Reviews
Huge thanks to all our review
writers, successful efforts are rewarded with a free ticket to a Folk
in the Barn concert
ColvinQuarmby – Kingston Barn, November 1 2003
‘More of this quality please’ and ‘simply the best’ – just two of the many lovely comments we received from people after the fantastic performance from ColvinQuarmby in the Kingston Barn on 1st Nov. The Barn was almost completely full, which added to the great atmosphere as Gerry Colvin, Nick Quarmby, Martin Fitzgibbon and Dave Duttfield gave everyone a memorable performance. The songs were all self penned – no boy band covers here, just poetry and wit combined with catchy tunes, soaring harmonies and superb musicianship from all four. Add to this Gerry Colvin’s sometimes surreal yet endearing stories and observations of life and we were thoroughly entertained. The good news is that they have agreed to come back again next year.
Show of Hands – Canterbury Cathedral International Study Centre, March 26 2004
Show of Hands - Steve Knightley and Phil Beer have recently won ‘Best Live Act’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk awards. This came as no surprise to their growing army of fans in this area who’ve thought it long overdue and tickets for this event went very quickly. The atmosphere in the beautiful and intimate Clagett Auditorium was warm and vibrant. People had travelled from all parts of Kent and from Sussex, London and France to be there and were treated to a superb performance. On their wonderful hand crafted guitars, cello-mandolin, fiddle, mandolin and cuatro they performed songs from their recent album Country Life. From the up tempo ‘Red Diesel’, about Terry, the guy who sold you those wet logs, but who always helps in a crisis and would die for his country, to the hard edged ‘Country Life’ a bleak but realistic portrait of the countryside today. Old favourites The Blind Fiddler and The Galway Farmer were intertwined together in such a way that they remained the same familiar friends, yet kept fresh and interesting. Steve and Phil interspersed their music with hilarious personal tales - how stereotypically, rock’n’roll performers can sometimes be offered certain dubious substances – yet they were recently presented with fresh watercress!! Their camaraderie combined with their soulful, contrasting voices and their beautiful resonant instruments created a perfect experience in a fabulous setting, the only fault being it was over far too soon. -- Deborah Earl
Mundy-Turner – Kingston Barn, July 16 2004
Quite a few of the audience at Kingston Barn to see Aussie Cath Mundy and her husband, Uk born Jay Turner, had seen the lively duo before and therefore knew what to expect. Those that had not were given a performance that amazed and impressed and left them lighter in the pocket as a lot of cds were sold in the the interval and at the end of the evening. Of the many comments received on the night and the following day was the recurring theme that this was a fantastic concert. Another question asked was – it this really ‘folk’ music? The answer to that has to be yes because it is people performing songs that tell stories of all aspects of human life, good and bad, played on acoustic instruments. It can certainly be dynamic, young, fresh and original and performed with precision and passion and that is exactly how Mundy-Turner present themselves. Their songs are of everyday and international matters, and tell tales of love, joy, sorrow and tragedy. Are thought-provoking and informative, leaving the audience with raised awareness of many human issues, such as the plight of unpaid aboriginal workers. Their voices complement each other perfectly and their harmonies and exquisitely arranged duets raise the hairs on the back of your neck. And Cath’s rendition of a kookaburra has to be seen (and heard) to be believed. -- Anon
Three Generations of West Country Songwriters (Steve Knightley, Seth Lakeman, Jenna Witts) – Canterbury Cathedral International Study Centre, September 2 2004
It has been a formidable year for Steve Knightley, one half of the acoustic duo Show of Hands. Winning BBC Radio 2s folk award for Best Live Act has been follwed by well-received appearances at Glastonbury, Womad, Greenbelt, Cropredy and the Cambridge Folk Festival. Knightley appeared on September 2 at Canterbury Cathedral International Study Centre without his Show of Hands partner, Phil Beer, but in the company of two much younger Devonshire songwriters Seth Lakeman and the 16 year old Jenna Witts.
Although only the second night of their tour, their set seemed tight and well put together. It consisted principally of them singing and reinterpreting each other’s songs. For those in the audience familiar with Knightley’s work this afforded rare treats of Lakeman’s creative reworking of The Keeper and, as an encore, a remarkable performance of Country Life, the title track of the last Show of Hands Album. But there were new songs from Knightley too; notable Crooked Man, which shows that he, remains a keen-eared political commentator.
Seth Lakeman’s writing displays his love of his native landscape and the folk-tales of Devonshire. While his performing combines technical skill of the highest order together with infectious energy. Jenna, too, is a remarkable talent surely with a fantastic future. Her keyboard playing is sensitive and her voice beautiful. At present her song writing is slightly thin and derivative but it’s very easy on the ear.
