Orpington Friday Folk
WOTZBINONN
Off Reviews from June 07
Friday June 8th Tone Deaf Leopard were your hosts for this very special night with not only the lovely Liz Simcock, but her two accompaniists, Warwick Jones on lead guitar and shirt, and Ian Newman on full size double bass that fits in smart car! They had come from Norfolk, and Cambridge to be with us in Orpington. We thought we'd do Chris's favourite song to open the show, a rocky number called "I'm a Rebel". We invited the boys up to play with us. Of course they had to wear the leopardskin. They were kitted out in bandana and thong (worn on head) and added quite a bitof colour to our performance. Ralph was next up, bringing a little calm and decorum to the proceedings.Then it was time for the trio's first set. By this time, we had a really good audience, and more arrived during the set. Time to send for extra chairs! After the break we had songs from Chris, Robin, Andy and Doug, followed bya grand raffle with five prizes! If only every Friday were this good! Time flew by after that, the second set being as great as the first and over way too soon!
Friday June 15th. Those of you who had seen the programme change would have known that Neil and Bridget were unable to be our guests so we had a singers night. Originally I'd asked the residents to come prepared with four songs each, but a couple of mentions during the week brought out several fine floor singers, so we got two each, excepting Andy, who had to leave early, so he sang three. Our singers were: Ralph, Frank, Chris, Mo, Andy, Robin, Paul (Sheppey), Graham (Tudor Barn), Tony (Croydon), and TDL. We led the assembled throng in a closing rendition of "Pay Me My Money Down". I lost count of the number of guitars that joined in, each tuned differently, they formed a huge wave of melody. We'll be at Knockholt with Folkmob next week so have left Chris and Mo in charge... Robin...... will you write the notes for me please?
| Almost Knock(holt)-ed Out The Leopards were away and out on the prowl tonight in the Knockholt area, presumably pouncing on unsuspecting "folkies" and subjecting them to unimaginable terrors in the way that only TDL can! They must have had plenty of prey there because there was hardly anyone here. At one stage it seemed that there was going to be just Chris, Mo and myself, but by 9 o'clock there were eight of us so Mo started off proceedings. It seemed to be the "Smokers' Last Stand" before the new law comes into force as there was one pipe-puffer, five ciggie-suckers and just two abstainers. Apart from the Residents mentioned above, we also had Dick and Kevin as performers. As Mo, Chris and Dick were unaccompanied singers, there was the unusual situation of the guitar players being outnumbered! By the end of the evening, we had all done five songs in a lovely relaxed (if somewhat smoky!) atmosphere. It had been really pleasant to be able to chat about things related to the songs in a way that you really can't do when there is a normal-sized audience. Mo rounded off things nicely at the end of the evening and we finished on the dot of eleven! Robin A frantic break ensued, Richard selling CDS, Trevor and I selling raffle tickets and taking the door money before part two. One each from Chris and Mo, two from Andy on piano, and two from Robin, well one and a half- he said his fingers weren't working. Aftera swift raffle came Richard's second set. It was good to hear his songs again. He's been playing in a band of late, and enjoyed revisiting his old stuff. A very enjoyable evening all round. July 6th - Jim Bainbridge - Absent smokers were all accounted for. Returning non-smokers and other regulars added up to an audience of 16 for Jim's triumphant return to Friday Folk. I had hoped for more, and look forward to more people on future evenings. Doug kicked off, with yet another 2 new songs. Jim then gave us a foot-stomping song filled first half- how quickly the time went! After the break came Robin, Ralph, Sam and Carol, and Lepe of Leopards. Just time to draw the raffle and onto Jim's ssecond set. There were old favourites, interspersed with some previously unheard songs. Jim's a native of Tyneside, and many of his songs come from there, but he also draws on Irish, Scottish, and Canarian influences, having lived in all three . We look forward to seeing Jim again before too long. July 13th- Moveable Feast. As the name suggests, this band can go from 2 to 15 members, tonight, Mitch (Guitar and vocals), and Diana, (Fiddle), brought along Tom, (Accordion) all the way from Glasgow. They have a really tight sound, and a very varied repertoirre, ably demonstrated in