Blogs From 2014

(These blogs have been transferred from our old website)

19th December 2014  A HELPING HAND AND THE SKARLETTOS


Well here we are at the end of another year……and so we go on into another year of music and fun and creativity….

Can I say, before I go any further, and not wishing to sound like a stuck record, that the club is about the people who take part and I would like to thank all of those people for their support and involvement. I realise that I have said that on many occasions in the past but it is always good to remember….we especially need to thank Andy and Francis for the sound and Simon for the web-site and Paul and Jacqui and Rich for the hospitality…..and then everyone else who comes and plays and listens…..and also Chris Martin who has been kind enough to step in when I was unavailable.

I also want to thank John Oddie for running the session which I could not attend through illness. It was reported that it was a good night and some new people and good music so thanks again to him and all who attended.

When I was deciding what to do with the Christmas Event, some time ago, it occurred to me that it might be nice to have a bit of a change and get a nice lively band to entertain us and have a positive end to the year. The Skarlettos did not disappoint..

As always the Christmas Event was dedicated to our friend Councillor Roy and we made a collection for the Burma Star Association at his request. It was good to see his daughter, Madeleine, and her partner Harry joining in the proceedings but there was no Alex this year as Madeleine informed me that he was still in Prague. It seems some time since we saw Alex and Roy at the club but we all have fond memories of those days. Roy became a cornerstone of the evenings, in the later years, and it was always a pleasure to see him. He often had enough energy and enthusiasm for all of us put together……..in his eighties…..he was already a star when the Beatles got going…..let us keep his memory alive….

So it was against a very worthy legacy and backdrop that we initiated this years celebrations and we started with some floor spots which included Mr John Oddie, Clive, Mike Foy with Kiki and Chris Martin. They all played some wonderful stuff and everyone enjoyed this aspect  of the evening before Paul and Jaqui, our gracious hosts, were kind enough to provide us with some excellent nibbles to be going on with before our main event.

I would also like to say thanks to Rowan from the Skarlettos for helping with the PA during the floor spots and giving Andy a well deserved night off and opportunity to enjoy the evening as a participant of the audience.

I think it was good that the Skarlettos came as something of a little surprise to most, as we have not gone down this route before, but everyone seemed very pleased with the opening number and stayed on for the rest of the night. There was quite a crowd and it was a significant indicator of the enduring popularity of the Folk and Blues club that we still manage to draw a lot of interest and participation. I know that Paul appreciates it and it seems to be a continuing success given the twist and turns and the slings and arrows, and strings and altos, and the bling and barrows……….of outrageous, and reasonably acceptable, fortune………

The Skarlettos kicked off at about 10, after the nosh, and played til the end.  They do a fantastic range of material which includes a lot of well known hits from different era thereby appealing to a range of tastes. The common denominator is that it is all up-tempo and provides a scintillating rhythm to which one is able to promenade and "get on down" and other directions……

I realise that there may be those who may find it unseemly, when speaking in Folk and Blues language, to talk of "ripping it up" and "getting down" and that we should, perhaps, be talking of more sedate, gentle and traditional forms of physical expression…..strangely, and serendipitously, enough there did not seem to be many people there of this particular persuasion and most of those who got up were quite happy to "get down" with all of the energy and enthusiasm required….including myself……..and it was excellent……..to be sure…….and we danced…and kept on dancing…….

Becky is a fantastic front person and singer and along with Rowan (guitar), Guy (guitar), Dave (drums) and John (bass) they have an excellent, well rehearsed, tight sound. There is something quite authentic about the construction of some of the stuff and the economical structures focus on the power of the rhythm. That is not to say that there is any lack of sophistication for, as any musician knows, keeping it simple and powerful is the "Holy Grail". The band backs the singer and this band do that with effective and interesting patterns and arrangements allowing them all to shine in their own right.  Becky also "cameos" on Trumpet and Tuba and does a thing where she delivers lollipops out of a Hoover…..it was also excellent that Rupert attended and joined in on Trumpet for some of the songs……

And it was a fantastic night and everyone seemed to enjoy it immensely…..which is no surprise to be honest because we seem to be getting used to that at the Folk Club….we could even hear them applauding from Keppler 24B……they started some time ago so the sound got here just at the right time….

And I think it was important that it was also a fitting and successful way in which to honour our good friend Roy….a man of unique talent across a range of instruments…….

The Folk and Blues club has seen some fantastic talent over the years and everyone who has taken part….in whatever context….has been a part of that history.

One may say that it is a bunch of musicians and audience in a small pub in a small village on a small carbon based planet in the Via Lactea…The Road of Milk…….but it is still the best Folk and Blues club in the Universe!! Regardless of those who would challenge our title and suggest we watch the………no I can't say it………….

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone.

"May you stay…forever young"

Chris 

16th November 2014 BEATLES NIGHT AND BEYOND….



Some of you will be aware of some elements of Quantum Theory by now as we have had some interesting discussions about this topic. On the Beatles Night I suggested the theory that, in other space-time dimensions that there are other Six Bells Folk and Blues Clubs where they play Beatles music every session and that the "theme" nights are where they play other stuff….there may also be other Folk and Blues clubs populated by gaseous like creatures that play in ocarina orchestras but, of course, we all know that all of this is complete nonsense…..ha,ha,ha,………you'll be telling me next that they can land a small robot-satellite on a comet after a journey of 6.4 billion kilometres…..ha,ha,ha,…..and that Elvis is working in a chip shop on Kepler 24B….I wonder if the Rosetta mission went past Kepler 24B?…..we could have asked them to deliver some complaints letters…….

The Beatles theme night went extremely well and I was pleasantly surprised that nine of our eleven performers played Beatles tunes…and there were no repeats!!
I am aware that not everybody enjoys the theme nights but it has become a bit of a tradition and an interesting means by which to inject a bit of variety in to the proceedings….plus it makes everyone extend their own repertoire so maybe it has some value in the wide blue yonder….who knows….

There was a good range of performers and, including myself, ewe saw Terry Lees, Chris Hilliier, Ella Moonbridge, Bernie, Bob Melrose, Derry, Clive Woodman, Chris Martin Simon Watt and Chris Liddiard. I kept a record of the range of songs but I am not going to write them all here but they come from all periods and styles of the Beatles and it was nice to see that some considered research had gone into selecting songs which could be performed solo to some effect.
Everyone played with particular enthusiasm and it was a very enjoyable evening. One has also to factor in the fact that it was Armistice Day and at least one person, Chris Martin, managed to respond to that by playing something appropriate which he had written himself.

It was nice to see Terry Lees as he does not get round our way too much. He is a good pal and a fantastic guitarist and he played a couple of excellent tunes, an instrumental version of Here Comes the Sun and I know my Babe which, I believe was the John Renbourne arrangement…..very nice to hear….

It was also good to see Chris Hillier after a wee absence. He gave us a few "Beatles based" covers of some rock'n'roll tunes helped out by Terry and Myself with an original rendering of Yellow Submarine which I think was an on the spot invention….but well done to him…he is actually a drummer…

Nice to see Bernie becoming a regular and there were good sets from Simon Watt and Chris Liddiard. I like Simon's ballad version of "Help". It is quite a clever take on the original and give it a different focus…

Derry gave us a couple of nice pieces on piano and Clive Woodman played some nice Beatles tunes including "Hey Jude" which I always think is a brilliant song;. The song was, apparently written, by Paul McCartney, for Julian Lennon when his parents were separating so it has some emotional reality and history…

Bob Melrose is an excellent guitarist and singer and is fronting the band Cracks in The Land who I am trying to find a date for next year. The problem is that Meya Rein, the singer, runs her own folk night on a Tuesday on Hailsham….but we will not be deterred….and they will play sometime next year I am sure…they are very good…I can vouch for it. Anyway, it was nice to see Bob coming and joining in with the Beatles context. He played "Tax Man and Penny Lane" and made a great job of both…quite difficult to do as a solo….