In short, a great evening with some wonderful singers whose talents shone in the warm, precise acoustic of the auditorium of the Cathedral International Study Centre. -- Richard Marsh
ColvinQuarmby – Kingston Barn, November 27 2004
A huge thanks to everyone who came to the Kingston Barn on Sat to see ColvinQuarmby, some from extraordinary distances. Two families had travelled from Portsmouth and Southampton to see the guys and quite a few from London and North West Kent. It was really nice to see a few more people from the villages this time, please come back and tell your friends and neighbours. This is entertainment of the highest quality on your doorstep. This was our most successful night so far in the Barn and it was fantastic to see it so full. Apologies to those who phoned for tickets but were too late. I’d also like to thank John Leeming from the Red Lion in Bridge for providing welcome refreshments!
Gerry Martin Dave and Nick put on a
wonderful show
as always. It was fantastic to hear the songs from their new
album performed live and Gerry was as entertaining as
ever.
I have never met anyone who loves what they do as much as he does and
wants to share that enthusiasm with everyone. Find out more
at www.colvinquarmby.co.uk
-- Debs
Seth Lakeman Trio – Kingston Barn, Feb 12 2005
What better to do on a rainy, windy night in Kent than sit in a beautifully restored barn witnessing one of the most amazing talents to come out of England in recent years? That's exactly where I was to be found last Saturday night watching the Seth Lakeman Trio at the Kingston Barn. Seth is a wonder enough to behold as a solo artist but when you add to the mix the astounding guitar playing of his big brother Sean and the eclectic addition of Ben Nicholls on double bass and banjo you really could not ask for a better evening. This was a gig to attract all ages with traditional songs like 'Ye Marriners all' being performed alongside contemporary offerings like the blistering Lakeman penned 'Kitty Jay' there was something for everyone. My personal highlight of the evening was Seth's haunting rendition of a new song 'The White Hare' which sent shivers down my spine, this song has to get him another nomination for best original song at next year's folk awards. With their unequalled musical talent, their stunning good looks and the comedy double act of the Lakeman Brothers (charity shop stories included) thrown in for free I can't see that anyone could find a reason not to love the Seth Lakeman Trio. -- Corinna O’Rourke
Show of Hands – CCISC, May 20 2005
'Folk in the Barn' is fast becoming THE live music event that Kent has to offer and if Friday's (20/5) sellout performance by acclaimed folk/roots duo 'Show of Hands' is anything to go by that isn't going to change any time soon. First of all take the amazing setting of the 'International Study Centre' located in the historic grounds of Canterbury Cathedral then add the greatest musicians the West Country has to offer and you have a recipe for a perfect evening. As if that wasn't enough add the amazing double bass/vocal talents of Miranda Sykes and you would be hard pushed to find a better line up anywhere in the country.
They chose a perfect opening song in 'Bristol Slaver' to inspire the crowd whilst the ghostly theme of the track was further emphasised by the gothic architecture of the cathedral. The atmospheric setting also increased the impact of another ghostly track 'Widecombe Fair which I'm sure sent shivers up everyone's spine as the lights were dimmed and Mr Knightley sang totally unaccompanied. The last track to really take advantage of the setting was 'Crow on the Cradle' with Phil Beer's haunting vocals lending the tale an eerie quality.
The covers were also coming thick and fast with Steve's renditions of Dire Straits 'Romeo & Juliet' and Bob Dylan's 'Girl from the North Country' sending all the ladies' hearts a flutter. The real highlight of the evening was the world premiere of Steve's latest offering 'Roots' a tale of modern day English apathy. The track was so hot off the press the composer needed the words himself but the trio did an excellent job of making it sound as polished and professional as the rest of their extensive repertoire. All in all it was an amazing evening showcasing the astounding talent that England has to offer and with artists like Phil Beer, Steve Knightley and Miranda Sykes around the standard of our music scene really could not get much better. -- Corinna O’Rourke
Miranda Sykes Band – Kingston Barn, October 14 2005
ColvinQuarmby – Kingston Barn , Nov 19 2005
“ColvinQuarmby?” I muttered grumpily to my wife. “They sound like a firm of accountants.” In my defence, I would explain that I had just watched Charlton surrender to Manchester United in a way that made the Italian war effort look positively heroic, and I had also watched the horse I had backed at Windsor run like Douglas Bader up a downward escalator. Add to that the fact that the weather outside would have made the skipper of an Icelandic trawler reluctant to venture his little finger outside his duvet, and you will deduce that I didn’t approach going to the concert with a great deal of enthusiasm.Things began to pick up when we arrived at the barn. There was a noticeably friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The efficiently run bar had Shepherds Neame bitter. Unlike most concerts I’ve been to I didn’t feel too ancient. Some of the audience looked as though they were there for a lecture on agricultural or veterinary matters. Maybe now I would find out what had happened to that horse.
It was immediately apparent that ColvinQuarmby are real entertainers. They enjoy chatting with the audience and explaining the background to their songs. They started with “I look the same but I have changed” which laments the effect of the inexorable passage of time on one’s appearance and character . Soon everybody was accepting Gerry’s invitation to join in the chorus, notably to “One More Week”, a song about how nice it would be if one could sometimes turn back the clock to undo words or actions that have turned out to have been unintentionally hurtful. I didn’t feel remotely intimidated about joining in, even though my voice has been likened to that of a crow in urgent need of a course of antibiotics, and I think that sums up the easy – going nature of the concert.