tonight's performance. It was Mo's first go at hosting, and I have to say she was excellent. Floor spots were from TDL, Robin, and Chris, and the evening finished exactly on time. Next week we welcome Dennis Holmes who is our last guest before our summer season of singers nights. July 20th Dennis Holmes- The number of performers seemed to outnumber the audience tonight. Such is the usual case when a singer/songwriter is on the bill. Dennis's songs all seem to come from life, and have a wry smile about them. The turnout was very dissappointing, but thanks for those who turned out from Essex in support. Tonight we Lepps were hosting with able support from Robin, Ralph, Andy,Doug, Jo-Jo, and Tony. xxxxxxxx Wow!!!!!! 22 people attended the July 27th Singaround. We were amazed at how quickly the small circle of chairs which we put out initially, filled up.... nearly all performers too! I bet Robin didn't have enough lines on his clipboard. We decided to have a bit of a jam to start, which was good fun, and relaxed everyone there at the start. The singers were: TDL, Ben Little, Peter, Mike Green, Kevin, Robin, Del-Boy, Norman, Theresa, Paul, Rosa's Daughters , John, and Keith. The rest came to listen, and all thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Don't forget, we're on throughout August. Friday 3rd August – Sing-around….. Not quite so many in attendance this week but a good number of singers. Mo started the evening at 8.30 prompt to allow the maximum number of songs. Mo sang the first song, thenn picked who was to go next. This made for a less formal sing-around than last week’s. Everyone seems more relaxed sitting in a circle, though one or two used the centre space , as it is easier to play standing up sometimes. Tonight’s performers were : Mo, Chris, Robin, Peter, Fiddlefit, Paul, Tone Deaf Leopard, Ben, Dick, Ralph, and Maggie. – only two less than last week ! The audience , James, Marion, Helen, Woodsie, and Andy.Thanks to all of you - August 10th As expected, the Broadstairs Festival drew away quite a few of our regulars - including Spotted Cats Who Can't Tell If They Are In Tune - but about 8:45 Chris decided there were enough of us to go ahead. Apart from Chris, and myself there was Peter, Kevin, Keith and "Woodsie" on guitar and John doing unaccompanied songs. I personally was particularly pleased that Woodsie had his guitar as I've been meeting him at the local clubs for the best part of two years but never heard him perform before. I had no idea that he was such an accomplished player. Although there were only six of us (oh, and four non-performers as an audience), the range of songs and styles was very varied, ranging from Kevin's blues tunes to Peter's beautifully mellow renditions to Keith's traditional songs - and lots in between from myself, Chris and John. At the beginning of the session Chris wasn't sure it was going to be worthwhile starting, but by the end he - and everyone else - had really enjoyed themselves. Friday 17th August Us spotty ones were enjoying the final night of a great Folk week - whilst in orpington kick the cat rematerialised. tony had come down to visit his mum. why does he always turn up when broadstairs is on? that's all i can say really as i wasn't there, and no-one else submitted a review.
Friday August 24th apparently the turnout doubled with kick the cat's arrival last friday. tonight's attendance was better - we even managed a raffle. for a while there were only tdl ,woodsie,and paul steele plus his lady friend, helen. soon we were joined August 31st. Final August singaround was run effortlessly by mo . we formed the usual circle. on the chairs tonight were: mo , chris norman , theresa, woodsy,paul steele,Robin , keith,and the leopards. on the non-performing chairs were ben and james and helen . four songs each- very neat.there were a few songs that people hadn't sung here previously which was nice. norman debued his version of steve knightly's "cousin Jack". excellent stuff!!! we decided to have the circle for our next singers night on september 14th. see you next friday. Friday September 7th. We hot-footed it back from Knockholt for our very special guest, the one and only Brian Bruce. Brian had brought along the lovely Kerris and her trusty keyboard (to help him remember the words?) Joking aside, they seem to have a similar style,and range of songs, always useful for a duo. There were jokes scattered throughout, and the songs were a delight. Doug was the genial host,and there were floor spots from Chris, Mo, TDL, Robin, and Paul. Paul, Helen, Trevor,and myself returned to Knockholt after the gig.. but that's another story.......
