Orpington Friday Folk
C WOTYA MIST!
3rd March 2006
PAUL DOWNES
This was Paul's third visit and it was clear that he felt right at home. Between the jokes,the heckling from both sides of the stage, and the photo calls , we were treated to some great songs and tunes. Paul seems as happy in a small venue as he is on the stage of the Albert Hall with his friends Phil Beer and Steve Knightley. Our Fab Friends were there. Claudine had her trusty camera. She even managed to get Paul to call into Fab Club, before his Hitchin gig, and give us a half hour show. Trevor and I had our first go at hosting the fab session, and managed to fit in all the singers, plus Paul, and finish dead on time. Wow!
Sue Tuckey
17th March 2006
LANDERMASON
Was it because it was Paddy's Night or what??? A smallish audience turned out for what was to be a stonking evening. Ok, I'd never heard of them either.. but if they're good enough for Doug Hudson, they're good enough for me. Fabulous, original material, some jazz, some folk, some pop, all performed on various guitars,keyboards, and wind instruments. If I had to compare them to anybody, it would have to be MUNDY-TURNER, but these guys live here !!!!
Well worth looking out for, we give them four stars.
Sue Tuckey
24th March 2006
CAPELLA/CATAPELLA
It was a slow start, but by about 8.40, the audience had arrived to be royally entertained for the first half by Tony and Lesley in fine voice as usual. More floor singers than we could fit in tonight. It was great to have old friends and ex-residents Kim and Ian visit us. They have had to practice some songs, as Crediton Festival invited Fo'c's'le to play there next weekend. A re-formed Catapella, minus Tony Smith, provided the second half's entertainment.... great stuff!!!!!!!!!!
SUE TUCKEY
31ST MARCH 2006
HUNT THE WREN
I was expecting good things from this band, and they didn't disappoint me.
We all know Pam and Jon Fitzgerald from Travellers Rest Folk Club, and Thrift Music.They gave us two excellent sets with four out of five of the band present. They really didn't need the p.a. in our small room and this undoubtedly upset some of the punters, but most thoroughly enjoyed the evening. We had several residents, regular audience members, plus Simon and Claudine from Fab Club, who are becoming regular visitors too. It was nice to see Sheila Finn on one of her few nights off, plus partner Nick, Ivan and Sue, who all came later.
Sue Tuckey
April 14th - singers night
As Sue had a bad cold it was left to yours truly to go to this, which was hosted ably by Andy Smythe.
After the previous week's poor turnout, I wasn't expecting much tonight, this being a Good Friday and all , but I was pleasantly surprised by the sixteen attendees - only two of whom were non-performers.
There were a healthy number of Essex personell, along with a couple of chaps from down Hampshire way, and an interesting plethora of styles, from unaccompanied solo to duets of various sorts and even a couple of trios ( why does it always sound as if I'm writing about an orgy for a 'mens' magazine? - answers on a postcard please!).
Nearly everyone got at least two songs in, and the general consensus was that it was a pleasant evening well spent. Looking forward to the next singers night on 28th April if it's half as much fun as this. - Trevor.
Friday 21st April -- PIGS EAR
It was only six months since their last visit, but this band can get a good audience any time, any place, and tonight was no exception.Trevor and I got there early, to find the band and friends, and some audience in place, and the tables and chairs already set out. They seem to have more instruments each time that I see them, and there were drums everywhere! there was a shortage of floor singers but that just meant more time for the band to play songs old and new on an amazing variety of instruments including, guitar, bazouki, oboe, whistle recorders, pipes, dulcimer, bodhran, rain stick, claves, flute, tambourine, drums, etc. ,etc.,. You missed a treat!!!!!! Sue
FRIDAY 5TH MAY.. BRIAN BRUCE
Turnout could have been slightly better for this one. Brian is a good mate, and resident of our sister club in Farnborough. Infamous for his rendition of Lyle Lovatt's "Pony on my Boat", he left that alone tonight, but gave us some of his less performed songs which were scattered in amongst some of our favourites,each performed beautifuly on his "not a Taylor" Gibson guitar. There was a very laid back air, with lots of humour between the songs.The evening was hosted by Doug Field and there were spots from Chris, Mo, Tone Deaf Leopard, and Paul Green
Friday 12th May.... Steve O'Kane and Fiona McBain
Not only do this couple have rhyming names, they sound rather good together too! They made a welcome return to the club after a long absence, during which I lost touch with them totally. I then remet them both at the Fab Club, and was delighted to have them play tonight. Steve is an excellent singer/songwriter and effortless performer, and Fiona's voice complements him in harmony. That doesn't mean that the lass can't sing on her own. Far from it. Fiona can sing unaccompanied too. Her rendition of "The Old Dun Cow" is truly awesome! The turnout was excellent tonight. More floorsingers than usual and a tight squeeze, especially as I had a special guest floorsinger by the name of ROGER SUTCLIFFE....see what you missed.Thanks to Roger,Claudine,Simon.Chris Amos and Eleanor, Chris Adams and Colin, Andy Smythe, and apologies to those who didn't get on.
Friday May 19th Simon Oliver. Last week it was Simon supporting Steve and Fiona, this week, they were supporting him! Yes - our Fab Friends turned out again tonight. The evening was hosted by Ralph, and the other floorspots came from Andy, Doug, Chris, Claudine, and Tone Deaf Leopard. Simon gave of his best tonight. He is a fine songsmith, and sings them well. There were one or two traditional songs, and lots of choruses. There were also several anecdotes, not all linked to songs, which both made us smile, and think. There was a cracking song for an encore, one which Simon had co-written, about a big man from Leigh On Sea who rowed his fish up the Thames in order to get them to market. This was performed acapella, allowing loads of harmonies to accompany Simon's fine singing. You should do more stuff without the guitar lad!