My favourite song was “The Right Stop” which was about a journey on the Tube, something that I have to put up with frequently, and could therefore easily associate with lyrics like:
“She looks down the train and falls asleep again - Next to a guy who’s just escaped from a home for the insane…”
Dave, a fantastically skillful guitarist was at his best on this one, much to the enjoyment of our youngest daughter, who has just started to learn the guitar. By the end of the evening I was a real fan. I bought a CD and will definitely go and see ColvinQuarmby again. Thanks to the band and the organisers. -- John Williams, Eltham
Martyn Joseph – Canterbury Cathedral International Study Centre December 16 2005
The beautifully illuminated Cathedral made a magnificent back-drop for the ‘Miserable Welsh Singer-Songwriter’ (his description), Martyn Joseph, when he played the International Study Centre – Clagett Auditorium.
His mixture of political and sociological stories and observations are sung in the style of a melodic Billy Bragg with all the passion of that famous socialist but delivered with a voice ranging from quiet and tender to screamed outrage. He performed many of his long-standing audience favourites such as ‘Dic Penderyn’ about the execution of an innocent Welsh protester in 19th Century Merthyr Tydfil; ‘Cardiff Bay’ a sentimental Sunday return visit to his birthplace and ‘Working Mother’ about a prostitute who strives to keep her activity a secret from her family. He also showcased much of his latest album ‘Deep Blue’, with highlights being ‘This Fragile World’ written after he witnessed the fruitless search on a West Wales beach for a young man swept away by the sea after a stag-night celebration went wrong. Another was ‘Proud Valley Boy’ about an old retired South Wales collier reminiscing and reflecting on the little known support given to him and his colleague’s by the great black American singer Paul Robeson (who himself suffered official oppression from his own countrymen) both in person and once by transatlantic telephone call to a large rally, when the authorities had refused him permission to leave the USA. This song was preceded by the old favourite ‘Please Sir’ , about the young son of a miner who cannot understand the change in his father brought about by the closure of the local pit. Both songs dove-tailed beautifully provoking thoughts of the similar situation inflicted on East Kent’s own coal-field villages. He also did a superb versions of U2’s ‘Stuck in a moment’ and the chart-hit for Joan Osborne – ‘What if God was One of Us’, its religious theme causing Joseph to constantly look to the floodlit edifice as if seeking approval from above!
Much to the chagrin of record company executives, Martyn Joseph does not sing or write happy or romantic songs, just thought provoking ones that strike a chord with the listener. He’s a great performer with a great repertoire and this was another great performance. Make sure you catch him next time, an MJ concert is an experience not to be missed. The production at this fine venue was by ‘Folk in the Barn’ who have lots more to come in 2006. -- Mick O’Rourke
Martin Simpson – Canterbury Cathedral International Study Centre, February 17 2006
I have been to many Martin Simpson concerts over many years. His performance at the Canterbury Cathedral International study centre on Friday evening was outstanding. Since returning from the USA to live in England, Martin has been largely returning to his roots of English folk music. This was borne out during the concert, and is particularly marked in his most recent CD 'Kind Letters'. However Friday's repertoire had plenty to entertain everyone whether keen 'folkies' or not, with everything from traditional English folk songs through Leadbelly, to Bob Dylan. His interpretation and arrangements were astonishing as always, and this was a concert not to be missed. -- Bernard Quemby
Show of Hands - Canterbury Cathedral International Study Centre, April 21 - 22nd 2006
A
splendid venue for two sell-out Concerts with Steve
Knightley and Phil Beer, plus their virtually permanent guest Miranda
Sykes.
Their new album 'Witness' was well showcased but both nights opened
with
"The Oak", (from their vast back-catalogue) and got the audience
immediately joining in with its repetitive and catchy chorus.
Unlike the album here we had just Fiddle,
Acoustic Guitar and Double-Bass, supporting the outstanding voices of
all three
musicians. The amazing "Roots", de-crying this Country's loss of
identity is destined to be an anthem for their fans.
Other highlights were "The Dive" about a drama off the west coast;
"The Falmouth Packet/Haul Away Joe" with another fine sing-along
chorus; "Undertow" about the struggles of youth to escape mediocrity
and better themselves. Also the bizarre concept of a Folk-Music-Tribute
to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of 'The Beatles' album 'Rubber Soul'
has
"If I Needed Someone" as their contribution and a fine version it is
too. The past
provided brilliant
performances of "Crow in the Cradle", "Be Lucky", "The
Blind Fiddler", "Santiago", "Cousin Jack", "Tall
Ships" and "Country Life", however this band are so consistently
good that every song was a highlight ! Saturday night saw
solo-performances by
Phil of 'The Band's' "Arcadian Driftwood" and Steve with 'Dire
Straits' "Romeo and Juliet". Miranda's solo spot both nights was
"I Wish I Knew" from her own fine new album 'Bliss'. A 'Workshop'
with the boys during Saturday, plus these two outstanding Concert's
have been
another triumph for 'Folk in the Barn'.
