 The current line-up | |
| Lead singer Sue was never a folk club performer until she was pressed into it at the Nonsuch, Bishops Waltham. There she received some help from John Brenchley and the late Len Wade, both of whom saw her potential, before moving to Southsea and becoming a Broadside regular. Paul, principal guitarist, is a bit of a nomad, spending time in other parts of the country.
Although Sue has learned to play the guitar, she restricts herself to singing with the group. Folk songs suit her warm, distinctive voice but there is plenty more power in reserve to do justice to blues songs. Paul is a highly resourceful guitar player, he always seems to come up with nice fluid accompaniment whatever he's playing and gives the impression it is spontaneous. His chord shapes are not limited to the minors and sevenths and are not always chords at all but harmonising combinations of strings he's found himself. His playing is crisp and colourful, not always easy to achieve on a nylon string guitar. | |
 Dave, Sue & Paul at Folk in the Ruins 1999 |  Francis Dave Sue & Paul |
(approx 3 Mb 56 kbps 22kHz stereo mp3 files)
 Folk in the Ruins 1998. Photo: Joy Bastable |
They have plenty of songs from Sue's traditional repertoire to draw on, whilst Paul tends to source contemporary songs and blues. Their first programme at a Fo'c'sle gig included 'Rose of Allendale', 'From the Other Side' and 'Good Time Flat Blues' in that order! Together they have created something potentially pleasing to both folk and blues fans.
The original group appeared to great acclaim at the Fo'c'sle, Southampton, at the Broadside, Portsmouth, Nonsuch, Bishop's Waltham, Village Folk Club, Catisfield, Hambledon Folk Club and various Festivals including Southsea Folk & Roots, Folk in the Ruins at Bishops Waltham, Winchester Folk Festival and many more.
Over the years the band have supported many well known artistes including:Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson; Coope, Boys and Simpson;The Joyce Gang;Jason Ringenburg.
As well as performing traditional and contemporary folk songs, Apicella have a vast repertoire of Good time blues and gospel numbers.
They are available for Club bookings in Southern Counties of the UK or Festivals anywhere and may be contacted through booking agent Jane Allison on (+44) (0)23 80 456337 or Contact
, via Sue on (+44) (0)23 92 829184.
Submitted by Trevor Gilson.
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