I must, however, say that one of the high-spots of the evening, for me, was Ella playing and singing with her flat backed Mandola. She has played a bit of bass previously but it was her debut as a solo performer on this instrument and she played "She Moved Through The Fair" and an excellent Joni Mitchell song, both quite complex, but she made a lovely job of both and was quite professional in her delivery, and a pleasure to see, so I hope she will do some more of that. The Mandola has a really interesting sound and she was using the drone strings as a kind of "thread"….I think she may have discovered a way forward there….

Chris Liddiard played an interesting song called "Im sure To Fall" which was a very early cover for the Beatles, in 1962, and was written by Carl Perkins….

So the night had quite a lot going for it to be honest….not only in performance but in the range of tunes and some interesting history to go with it…..
I would like to hear what people think about the theme night and certainly if anyone has any "theme" ideas….you can now e-mail the club from the web site….

And we all went home quite happy and contented with the evening…another good evening for the club and another page of history to add to the last 13.8 billion years…and a bit….

We have another singers night before the Christmas Party with the Skalettos…how time flies….

“And, in the end
The love you take
is equal to the love you make.”
Paul McCartney

All the best

chris




2nd Nov 2014  SOME WELCOME NEW FACES AND WIND IN OUR HAIR


I want to start my comments by reporting upon the excellent afternoon we had at the Cider Festival on the 19th October. We played outdoors on a sunny Sunday and, although somewhat windy and chilly later on, everyone stayed to hear a range of music from myself and John Oddie and from Francis Galpin and Bob Melrose. We all played about half an hour each and there were some great songs and responses from the crowd and it was a great event for the pub and a great advert for the Folk Club. So thanks to Rich for setting it all up and to all who played and provided some excellent entertainment. There were other bands including Rupert's Hazardous Funk and the whole day seems to have been a big success.

The outdoor thing seems to be quite interesting and it has been suggested that, in the warmer weather next year, we may do some of our weekly sessions outside with some atmospheric lighting and so forth…could be nice….

Anyway the 28th October was our first singers night for a while after the Curst Sons and Banjo Dave and it turned out to be a very interesting evening with some fabulous performances.

I must, initially, mention Lesley Watt, wife of our own Simon, who came and played for us for the first time. Her appearance was long overdue through no fault of her own. For some years, Lesley has been playing the mandolin and has been part of a mandolin orchestra who, unfortunately, rehearse on a Tuesday which is why she has not been able to come very easily on previous nights. Lesley's band is called The Fretful Federation and we will be making some links to their gigs when pertinent.
She played some lovely tunes and made a proficient and professional debut at the club which was very welcome and well received.

The night proceeded to maintain its usual process of commendable performances from regulars and newcomers. John Oddie and Chris Martin played good sets and I did a number with John at the end to round things off. Chris played a couple of good songs  and one has to compliment him upon his industry and enthusiasm. I still haven't managed to put anything on CD yet…..it is a strange old planet…

Simon Watt played a good set and Clive, who has become a welcome regular, played some good tunes. Clive is going to be doing an extended set in the new year which is worth looking out for. He has been a great supporter of the evenings thus far.

Bernie is a friend of Chris Liddiard and a regular at the White Horse club. He has now been a couple of times and on this occasion revealed that he is 81 or thereabouts…..so….there must be something to be said for the fact that he is  a good guitarist and has a strong voice. He plays some 50's type…bluesy type stuff…some of which I did not know but a great presence and some good songs and a good sense of humour and attitude….a welcome addition to the evenings. He got a great response so I hope we see him more often.

So it only remains for me to comment upon some new faces who all turned out to be very proficient and played some particularly good music.

Duncan and Jonno came down from East Grinstead and played a set each. Duncan played some interesting, well crafted and well delivered covers. He had a good sense of dynamics and timing and played some thoughtful pieces. Jonno played some original tunes and, again, had a great sense of using the backing to give some power to his lyrics. I thought they were very strong compositions with great melody and some subtle chord work. Both were a pleasure to hear and I was pleased to introduce them to the club….they both were keen to come back and said that they had a good night so we cant ask for any more than that to be honest…..

Will and Ant came as a guitar and fiddle duo but, in fact, they are part of a couple of larger bands called Noble Jacks and Last of the Wild. They are local lads and, from their account, associated with farriers and the world of horses. One of their songs was written by a farrier friend. There can be no doubt that they are very accomplished musicians but, beyond that, exhibited a particularly fresh and energetic quality which resulted in some lively and excellent songs and performances. They bill themselves as alternative folk but the music has a definite traditional fiddle basis and influence and is certainly engaging and infectious in its rhythms and reels…..so I hope we see some more of them….they were also very impressed with the night and all of the performances and were keen to return…..

So you never know what is around the corner and who is going to turn up at the old Tuesday night session….

Can I just say that I am no music aficionado….I like what I like and I write all of this stuff because I like to comment upon the nights as they go along…..it makes some further sense of doing it all and I feel that it, kind of, celebrates all of our endeavours but, please, do not ever feel that I am presuming to be looking down from on high and dispersing the dust of integral and empirical knowledge because I would never do that….even if I knew what it meant….so I might be doing it by accident but I haven't had any pangs of anything…….however if anyone has had any pangs of anything then I am quite happy to hear your angles….acute or obtuse…or right…or straight apparently but I think that is just called a line…..a bit of maths there to cheer you up….the nights are fair drawing in…..

I think that we put on a good show at the Folk and Blues night but there is always room for ideas and change and Simon and I are trying to set up an opportunity for a comments page on the website which is sort of under construction….

I hope I have mentioned everyone and I would like to remind everyone that we have a Beatles Theme night next time but, as always, it is never compulsory not like enjoying yourselves…

So are the Beatles folk and blues….?

Well….given that both the Beatles and the Stones were heavily influenced by R&B and Rock and Roll and the likes of Little Richard, Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry and that the origins of that music went back to Robert Johnson, the Delta Blues singer…..
hold that thought……..Robert Johnson recorded his main stuff in 1936 and Sgt Pepper was 1967 so that is 31 years on my abacus…….it is now 2014 so it is 47 years since Sgt Pepper….see where I am going with this….but then who really cares…….

Hope to see you next time with more interesting intellectual detritus to litter the human mind……oh yes!….and lots more music…….

Go and listen to Paul Robeson singing "Old Man River"……….first recorded in 1928 for the stage production of Show Boat….8 years before Robert Johnson recorded his famous "King of the Delta Blues" tracks….and 39 years before Sgt Pepper…..
The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 and the Big Bang was about 13.8 billion years ago…there have been other bangs since then…of various sizes…my dad dropped a hammer in about 1958…which I witnessed….

All the best and see you soon,

chris



17th October 2014    BANJO DAVE AND THE NEW CINEMATIC


Well, I like an intro that sounds like a Coen Brothers Film……

In the words of our illustrious Simon Watt "another stellar night"…..
The Folk and Blues club seems to lurch from success to success at the moment, which can only be a fabulous thing, and Tuesday was no exception although it did include a few pleasant surprises!