Mick
O'Rourke
Paul Downes - Kingston Barn - Friday 14th July 2006
A fine July evening heralded a new season of Folk/Acoustic music concerts at the Kingston Barn with the appearance of accomplished Guitarist/Singer-songwriter Paul Downes to 'top the bill'. Before him though the show opened with Canterbury's own Sarah Reed who performed a fine set of her own songs whilst playing acoustic guitar, with a superb guitarist accompaniment.
Paul, from Exeter (quick to acclaim his local rugby team as better then any in Kent!) showed his close links with fellow West Country duo Steve Knightley & Phil Beer, probably better known as 'Show of Hands', by playing several of their repertoire of songs and tunes, in particular two from their instrumental album 'The Path', which seeks to describe in musical terms the South West Coastal Path, which runs from Dorset to North Devon via Lands End. Another highlight was his version of 'The Rose in the Thorn' from their 'Cold Cuts' album. Protest songs featured prominently throughout including 'Tomorrow if not Today', written about the Cyprus-Eoka-Enosis troubles but still very relevant today with its story of villages praying for their future as khaki-clad figures roamed the streets outside their homes. There were other older traditional folk-songs with their usual content of domestic violence, soldiers marching off to war and sex, but no drugs and rock'n roll that I noticed!
Anecdotes about the songs and the folk music business generally, linked the performance well and his guitar (& mandocello) playing was sublime to compliment a fine concert.
Mick O'Rourke
Chris & Kellie While - Kingston Barn - Saturday 30th September
Another success at this well appointed village venue with appearances by the Sussex based duo 'Barber & Taylor', featuring the distinctive voice of Kevin Barber accompanied by the supremely skilled guitarist Mark Taylor. Their set consisted of their own material mixed with the likes of Bob Dylans for a very enjoyable performance.
Topping the bill were the mother/daugher combination of Chris & Kellie While. Chris (probably better known for her partnership with Julie Matthews) has one of the most amazingly ranged voices on the circuit today and when added to Kellie's the sound is simply beautiful and often brought tears of emotion to the spellbound audience. Both played acoustic guitars and sang in breathtaking harmony, songs from their vast repertoire by writers as diverse as that man Dylan again, Julie Matthews, Nic Jones and Richard Thompson. All were introduced with anecdotes about the author of the song contents, with Kellie clearly in awe of many of the famous names whom she came into contact with through Mum, in her formative years. Chris in turn told of her emotional experience in singing the Sandy Denny parts earlier this year, when the groundbreaking Fairport Convention album 'Liege and Leaf' was recognised as 'The most influential folk album of all time' at the BBC2 Folk Awards. She clearly being overjoyed at singing alongside the great Richard Thompson and the rest of that magical (all too short lived) line-up.
Particular highlights included '100 Miles' accompanied by a story from Chris about a drunken Scotsman's attempt to interpret the line 'Felt your breath in my hair', need I say more!! and Dylan's 'Mississippi'. Throughout they laughed and gazed admiringly at each other, as they rose to peaks of perfection. It was an unforgettable experience for all present, who hopefully will return for the two remaining 2006 'Folk in the Barn' concerts.
Mick O'Rourke
Sean Lakeman & Kathryn Roberts - Kingston Barn - Saturday 25th November
Saturday 25th
November witnessed the latest sell out show from 'Folk in the Barn'. The Kingston Barn was
unsurprisingly full to
overflowing with people eager to catch this rare show from Sean Lakeman
&
Kathryn Roberts. This
couple have,
despite their young age, been in the music business for well over a
decade. They have
both had success in
their own right as well as being part of the 90's folk/rock band
Equation along
with such amazing artists as Kate Rusby, Cara Dillon, Seth Lakeman
& Sam
Lakeman. It is an
obvious testament to
the talents of Equation that each member of the group has gone forward
to carve
out their own niche in the business.
Kathryn
& Sean remain loyal
to their folk music roots performing a set compiled of traditional
songs from
the genre alongside more modern offerings from Tom Waits & Paul
Simon. From the
moment Kathyrn opens her mouth to
sing the entire audience is captivated by the seemingly effortless note
perfect
voice that emanates from her throat.
Despite the self admitted dark & sometimes
murderous nature of a
number of their songs you cannot help but be lifted by Sean's intricate
and
enigmatic guitar playing alongside Kathryn's warm strong vocals. The real highlight of the
evening had to be
Kathryn's unaccompanied rendition of 'The Drowned Lovers' that was made
all the
more poignant by the acoustics in the barn and I'm sure caused a few
lumps in
the throats of the audience.
