Steve Jordan
Entertaining in the tradition
Steve is a hard performer to categorise; perhaps the best description of him is "story-singer", a teller of musical tales. Brought up in a remote Devon hamlet, he spent much of his boyhood spare time helping out on the local farm. This has remained a powerful influence on him, as has the Baptist Chapel, which expected Sunday School pupils to be able to recite in public from the age of six or seven! He became interested in traditional music while still at school, and (having moved to Hampshire in 1967), made his recording debut in the early 70s (with Dave Williams and others) on the Forest Tracks albums of songs from Hampshire and Dorset. The intervening years have only served to mellow his voice and to deepen his knowledge, understanding and love of his material. As well as songs and ballads from the tradition, Steve sings music hall songs, in a manner which ably recaptures the spirit of the times.
For several years a member of Fieldwork Productions, he appeared in "A Tolpuddle Man", and took the leading role of the conscientious objector in Mick Ryan's "A Day's Work". A performance by Steve is interwoven with hilarious stories (mostly true), some gleaned from his early days in Devon, and others from his more recent life as a gardener in Hampshire. More than just a fine singer, natural storyteller and inspired Master of Ceremonies, Steve is a performer who possesses that rare, indefinable quality "charm".
| "With his expressive voice, varied repertoire and quietly charming stage manner, Steve is worth a place on anybody's bill." Roy Harris |
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| "When we worked with Steve at Chippenham Folk Festival, we were impressed by his wide ranging and varied material. We were, of course, particularly interested in his choice of Music Hall songs, which he performed with style, wit and - more importantly - charm. We were captivated. You will be too." Dave and Al Sealey, Cosmotheka.
"Steve has a tuneful voice, an excellent choice of songs and a wonderfully dry sense of humour. Having seen him win over a mainstage festival audience with a disarmingly modest but highly professional and entertaining performance, I can only say that he should be performing in such places more often."
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"...a "story-singer" of high renown, a performer of real "character" and straightforward honesty who, while taking the professional approach to his chosen material (he's equally fastidious whether it be classic balladry or songs from the tradition or the music-hall), is also able to effortlessly charm his audience with his performance, putting them at ease and encouraging them to laugh with him at his inimitable introductions (which, as you hear, actually prove valuable rather than
irritating). "Shows and workshops
"Chiefly Yourselves"Steve Jordan, aided and abetted by Mr. Ron Harries, presents some of the best songs and singers of The Good Old Days. A workshop style lighthearted and intriguing look at the history of the music hall. |
"No ordinary working man "In this workshop Steve recounts his research into the life and times of Richard Hall, a great character and one of the sources from whom Dr. George Gardiner collected songs at the turn of the century. Steve sings many of Richard Hall's songs, and illustrates the show with slides of the Hall family and of the area in Hampshire in which they lived. A fascinating insight into the collecting process, and a must for anyone interested in traditional song and traditional singers."A most entertaining account of a painstaking piece of detective work. The joys and frustrations of the researcher are brought vividly to life, as indeed is the bygone singer himself. Steve is an excellent communicator, has some really nice slides, and sings the songs well, too!" Brian Peters |
| Steve is experienced at both performing in and chairing Ballad Sessions, and has led workshops on the singing and presentation of ballads and narrative songs. Other workshops are also possible - please ask! |
For further information please contact 01264 738629 or email Sarah Morgan