It was Banjo Dave's night, to be honest…Dave Moore. I met him for the first time at the Roebuck Singers Night and was really impressed by his style of playing and his delivery. There is something quite laid back about his performance but at the same time the numbers are quite powerful and definite and are often from traditional sources. He played an excellent set which was extremely well received and enjoyed by all.


I also need to mention Bernie who was playing for the first time. He is a pal of Chris Liddiard's  and plays at the White Horse Night. He played some very good, sort of 50's, jazzy pop stuff, and accompanied himself very capably on guitar. A great new performer and vet welcome. I hope we see more of him.

It was a busy night, all told, and there were plenty of floor spots resulting in quite a late finish…but nobody really minded. And it was commendable that many people stayed til the end so there was a good audience for Jayne Ingles and Clive who finished the night with some excellent songs. Jayne, who has a great voice, sang a couple of lovely folk tunes and Clive, who I managed to coerce onto the stage as our final performer did an excellent version of Wild World by Cat Stevens, which had everyone singing along….a lovely song. Cat Stevens is back on tour….I believe he calls himself Yusuf now but he still has the voice….I saw him in a TV interview….a very nice man….

It was nice to see Chris Martin who performed a couple of good songs one of which featured "the gang" who consisted of Banjo Dave, Helga, Jayne Ingles and John Oddie and who provided quite a nice upbeat and enjoyable performance. It is sometimes interesting with Chris because when he gets up to play he often takes most of the audience with him………
Derry played some nice piano tunes as per usual and John Oddie was happy to do our second spot with some excellent numbers.


Due to some mixed personnel Glynn and Chris Liddiard provided the run in to Banjo Dave's set and played some good stuff in the process.

I can never remember all of the numbers that people do and it occurs to me that I should make a list but I don’t want to get too pedantic about it all……

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago a couple of young men asked me if they could come and play and bring some equipment in terms of amps and the like and I had a chat with them about what they wanted to do and I thought "well why not…." and so we had them playing on Tuesday. Sholto, Jake and Chris form the New Cinematic and played some excellent numbers which, although not strictly acoustic music, were sort of ambient enough, in my opinion, to play at the club. They played some really interesting numbers, all self penned, and demonstrated some skill in performance and ability. What I think I liked most about what they did was the ability to use dynamic changes in creating a range of intensity and mood….slightly reminiscent of the Cocteau Twins.

I really liked them as musicians and as people and I think they got a good response….I would certainly like to see them back again for an extended set possibly…..

So another excellent night with an eclectic mix of people and music and I can't think that it could have been any better really….
I am running out of things to say and positive methods of describing people who come and make our evenings so pleasurable….which is a real compliment to the club to be honest….

Please remember that the next big night is the Christmas Party on the 9th December featuring the Skalettos but there is some water to cross before then so I hope to see you all….

Remember…

"the mud elephant, wading through the sea, leaves no tracks….." The Village Fugs

All the best

chris




14th October 2014     MUCH WATER….



I am sorry, everyone, that I have been a little slow with recent blogs but I have been otherwise engaged with some work issues and Artists Open Houses.
For those who may not already know I also am an artist…I paint…..it has been the other half of my existence since I was young and I taught Art and Design for many years.

So now you know….

Anyway we have two fantastic evenings to report upon on with some special guests and events.

Steve Dodds was our extended set on the 16th Sept. He is the guitarist with a band called Christopher's Trousers who have played regularly at the pub. He does some guitar tuition and has a solo career and had asked about coming along to try out some stuff for a new series of gigs. He is an excellent player and uses some interesting percussive techniques combined with some good fingerwork and interesting compositions. The traditional term for this kind of body tapping technique is called "golpe" and on Flamenco Guitars they used special guards to protect the body called "golpeadores".  If you have never seen that Flamenco Style there are some lovely examples on Youtube. Have a look at Paco de Lucia I can recommend it…..

Talking of Youtube, I think I told you all to go and look at Elvis doing Unchained Melody…..not to be missed 

Anyway…back at the corral….It was a great evening and Steve was very capable and it was nice to see yet another new performer and another technique at the club.

There were, of course, many floor spots, all of whom were equally welcome and accomplished, as always.
Clive started us off and young Matthew played some original songs and a cover. Nice to see him coming along and enjoying the nights.
Glenn played for us and accompanied Helen who sang some excellent tunes.

Derry played some classical piano for us and Fran Galpin played a couple of excellent pieces. Good to see both of theses two having the opportunity to play for us. I know we have had some busy nights but I like to see everybody taking part.
Fran has helped us enormously while Andy has been away and I can not thank him enough for his support with the PA as well as his great performances.

So it was left to Mike Aldridge and Chris Liddiard to finish the night for us in their own inimitable style. Two great friends of the club and always a pleasure to see and hear.

Our next evening was the special night with the Curst Sons. Willi, Dave and Tim have visited us before on a couple of occasions and have always given us a fantastic show.
This was no exception and the fundamental mix of Hillbilly Style and a basic beat had everyone dancing. When I say everyone I mean about 100 people who attended on the evening. It was a great night and there were some new numbers from the band. As Andy remarked "they are just two guitars and a rhythm stick but they are so solid and make a powerful noise"
Willi's rhythm instrument is quite a feature of the band and I must ask him what the proper name is or whether it is a modification of another instrument. I think the rhythm sticks are called "clave" but that may not refer to this type. However it provides an excellent element of their sound which I always think has some element of mystery along with the basic stuff.
A great gig and it will be a pleasure to have them back at some point.

This night we do at this time of year to coincide with the festival and this year we engaged in a kind of symbiotic arrangement with them which seemed to work pretty well.
We try to run an evening with a special guest but which also has the opportunity for floor spots so that we keep the "feel" of the Folk and Blues club while accommodating the special event.
This year we had Clive Woodman and John Oddie and Rachel providing some support and they played some excellent stuff which provided a lovely introduction to the night.

We had a significant attendance and it only reinforces the validity and value of the Folk Club and its endurance as a live event, but we do need some new blood to take it on its future journey and, as I have often said, I will not be able to stand at the front for ever no matter how much X Factor I experience. (subtle joke….I have never seen a single episode but there is a story behind my comment…..I am sure you are all dying to hear…..yea that'll be right…….)

So we move forward again and we are looking forward to Banjo Dave and the Christmas Party with the Skalettos….so there is always something interesting on the horizon and, hopefully, something for everyone to enjoy.
I always say this but all are free to suggest things and people to play and host. Don’t comment on what we are doing when you could be organising something yourselves…

Simon and I are planning the programme for 2015 which should be up soon so have a look and feed back…….

I hope I haven't missed anything or anyone but sorry if I have.

I still think Julie Driscoll's version of Wheels on Fire is the best….I like the Band's version and the basement tapes but there is something about the Julie Driscoll track which seems to define a whole era for me….and interestingly it seems the same as the first time I heard it all those years ago……..much water……..

See you soon

All the best

chris

2nd September 2014      THE MEDIUM IS THE MESSAGE  (Marshall McLuhan)


When I was a young lad this little phrase became the catchphrase of the moment and it seems to me that, even though we never really thought about it much beyond the obvious, it has some significance in what we do at the Folk and Blues nights.