All in all with the combination of Kathryn's captivating vocals and Sean's passionate guitar work as well as the obvious on stage chemistry between the couple, it would be impossible for anyone not to have left the Barn feeling uplifted by the knowledge that there are still amazing young people like these keeping the roots of traditional music alive. This gig was another success for 'Folk in the Barn' & the next one featuring Swarb's Lazarus can only further entrench the brand as the leading Roots music night in the area.
Corrina O’Rourke
Sean & Kathryn were supported by the interesting and unusual Beck Sian, young cousin of the one and only Kate Bush. Beck, whose ethereal presence and astonishing voice captivated many, presented songs that painted pictures of green leafy magical landscapes and soulful tales of human emotion. When she sang her cousins song, if you closed your eyes you could be persuaded Kate herself was on the stage. A lovely performer, warm, sweet and endearingly honest. Because of her unique style she wasn't to everyones taste but it would be impossible to please everyone all the time, and Its important to present a mixture of artistes. Both Beck and Kathyrn performed despite suffering from the December bugs and did so amazingly - considering...
Debs
Megson - Kingston Barn (in place of Lazarus and Uiscedwr!!) - Saturday 16th December
Another
great concert at the Kingston Barn with the
brilliant performance from the Teeside duo 'Megson', supported by local
singer-songwriter Jim Laslett. However it had almost been a disaster as
scheduled bill-topper's 'Lazarus', led by veteran violinist Dave
Swarbrick
(already subject of a premature obituary by the Telegraph), were forced
to
cancel very late in the day due to Swarb being unwell.
Jim Laslett was thus summoned from
wedding reception
duties to perform a fine set of his own material, whilst 'Megson' were
promoted
from support to headliner's, which they did with much aplomb. Rehearsed
to
perform just 5 song's, they plunged into their album "On the Side",
their new 5-track self-titled E.P. and new songs destined for their
next release,
to brilliantly fill the top-spot.
Thankfully
only 6 of the
previously capacity audience opted not to stay on learning of the
withdrawal of
the very traditional-style 'Lazarus'. It was their loss as the
remainder
experienced the refreshing younger-style of 'Megson', who consist of
the
diminutive Debbie Palmer on vocals and whistle, ably accompanied by Stu
Hanna
on vocals, guitar and mandola. They performed a mixture of their own
compositions and traditional songs, (with Debbie's amazing vocal range
drawing comparison
with Sandy Denny, by some, during an interval discussion, which is
praise
indeed !), her powerful voice soaring to the rafter's or dropping to
tender
softness with equally breathtaking effect. Highlight's included "Smoke
of
Home", a tale of travellers' nostalgia for their home town; "Follow
It On", about failed love; "Just Stay", a plea to prolong an
association; "Rose on the Stem", an unrequited love and my particular
favourite "Grace Darling", the story of the heroic light-house
keeper's daughter who rowed out into a fierce storm to save a ship's
crew.
It was a truly memorable night and hopefully 'Megson' will be back again in '07
Mick O'Rourke
**This concert was originally scheduled to be Uiscedwr - to raise funds for the Aplastic Anaemia Trust. Uiscedwr pulled out when it became apparent that young singer/fiddle player Anna Esslemont would need a life saving bone marrow transplant to win her battle against Aplastic Anaemia. You can read about Annas journey at her myspace page www.myspace.com/uiscedwr
Uiscedwr were replaced by Lazarus who cancelled on the day due to Swarb being unwell, obviously he cannot take any chances with his health and it was just unfortunate timing and I am sorry if some of you were disappointed. To compensate for any disappointment, the raffle I had decided to hold for Anna's charity was changed to a free raffle with every audience member given a free ticket. Folk in the Barn then gave one pound per head to the AAT. The AAT are still receiving donations, Anna has a page at www.justgiving.com/uiscedwr thanks millions to those that have helped already, i know a lot of you have. I really hope Anna will be able to come and play for us in the Barn just as soon as she is fully recovered.
Beth Nielsen Chapman - Canterbury Cathedral International Study Centre 28 Jan 2007
The latest performer to grace the sold-out 'International Study Centre' in the lee of the magnificent Cathedral, was the American singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman.
Ms. Chapman has experienced much pain and sorrow in her life, losing her husband to cancer and recovering from the same disease herself. This is reflected in many of her songs but in such a way as to lift, support and offer hope to the listener who may have suffered such anguish themselves, providing a fantastic mix of smiles and tears.
Playing guitar and piano, she was accompanied on percussion by her son, also Ernest (after his father), also the virtuoso multi-wind instrumentalist (including conch-shell) John Ragusa and the veteran guitarist Maart Allcock of Fairport Convention and Jethro Tull fame. Her amazing vocal range complimented the superbly balanced sound in this fine theatre.
Highlights of her wonderful performance included 'Sand and Water' which includes the beautiful line, as if she were talking to her departed husband of their beloved son, "His laughter fills my world and wears your smile" ... a remarkably poignant song that brought tears to my eyes and many more too I suspect. Other outstanding moments were the equally cerebral 'Seven Shades of Blue' and 'Free', but there were lighter moments too with the up-tempo 'Happy Girl' and 'This Kiss', which had been a major chart-hit for Faith Hill.
