And now for something completely different!
Su Hart, my new choir leader, told us she'd be launching her first solo album at the Bell this Monday. Having heard her with the group Baka Beyond I knew I'd be in for a treat. The Bell is a superb venue as well, although perhaps not for an album launch night - most of the punters are just after free background music and a few beers (superb range of real ales by the way - I had RCH Pitchfork which I hadn't had in a long time - delicious!). The sound quality was very good, and as the band started more and more people started to pile in. Inevitably most of the choir turned up to see Su but a lot of other locals also arrived - perhaps notified by mobile phone from their mates already in the pub "There's this fantastic band on tonight, get yourself down here ASAP!" With the exception of Robb Johnson they were probably in an entirely different league to the usual bands at the Bell.
The exuberant mixture of Celtic, African and Carribean influenced songs soon got people dancing - including myself and Patrick. A crowd of people collected in front of the stage, and as the Bell is quite small things soon became rather cramped. A man in a turban type thingy was doing some very enthusiastic dancing, he seemed to know all the words and later joined the band on stage for one number.
We did buy the album as well, of course. It's called "Worth It After All". Patrick's favourite track is Zombie Jamboree (a bit different to the Spinners' version) - he can't stop singing it. I like The Great Valerio - but then I would!! You can buy it online at www.baka.co.uk
I'd also recommend seeing Baka Beyond or Su Hart and Friends live - you're guaranteed a good time!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Roy Bailey and John Kirkpatrick at Bridgewater
Roy Bailey is not doing bad, seeing as he's the same age as my Dad and is enjoying his 50th year on the folk music scene. As Patrick said, it's a shame you can't put preservation orders on people! His compassion and practical socialism always sweeps me away when I hear his songs and stories - even his children's songs are touching in the way that he can relate to children as another marginalised section of the community. And he makes everyone sing along - even the large tatooed man in the same row as us was singing 'You Need Skin' - in a very macho way :D
Was pleased when Roy sang a song about a coal barge - which sprang a leak to the crew's consternation and finally dropped it's cargo out of it's rotten hull. Not an uncommon occurrence, apparently! He also sang some of my old favourites like I Ain't Afraid and The Poison Train, also liked some of the older songs that I hadn't heard before, like The Road to Dundee.
John Kirkpatrick , the Sultan of Squeeze himself, stunned the audience with his musicianship yet complemented Roy's work well. John sang a few songs on his own such as The Green Willow (traditional) and a song about a rather fierce St George written by John himself.
I had a great time remembering the radical days of my youth (as per David Ferrard's song) - long may John and Roy continue!
Was pleased when Roy sang a song about a coal barge - which sprang a leak to the crew's consternation and finally dropped it's cargo out of it's rotten hull. Not an uncommon occurrence, apparently! He also sang some of my old favourites like I Ain't Afraid and The Poison Train, also liked some of the older songs that I hadn't heard before, like The Road to Dundee.
John Kirkpatrick , the Sultan of Squeeze himself, stunned the audience with his musicianship yet complemented Roy's work well. John sang a few songs on his own such as The Green Willow (traditional) and a song about a rather fierce St George written by John himself.
I had a great time remembering the radical days of my youth (as per David Ferrard's song) - long may John and Roy continue!
Seth Lakeman at Cardiff Student Union
Very strange to be back in my old Student Union. I haven't been there since 1996, when I had my first wedding reception disco in the Staff Dining Club!
Its music venue which I knew as the Hanging Gardens is now Solus. It was all quite dark in there, with black parachute-style curtains hanging from the ceiling. Seth suffered from bad sound at the start - we couldn't hear his introductions for the songs, let alone his singing! The sound improved as the gig went on, but it was still not very good.
Seth played a lot of his early stuff, including the famous Kitty Jay, Setting of the Sun (his take on the Molly Bond ghost song), Fight for Favour, Rifle Men of War and Take No Rogues. Of course his mining disaster song, The Colliers, was best received with the predominantly Welsh audience.
Though I loved Kitty Jay and Freedom Fields, I thought Seth's new material was a bit disappointing. Poor Man's Heaven seemed a bit patronising and the song about the stone circle a bit run-of-the-mill. Perhaps it's inevitable that later albums seem samey - it must be hard to be as innovative with each album.