I never know what to expect when I turn up on  a Tuesday. It is, to be honest, sometimes, quite challenging. There are so many different things to consider. How many people…the sound…is the guitar too loud?…is the voice too quiet?……can this person go on early because they have to get up at whatever time?…….
On Tuesday there was only me until Rupert, bless his cotton socks, turned up later.
I enjoy the variety and the anticipation but there is always the question of who goes on first and last…..I have to play first and then, often, spend the rest of the night managing others. So there is nothing personal in my choices and selections and I would always endeavour to get everyone on. 
A couple of Folk and Blues nights ago, someone turned up at 10.15, walked straight through the performing act and started to negotiate in a loud voice that they should go on straight away as they had vaguely contacted me to tell me that they were coming. I cant work with vagaries, beyond the fact that it was not OK to ignore the people who were playing. I do not operate on that basis…….performing, I hope, is not just about someone playing then going away, or talking to their pals once they are finished, but taking part in the whole night….being interested….and courteous enough to respect others when they are performing……
I can't say that I can concentrate 100% for the whole night, or that I never exchange comments occasionally, but I am running the whole thing and I need to organise on the hoof……..or paw, as I was born in the year of the Tiger…….

Anyway, enough of that, as it was another excellent night at the Folk and Blues Club and it was great to see some new performers that had come as a result of some of our attendance and involvement at the Blackboys Open Mike night and at their Beer Festival at the weekend.
So it was good to see a young man called Matthew come and play a mixture of covers and some of his own material. He has a good voice and a likeable approach and was a welcome visitor to the evening.
It was also nice to see some creative bonding of abilities in John and Ella playing some Cat Stevens. An interesting situation in that I know John from the Blackboys, where he plays some good and varied material. And Ella from a past meeting in relation to the Art world where she was an exhibitor at one of the Open House events. I had not seen her for a while and it was good to see her turn up a couple of weeks ago with the intention of playing….so we managed to get them together and they did some rehearsal before the club and made a very good job of it…..it all fits in with our Mission Statement….which I am still writing……
It was also lovely to see the return of Lizzie and Darren who played a really nice set together. Darren was also there with a further motive, which was to play with another, sort of, new face. Josie announced, at the beginning of her set, that she had actually played at the club some years ago as a young girl. She entertained us with some excellent fiddle tunes and I hope that she can attend regularly….I love fiddle playing and, on a less selfish basis, I really like to see an eclectic range of instruments and styles….it makes it all so much more rich and interesting…..

So it was down to the rest of us to play the rest of the night. I said at the beginning that I wanted to welcome our new faces, as a friendly and inclusive gesture, and I would hope that everyone would agree with me in that approach….so I have to thank all of those who were patient in supporting that view….I also have to mention that it was nice to see Rupert again and to hear him joining in on trumpet and helping with the PA….he is a great supporter of the nights….
Simon Watt sang an interesting number about Ebola…he is becoming very expressive advocate of world events, these days, and promoting some thought, and reflection, in our audience….

John Oddie was also on form as per usual and there were a couple of interesting pieces from John Revell who, quite astutely observed, when Josie was paying the fiddle, "its like a proper folk club"…..nice….
Clive has become a welcome regular and plays some interesting, up-beat, stuff. He is very capable and does a good set along with Mike Aldridge and Chris Liddiard who always provide some good entertainment and play a really interesting range of numbers.
Chris Martin was going to be our final act and, along with Rupert, played some new songs of his own. He needs a medal for his productivity and continuous enthusiasm. He works hard at his songs and does a well driven set.
However, sometime later on, I was to be approached by Jamie from a duo called The Spooky Wagons. He plays and sings with his wife Elise and they did some original stuff, and a couple of covers, and were fantastic. Some great harmonies and energy and a very positive approach overall. A lovely way to end the evening and I hope they and everyone else will visit us again and often.
Don’t forget the Curst Sons on the 30th and there is a night on the 16th yet so please bee there and come and listen and play and have a good night.
I get pleasantly tired of saying that it was a good night and I often run out of ways of saying that everyone was really good……I think that anyone who comes to play is very brave but we enjoy that and my hope is that everyone at the club encompasses the philosophy of positive inclusion and  for everyone who plays and takes part in whatever way…..

I just do it the way I do it to be honest….maybe there is a better way….but in the new Mission Statement there is already the opportunity to complain… the address is;  The Six Bells Folk and Blues Club Complaints Department, Department X, Kepler 47c, The Kepler System, Outer Space. Please allow a week to ten days for any kind of response……then just keep waiting……please feel free to continue to attend the Folk Club while waiting for the resolution of your complaint…..please address complaints to "Who does he think he is…."……..please feel free to discuss the content of your response when you receive it…..the Kepler System is 4,900 light years away…….light travels at 671 million miles per hour……so you'll need to keep up….

When people ask me who I think I am, I think of an Oscar Wilde quote,
" I always try to be myself because everyone else is taken"

Who I actually am is probably similar to this…..I think I may be one of the ones who is taken…..

Anyway live long and prosper

chris

25th August 2014     INTERESTING VISITORS AND AN INTERESTING TENT EVENT


There is no average night at the Six Bells Folk and Blues Club. My preoccupation with the random and spontaneous order of quantum physics is no accident……. except that it probably is.
This ramble is divided into a range of sections which describe a range of events, all of which are interconnected with lines of context which are woven around the central nature of the people and music which is found at the waterhole of creativity that is the Six Bells Folk and Blues Club.

Part 1 ONCE MORE INTO THE……..
First up for comment is last Tuesday which saw a fantastic range of singers and players as well as some engaging, individual and unexpected bits of input from some interesting participants.
Eileen and Ann are sisters who are from Cornwall and just happened to be holidaying in the area so they thought they would come along and see if they could join in. They are fairly senior ladies but entertained and surprised us all with their efficacy and witty repartee. Eileen is a singer and she sang solo with some interesting folk tunes one of which was a little risqué and quite amusing. She later sang a number with her sister who first read some interesting poems and, all in all, they were an excellent addition and welcome visitors to the evening. We certainly enjoy this kind of random visit and hope to see them coming to perform for us should they return.
In a completely different vein, David, who has become an enthusiastic visitor also brought along a piece of poetry which had been inspired by the notion of String Theory. My mother and Grandmother were fantastic knitters, in fact, when they got going they could have used them as an alternate source of power if there had been the technology to harness this, near perpetual, flux capactition. "Do axolotls like custard" is a question I am never asked but I would imagine that the answer could be found in the plethora of letters and syllables which had been reconstituted into the work of genius, or complete load of nonsense, that was David's poem, depending, of course, which dimension you were in, whether you could follow it, or whether you were actually there on the night. I sense that some of his contextual complexity may have been planned……hmmmmm……

It was good to see Keith Willson make a return after a while away, he played some strong blues/gospel based tunes and has a great voice….nice to see him back…
It was also very good to see Chris Liddiard play a little earlier in the evening, by arrangement with me, as he usually gets in a little later but we managed to pre-empt his arrival…..

John Revell played some very nice traditional folk guitar pieces which reminded me of some earlier times listening to the likes of Bert Jansch and John Renbourn and Clive, who has become a regular visitor played some nice up beat tunes to liven the mood.
John Oddie played some nice soulful slide and Mike Aldridge also did some of his usual well crafted and well delivered pieces. Both of these regular performers bring a welcome level of interest and input to the evenings and, while it is wonderful to have random and spontaneous input, we have to remember that all of our regular performers are equally important and make up the foundation of the club.