Throughout the concert this deeply religious lady had glanced at the illuminated edifice visible from the stage and made reference to its grandeur. In 2006 she had performed beneath the dome of the mighty St Paul's Cathedral...who knows, she may return to Canterbury to grace that great building too ?
Mick O'Rourke
ColvinQuarmby –
Whitstable Playhouse – Saturday 10th
March 2007
ColvinQuarmby - not exactly a name that trips off the tongue but now after last Saturday night in the Whitstable Playhouse, it is a name that is forever imprinted on my heart! I saw the band for the first time, courtesy of friends who asked me to come along. I don’t get out much so was quite excited at the prospect and my expectations were more than fulfilled. I haven’t seen a lead singer with so much joy and enthusiasm for years - last time I saw a band it wasn’t cool to be excited but Gerry Colvin looks as though he wouldn’t ever have played that game. His sometimes poignant and always clever lyrics, coupled with the clear perfection of his voice and the wonderfully executed harmonies of the rest of the band were bizarrely contrasted with his madcap stand up act between songs. Nick Quarmby was his straight man and played a mean bass guitar and as for the guitar solos of Dave Dutfield - tight and impressive –a positive impresario. I left that night knowing that I was ‘Just one Bone in a Dinosaur’ and I fell asleep smiling and dreaming of ‘lying on my Back watching Feathers fall from Angels’-what a delightful thought. Go and see them if you ever get the chance.
John Tams & Barry Coope - Canterbury Cathedral ISC - Saturday 21st April 2007
'Sharpe' featured with the brilliant "Banks of Red Roses" from the recent 'Sharpe's Challenge'. In truth bespectacled John would never have made a sharp-shooter, saying he could barely see the end of the long-rifle, let alone aim and shoot someone with it ! He told also of a Derbyshire countryman asking his opinion of Bob Dylan's "Dunna think twayce it's awreet", as he called it, prompting a re-write of the song in dialect, with that new title forming a very effective chorus. In fact all the chorus songs had been enthusiastically supported with John's encouragement and the aptly titled "Rolling Home" was no different and brought to an end another truly enjoyable 'Folk in the Barn' evening.
Mick O'Rourke
Thursday 17th May's Folk in the Barn concert held at the ISC showcased the talent of veteran singer/songwriter Steve Knightley alongside 19 year old Jenna Witt who has just completed her debut album. These two artists have worked together previously on the 'Western Approaches' tour that also featured Relentless artist Seth Lakeman. Despite the age difference, these two Devonians share a genuine passion for their roots and their performances gel effortlessly.
Jenna Witt is a wonder to behold, at only 19 years old she has managed to produce an album that someone twice her age would be proud of. She combines the laid back style of Jack Johnson with the soulful innocence of fellow Devon export Joss Stone. Obviously heavily influenced by her upbringing in the seaside village of Woolacombe the majority of her songs feature reference to the sea, particularly 'Surfers Storm' & the title track 'Barefoot & Eager', written about her talented surfer brother Josh. A real highlight of her performance was the incredibly brave cover of the Pink Floyd epic 'Wish you were here' which she pulls off with seemingly effortless confidence. For such a young girl to be able to tackle such a classic song & almost make it her own is an incredible achievement.
Steve Knightley performed songs from his latest solo effort 'Cruel River'. In contrast to his debut solo album this offering is a stripped down masterpiece where the song is everything. Performing new songs such as 'Poppy Day' & the updated 'Crooked Man 07' Knightley captivated the audience with his impassioned vocals & performance. Every song seemed to make a statement that you couldn't possibly ignore. He also sang some 'Show of Hands' classics to keep the crowd happy such as the rousing 'Country Life' & the new unofficial national anthem 'Roots' which both got everyone singing along.
Corrina O’Rourke
Nomads / Barber & Taylor..... Uiscedwr / Queensberry Rules
'Folk in the Barn' moved to Whitstable to support the Oyster Festival celebration with two concerts at the superbly quaint 'Playhouse Theatre'.
First up on the Wednesday were the Brighton-based duo 'Barber & Taylor' and at times you'd be forgiven for thinking it was James Taylor on stage as the mellow-voiced Kevin Barber matched the American super-star sound, if not his bank balance! Partner Mark Taylor, a very talented guitarist supported well on vocals too as the pair performed a fine set of songs, including some self-penned numbers before closing with a rip-roaring version of the Rufus Thomas classic “Walking the Dog”.