September14th Singers Night. Another enjoyable but quiet evening. Ben performed two songs : "Vincent Black Lightening" and "Scarborough Fair". Ralph practiced some new material for his up-coming gig, TDL did some old favourites, and there were songs from Dick, Keith, Robin, and Tony. |
Friday September 21st.. Gastove was our guest tonight. As ever, it was an absolute joy. The man is so knowledgeable and delivers his songs in such a relaxed way, you would think he'd fall slowly from his stool. Thankfully he didn't. We were treated to a fair few songs by Cyril Tawney, and Eric Bogle amongst others. A fair few turned out in support, more audience than singers. Floor spots came from TDL, Linda Smith, and Robin Slater.
Friday 28th September TDL. Well, what with being the guests, taking the money, selling the raffle tickets etc. quite forgot to ask someone to do the review. Robin did a superb job of fitting in all the floor singers. ... Andy Smythe, Claudine Le Moal, Ben Little, Nick and Jackie Burdett, and Norcsalordie. What an array of talent! Thanks due to Ralph who thoughtfully stood aside. It would be foolish person who misses his gig on November 2nd.
Friday October 5th- Elsie's Band
What a lovely night this was. Traditional songs from the South East and South West of England... most of which I'd never heard, delivered in a no-fuss, no frills manner with only one guitar and a concertina for accompaniment. You could hear every word. It was a shame that it clashed with Tenterden Folk Festival, but we'll have them back soon, I hope. Another joy, was Roger Sutcliffe ringing me for a floor spot. He's absolute magic and such a lovely guy. We are in negotiation to actually book him as a guest next year.
12th October 2007
Madam Whiplash is indisposed, 
and I am walking wounded , ( colds everywhere tonight-? M.W.) so have probably forgotten a few bits,for which I beg forgiveness in advance.
Robin Slater started the evening, which was being hosted by Chris Spindlow, with a rendition of ‘The Battle of Hastings’ where Harold has a hawk (or possibly a Canary) on his hand, and followed it with a song. Well received by all, as usual.
Next up was Paul (Sheppey’s Champion Gurner) Steele with two songs, one of which was the Dylan classic, ‘Simple Twist of Fate’, which he got away with because Chris was out of the room at that point.
Ralph Henning followed, singing two songs, one of which was his evocative rendition of ‘Icarus’, by Anne Lister – you could have heard a pin drop when he was singing.
Now its time for our main act of the evening, the larger than life North-Western Pie Eating Champion himself – Geoff Higginbottom. Geoff started with a ‘Throat – clearing shanty’ entitled ‘Poor Old Man’ – he obviously knows what he’s likely to get paid for tonight! Then set off on a magical mystery tour of songs from his astounding repertoire including Stanley Accrington’s ‘Last Train’ and another railway song called ‘John Axon’, neither of which I had heard before. He finished the set with another shanty ‘ Hullabaloo Belay’.
After a short break for entrance and raffle ticket buying, the second half was started by Paul Sirman – I don’t know what he sang because I was out of the room, but I could hear tumultuous applause through the wall. The same goes for Ron Trueman-Border, who followed Paul, so obviously they were making a welcome return to the club!
Next up, the raffle – all prizes went inside the room – a welcome change!
Then Geoff came back for his second set which I thought went even better than the first. He included lots of singalong numbers so that the drunks – sorry – audience, could join in, and a stonking version of Richard Thompson’s ‘Vincent Black Lightning’
Chris closed the evening with the information that ‘Ghosts’ will be at the Christmas Bash in December – see website listings for details, before thanking Geoff and all the floor spots. Mumbling Len.
(Typical! It’s always a great night when I’m missing. M.W.)
Friday October 19th.. Pigs Ear
Well, it just wouldn't be right not to have the Rule family back during their, and our, 20th year. And.... the whole family turn out too. Dad is about to be 90! You wouldn't guess it!
Unfortunately, Chris and Mo were marooned in West Wickham, where Chris's car broke down... head gasket.... Mo is mortified. The show went on with Sue compering. No TDL again, Trevor still sotto voce. Robin started the procedingsat 8.50, then Pigs Ear came on for 45 glorious minutes. We had a 20 minute break... lots of chat. There were just two floor singers..... Linda Smith, and, continuing the new tradition, another guest professional with a free night, ...Robert Brown.....he gave us one of his own songs "Oh, my Head"... and a barn storming rendition o"f Rufford Poachers". Hope to book Rob next Spring or early summer. He certainly went down well tonight. Just time to give 4 prizes away in the raffle and get the Pigs back on for a stonking second half. .... what a night!!!!