Don Thompson Friday June 2nd
Whata night you missed this time! A small but enthusiastic audience were thoroughly entertained. There were one or two poignant little numbers, but mostly humourous songs....there's nothing like a good laugh is there? Hard to believe, Don claimed he was nervous at the start, but he was truly amongst friends, and soon lost all... well some... inhibitions!
Added to that the floor spots imncluded that maestro of the guitar.. Mr Leslie Elvin! C WATYA MIST!......
Steve Turner June 9th 2006... Was it the football? the weather? or just "never heard of him itis?" We had a terrific guest and a turnout of 13!!! Steve is making a comeback after 20 years. He doesn't just do traditional. Nor does he just play concertina. He has a natty little guitar and can , and did, give you a Steven Foster song, a music hall song, and even stuff from the hit parade of yesteryear. He is a very nice guy, and well worth seeing should you get the chance. Fellow organisers take note.
No Worries 16th June.... Thank goodness for our fortnightly visit from a group from Tudor Barn! Hardly any of our regulars turned out, despite there being this very popular duo guesting. To add insult to injury, no residents turned up either. If you don't want a Friday Folk Club in Orpington, this is the way to get the desired result. You all missed a fab evening.
Sue
Adrian Nation - June 23rd 2006. This one was more C wot we mist as TDL were living the dream at Knockholt. Thanks to Doug and Ralph for running the night. We managed a few words with Adrian at Leigh Festival. He said it wasn't too bad - eleven people and he sold a couple of c.d.s. and a d.v.d.
Drohne June 30th... improved turnout tonight... thank goodness. It was good to have guests that were totally different from the norm. There were a few songs, but mostly dance tunes from this local duo playing hurdy gurdy, drums, English bagpipes, schaum, bass clarinet, crumhorns etc. Very medieval.
July 7th Chris Spindlow and Mo Baker. This was the first of our "Residents' Guest Nights" for July. The audience was small, but friendly, and the floor singers included the excellent Dave Arthur.We had shanties, ballads, and music hall songs, but, unfortunately, "they didn't sing any Bob Dylan". Who cares? A fine time was had by all! 
July 14th Paul Sirman... Paul always attracts a good crowd, and tonight was no exception. Ours was the first club in Kent to book Paul, after a very successful floor spot, and on his gig, Paul was offered, and accepted a residency. I just had to have him back in "Residents Month". We heard lots of old favourites plus a couple of songs, learned for his annual appearance at Lancaster Maritime Festival. His old singing partner and FF resident, RTB enjoyed a night off from his busy schedule of gigs,so it was a really great night.
July 21st Tone Deaf Leopard. I could not possibly comment, but see the Gygs Page on the TDL site.
Here's an"independant" review....
REVIEW
Friday 21st July saw a fabulous, well known, and some may say infamous duo at Orpington Friday Folk.
The vanguard of "Glam Folk" - Tone Deaf Leopard were a cracking group to spend an evening with. The place was crowded, if you did not come over to see them, shame on you! More so, when you learn that a chap from Northumberland came down to see them!
With such classics as "Washing Day", "Road Kill Cafe" and that controversial number "A Wee and a Shave" the whole club were in uproars of laughter. Trevor's singing was superb, Sue's accompaniment was great (I really do think she has improved greatly over the last month or so!) and she did him proud. Trevor only has one problem, his "paws" can't hold on to his plectrum ! (but he keeps them in a nice 'sac' !!!). Miss them next time at your peril.
Jo - Jo
Friday July 28th - Ralph Henning. One of our longest - serving and ever-popular residents was our guest tonight. He started his show with a Gordon Lightfoot number. Apparently before he came to London, contemporary was all the rage, and he had to learn a lot of traditional songs as that was all the rage up here. We had the usual laid-back evening - an absolute delight. Chris did a superb job of hosting, having quite a number of floor singers to get on. Simon Oliver, a great fan of Ralph came over from Essex. He particularly wanted to introduce Ralph, whom he admires, after Ralph had hosted for him back in May. Simon has a new club starting in September in Havering
Friday August 4th.... First of our summer singarounds. A small but varied gathering. You missed one of Ron's rare appearances at his home club. Also there were Chris, T.D.L. and cub, Ben, Jo-Jo, and ex resident Maggie Lovell. Anyone want to review the next two Fridays, as T.D.L. will be at Broadstairs!!!
Two more great singers nights before the new season kicked off with Steve and kristi Nebel. Great songs, well constructed, and a joy to listen too. Good support from our residents, Ralph, Doug [our m.c.] and Ron Trueman-Border. I could use a reviewer for Jim Reynolds please.
Jim Reynolds - no review yet- sorry.
Friday 22nd September. Another laid- back singaround with some super musicians. You should have been there!
Friday 29th September Dave Gibb... What a fun night! A disappointingly small audience were treated to a night of mostly self-penned songs, all put over in a relaxed way, many of them were very funny. there were two Burns songs - one in each half, sung with great sensitivity. You also missed out on a fantastic marketing opportunity - Dave's C.D.s are tremendous value at a mere fiver! Don't miss his next visit!
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