Topping the bill were a newly formed local line-up called 'Nomads' consisting of Alan Prosser, normally to be seen as guitarist with the long-established 'Oysterband', Brendan Power on harmonica and Lucy Randall on bodhran, cajon, tambourine, etc. Alan came on alone to perform two of his own composition's before being joined by Brendan on 'Flyin', followed by Lucy mounting her cajon for the lively 'Alvediston' a tale of 'Oysterband' visits to seek inspiration. The performance continued with a mix of folk, blues, celtic, jazz and country styles with Alan's dextrous guitar skills evident, Brendan's atmospheric and haunting harp-playing and Lucy's eclectic percussion, all supporting Alan's fine vocals. Highlights included the jazzy-bluesy “Maybelle”, the poignant “Something has got to Change”, the gentle “When I think of You”, the catchy “Walking down the road with You” and the bouncy “How come I feel so Good”.
The disappointingly small but enormously supportive audience gave them a fine ovation at the end of a hugely entertaining evening.
On then to the Saturday and thankfully a bigger crowd in to see Stoke on Trent's finest – no not Robbie Williams but 'The Queensberry Rules', a trio of Potteries lads anxious to extol the virtues of the Five-towns and its heritage, so first up was “The sagger-makers bottom knocker”, the tale of a worker in the bottle-oven days of the old Pottery industry. The band are brothers Gary Wilcox, with vocals and percussion, Duncan Wilcox on double-bass, mandolin, fiddle and vocal support, (who was also butt of many jokes from his elder sibling) and Phil Hulse on guitar and vocals. They were lively performers with humour interspersing their fine repertoire of historic and modern observation songs about the decline of their city and its ceramic and coal industries. “Jam jar Wakes” recalls the annual wakes-week holidays when the fair came to town and had a catchy chorus enthusiastically supported by the crowd. Also outstanding were “Sinking town” about their city subsiding due to the old mine workings below, “The Black Dog”, a tale of legend and a fine version of the traditional 2High Germany”.
They had set the scene beautifully for the arrival of the sensational 'Uiscedwr', a Yorkshire-based trio consisting of an Englishman, the veteran guitarist Kevin Dempsey, an Irishman, multi-skilled percussionist Cormac Byrne and a Welsh-lass, the brilliant violinist and singer Anna Esslemont, recently recovered from life-threatening illness which had necessitated numerous blood transfusions and a bone-marrow transplant. They started with a rousing set of tunes entitled “Not the Hurricane”, followed by the equally lively “Esta Levista” and this magnificent start was matched throughout as they played tunes in Celtic, Latin, Eastern-European, Mediterranean, Oriental and North African styles.
You just have to see Anna to believe her, she plays with such panache, her mesmeric head and body movements, her dark expressive eyes constantly exchanging broad smiles with her colleagues, especially Cormac who possesses a perpetual smile himself as he makes astonishing rhythm on his bodhran, cajon and other obscure objects !, whilst Kevin doggedly holds it all together with fine guitar work. Anna sung beautifully in a predominantly instrumental performance with vocal highlights being “Everyday Cynic”, “Yorkshire Tea” and the intensely sardonic “America” and instrumentals including “The Beast”, a set of tunes that tested their collective dexterity to the limits, “Everywhere” with its Greek and Yiddish origins. Kevin also performed a fine vocal with “The Music Bringer”, a tale of failed love, and Cormac launched into a prolonged Bodhran solo achieving sounds that belie such an apparently simple instrument.
It had been a truly amazing performance to round off a superb nights entertainment and a fine ovation closed proceedings. Both concerts had been outstanding and another great success for 'Folk in the Barn'.
Mick O'Rourke
Another full-house at the Kingston Barn to see top quality entertainment, firstly from Essex-based singer-songwriter Adrian Nation who performed a fine set of his own beautifully crafted songs and tunes, plus the Richard Thompson classic “Vincent 52”. Adrian is a superb acoustic guitarist with exceptional stage presence who deserves great success – remember the name, his second album is close to completion.
Topping the bill was the sensational Chris While, fresh from her triumph at the 'Cropredy Festival' where she'd sung the Sandy Denny parts with the original Fairport Convention band members as they performed the entire seminal 'Liege and Lief' album from 1969, which has inspired so many musicians through the years. Tonight though, billed as 'The Chris While Band' she was accompanied by Joe Broughton on fiddle and guitar, Neil Fairclough on bass and Tom Chapman on cajon and other percussion.
All had played on her new release 'Rosella Red' and that was to feature fully before the evening's end, but they opened with “Look at me Now”, the title track of her very first solo album and followed up with “Light in my Mother's Eye”, a real tear-jerker of maternal memories. “Falling Ashes” was the first from the new album, a nostalgic tale of her home town, Barrow in Furness and its great ship building heritage, with this one holding paternal memories for her.
The band members were superb throughout the performance, all masters of their instruments with fine solo parts interspersing with Chris While's amazing voice, showcasing her vast vocal range.
Personal highlights included her solo rendition of “100 Miles” with amusing tale of a drunken Scot's attempt to interpret some of the wording; Her loving tribute to daughter Kellie in “Dark Blue Eyes”; “Safe in Your Arms” written throughout a long Australian tour; “Walking in my Shoes” - bitter brilliance ! “Bruccianni's Cafe” with its memories of coffee-bar culture, dancing around handbags and great soul music; “Piecework” a distant remembrance of her first job working 'int Mill' (since turned into an 'Aldi') and the catchy, quirky “When I watch you Sleep”.
