6 Bells Folk & Blues Club
Chiddingly, East Sussex
The Quasi,s Mojo Folk Club Blog Comments by Chris
7 February 2011
The Six Bells Folk and Blues Club-Home of the origins of Quantum Dadaism.
Hello Everyone,
It is good to talk to you again.
I believe that many locations advertise themselves as the “Home” of
this that and the other so I decided that we should be the home of
something and I made a non-executive decision and decided that we
should be the home of Quantum Dadaism which probably has no meaning
and, therefore, probably best describes what we are.
It is nice to think that all of these qualities like Surrealism and
Dadaism and lots of other art movements have a place to go home to,
where they can put their feet up have a cup of tea, or a sneaky
Brandy!, and forget about the trials and troubles of the day and
they can throw off being a bit weird for a while and have a bath and
do the crossword! Aah! Its good to be British!!
It was reported to me recently by a friend of a first time visitor
to the club that the evening was “sort of out-there!”. I think I can
estimate what this means so I have taken it as a compliment.
The “out-there” quality of the evening was going strong supported by
the general fractalist chaos and various unique aspects, like Derry
on classical piano, however, little did we guess that, approaching
like a steam locomotive, a new quality was about to reveal itself!!
What other folk and blues club can boast that one of its long
serving participants has had a bus, sorry...coach!, named after him.
Yes folks, Councillor Roy, ‘cos it couldn’t be anyone else, has had
a bus, sorry...coach!, named after him!! So!! What else will the
future or past (Quantum stuff!!) reveal!! But before I do that can I
just say what a great time we had last time.
It was good to see and hear Greg again on sax and also to see a new
pal, Gavin, turn up and play some accompaniment as well.
It was Geoff and Elaines extended set and they played an interesting
mix of tunes with Elaine on electric violin and with Gavin
supporting on a couple. Geoff writes some interesting stuff and
Elaine is an excellent musician and they make a very capable combo,
further to which they are lovely people and always positive and
supportive of the club so I hope we see more of them.
Mick Aldridge will be doing his extended evening on April 3rd and it
will be good to hear him play an interesting range of tunes, so
there's one to look forward to.
I would also like to say a huge “thank you” to Francis who has been
helping out with the PA very professionally as well as playing some
lovely music. He played a couple of Paul Simon songs..lovely!
It was great to accompany Simon on one song as I don’t often get the
chance to do that and Greg and myself had a good ole time doing a
bit of backing to Simons excellent playing.
Derrys friend David is always a welcome guest and plays some
interesting choices of music. I really admire him for some of the
sixties stuff that he does cos some of those band tunes are hard to
bring off on guitar and voice so well done to him.
Sooooo.......what else will the future, or past, reveal.
Well, on the 21st, next time, Lizzie is going to be hosting the club
and the donations are going towards her “Marathon Charity” which I
am sure she will tell us more about on the night so be there or be
an amorphous shape........!!
Well...I need to go and glue some brown paper and a pipe on the
crocodile, so I will see you next to the vertical fish in a
raincoat.......
All the best
Dada for now....
chris
December 20th 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.
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.
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.
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.
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...........
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!!!!
Have a lovely Christmas and New Year.
Thanks for being part of the best Folk and
Blues Club in the Universe.
Chris
18th December 2010
I suppose one of the benefits of running the Folk club and making the ever welcome and collection from our ever generous audience and musicians, is that I can nominate what happens to the cash. In a general sense the idea of passing the “jug” round is to make a little money through which we maintain the infrastructure of the evening in terms of advertising and equipment and we can also sometimes afford to pay performers to play extended evenings and special events.
This summer, while wandering about aimlessly, something I am quite good at and much practised, I happened upon my friend, and colleague, Cay Towner who told me that she had been abroad, working with a charity in Uganda. We talked about her experiences for a while and the terrible poverty which is being experienced by some of the people she was working with and it occurred to me to run a special night to raise a little money for them.
Cay gave an excellent account of the situation and intentions of the Bungokho Rural Development Centre and we raised £100 for the Charity. She has since informed me that this was very well received. Further to this we had an excellent night of music and fun as per usual.
New faces in the form of Paul Gunn and Stella provided some fine traditional songs and Emily and Laina made a welcome return. Jerome and Gavin played some interesting pieces and Councillor Roy and Alex along with Simon, Derry, Mick and myself produced a worthy evening and a successful one both in terms of enjoyment and purpose but I must mention Thea who often comes to the club and who I am always encouraging to bring her guitar as she has a great voice and quite a unique style. I always love to hear her play.
