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Fo'c'sle Programme
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Emanating from NE England, Bob (fine voice, guitar, bouzouki, dulcimer) is one of those rare people who lives up to all that is finest in the folk world, highly valued by fellow musicians and audiences alike. Not yet receiving a folk award (boo, hiss), he's been nominated for Best Original Song, Best Traditional Song, Folksinger of the Year (twice) and Best Duo with long-time collaborator Stu Buckley, so we hope it's only a matter of time! To quote Ralph McTell “One of the best voices in England; I've always regarded him as an artist of great ability and integrity”. His singing is by turns vital, imaginative, tender, full of cheek, or endearing simplicity and whether his songs are traditional, new traditional-style, or self-penned, he has the gift of making you “hear them afresh”. Don't miss him.
Spending 30+ years earning a worldwide reputation, Frankie’s compelling voice, bubbling exuberance and musical dexterity make her unforgettable. Of her several CDs, two in particular show the range of her material - English ballads are beautifully sung on the CD Till the Grass O’er Grew the Corn (with John Kirkpatrick and Maddy Prior) and another CD The Fair Moon Rejoices contains many other strands of Frankie’s career (including 3 of Leon Rosselson’s songs) but NO ballads. A review in The Herald said "There’s nothing fragile about Armstrong's singing - it glows gloriously ....... and she attacks songs of injustice with honest and impressive conviction". Singing with total commitment Frankie reaches the hearts of listeners - and she also has the precious gift of getting everyone around her singing.
playing interesting and entertaining arrangements of English (can't keep your feet still) Dance Tunes and a few (can't help joining-in) Songs. "Few recordings of English tunes have been made and hundreds (probably thousands) of melodies languish in tune books and archives ...... we aim to make some of these tunes live again conveying our love of the music and enjoyment in playing together".
Then Club Closed for SUMMER BREAK restarting 17 September.