That said, Seth still has a huge following for a folk artist, and has doubtlessly introduced folk music to a lot of younger people who would otherwise have regarded folk music as naff. More strength to his fiddling elbow!
Its music venue which I knew as the Hanging Gardens is now Solus. It was all quite dark in there, with black parachute-style curtains hanging from the ceiling. Seth suffered from bad sound at the start - we couldn't hear his introductions for the songs, let alone his singing! The sound improved as the gig went on, but it was still not very good.
Seth played a lot of his early stuff, including the famous Kitty Jay, Setting of the Sun (his take on the Molly Bond ghost song), Fight for Favour, Rifle Men of War and Take No Rogues. Of course his mining disaster song, The Colliers, was best received with the predominantly Welsh audience.
Though I loved Kitty Jay and Freedom Fields, I thought Seth's new material was a bit disappointing. Poor Man's Heaven seemed a bit patronising and the song about the stone circle a bit run-of-the-mill. Perhaps it's inevitable that later albums seem samey - it must be hard to be as innovative with each album.
That said, Seth still has a huge following for a folk artist, and has doubtlessly introduced folk music to a lot of younger people who would otherwise have regarded folk music as naff. More strength to his fiddling elbow!
Show of Hands at Pontardawe
Could be trouble here, I thought, Show of Hands playing in Wales on St Georges Day, in Kim Howells' constituency! Sure enough Steve didn't hold back and sang 'Roots', naming Mr Howells as the minister guilty of making the infamous derogatory remark about Somerset folk singers. Cheers to Steve from me, especially now that I am one, sort of! The locals loved the song though, it received a huge round of applause. 'Country Life' and 'Cutthroats, Crooks and Conmen' but especially 'Cousin Jack' the Cornish miner's song, seemed to strike a chord with the audience.
Show of Hands played one of the best sets I've heard from them from a long time, including most of my favourites. This may well be because they have released a 'Best Of' album - most of which I agree with. Trouble is, Steve has written so many good songs that it must have been very difficult to select a double album's worth! Miranda Sykes joined Steve and Phil later, playing Double Bass and added her beautiful voice in duet with Steve for 'Blue Cockade'. The band seemed in good spirits, telling some jokes which at least Patrick hadn't heard before - glad to see Steve looking happier, although he still must be very worried about his son, Jack, who is still in hospital with Leukaemia. Phil is doing a sponsored slim to raise money for Jack's hospital amongst other causes - sponsorship forms available at gigs.
Once more Steve and Phil raised the roof - they are getting quite a following in Pontardawe!
Show of Hands played one of the best sets I've heard from them from a long time, including most of my favourites. This may well be because they have released a 'Best Of' album - most of which I agree with. Trouble is, Steve has written so many good songs that it must have been very difficult to select a double album's worth! Miranda Sykes joined Steve and Phil later, playing Double Bass and added her beautiful voice in duet with Steve for 'Blue Cockade'. The band seemed in good spirits, telling some jokes which at least Patrick hadn't heard before - glad to see Steve looking happier, although he still must be very worried about his son, Jack, who is still in hospital with Leukaemia. Phil is doing a sponsored slim to raise money for Jack's hospital amongst other causes - sponsorship forms available at gigs.
Once more Steve and Phil raised the roof - they are getting quite a following in Pontardawe!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Narrowboating - a relaxing holiday?
We had our first proper holiday on Ripple last week, with the aim of taking her from Bosley Locks to the Lancaster via the Ribble Link. Things didn't start well as I'd twisted my knee while out walking, and struggled with opening locks, climbing onto the roof etc.
Patrick's parents met us at the top of Bosley Locks, having moved the boat there from its moorings at High Lane, and we had a good time going through the locks and admiring the beautiful scenery around there, including Bosley Cloud. A little creature ran in front of me, perhaps a bank vole, before changing it's mind and disappearing into a hedge. We moored at Congleton, near the excellent Queen's Head, which has a variety of unusual real ales, including Centurion's Ghost and Cottage Whippet (Dark Whippet?). I also had a very good Chicken Jalfrezi curry there. Then it was off to the Beartown Tap for some more good beer including one of my all time favourites, Kodiak Gold.