I would like to thank Lizzie and Rowan for their excellent evening on the 7th Dec. Apart from anything else it gives me the opportunity to take a back seat and enjoy the evening from a different perspective. I did take some photos however which may appear on the website. It was another lovely evening with some excellent performances and nice to see Jon Deverill and Becky there along with many of the usual crew. I hadn’t intended to play but I ended up dong one of my own songs which I had not played in public for years. It’s a strange life!
Darren and Lizzie were wonderful as usual but so is everyone and, together we always have a good humoured and good natured night. So we are all looking forward to the party and the road which goes ever onwards.
Since beginning this I have learned of the very sad death of Captain Beefheart, Don Van Vliet. Bob Harris once said that if there was ever a rock genius then it was Beefheart for the innovation and experimentation he brought to modern music in combining the influences of Jazz and Blues and some fairly surrealist lyrics on occasion.
For me it was in 1968 or thereabouts that a friend of mine left me “Safe as Milk” on my doorstep with the simple cryptic message - “you need to hear this”. He was right. I can rarely remember being so impressed by a whole set of amazing songs. Autumns Child, Electricity and Drop Out Boogie. I was stunned. It synthesised and crystallised all of my musical ambitions and influences and I have loved everything he has done since then. If ever a musician described my own musical construct then it was Beefheart.
What he has done for blues and rock is impossible to define or quantify and Trout Mask Replica must be one of the most innovative and important records of all time, as many musicians, from Tom Waits to The White Stripes, will testify.
My life and music would not have been the same without his creative genius and, although he has not made anything new since 1982, I still believe he is one of the most advanced and modernist artists of our time.
Like Duchamp he had an understanding beyond the purely creative.
“further than we’ve gone, the stars sing a song, together, that only lovers can hear”
Onwards and upwards
See you soon
chris
9th November - Those
days...............
It was about 1968 and my friends, Tim, Dotty,
Bren, Steve and myself were hitching on the back of a pick-up in a
cold Spring heading for London from Durham for our first
ever visit to the Cousins Club in Greek Street-“Les Cousins” as it
was known. We were following our new musical discoveries to one of
their regular haunts. Burt Jansch, John Renbourn, Davy Graham and
The String Band. Little did we know we were also in for a rare treat
in the form of Long John Baldry-one of the best blues singers and
players I have ever seen, sometimes accompanied by Mox, a fiery
haired harp player. It was pure magic. We saw all of these perform
in one long night which, I seem to remember, lasted well into the
early hours.
In the queue, while waiting to get in, we were
entertained by a one man band who, I was later to learn, was Don
Partridge. I remember, even back then, that pump and sway, like an
old steam engine, with the strains of some old blues ballad weaving
in and out of the mouth organs, bells, cymbals and other effects.
Many lifetimes later I have Don waiting for me
at the Six Bells Folk and Blues club asking if it is ok if he does a
couple of tunes. Well, well well!
I told him my story and we talked for some time
about days gone by and he did his tunes and came back a number of
times and played some wonderful, evocative stuff which, for me was
particularly poignant and carried in a whole bag of memories.
We crossed paths on a number of occasions in
the following years-he ran a club at the Seven Sisters for a while
where he invited me to play on the same bill as Bert Jansch. Ah
those days!! As Laurie Anderson would say!
So it was sad to hear the news that he had gone
from us. I enjoyed his music and his company and I believe he had a
real understanding of a whole slice of music and lots of stuff which
went with it. I think I can safely say-on my own behalf and the Folk
Club-see you later, you will be missed. He was there in the
beginning of all of the Folk Blues which came out of the Sixties.
So we have had some great nights recently and
the old club moves along with excellent performances and great
friendship, chaos and joviality.
We keep it going by turning up and playing, by
giving everyone a chance and being part of what is a very special
event. Do you know anything else like it?? Is there somewhere
better?? O.K. so not everyone can sing and play like my aunt Sally,
who doesn’t exist, or those we deem “professionals” but so what!!
I have had some priceless moments from Tina
Hendrix to Ron Geesin bashing himself on the head with a metal tray,
from the German Bikers to the “bone” that built Stonehenge. Ask me-
I will tell you all of these stories.
So I am signing off again but, just before the
ocean of night folds its arms around me, I must remind you to be
aware of the mysterious “kazoo of omnipotent excellence” cos’... if
you hear it.... you were too good to follow!!......
I know someone who heard it once and, when he
woke up, there was a corn circle in his room where the TV had been!!
Weird as you know what!!.....It took them days to stop him playing
his banjo (which he had been unable to play previously- adding to
the mystery!!) and laughing maniacally...so double check those
guitar cases!! HA-HA-HA-HA etc.. with effects kindly provided
by............
Bye for now
Chris
28th September -
THE SPECIAL
NIGHT!! What a special night!!