So it must be said that Francis has been a major support of the club over the last couple of years and has made a brilliant job of working the desk as well as playing some excellent songs as he did on Tuesday. It takes patience to work with a range of musicians with their idiosyncrasies and this is an added bonus, and a major support to me, in keeping everything going smoothly. I must say that we have rarely had any problems so let it be ever thus……

I hope you all realise what a deft tactician I am in navigating my organisation of this narrative to implement a cunning link to the next bit of the overall, rounded, delivery of information and events. In explaining my boast I reveal that Mr Simon Watt, the long time chanteur and raconteur, a veritable weaver of contemporary factual relevance, provides the central theme to a range of prescient issues……

As you all know there are times when some of us can play second or third, unlike myself who always has to play numero uno, or there are times when we have to "go on a bit later". We all have to "wear it" as such and Tuesday was one of those times when Simon was required to "go on a bit later" to quote a phrase coined by me…….earlier in this tale. So it was that Simon managed, "for no obvious reason", to play an extremely entertaining and amusing set to the great appreciation of all present. This was particularly evident by the amount of applause and subsequent feedback regardless of the significant lack of poetry (subtle clue here) in his renditions……..now I know you are all wondering where this is going?, with the link and stuff, but it just so happens that, on the previous Sunday, Simon and Lesley and their daughter Laina were kind enough to invite many of us, from the folk club and beyond, to a lovely day at their home…………..


Part 2 WE FEW, WE HAPPY FEW, WE BAND OF BROTHERS……….AND SISTERS………AND PONIES……AND DOGS……..AND TENTS….AND SUNSHINE…(apologies to W.S.)"It always rains on tents. Rainstorms will travel thousands of miles, against prevailing winds, for the opportunity to rain on a tent."
DAVE BARRY

If you ever saw the film Henry Vth, with Laurence Olivier, you may remember that, in amongst all of the Shakespearian shenanigans, there is a bit with Mr Olivier on 'is 'orse spouting Shakespearian stuff and, in the background there is a fine example of a tent…..you know, with decorative bits, kind of flapping in the breeze……very evocative, and rural, I say…..

So it was to a tent of this ilk that we were all invited, sited atop a rise, and looking particularly impressive, on Simon and Lesley's land….the tent being kindly donated and organised by Laina. The tent itself was large enough to accommodate a significant crowd and, I must say, our PA sounded particularly good in it. There was a little rain early on but the day developed into a lovely, sunny, English rural scene worthy of any Constable….the painter that is…..not the local bobby…..or the sheriff as it may have been…..

So Richard and Claire, Toucan Cooks, from the Six Bells, provided a handsome repast and Lesley made a brilliant effort in arranging the food and tables and all of the supporting drinks and accoutrements. The assembled guests then proceeded to listen to and play a fantastic range of music provided by many of the Folk Club and others.
Our performers included Myself, Simon, John Oddie, Rachel, Mike Aldridge, Francis, Keith Willson, Chris Liddiard and Jill, Dave Green, Rupert and Joe Wilkinson on mandolin and saxophone Greg came along and it was great to see them all.
On the day, for me, it was nice to see Jill and Chris Liddiard playing together again as well as Keith Willson who we hadn't seen for some time. They both did some excellent songs. It was also very good to see Dave Green perform some excellent slide but I think that the stand out set of the day belonged to Mike Aldridge who, supported by Dave Green, played some fantastic blues…..best I think I have ever seen him perform. There was also an excellent set from Joe Wilkinson, one of Lesley's mandolin orchestra, the Fretful Federation. He played some lovely pieces and extended the input beyond stuff from Folk Club participants.



So it was a lovely day and as the shadows lengthened into the evening and we all enjoyed some fantastic songs and sets everyone eventually went their way feeling that it had all been very worthwhile.
We have to thank Simon and Lesley and Laina for all of this and hope we can do it again. It takes some organising……..I also think it was a fantastic extension to the Folk and Blues Club………ahhh! halcyon days…


Part 3 GOOD COMPANY

The energy spreads…especially when things are positive and so it was that John Oddie and Myself, as representatives of the Folk Club, were delighted to be asked to support Good Company, a three piece who are led by Mike Willis, from Tennessee, who came and played at the club a while ago. It was outdoors at the Six Bells and proved to be a lovely night of fun and music. We did our stuff which, was very well received, and the band played a long set which consisted of some good songs, some proficient musicianship, some excellent harmonies and some very entertaining and humorous moments. The audience really loved it….it was a really special event and there were a lot of people.
If you don’t already know the guys are walking from Eastbourne, to London, doing gigs on the way to raise money for charity and on the night we raised over £150 for The Air Ambulance.
The whole thing was really laid back and the band who are all pals connected brilliantly with the audience and generated a positive and friendly atmosphere and made everyone feel involved and welcome.
There is a link on the website so check it out……

So……phew……it is time for me to go….it has taken some time to report on all of this…..but…you know what…..I enjoy it….because it is worth it………where have I heard that before……now let me think……

All the best

chris


5th August 2014   STRING THEORY AND CHEAP SUNGLASSES……JUST ANOTHER NIGHT.


Hello All,

When my friends and I were young, and just getting in to playing and performing, we used to find all of the Folk Clubs we could reach by various forms of transport so that we could sing our songs from our new found heros, and influences, and even songs that we had written ourselves. I had discovered Dylan, Bert Jansch, Jack Kerouac and Gary Snyder and Beefheart to add to the Beatles, Stones and Buddy Holly as well as the Yardbirds and The Pretty Things. I had some friends who I knocked around with and we played individually, and together, and we wrote our own songs because we thought that "if they can do it then why not us"…….so not much has changed really….

We hitched down from the North East so we could visit the Cousins Club in Soho and we played the Morden Tower in Newcastle which had hosted the likes of Allen Ginsberg and Ivor Cutler and what was different was that there was a context of creativity emerging into our world which was no longer about "boy meets girl", and full of drama and emotion, but about serious social issues. My introduction to the Blues was via a friends' Skip James album….the number "Hard Time Killin' Floor" will live with me from that time.
Of course the music was not new, but it was new to us….

I must say, at this point, that I had, nor have, anything against mainstream pop music and the Everly Brothers are still one of my favourites, in songs and style, and I would further add that Chris Liddiard plays some great versions of their tunes, as he did on Tuesday…thanks Chris….

However this new music, well new to me and my friends anyway, was becoming interesting in that it was talking about current issues and things which were important in the world. Dylan was singing "Masters of War" and Donovan, "The Universal Soldier" and there was a whole world of Blues and Jazz which was full of a different kind of drama and reality…

And I have always held this view, that music and art provide important functions in the world beyond being simple, facile decoration and I would like to think that the evening that I have run for so long maintains that potential, and manifests that philosophy.
I think that Jazz is like Abstract Painting….John Coltrane was a complete revelation to me……

I don’t want to get too too serious, or tell anyone what they should or shouldn’t play, or listen to, but it is good, personally, when I remember that I haven't really changed that much, since those days, when we could find ourselves in a transport café, at 2 in the morning, talking about Big Bill Broonzy, and Robert Johnson, and wondering how we were going to get home….I hope you get what I am talking about….I know that many things have changed….but some things stay the same….
Tuesday night was interesting in that it had a very creative intent about it and there were some strong performances all round….well that’s what I thought…and others said….and some of it, for no particular reason, reminded me of those early days….

What has prompted some of my introductory ramblings was Simon Watt's excellent performance of a couple of topical, self penned songs about recent events in Scotland and Gaza….Simon has a penchant for poetical wit, and has written some humorous stuff, but I also felt that there was something a little more poignant about his observations, especially the one about Gaza……I could tell that it promoted some thought and reflection in those listening which I felt was quite important….so it kind of took me back a little…..

There has been a chap called David who has been coming along and demonstrating some enthusiastic support for the evenings and he finally managed to get up and play harmonica with John Oddie and Myself as we opened the evening with a bit of bluesy type stuff….I was pleased for him as he did a good job and felt that he had achieved something for himself, so good on him….it all seemed to go down ok…I enjoy playing together with John and we accompanied each other on a range of numbers with him playing some great slide….

