Fo'c'sle Programme April 2009 |
A kindly warm-hearted man with an infectious sense of humour, Bram's audiences enjoy themselves singing, laughing (or even feeling tearful) listening to the poignant, funny, sad or carefree songs he loves singing in his fine friendly voice, accompanying himself either on guitar or duet concertina, or sometimes singing a capella, from his large repertoire of traditional and contemporary material. As well as Folk Clubs, Concerts and Festivals all over the UK, he tours in the US, Canada, Europe and Ireland and is often 'aired' on local and national radio. His 'Ballads with Bram' (morning relax-and-sing sessions without worrying that you seem to have left your brain-cell somewhere else) and 'Getting Your Act Together' workshops at Festivals are much appreciated. Bram is the longest-serving artiste with the highly-regarded Fellside recording company with 9 solo and several compilation albums, so you'll have a job choosing.Play or Sing, read a Poem, tell a Story, listen, fetch the beer, anything
Last seen in June 2007 (part of the Gardiner Appreciation evening), these fine musicians were born and bred in London. Regularly visiting Sidmouth Folk Festival and folk dances since childhood, they now perform (mostly) traditional songs and tunes from all over the UK (and beyond) building up great skill on various instruments "to the dismay* of neighbours" and latterly adding beautiful songs to their repertoire. They also (somehow) find time occasionally to dance with and play for Morris, Rapper Sword and Appalachian teams! These days (coming full circle) they are booked at Sidmouth and many other Festivals as performers. Emily started off playing cello, recorder and piano, but realised there weren't workshops at festivals for said instruments, so she learnt fiddle (now also learning medieval fiddle and baroque oboe). Hazel started off on flute, harp and piano, but deciding she wanted a gutsy Englishy-sounding instrument, she taught herself the melodeon (see * above). Latterly taking up singing, she has a rich musical voice (Emily harmonises here and there) and she also is continuing to study music. They have 2 CDs recorded by Wildgoose 'Six by Two' and 'All in a Garden Green'.Follow their website to 'Albums' to hear sample tracks of 'All in a Garden Green'
Saturday 18 April at 8pm |
if it was his first Folk Club visit (or hearing Bob Dylan), but he did have a "Festival moment" aged 17 when he and Ged Foley hitched to the 1973 Hexham Folk Festival and saw a free concert in the park with Nic Jones, Barbara Dickson, The Doonans, Vin Garbutt, Martyn Wyndham-Read and the Albion Country Band and they just sat there mesmerised. Jez's music apprenticeship was in the thriving scene of his native NE England playing in several groups with musical partner Ged who joined the Battlefield Band in the early l980s, so Jez (+ guitar and stripey teashirt) began his acclaimed solo songwriter career. His first album was recorded by Fellside in 1980, followed by 6 more albums (inc'Two A Roue' with duo partner Jake Walton), a compilation 'Back Shift' and he is among the artistes on 2 albums 'Penguin Book of English Folk Songs' and 'Voices' AND he also produced his 1st Songbook 1979-1986. Since then, there are 5 (or more) CDs with his Band 'The Bad Pennies' (most recently the highly-praised 'Jack Common's Anthem') and his wonderful songs on 5 of the BBC Radio Ballads CDs plus a 2nd Songbook. Now touring the UK, Europe and N. America, his songs are widely sung on the UK folk scene and covered by artistes in the US and Australia (and by famous acts like The Black Family) - he's probably lost count of how many have recorded 'Back in Durham Jail'. A fine performer who deserves every accolade.Back to Fo'c'sle March 2009 Programme
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