Great as all this had been there was even better to come as we approached the end with her powerful delivery of “Lonely Morning Blues”, then onto the encore with a solo, sublime version of Joni Mitchell's beautiful “Both Sides Now”.
It was a wonderful way to finish an outstanding performance by a lady whose voice just gets richer as time goes by, it deserves to be gracing the biggest stages, but selfishly I'm just happy that she remains our secret and we can continue to see her in delightfully intimate venues like the Kingston Barn !
Mick O'Rourke
A swift return to Canterbury for brilliant American singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman but this time with her full band as part of the “Prism Tour” to promote her new album of that name at the bigger, but still sold-out venue of The Gulbenkian Theatre.
First on stage though and what a fantastic support act to have, was the award-winning young Scot from the Outer Hebrides, Julie Fowlis to perform a fine set of Gaelic songs and music from her homeland and Ireland. Her beautiful voice overcame the fact that most listeners (if any) did not understand a word of the songs, the sound was enough. Band members were John McCusker on fiddle and Eamon Doorley with bouzouki and fiddle, all combining beautifully to set the scene for the main event.
Beth on piano and guitar was supported by her son Ernest on guitar, keyboard and percussion, his new wife Jessie Friedman on guitar and vocals, her nephew Tripp Dudley on drums, the amazing John Ragusa on a vast array of wind instrumets including his famous conch-shell, plus two British stalwarts in multi-instrumentalist Pete Zorn and guitarist-extraordinaire Maart Alcock. First up was 'That Mystery' a lovely song from “Prism”, followed by 'World of Hurt' and then another new one, the catchy 'God is In'. Then came the poignant classic 'Sand and Water', a song so popular that the words have been reproduced in a booklet containing spectacular scenic colour photography and endorsed by Elton John as “It's the most beautiful song I've ever heard about loss”, once more it caused the tears to flow. On then to 'Durrow' a lovely Welsh-song from the new album which contains many songs from around the world, all with themes of peace and love and sung in their native language by this amazingly talented and deep-thinking lady whose own life and death experiences feature so strongly in her own music. Particular highlights for me included 'Shine' and 'Beautiful Fool' from “Prism” plus 'Free', 'Beyond the Blue' and 'Say Goodnight not Goodbye', but on a night of such brilliance it was difficult to choose one above another. The finale came as a surprise really with a version of Smokey Robinson's 'Tears of a Clown' followed by her sadly joyful 'Happy Girl' to leave both girls and boys very happy at what they'd witnessed once again courtesy of 'Folk in the Barn'.
Mick O'Rourke
The ISC Canterbury played host to the final 'Folk in the Barn' concert of 2007 and what a great choice with the appearance of Cara Dillon and her band. First on stage for a solo support-slot was her guitarist John Smith to perform an amazing set of primarily his own songs, sung in a deep rich vocal-style akin to John Martyn or more recently Ray Lamontagne, accompanied by his brilliantly delicate acoustic guitar playing. He was a great success and one who deserves greater personal recognition.
The tiny blonde Irish angel that is Cara Dillon then appeared with husband Sam Lakeman (piano & guitar), the aforementioned John Smith (guitar) and her fellow-countryman James O'Grady (uillean pipes and fiddle) to open with the traditional 'She Moves through the Fair', sung to perfection and we were away ! Next came another (trad.arr.) ''Craigie Hill' a love story of leaving old Ireland to seek a better life. 'Black is the Colour' followed, which is another traditional song of unfulfilled love, her soaring voice conveying the pain of separation. James and Sam then took the lead on two jigs which preceded the moving tale of the futility of “the Troubles” called 'There were Roses', another tear-jerker of a song. This was spectacularly followed by 'Lass of Lough Royal' in a breathtaking performance by Cara and John of another traditional Irish classic, their contrasting voices uniting beautifully, (no surprise to learn they are due to record it for a single-release), it was absolutely stunning and brought the house down !
Cara's infectious humour had been evident throughout the evening and never less than her story of Sam's new expensive combination-lock suitcase unfortunately locked after packing for the tour but without noting those numbers.... so far 2-3,000 numerical attempts to open it have failed, but Sam refuses to revert to the screwdriver and hammer-method !
Other particular favourites that followed included the rousing 'P stands for Paddy', plus a clutch of songs from her last album “After the Morning” with 'Garden Valley', 'October Winds' and 'I Wish you Well' before the finale 'Never in a Million Years', a tale of agonising devotion. Cara's soulful melodic voice, whistle and fiddle playing had been sublime and unbeknown to the audience had been performed whilst suffering with cold and sore throat !
It had been a concert of sheer brilliance throughout and a wonderful way to end our musical year.
Mick O'Rourke