along with the general feeling of the night he was well appreciated and warmly received so a special mention for him.
Then there was this strange character with some self penned songs about penguins and art and a specially written song for the night with some mention of my recent hirsute developments-I should coco!! None other than Simon Watt Ladies and Gentlemen!!
I would like to give Simon a very special mention as he not only comes to the club regularly and plays some excellent stuff in his own inimitable style but he works behind the scenes for us on the website which is no mean feat believe me!! Especially having to work with a surrealist aimlessly wandering presenter like yours truly!! Simon and I had a little discussion about the evening and were a little concerned about the weather and attendance so decided to do it all downstairs so thanks to him for supporting me with that as I was having a few kittens-not literally- I try to be a vegetarian most of the time!
It is always wonderful to see Thea with her guitar because I know that half the battle is won!! There only remains the process of getting her on stage!! I think she has a special talent and writes some lovely songs. She takes things seriously which I think is laudable and I hope we can continue to encourage her to do a bit more. A round of applause for all her pals as well who filled the top area very efficiently.
The Ice Cream Bikinis were fantastic and very impressive with some well chosen tunes and excellent delivery. Becky is a lovely singer and the band Jon, Jim Andy and Rowan provided some brilliant support and interesting arrangements so millions of plaudits to them and let’s do it some more!!
They were playing sort of unplugged and, as I was saying to Jon later, I think some of the playing translated very well to acoustic and made for an interesting and informative experiment worthy of further consideration and evaluation........yes professor!!
So to the main bit. I was very pleased the Dawgs could come and they made an excellent top of the bill for the night and a memorable performance!!
I remember the first time we put the Dawgs (Cajun) on for a full gig. I think it was a Sept. I was very impressed by the rhythm and pulse of it all and thought “well have more of this matey”. I think they play brilliantly and some good stuff too!! The audience loved them and I was watching people dance and generally get into the whole thing.... a great set!! We will definitely have some more of that!!
They came, they saw and they rocked....veni, vidi, rocki as they used to say in Rome! I just love that thing where you can’t avoid simply grooving along!!
I would also like to thank Jim Tippler, the Dawg’s Guitarist, for his help with the night and for kindly supporting us with the sound and supplying the PA. I couldn’t have done it without him so a very special thank you.. a real pal and a good supporter of the club!!
It was a pity the Dawgs couldn’t have played a little longer but the “enemy” was against us and we had to move on.
I once made a pledge not to miss anyone to the best of my ability and we still had a couple of performers to go....
How lovely to see Sam Green back from Durham University. His sojourn to the north had obviously not dented his ability and he played and sang a couple of excellent songs to everyone’s delight.
Now!!....
I suddenly noticed that in the next band that I was playing???.........at least that is what it said on the ID card!!! I rushed to the mirror to check that I still existed but realised that Gavin had nicked my badge!!!... cheeky devil!!...but I cant’ blame him given the general tenor of the night but I also can’t explain anyone wanting to be me??...I find it hard enough myself!!!! So it was a relief for someone else to be me for a bit...a few moments off...a busman’s holiday!!
Gavin, Jerome and Dave recently, sort of, resurrected reformed and regenerated or recycled??.....whichever way it goes they were brilliant with some well played stuff and especially the Led Zep cover !! I think maybe there is a little possibility there.. hmmm!! I renamed them Cajun Led!! And we’ll definitely have more of that.
John and Rachel finished the night for us in fantastic fashion with a couple of brilliant tunes, excellent vocals with some strong bluesy guitar bits from John as per usual but some sensitive support work for Rachel as well. I thought that “ Dark end of the street” was especially lovely and is, in fact, one of my favourite tunes.
John and Rachel have been a fantastic support to the club and I would like to give them a special thank you for finishing our excellent night and just for being them!
So we all went home tired and fed and watered and having enjoyed our special Christmas Event.
However I can’t sign off until I have thanked Paul Newman and all at the Bells for the space and time and food and drink and all of the support they have shown and continue to show!!
What a good band!!!
Well have some more of that matey!!!!
Dear Pals
Have a lovely Christmas and New Year.
Thanks for being part of the best Folk and Blues Club in the Universe.
Chris