Friday October 26th.... Chris and Mo.
I could probably name everyone who came tonight, which is a great pity because our two traditional singing residents had put so much effort into this evening, both learning a whole batch of new material.The host was Ralph, who is also next week's guest performer. He sang two songs, Anne Lister's "Goddess And The Sea", and one more traditional song, "Withered and Died"... isn't that by Richard Thompson? Ralph was followed by Lepe Of Leopards, the first outing for Trev's voice for 3 weeks! We just did one, which is called "Grandad" as a working title. Then it was time for the guests. Chris and Mo regaled us with song and poems... Chris took us by complete surprise.. singing a Dylan song.. "Blowin' In The Wind". After the break we had Andy with two great new songs, Robin with two specially selected numbers,one nautical with 7 deaths.. all the same fellow, and "Bread And Fishes", selected for it's west country connections, but written by Fylde's Alan Bell. Doug, fresh off the plane from Australia gave us two songs, then a swift raffle led us to the 2nd spasm. At this point, I would like to mention the first visit of Fab Club's John Stafford, who played along on his trusty harmonica. All too soon for us, the evening ended with a rip roaring rendition of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot", to send us home happy.
Please, if you are coming to OFF in the next 2 weeks, can you bring along a raffle prize for our Charity Night on November 9th. Thankyou.
on behalf of Children In Need.
Friday November 2nd Ralph Henning
Robin began the evening with two songs, he felt might not be on Ralph's playlist. One of them was "Urban Spaceman". TDL followed on, giving us "Folk Music Star" and "Rochester Town" Then Ralph took the floor. There were lots of new songs. as we have come to expect from Ralph on these nights. Amongst them were "Garden Valley", a Dougie McLean song. I had the first few titles in my head, but they have entirely vanished.
Suffice to say, Ralph performed them all imaculately.
Half time performers were: Jan Henning, Chris Spindlow, and Ron Trueman-Border.
Ralph's second set was equally good, though it had mostly old faves. I really loved his treatment of "John O' Dreams". All too soon it was time to go, but everyone went away very happy. Isn't it time Ralph made another recording?
CHILDREN IN NEED 2007.... Week One
We were joined tonight from Leigh On Sea, by Peter Dunhill and Charlie Skelton, They contributed some fine traditional music and song. Also in attendance were TDL, Paul Steele, residents, Andy and Robin. Apologies came from Ralph, Doug, and rosa's daughters, but we had Del, Dick, and Keith, James was chief treasurer, and we raised £110.00.
Having surplus raffle prizes, a donated hifi to aucrion, and a free evening on the official night, we will hold a CIN special next Friday.
Friday November 16th
This was a very different evening to last week. Suzi and Marie were able to come after all, so we gave them an extended floor spot, charged £2.00 on the door, and put that, plus all raffle ticket sales into Children In Need. We also auctioned the donated hifi. Also, unexpected were Paul Steele and the lovely Helen. Songs from Sean, Robin, TDL, Ralph, Dick, and Keith added up to yet another very entertaining evening. 
Friday November 23rd
Well, aside from RTB, few of our residents have as much pulling power as our Douggie! Before our guest arrived, his fans were arriving in twos, fours, sixes, and mostly all from Croydon. Doug regularly attends Ruskin House Folk and Blues Club where he has a great following, and, on occasion plays with one of their bands, The Emerald Aces. Robin (mandolin), and Nigel (accordion), accompanied him in the second half, but Doug gave his usual excellent solo performance for his first set. A sprinkling of new songs combined with some old favourites enthralled us all. Such an accomplished performer brings with him several others, tonight we were entertained by Pam Flyte from Croydon, via Canberra, Les Elvin, Ralph, Robin, Chris(MC), TDL, and, all the way from Bickley via Bolivia, Doug's son-in-law, George, who made his first ever public performance, playing harmonica alongside Doug. Yet another evening of surprises!
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