It almost impossible to know where to begin.
Grace and the Band were fantastic and played
good range of beaty, meaty, serious and well arranged stuff. It was
obvious some serious work had gone into it all and it is credit to
them and also a big plus for the club that they came and played for
us.
I take it as a massive compliment that they
gave us this credibility and gave us the opportunity of hearing
their musicianship and the quality of Graces compositions and
arrangements.
I have to thank Rupert for his on-going support
for the club and his massive contribution to the evening, for
providing and managing the PA.
I would also like to thank Graham for the sound
and Andrea for her on-going involvement and generally positive
approach, also for some excellent pictures.
I am not sure of all of the Band’s names so I
cannot thank them individually but they played almost faultlessly,
which is just an expression so don’t ask me to point out any faults
because I wouldn’t be able to. aspirational and inspirational I
would say.
Young Sam Green was absolutely fantastic and we
will miss him for a while as he goes off to Durham University to
pursue his education. He is studying Archaeology. I was born in
Durham so it is funny how the wheel turns. He tells me he will be
back for the party so thats good!!
I would also like to thank James Morris, and
Andy, for making such a good job of the Top Bar. I am not going to
go through everyone, you know how good you are and that we all love
you so keep it coming and lets keep on truckin’
Making music make music..
I went home with a big smile and it was a big
night which will be remembered for a long time yet.....
The fish are telling me this is all getting a
bit too long so..
Bye for Now.See you next Time
Chris
August/September - Hi Everyone -
“Beards and Beyond”
Its been a while I know but I was on holiday
and then the beginning of term and such and such but here we are
again...
We had a couple of excellent nights in August and September and thanks to Lizzie and Rowan for filling the gap while I was away “doing my thing” as they used to say when I was young. I was actually young once, I can even remember the time and place and I have photos to prove it!
The nights roll on and the club maintains its
strength and quality and I enjoy it more and more.
Its about you and your pals and making sure
that we all enjoy and take part in the evenings.
I would like to make a special mention for
Darren and Lizzie who have played some lovely pieces at both recent
nights. Personally, I could listen to them all night which
brings me, nicely, to the fact that we have offered them an extended
spot sometime after Christmas so watch out for that. We will put it
on the list.
I am not going to go through everyone’s
performance every time but I will just say that you are all
wonderful and you make the evenings high quality events for players
and audience and, for some time, I have only had positive feedback
from everyone who has taken part.
I know that I have said this before, but it not
easy trying to get everyone on when they want to be, and I do try to
mix it all up as best as I can. I try to encourage the newcomers and
make sure that last is first as we go along, if you catch my drift.
Andy is away for a while so that should be fun
doing it on my tod.......any offers gratefully accepted!!
Anyway............
3rd August 2010 - “Hi
everyone, Great to see Darren and Lizzie the other night along with
Bob Tippler. They all performed some lovely tunes and I am looking
forward to seeing The Dawgs again. Maybe we can put them on for a
special evening near Christmas-A Christmas Party-what a good idea!!
Another great night. Emily and David played
some excellent tunes including an especially good version of Crowded
Houses’ “Don’t Dream its Over”. Kieth and Liz returned with some
interesting, self penned numbers and strong delivery.
I try to mix it up so that everyone gets an
opportunity to play at different times of the night. It is quite
difficult putting people on ‘cos everyone wants to play at the peak
of the audience but when we have three hours to fill someone has to
start and end-c’est la vie.
I often have to reduce my own spot but it’s all
part of it.
I like to give new people a chance to perform
when there is a decent crowd so I will give them a little
preference.
I put Sam on earlier this time and he did an
excellent set-videoed by his mum!
Derry played some piano and Matt and Mike
provided some quality entertainment in their own inimitable fashion
and well loved and supported by the crowd.
It was very nice to see Trevor Clawson again
who performed some more quality stuff and gave some interesting
insights to the origins of his songs.
Councillor Roy managed to underline the fact
that we “are nothing like a folk club” with an anecdotal tale which
included “wandling” and “sheep” and a special cupping motion of the
hand and ear. All very mysterious and esoteric if you ask me, which
you probably won’t.
Anyway someone did actually say to me that we
“are nothing like a folk club” which, I think was meant to be a
criticism but I have taken as a positive in the sense that I don’t
want to be “like” anything-it is what it is- a sum of its parts and
a night of entertainment and relaxation for everyone!
A very special aspect of the evening was John
and Rachels performance which, as well as being excellently
delivered, saw John scything out some volume, to great effect on a
dextrously handled Telecaster!! We’ll have more of that thank you!!