There was also a welcome return for Bob Taylor with Adele who played some lovely songs including "Autumn Leaves" originally by Joseph Kosma and Jaques Prevert with a very good version by Nat King Cole. Adele has a lovely voice and it was very good to see them back. Bob played some nice guitar throughout and it was very well received. 

Chris Martin is always welcome and played some good tunes…he has been a great support to the club for some considerable time now and long may it last….he is a very creative man and has an enthusiastic and inclusive approach.

Francis, who also, very kindly, managed the desk, played some great stuff including a fantastic rendering of "Ruby Tuesday" by the Stones, and, you see, that is what is wonderful about the evenings because for every different performer there is someone who is looking for interesting songs to play, representing their own eclectic taste…

In Derry we have our continuing classical pianist and it is great to see him coming along and supporting the evenings and enjoying all of the music….with his cast of thousands….come on down I say….

The whole night was interspersed with me employing Quantum Physics as a way of "tying things together" with observations on String Theory which replaces the concept of individual particles with the notion of strings which require the existence of extra spatial dimensions in order to maintain mathematical consistency. String theory has to include gravity and is, obviously, a candidate for the theory of everything….so there's no getting away from it really….and I also found some cheap sunglasses to emphasise and expostulate my rantings so that people realised that I was not just playing with conceptual notions of space and time and the reflective diversity of all matter…..sigh….

So Woody was next on our list and it was good to see his return. He is a good, solid and capable blues player and has a broad knowledge of styles and numbers and delivers some very well constructed and enjoyable stuff. He has definitely developed a very personal style which draws upon original styles and enhances the blues genre in general.

It is always good to see Mike Aldridge and he played some excellent tunes as always. Mike has been a real support to the club and we must get him back for another extended set at some point.
It is also always very good to see someone new enter the fray. When I think about it, with all of the regulars playing some great stuff, it must be quite intimidating, in a way, to come and perform your debut but Steve Brown took it on remarkably and played some excellent pieces on mandolin and guitar and presented a confident, entertaining and positive set…..fantastic….I hope we see him again….you never know what to expect but that kind of enthusiasm is always welcome…thanks Steve…

As I commented earlier, Chris Liddiard played some excellent stuff and was very kind in thanking me for my efforts over the years…..

So it was late when John Oddie and Rupert and Myself got going with some random, driven blues to round off the evening which we enjoyed as, I hope, did others…….its just nice to get going and stretch out sometimes and let everyone do their thing.

Both John and Rupert are excellent musicians who give the club some real support and it is a privilege to play along with them…I think it sounded ok…it is difficult to tell when you are in it…

So it was a good night…a special night and I think that the fact that many stayed on to listen said it all….
Out of interest there are some Youtube links below. In an act of shameless self-promotion, for Rupert and Myself, I have added some that Prakash was kind enough to put on although I didn’t know he was doing it…thanks to him….Rupert is fantastic on trumpet!!…
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWiYrXQx1mM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT8EDksj3FI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OBJkZv4s40

But please do not forget that there is the possibility that millions of, or infinite, versions of the same night happened at the same time in millions of, or infinite, dimensions, if Einstein is to be believed…the problem is that there must also be millions of, or infinite, versions of Einstein, so which one is right….answers on a postcard please….a string of pearls can not be ruled out….

I think there may be some benefit in attending the next Folk Blues night so we can begin working on the solution by being extra creative and enjoying the music….I think the answer may be in there somewhere……

See you all soon

chris


22nd July 2014    Hello everyone,


It is some time since I  wrote anything here due to work commitments so I would like to start by thanking Chris Martin for his excellent help and support in running the night for a couple of sessions.

By all reports you all had a good time and continued the excellent quality and reputation of the Folk and Blues night. 

Last time we had the Down Under Session hosted by Geoff Jackson and it was good to see him and Elaine kick off what was to prove to be another successful night much enjoyed by everyone.


Click on the image to see - Jackaroo (The Movie) courtesy of Prakash.


We had a good crowd and it was enjoyable for a range of reasons none less than seeing the re-emergent Dave Dyke come and play a few ditties…..it has been a while….he was full of his usual good humour and I even managed to remember a number we used to do about 15 years ago and so that was quite nice….just like yesterday……

Geoff kept the list so I am not completely sure who performed but there were some excellent sets. I may try to sort it out with him and we can credit everyone at a later stage. All said it was an excellent night and I would like to thank Geoff for all of his efforts in arranging everything and being a wonderful host. Maybe he could write something which we could add as a separate report for the blog….I will ask him….

It is quite interesting that there seem to have been a number of Open Mike sessions being set up recently and I, for one, am fully in support of all of these initiatives. The Blackboys, May Garland, the Half Moon at Cade Street, the Brewers at Vines Cross, the Green Man in Ringmer to name but a few.

We have a brilliant opportunity to support and cross reference with a whole range of venues and players and, far from presenting any kind of competition, as someone suggested to me, I think it is great to have so many opportunities for people to play and share music and have some good times together.

I am not playing music, nor running the Folk club to compete with anyone……I have nothing to prove….and that does not interest me. I think it is good that we are creating a network of so much creativity.

This leads me, neatly, to some information which I would like to share with everyone and in which I would like to encourage you to take part.

As you must already know we have The Curst Sons playing, on the 30th Sept and now, I am happy to announce we have the Skarlettos who are going to play part 2 of the Christmas Party which is on the 9th Dec. There will be floor spots at the beginning. This is when we commemorate, and remember, Councillor Roy and we will be donating some cash to his charity as per usual. There will be some food and some good fun to be had, so be there!!…..why don’t you have a quick look at one of Roy's videos on the web site!!

I would also like to mention that my good friend Dave Backley attended last Tuesday and he has recently started an open mike session at the Blackboys Inn on the alternate Tuesday to ours. I had a really good night there and I would recommend it to all. Further to that, on the weekend of 29-31st August, the Blackboys Inn is presenting a festival of live music with a whole range of live sounds and performers…..so look out for that……

Last night (Thurs) I went to the May Garland where there is a new, once a month, evening on a Thursday organised by Meya Rein who, as an accomplished solo performer, plays some good original songs and is also a new member of Cracks in the Land which is Bob Melrose and Bart's band. I saw them do some great original stuff and I also enjoyed playing a set myself……Meya is also arranging something at the May Garland for the August Bank Holiday which, I think, is about the 24th August so………

I also saw Ruth at Meya's night and she has told me that she has moved her event from the Cross in Hand to the Half Moon at Cade Street on the first Sun afternoon in the month…it was good to see her singing together with Clare…..

Meya also got in touch with me recently to promote a night at the Bells which will feature an American singer called Mike Willis who is doing a Friday night on the 22nd August as part of a walk to London from Eastbourne in aid of charity…. There are more details on the website…..and an informative poster!!

There is lots going on for people to enjoy and take part in and my feeling is that we can all support each other. Everywhere I go has a slightly different quality and some different guests which only provides a good range of creativity and interest….
So we all roll along together and I think it is a good thing to have so many possibilities.

I would like, before I finish, to make a special mention of Rupert Cobb who comes and supports the night and plays some fantastic trumpet, he is an excellent musician and a very supportive and positive guest along with Andrea who often takes some great photos. I have played a couple of really good sets with Rupert recently and it has made the evenings really enjoyable for me…..it makes it all worth it in a different context…..I am sure you know what I mean…..