So far so relaxing but drama was to come. Wind speeds began to pick up and I made a hash of turning the corner at Hardings Wood Junction. As Patrick tried to rectify the mistake, backing towards the bridge, he shouted - and I noticed that the wooden tiller handle had snapped! There was a worring moment for me till I noticed his hand was OK and had only been grazed on one finger against the bridge.
Next stop was Sandbach, a market town with a surprisingly large number of pubs - we stopped for a pint of Robinson's Unicorn at the Market Tavern, with 4 other pubs within sight (as well as the interesting Stone Crosses), and pies at the local bakery. We also discovered an Armenian delicatessen and off-licence which boasted that it stocked every available whisky in the UK! We were given expresso and fruit juice as we pondered the vast range of spirits, beers and ciders before choosing Jura Superstition, Auchtentoshan 10-year old, Wentworth's Rampant Gryphon and Oatmeal Stout and Sheppys organic cider. We also got the world's strongest cider given free by the manager, who could see we appreciated our booze! We also couldn't resist a baclava-type dessert which we devoured back on the boat.
We moored overnight at Middlewich and dined at our favourite romantic spot, the Narrowboat - food as superb as ever. Next morning we bought a swanky Rosewood tiller handle for Ripple and headed off past the Anderton Lift to moor at Preston Brook, and visited the Tunnel Top (no real ale but good food).
The Bridgewater canal was a bit of a different experience, heading through the more genteel Cheshire villages, nice and wide but with less facilities for pleasure boats than the British Waterways canals. Another good stop at Grappenhall Village, very pretty with 2 lovely pubs - the Ram's Head and the Parr Arms. The route through Manchester was uneventful, apart from disturbing a stoat sitting on a discarded sofa (no doubt wishing for beer, telly and a ciggie!).
We met Ian and Toby at the Barton Swing Aqueduct, which duly swung, giving our guests an impressive sight at the start of their trip. Patrick got wery wery dwunk in Wigan - the moral of this story, never try to keep up with Ian drinking!
Ian and Toby's help proved invaluable as the wind speeds continued to pick up - the lock gates on the Rufford Branch were tricky, and the unusual paddles also took time to unlock with the one remaining anti-vandal key (keys detest Patrick and make their way away from him quickly and secretly). As soon at the boat slowed, it would ground itself on the far bank and refuse to budge. At one point it took both Ian and Patrick pulling on the centre rope to pull it off again. Patrick insisted on steering through the locks, as Ripple at 62ft long would only just fit. It was a relief to reach Tarleton, where we were reunited with Patrick's parents and the car.
Next morning we discovered that the previous night's crossings had been cancelled due to the high winds, so there was a long queue at the lock into the River Douglas. Ripple was right at the back, and went through the lock with a red narrowboat that we planned to follow. As soon as we were out of the lock Patrick realised just how strong the tidal pull was (the tide was against us). We made very slow progress down the river,on the right hand side away from the main pull of the tide, however the red boat was still in sight. When we turned into the Ribble, Ripple lurched alarmingly and people started to wonder if they could swim to the bank! However Patrick remained in control at the tiller, and we rounded the Asland Lamp successfully. Progress was painfully slow up the Ribble, with the winds directly against us, the tide turning and at one point hail started to come down. The red narrowboat soon disappeared out of sight. Patrick confessed later that he was quite stressed at this point - we were going at about 1 1/2 miles per hour and if we had started moving backwards we would have had to call for help. British Waterways called us whilst we were perhaps half a mile away to tell us that they were running out of water, and were closing the lock at Savick Brook. They told us to head for Preston Dock. My heart sank at this point, as the weather was getting worse if anything! Further up the Ribble the river noticeably narrowed and progress became slightly easier. The open lock gates at Preston Dock were a welcome sight! The staff at the Marina were very good to us - they let us moor in the lock itself as the marina itself was quite choppy, and gave us a key to the showers. Steam trains ran across the nearby swing bridge, to Patrick's Dad's delight. There was a nice pub nearby called the Waterfront, which had a carvery and a good pint of Taylor Landlord.