Well!! Another great evening and thanks to
everyone and once again to Andy on knobs and Simon for Web
“The Mud Elephant wading through the sea leaves no tracks..” The Village Fugs
20th July 2010 - “Hi Everyone,
Well the beat goes on and on as they say...
Its the Summer and we have had some warm and
very busy nights. Last week, 20th July, saw about
seventeen different players.
We’ve been having some brilliant evenings and
there is probably too much to talk about to be honest but points
worthy of note are that we are managing to hold off young Alex
(Councillor Roy’s grandson) in his attempt to take over and decree
New Romantic Night. He does however continue to amaze and entertain
with his piano sessions.
The long awaited and welcome return of Matt the
Hat, now hatless, was excellent – do we detect a slightly more
efficient approach here as there was clear and deliberate use of the
music stand...hmmmm??
Of special mention over the last couple of
sessions were the Edge of Chaos Orchestra, with Jimmy Lee, in a
slightly reduced format who played some lovely Irish Folk based
stuff. I have their details so watch this space on that one.
This week saw some new people, Karen and Trevor
provided particularly well delivered and quality sets with some
lovely vocal work from Karen and very good self penned songs from
Trevor.
I have to mention Bob and Sjaak, hope I got the
spelling, who delivered a fantastic rendition of “Rawhide”. A first
for us but no Clint Eastwood.
Sam and Thea were brilliant as per usual but i
wish that young lady would play a bit more for us, she has such a
great voice and style.
I’m sure I have missed loads of people out but
the carousel keeps rolling around and we will all be on it as it
carves it’s eternal and mystical route to eternity and takes with it
in it’s slipstream the ever continuing and increasingly creative and
successful Six Bells Folk and Blues Club.
‘Cos there aint no other like it in the city or
the town..........
8th June 2010 -
Singers Night - Hey….
another brilliant evening at the ole folk an’ blues!!
What I like is the fact that it changes every
fortnight.
I enjoyed the opportunity to arrange the mikes
and furniture with reference the English World Cup defence and the
chance to wander around in a random synthesis of quantum physics and
the Duckworth Lewis method of shopping. At least that’s how I
remember it! You may have been elsewhere!!
What other blues club has this?!!? Or even a
hat stand??
Some notable performances from Dave at the end
with some Elvis and from Martin on his debut, not only at the club
but also at the pub. A brilliant version of John Martin’s “may you
never” with his miniature box of seraphim chorus.
I was saying to Rupert after watching Harry
play that years ago I had been the young man playing “Cocaine Blues”
and there was probably some old codger in the corner listening to
me. How the wheel turns.
Notable performances from Simon and Mick and
the ever efficient Derry playing some classical works.
The club has so much variety and ability it is
always a pleasure to be there and especially exciting to see new
people.
Dan played an excellent set and how could any
report be complete without the notable individuality of Councillor
Roy and his Grandson Alex who combine forces to play some unique and
interesting stuff.
I must also mention James who is relatively
recent to the club but has already made his mark, not only with an
excellent solo set but also by supporting almost everyone on drums.
This is what we like, some improvised and random positivity and
interest, even though I had to think, for once, about what I could
play which had something remotely approximating a steady beat. Ask
Simon about Spoonful!!
Sam Green goes from strength to strength and it
is always a pleasure to hear that laid back bluesy sound which is
brilliant coming from a young man who is developing an individual
style from an obvious understanding of this genre.
I can’t go without mentioning Alan on fiddle
who played some wonderful reels and brought a lovely alternative to
the range of instruments over the night.
See you soon for another attempt at world
domination, confusion, and general mayhem (which is exactly the way
we like it)………
You are all welcome bring your pals and anyone
who wants to play.
25th
May 2010 - Bob Dylan Night -
What a great Bob Dylan night!!
One of the best nights we have had was ably
presented by our guest host Steve Royston who played some excellent
stuff himself and kept the evening flowing with a stream of
brilliant guests well supported by Andy on knobs.
We will have to be careful not to get too big
headed as the “ole-evening” is becoming very successful and this is
just one of a series of excellent evenings we have had recently.
Some new guests like Fred played some good
music in the spirit of the Bob Dylan theme and John and Rachel and
regulars like Simon, Mike and Thea performed their usual high
quality stuff.
Not to be missed, Councillor Roy was up to his
usual individual standard, supported by Alex and the whole night was
a complete and enjoyable success.
Hratch and Tom deserve a special mention and
their version of Desolation Row was one of the high spots.
Lizzie and Rowan did an excellent spot and
don’t forget the Midsummer Magic at East Hoathly on the 19th
June. You can see me about that if you like.
I'm sorry if I havn’t mentioned everyone but
thanks to all who made this an enjoyable evening and see you in a
fortnight.
Sam
Phil
Matt
Rowan