And a special mention for Fran Galpin and Andy Barnes and Simon Watt who all help to make up the team that makes the night so successful and enjoyable. Also to Paul, the landlord, who makes it all physically possible.

I never really know what I am going to say when I start…..I have a vague idea…..and then end up writing quite a lot…so I hope that you all read it because I never really know how many people I am talking to.
So there is a lot of info and I hope that it it is interesting and useful and that you come along and enjoy all of the effort that organisers and performers and guests are putting in to it all.

So my friends I am going to sign off for now,

Take care and see you soon,

chris

24th June  2014    This blog was provided by Chris Martin. Chris kindly ran this evening because Chris Mansell had a work commitment.

Take 2 and I’m back at the Six Bells. Chris Mansell’s still away on his travels, so I got a second outing as the Folk & Blues Club impresario. It was a warm and sticky summer evening, too warm for my jacket, but I needed the pockets to carry all my important promoter’s tackle (camera, pen & glasses)!

We had a mellow evening, with a lovely mix of styles and genres from across the pantheon of acoustic music. I got things rolling with one of my new tunes, ‘Funked up Country’ and was then joined by slide maestro, John Oddie for my Open mic anthem, ‘I like to be sad’. John stayed in his chair to help David Hanks with his first song, ‘Johnny too bad’, before heading back stage in search of his beer.


And the crowd went wild....

Sylvia was our only female performer of the evening and delivered a poem about Bob Dylan and then did a light-hearted a cappella number. Next up, Glynn regaled us with two of his splendid Johnny Cash covers, closing with an excellent rendition of ‘Folsom Prison Blues’. Clive gave us a more introspective folky vain, finishing with a pretty interpretation of Gordon Lightfoot’s ‘Early morning rain’.

Earlier in the evening I’d been chatting with Chris Liddiard about song writing and our respective (vain) on-going attempts to get our music out there. Chris duly delivered two of his fine tunes and a nice story about his PRS revenues.


Upstaged Again....

Simon Watt, the man behind this website was on good form with his (nearly) in tune 12-string and being the showman he is, he dragged a female member of the audience up for a bit of tambourine work on his second song. He’d been observing a table of ladies and selected Anne as she was tapping her foot in time to the music! She didn’t disappoint and gave a fine performance as the only percussionist of the evening.

Mike Aldridge gave us his rendition of ‘Jungle Lullaby’ and closed with a bit of mellow & dexterous blues guitar playing. John Oddie was back up for his own set, opening with a lovely interpretation of ‘Killing the blues’. Jim performed some old school rock n roll in a busking style, before Derry added some gravitas to the evening with a couple of old tunes from that Beethoven fellow on the Bells (past it’s sell-by-date) piano, ably assisted by his page turner, Eric. Derry’s ‘Moonlight Sonata’ was followed by Francis Galpin’s pretty pair of Van Morrison tunes.

Francis closed the evening with Moondance. Thanks to Francis for doing the sound, all the players for playing and the audience for listening. Mr Mansell should be back at the helm next time out at the Bells - Thank you very much and goodnight x


10th June  2014    This blog was provided by Chris Martin. Chris kindly ran this evening because Chris Mansell had a work commitment.

A really good night at the Six Bells - thanks to all the great players (and listeners) who came along and did their thing. We had the added bonus of a house band available to help out the players - Alison (stage left) with her djembe, Bart (stage right) on cajon and Greg joining in with some pretty Sax parts.

I did my (Bill Graham) impresario bit and opened up (helped by the Santana-esk percussion section) with my (non Cliff) version of The Young Ones, in memory of the late Rik Mayall and was then joined by Rupert Cobb on trumpet (and piano) for my second song, Mendacious Cowboy.



Rupert also did a top job running the desk and managing the sound. David Hanks was first up with a couple of excellent bluesy numbers, he was followed by Clive with a brace of pretty folk songs. inimitable Glynn, who was then joined by Helen on vocals, the pair performed a barnstorming California Dreamin, ably supported by the full house band, along with Jayne & Lisa on BVs. Jayne Ingles was next up with two great mellow performance aided by Bart on the brushes (nice).

A dynamic and powerful performance from Jack, was followed by John with a traditional instrumental and a light-hearted self penned number. Bob Melrose (Cracks In The Land) was in top form with Bart really rockin it on the cajon and adding some sweet BVs. Chris Liddiard gave us a couple of his mellow numbers with Lisa adding some great BV work.

Six Bells stalwart, Derry then gave us a taste of classical with his piano renditions. We closed the evening with a cracking performance from Bob and the dynamic drummers, with Rupert giving it large on his horn. A great evening Cheers Chris


1st April  2014    ALL KINDS OF NEWS AND CELEBRATIONS…BUSINESS AS USUAL

I realise it is some time since I managed to write something for the journal. I have been busy with many things….most of which have been related to education of one kind or another and which have required a responsible and consistent approach.

However I find myself with some time to celebrate and report on recent events which, as usual, have seen the club maintain its excellent standard and its friendly and creative ambience.

Recent events have seen Simon Watt and Mike Aldridge perform an excellent extended set which nearly did not take place due to some health issues for both of them, but they made it through to entertain us with some good songs and an excellent evening all round!!…….. so thanks to them.

The same evening saw newcomers Newick who played some good folk tunes and also Kieran and Jerome who do not manage to visit that often but still played some good stuff.

#
Antipodean Geoff Jackson put in an appearance along with Trace, John Oddie, Ruth and Clair, Derry and Chris Liddiard. It was also very good to see Paul Vaughn who runs the club in the Ark in Newhaven. He has a strident approach and entertained with some good country folk tunes.
Chris Martin played some original tunes and his friend David also played a very good set.
So the night was very successful and everyone seemed to enjoy it which is what matters.

Our recent night was also very enjoyable and saw myself and David, Simon Watt, Mike Aldridge, Chris Martin and Chris Liddiard all playing some good stuff as usual. It was lovely to see Rachel singing with John Oddie who played a set on his own….excellent as always.

It was also lovely to see Phil and Sabina who used to come to the folk club regularly but have now moved to Sweden. Some of you may remember an excellent evening with Phil on guitar and Sabina on electric double bass. Unfortunately Sabina was not able to play this time but Phil gave us a few good blues songs which everybody enjoyed as well as joining in, on harp, with John Oddie and myself, at the end, to play some R&B classics.

So some good music as usual and good attendance……I reminded everyone that when I started the folk nights there were only two or three people!….on one occasion I remember nearly packing it in as I was the only one who turned up!! I never thought it would last as long as it has and I never, nor still do not, expect anything from it other than people enjoy themselves and see an opportunity to play and listen…….

But there was other news to contend with in that Miche, a long time friend and supporter of the club, sadly passed away while on holiday in Morocco. Miche, who has been a regular friendly face at the Bells, was a photographer and had recently exhibited his work in Open Houses and other locations. It was quite sudden and a shock to everyone and we were all very sad. I am sure we would all like to thank Simon for arranging a donation, on behalf of the Folk Club, to Demelza, in his memory. Our feelings go out to his family and friends and I have said that, in the fullness of time, we will organise a night on his behalf and give the collection to charity.

It was also very sad to hear that Cowboy Roy, who I first met at Lisas evening in Laughton, had suffered a stroke. Lisa let us know and I also know that Chris Liddiard is a good friend of his and was very upset at the news. Roy has played at the Bells folk club on a number of occasions and he plays good old Country and Western music with a very capable and authentic approach. He is a very friendly, positive and straightforward man and very supportive and complementary of others….a true gentleman.
Recent news is that he is on the mend, but it is  slow process, so our thoughts go out to him and his family. We hope to see him playing again soon.