Next morning we had to hang about for high tide - then the lock keeper opened the top entrance and the swing bridge so that we could turn round in the basin (the lock was slightly too small at 65ft across). Then it was down the lock again and on to the Ribble, this time the weather was pleasant so that bit was quite easy! Once through the first lock on the Savick Brook we had to wait again for the tide to lower, so that Ripple could get under the bridges - but the brook was very narrow and twisty-turny, so that Ripple kept grounding in the middle as we steered round corners. We had to reverse up the 3 staircase-locks due to Ripple's length, which was again quite scary but Patrick managed well. Then at last we moored on the Lancaster Canal and prepared for Patrick's parents to take over. Poor old Patrick then had to drive all the way back from Preston to Bath, and our troubles were not over yet - Junction 21A was closed on the M6 so we had to do a tour of the Cheshire countryside. We finally arrived home about 11pm.
Glad I'm not working at the moment - I'd need another holiday to recover from that one!!
Patrick's parents met us at the top of Bosley Locks, having moved the boat there from its moorings at High Lane, and we had a good time going through the locks and admiring the beautiful scenery around there, including Bosley Cloud. A little creature ran in front of me, perhaps a bank vole, before changing it's mind and disappearing into a hedge. We moored at Congleton, near the excellent Queen's Head, which has a variety of unusual real ales, including Centurion's Ghost and Cottage Whippet (Dark Whippet?). I also had a very good Chicken Jalfrezi curry there. Then it was off to the Beartown Tap for some more good beer including one of my all time favourites, Kodiak Gold.
So far so relaxing but drama was to come. Wind speeds began to pick up and I made a hash of turning the corner at Hardings Wood Junction. As Patrick tried to rectify the mistake, backing towards the bridge, he shouted - and I noticed that the wooden tiller handle had snapped! There was a worring moment for me till I noticed his hand was OK and had only been grazed on one finger against the bridge.
Next stop was Sandbach, a market town with a surprisingly large number of pubs - we stopped for a pint of Robinson's Unicorn at the Market Tavern, with 4 other pubs within sight (as well as the interesting Stone Crosses), and pies at the local bakery. We also discovered an Armenian delicatessen and off-licence which boasted that it stocked every available whisky in the UK! We were given expresso and fruit juice as we pondered the vast range of spirits, beers and ciders before choosing Jura Superstition, Auchtentoshan 10-year old, Wentworth's Rampant Gryphon and Oatmeal Stout and Sheppys organic cider. We also got the world's strongest cider given free by the manager, who could see we appreciated our booze! We also couldn't resist a baclava-type dessert which we devoured back on the boat.
We moored overnight at Middlewich and dined at our favourite romantic spot, the Narrowboat - food as superb as ever. Next morning we bought a swanky Rosewood tiller handle for Ripple and headed off past the Anderton Lift to moor at Preston Brook, and visited the Tunnel Top (no real ale but good food).
The Bridgewater canal was a bit of a different experience, heading through the more genteel Cheshire villages, nice and wide but with less facilities for pleasure boats than the British Waterways canals. Another good stop at Grappenhall Village, very pretty with 2 lovely pubs - the Ram's Head and the Parr Arms. The route through Manchester was uneventful, apart from disturbing a stoat sitting on a discarded sofa (no doubt wishing for beer, telly and a ciggie!).
We met Ian and Toby at the Barton Swing Aqueduct, which duly swung, giving our guests an impressive sight at the start of their trip. Patrick got wery wery dwunk in Wigan - the moral of this story, never try to keep up with Ian drinking!
Ian and Toby's help proved invaluable as the wind speeds continued to pick up - the lock gates on the Rufford Branch were tricky, and the unusual paddles also took time to unlock with the one remaining anti-vandal key (keys detest Patrick and make their way away from him quickly and secretly). As soon at the boat slowed, it would ground itself on the far bank and refuse to budge. At one point it took both Ian and Patrick pulling on the centre rope to pull it off again. Patrick insisted on steering through the locks, as Ripple at 62ft long would only just fit. It was a relief to reach Tarleton, where we were reunited with Patrick's parents and the car.
