Across the Pond # 7 - April 2000
Sat 1st Roy Harper
http://www.royharper.com
(Phoenix, Exeter 01392 667080)
"One of the most fiercely individual of singer/songwriters,
Roy Harper's work is distinguished by fine melodies, a
natural lyric flow, a brutally frank honesty and a compelling
need to comment on the present moment....Now back on
the road (and reportedly in cracking form, too)...for those
new to his work 'An Introduction To Roy Harper' not only
includes 13 of his very best performances (including 'One
Of Those Days In England') but also interviews with Dave
Gilmour, Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson and Paul McCartney."
John Crosby, Mojo.
Tue 4th Carrie Jones
http://www.freenetpages.co.uk/hp/trg/SCoFF/carrie.htm
(Nonsuch Folk Club, Bishop's Waltham 01489 891110)
Welsh-born singer, songwriter and accordionist who now
lives in Cornwall. In January 2000, Carrie was presented
with the 1999 SCoFF Ron Myles Award, recognising her
"significant contribution to the promotion of folk music
and
dance in the Southern Counties".
Thur 6th Rock Salt and Nails
http://www.rock-salt-nails.com
(Zodiac Club, Oxford 01865 420042)
"An astonishing, vibrant mix of traditional tunes, contemporary
song-writing and blazing instrumental brilliance. Acoustic music
rooted in Shetland but with the energy, intelligence and fire
to
take on the world." Tom Morton, BBC Scotland
Thur 6th Solan
http://www.cds-studio.zetnet.co.uk/solan.htm
(John of Gaunt, Lancaster 01524 35341)
A driving new trio from the Shetland Islands, far to the north
of Scotland, featuring Frances Wilkins on concertina, Chris
Henderson on acoustic and electric fiddle, and Richard Chaff
on acoustic guitar and vocals. Together since March '99,
their debut album is 'Northern Shore' (Veesik Records).
Fri 7th Baka Beyond
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/Members/baka/contents.html
(Forest Arts Centre, New Milton 01425 612393)
see UK tour dates below
Strong African beats underpin Celtic and Gaelic
melodiesproducing fast yet gentle rhythms that are
totally infectious. This blend makes for a stunning fusion
of influences. The musicianship and improvisational
skills of the band combines with a sensitivity learned
from the Baka in the African rainforest.
Sat 8th Acaysha
http://www.adastra-music.co.uk/bandsuk.html
(Citadel Arts Centre, St. Helens, Merseyside
01744 735436)
A strong, ambitious five-piece outfit playing music
described as "Appalachi-contemperaneous-fusion",
an eclectic mix of influences taken from American
Bluegrass Music, Old-time, Irish Instrumentals and
English folk, though concentrating mainly on original
compositions.
Sat 8th Gordon Giltrap
http://www.giltrap.co.uk/
(Tower Arts Centre, Winchester)
Recognised by fellow professionals and guitar enthusiasts
alike as one of the UK's premier guitarists, Gordon's album
credits have included those of Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart,
Elton John and Paul Simon. His own instrumental album
catalogue has recently been reissued on Voiceprint
http://www.voiceprint.co.uk/
Sun 9th Tarras
http://harp.rounder.com/rounder/artists/tarras/profile.html
(The Adelphi, Preston, Lancs 01772 897961)
A "Borders" band, from the hill area in England near
the
Scottish border, with deep Celtic roots and far-ranging
influences. "Young, gifted, exciting and different. Tarras
have that indefinable something that glues ears to music
and actively opens minds." --Colin Irwin, Folk Roots
Mon 10th Jeremy Taylor
http://www.jeremytaylor.co.uk
(Tudor Folk Club, Chesham)
http://home.clara.net/lombardy/Tudor.htm
Set South Africa alight in the Sixties with his "Ag Pleez
Deddy" and was then banished for ridiculing apartheid.
After two years on London's West End stage in 'Wait a
Minim!', a South African musical revue, he became a
leading entertainer on the British folk circuit with songs
like "Jobsworth", "Red Velvet Steering Wheel Cover
Driver" and "Prawns in the Game". Settled now in
mid-Wales, he continues to play folk clubs and festivals
and lectures on South Africa in schools.
Tue 11th Andy Irvine
http://www.taramusic.ie/andibg.htm
Dartford Folk Club
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/PaulHomer/dfc.htm
Spent his apprentice years travelling with Ramblin' Jack
Elliot and Derrol Adams, playing Dublin's emerging folk
scene with such artists as Johnny Moynihan, Ronnie
Drew and Luke Kelly, forming 'Sweeney's Men' in 1966.