And so I will leave you there for the moment….
Please think about our friends who have been part of our lives, and enjoyment, and spend a moment to extend some positive thoughts to them, those who love them, and their memory…

All the best

chris


18th February 2014    C J MARTIN and FRIENDS  and MORE….

Chris Martin has been a good friend of the club and a regular performer for a couple of years now and it is always good to have him at the evenings as he brings a positive and friendly attitude and some good performances.
As a singer songwriter he has also created an opportunity for others to play with him, on a number of projects, which makes a great musical statement for us all….. I think….. and certainly fits in to my original philosophy for starting the whole thing in the first place.

So it was a great pleasure to see him come along and perform his extended set with a veritable team of excellent musicians as well as some of his cycling friends, in full support, in the audience. He played a good range of numbers supported by John Oddie, Jayne Ingles, Bart on percussion and Helga on Flute. Everyone enjoyed their set and it was a great success for him and for the ongoing concept of the extended set. So we were all well pleased.

Chris has a number of CDs available unlike myself who only has a whole range of unfinished bits. My musical recording history looks a bit like the Roman Wall…….!!!

It was a great evening and followed some recent successful nights.
I know I have not written anything for a while but there are other things in my world at the moment and I have to try and be even handed bout it all.
I would, firstly, like to thank Francis for standing in for Andy once again…..very kind and much appreciated!!

The were some excellent new people and David Hanks took the number two spot and gave us  couple of good numbers and Jayne played her own set before joining in with Chris later on. Jayne has an excellent voice.
It was also nice to see Mandy return to the club after a recent visit. She played some good original material and was very complementary about the evening as a whole which is always very good to hear. She writes some good stuff and I hope she keeps coming to play for us.

Bob Melrose has a new outfit called Cracks in The Land which features a new girl singer called Christina, plus Bart on percussion. Christina has a great voice and they played some really good numbers, well constructed with some deft musicianship. I have them pencilled in for an extended set and I am looking forward to it…!! Some interesting tunes and a very good sound….I would recommend that night to all…..!!

Simon gave us a couple of good songs in his usual good humoured fashion….I was tempted to play Spoonful later……..

I have an evening class on a Monday which makes it difficult for me to get to the White Horse so I am always impressed by the fact that Chris Liddiard comes to perform for us. He is always very welcome and he plays some good tunes many of which are self penned.

And so it was that I actually managed to play a couple of songs at the end which I always enjoy and everyone stayed to listen which is also very commendable.

I think the club is as much about listening as playing and I am often amazed at the range of people I have heard over the years. Maybe we should do another CD and sell it for charity. Maybe I will ask Rupert if he would be up for doing some recording for us?
Let me know what you think.

I still enjoy it all after all this time. It sometimes is a bit of a "bridge too far" and it would be nice, now and again, to get another presenter. Geoff has always been very supportive in this and I really appreciate it but I hate to keep asking him, so feel free to take over for a night if you want.

So another good night was had by all and we didnt have to listen to anyone going on about Sheryl and Flemings left hand motor rule ……..thank heavens…….Christina said she might get some T shirts……Ill look forward to it…….

Anyway, see you soon cloudbusters and remember, its all about you, so come and enjoy playing, and listening, and bring your pals…..

Yours

The Quantum Kid



7th  January  2014 A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR AND A GREAT START!

Well it was a great start to the new year with some excellent performances from regulars and newcomers alike.

I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and draw your attention to the veritable feast of events we have in store for you over the coming months.

We have Curst Sons in September so, for those of you that have never seen them, that will be a treat and in a couple of weeks we have our JJ Cale evening so you might need to do some research on that one. He was particularly prolific and you may be surprised at some of the songs he wrote and were recorded by others. After Midnight, Call me the Breeze and Same Old Blues are some notable tracks but there are many more. However, as always, there is no strict requirement to play JJ Cale it is just  theme to add a bit of interest……….

Tuesday was significant in that it saw a couple of interesting events one being the reunion of Chris Martin with his old pal Mark Eason after some huge amount of time. They were friends in youth and were playing together after a significant break so that was nice to see and be a part of. They played some interesting stuff including a "calypso" version of Walk on the Wild Side by the, recently late, Lou Reed. The Velvet Underground were one of my favourite bands of all time.

Speaking on a historical note, I went to bed early on Friday and watched Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock followed by the story of the LA Woman Album by the Doors. Two hours of enjoyable nostalgia from the 70s……ho hum…….those were the days….and these will be the days when we look back so it all rolls on…….Hendrix was just a phenomena….I cant think of anyone who has been that skilful and original before or since……

Anyway, to continue with Tuesday night, it was also lovely to see an old friend of the Folk and Blues Club, Jeremy, return after some considerable time. Jeremy used to some and play solo but also had his band the Dog House Blues Band. A great performer with a good voice and an excellent delivery of some blues classics. He also seems to be a proponent of the small bodied guitar, like someone else we know, upon which he played slide with some proficiency and confidence. 
Jeremy had with him a friend, Gale, who also proved to be excellent in her rendering of a couple of original songs. Once again, a great voice and some good guitar and, all in all, a very polished performance….fantastic sets from both of them….let us hope they come again……

It was good to see the return of Ann, our agricultural bard, to the fray and she read us an epic story in two parts of a range of pig related tales. For those of you who may not know, a pig is any of the animals in the genus Sus, within the Suidae family of even-toed ungulates. Pigs include the domestic pig and its ancestor, the common Eurasian wild boar but I am not completely sure whether any of this was covered in Anns grandiloquence,  I think it was more inclined to the dramatic rather than the scientific….I just thought I would throw in a bit of background……nice to see her as always…

So we had a good range of performers on Tuesday. Mike Foy played some interesting pop stuff and Geoff Jackson played a couple of numbers in black and white…..an Aussie version of George Formby must be some kind of first, in space and time, and we were there to witness it….you see!… I told you that the club was a unique experience!!

I always like to play a couple of numbers with John Oddie and, after supporting one of my set, he went on to do a couple of excellent pieces on his own. He has a great slide technique and sense of timing….a pleasure to hear…..

Bob Melrose has been running an evening at the May Garland and I think that is going to be coming online again soon. He played us a couple of excellent songs with some nice guitar and it was good to see him at our first night as it was Mike Aldridge who also played us some good tunes and entertained us with his highly personal style.

Last week saw the demise of Phil Everly, of the Everly Brothers, and it was a significant moment for me as, I am sure, it was for many others. The Everly Brothers were a unique cornerstone of the Fifties RocknRoll scene and brought something completely original to music in the blend of beautiful harmonies with the more up-tempo, rawer qualities of the new rocknroll sound. I am sure they had a massive influence on bands like the Byrds and Crosby Stills and Nash with the controlled, perfect vocals which incorporated a sense of melancholy. I used to love them when I was young and I still love their songs. My brother and I would organise some fairly ingenious opportunities to listen to the late night Radio Luxemburg without my parents knowing, and the Everly Brothers were one of the main reasons along with Elvis and Buddy Holly……sigh…oh yes and Roy Orbison…..

So it was nice that Chris Liddiard came and played a couple of Everly Brothers songs which I quietly joined in with from the audience. An excellent and fitting tribute which I was very pleased to see at the club……

A great first night of the year and lots of thanks to Francis who did the PA for us…..I hope he is going to play for us some time soon……..

See you soon everyone…..
chris

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