Next morning we discovered that the previous night's crossings had been cancelled due to the high winds, so there was a long queue at the lock into the River Douglas. Ripple was right at the back, and went through the lock with a red narrowboat that we planned to follow. As soon as we were out of the lock Patrick realised just how strong the tidal pull was (the tide was against us). We made very slow progress down the river,on the right hand side away from the main pull of the tide, however the red boat was still in sight. When we turned into the Ribble, Ripple lurched alarmingly and people started to wonder if they could swim to the bank! However Patrick remained in control at the tiller, and we rounded the Asland Lamp successfully. Progress was painfully slow up the Ribble, with the winds directly against us, the tide turning and at one point hail started to come down. The red narrowboat soon disappeared out of sight. Patrick confessed later that he was quite stressed at this point - we were going at about 1 1/2 miles per hour and if we had started moving backwards we would have had to call for help. British Waterways called us whilst we were perhaps half a mile away to tell us that they were running out of water, and were closing the lock at Savick Brook. They told us to head for Preston Dock. My heart sank at this point, as the weather was getting worse if anything! Further up the Ribble the river noticeably narrowed and progress became slightly easier. The open lock gates at Preston Dock were a welcome sight! The staff at the Marina were very good to us - they let us moor in the lock itself as the marina itself was quite choppy, and gave us a key to the showers. Steam trains ran across the nearby swing bridge, to Patrick's Dad's delight. There was a nice pub nearby called the Waterfront, which had a carvery and a good pint of Taylor Landlord.
Next morning we had to hang about for high tide - then the lock keeper opened the top entrance and the swing bridge so that we could turn round in the basin (the lock was slightly too small at 65ft across). Then it was down the lock again and on to the Ribble, this time the weather was pleasant so that bit was quite easy! Once through the first lock on the Savick Brook we had to wait again for the tide to lower, so that Ripple could get under the bridges - but the brook was very narrow and twisty-turny, so that Ripple kept grounding in the middle as we steered round corners. We had to reverse up the 3 staircase-locks due to Ripple's length, which was again quite scary but Patrick managed well. Then at last we moored on the Lancaster Canal and prepared for Patrick's parents to take over. Poor old Patrick then had to drive all the way back from Preston to Bath, and our troubles were not over yet - Junction 21A was closed on the M6 so we had to do a tour of the Cheshire countryside. We finally arrived home about 11pm.
Glad I'm not working at the moment - I'd need another holiday to recover from that one!!
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Bath Folk Club - First Concert
Patrick and I are delighted to now have a Folk Club within walking distance, at the Widcombe Social Club at the foot of Widcombe Hill. As well as the fine music that's on offer they also sell real ale and chippy tea! What more could one ask.
The club has been set up by the VERY enthusiastic Lou and Marek, with a lot of help and support from a certain Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, who are based nearby. Of course they played a few songs before the main act, Crucible, came on - and gave a very powerful performance.
Crucible, a foursome from Sheffield, were also very good - a mixture of acapella singing, English and Celtic dance music and folk-rock numbers. Very good fiddles, bagpipes, guitar and melodeon, which the band also made use of at the jamming session before the performances started. Nancy and James joined the band for the last few numbers, which they'd rehearsed together aboard the Fagans' boat. I got up and danced at the end, along with Lou and friends!
Seems like the Bath Folk Club will be a young and fun venue (and there's not many English folk clubs you can say that about!!) so I'm looking forward to the next concert - a French folk band called Cyser.
The club has been set up by the VERY enthusiastic Lou and Marek, with a lot of help and support from a certain Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, who are based nearby. Of course they played a few songs before the main act, Crucible, came on - and gave a very powerful performance.
Crucible, a foursome from Sheffield, were also very good - a mixture of acapella singing, English and Celtic dance music and folk-rock numbers. Very good fiddles, bagpipes, guitar and melodeon, which the band also made use of at the jamming session before the performances started. Nancy and James joined the band for the last few numbers, which they'd rehearsed together aboard the Fagans' boat. I got up and danced at the end, along with Lou and friends!
Seems like the Bath Folk Club will be a young and fun venue (and there's not many English folk clubs you can say that about!!) so I'm looking forward to the next concert - a French folk band called Cyser.
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