A talented multi-instrumentalist known for his mandolin,
mandola, bouzouki and hurdy-gurdyplaying, he founded
Planxty with Christy Moore, Donal Lunny and Liam O'Flynn
in 1972, one of the most influential groups ever to emerge
from Ireland's traditional scene. After the group disbanded
in 1975 he teamed up with Paul Brady before reforming
Planxty in 1979 to make three more albums. Today he
mixes a successful solo career with his band Patrick Street,
which formed in 1986.
http://imusic.com/showcase/contemporary/patrickstreet.html
Thur 13th Jacqui McShee's Pentangle
http://www.folkcorp.co.uk/pent/welcome.htm
(Band On The Wall, Manchester 0161 833 0682)
The original Pentangle, comprising Jacqui McShee,
John Renbourn, Bert Jansch, Danny Thompson and
Terry Cox, was one of the most creative and innovative
bands on the folk scene in the late 1960s and early
'70s. The unique vocal talent of Jacqui McShee and
the fusion of folk and jazz were the key elements of
the band's success, embracing the music of Charlie
Mingus and Miles Davis alongside traditional folk
songs and their own original compositions. The latest
incarnation includes Jacqui (vocals) Spencer Cozens
(keyboards), Gerry Conway (drums), Jerry Underwood
(tenor and soprano saxophones) and Alan Thomson
(bass and guitar). Their last album 'Avant Passe'
(Park Records) was described by the Birmingham
Post as "their best , most focused and most rewarding
work in years."
Fri 14th Savourna Stevenson
http://www.cookingvinyl.com/savourna/
&
Sileas
http://www.stoneyport.demon.co.uk/bio/sileasbio.html
(The Pleasance Complex, 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh)
Savourna Stevenson is acknowledged as one of the finest
and most versatile exponents of the small harp. Her new
album 'Touch Me Like the Sun' (Cook CD 192) featuring the
voice of Eddi Reader on the title track, has just been released.
'Sileas' include Mary McMaster (metal-strung harp) and Patsy
Seddon (gut-strung harp), both also members of 'The Poozies'
and 'Caledon'. Their repertoire covers the whole spectrum,
including pipe and fiddle tunes, Scots and Gaelic songs,
with influences from international, classical and jazz music.
Sat 15th Jan Bennett & the Border Minstrels
http://www.scotweb.co.uk/music/harpfest/2000/people.html
(The Pleasance Complex, 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh)
Equally at home with the clarsach and concert harp, moving
fromthe classical to the traditional style with great ease, Janet
is much in demand for orchestral work, solo performance and
teaching. Television and radio appearances have been
numerous both asa soloist and with the Border Minstrels,
one of Northumberland's premier groups.
Sat 15th Bill Jones
http://homepage.virgin.net/belinda.j/index.html
(Robin Hood Folk Club, Nottingham)
"Bill has a beautiful voice with a slight huskiness that
prickles your neck, and makes you want to hear more.
With her entertaining introductions, and heart-stopping
songs such as the sleeping beauty tale of 'Taimse im
Chodladh', she delivered one of the finest sets at the
festival, and established an immediate following."
Rusty & Stu Wright, Festival Committee,
Fylde Folk Festival
Wed 19th Jim Page
http://www.cerkit.com/jim_page/
(Cambridge Folk Club)
"A marvellously inventive folk poet, a powerful acoustic
guitarist...Page is more reminscent of the Woody Guthrie
I heard as a boy more than anyone I've listened to in the
intervening years." Philip Elwood, San Francisco
Examiner
Sun 23rd Jackie Leven
http://www.saghaug.com/leven/
(The Grays, 105 Southover Street, Brighton BN2 2UA)
01273 680734
"...he is as good as it gets: a passionate, eloquent
songwriter with undeniable charisma, copious musical
ability and abeautiful singing voice, blending aching
Celtic soul with rich tone." The Daily Telegraph
Sun 30th John Tams Band
http://www.thebeesknees.com/
(click on 'Home Service')
Wath Folk Festival, Wath upon Dearne South Yorkshire
Details:Ruth 01709 878361 email: ragwells@dialstart.net
Having been a member of The Albion Dance Band
he later worked for the Royal National Theatre, London,
for many years, writing both songs and tunes and acting
as Musical Director. He also formed the band 'Home
Service' with Bill Caddick which performed for the
RNT production of 'The Mysteries'. Reviewing his
new solo album, 'Unity' (Topic), Colin Irwin in Folk Roots
magazine says "No artificial stimulants here. No hip-hop
beats or squealing harmonies or thoughts of reinventing
the wheel. Yet almost every track could be contender
for Song of the Year, performed with unfailing taste and
integrity. That in itself is so refreshing it nearly takes your
head right off."
Go to:
UK Festivals
UK Tour Dates
Contact Paul Castle: pdcmusic@freeuk.com
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