e’ve recently touched on the folk club improvisations of Swarbrick and Thompson. circuit and its financial woes, which Audiences swelled and the revival stubbornly persist beyond the end flourished. of the recession. If it’s any consolation, things were much worse a century ago, when folk Any living tradition needs to maintain a healthy music in (and much of Europe) seemed balance between continuity and innovation, and on the point of extinction. Revivalists such as the two waves of the revival each helped, in their Cecil Sharp set about recording and archiving different ways, to achieve this balance. Today, folk material, preserving it for posterity lest it we have on one side the Full English digital should disappear. These archivists succeeded in archive, the kind of resource Sharp might have creating a repository of folk material, but their dreamed of. On the other side, the activists’ urge forensic approach came with an unfortunate side to participate and perform is alive and kicking, effect – strict definitions of the conventions of as these pages regularly testify. Large, vibrant folk discouraged innovation and self-expression, groups like English Miscellany and Bedford thereby hindering musical development and Gallery Quire (featured last time) excel in taking much of the fun out of it. Folk music came recruiting enthusiastic newcomers. Meanwhile, to be regarded as a quaint curiosity best confined a host of soloists and bands ply their trade to the museum. across our patch, covering a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary, from local to Something was missing, and it took a second world, and in this issue we review a selection revivalist wave to provide it. From the 1960s of their latest CDs. The archivists and the musical activists – performers and participants activists, the Sharps and the Swarbricks, are still – embarked on a drive to take folk music back helping English folk to pull off that all-important into the clubs and concert halls. Moreover, they balancing trick – ample excuse, we feel to raise a claimed the right to add new, contemporary glass in this festive season. material to the canon, and to perform traditional material in a modern style, often adopting a With best wishes for the New Year, virtuosic approach typified by the barnstorming Simon, Clive & Mike

Editorial 1 Club Profile: St Neots Folk Club 25 Editorial Staff: Contents 1 Shall We Dance? 28 Simon Bailes Chatterbox 5 Song 32 07807 535110 unicornmagazine Sessions 10 Advertiser Information 33 @hotmail.co.uk Book Review: Scandinavian Tunes 12 CD Review Feature – Five CDs! 34 – 36 Clive Batkin Unicorn Diary 19 – 21 Feature: Folk Club Song 39 07771 822414 Competition 2014 Club Index 22 [email protected] Broadside by Long Lankin 40 Feature: Benslow Music 24 Mike Nacey 07879 024193 [email protected] Contact address: Front cover photo by Al Rogers – “Moustachioed Oud” 10 Chapel Street, Dunton, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, © Unicorn Magazine 2015 SG18 8RW CB1158 • JANUARY 2015 Printed by KJB UK Ltd

Visit our website at www.unicornmagazine.org

Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 1 Dunton Folk 2015 Fantastic Venue - Real Ale and Cider - Superb Music

Saturday 3rd January 4th Dunton Wassail Church Farm - 6.30pm Mummers Play in March Hare Pub with Session later

13th March Fred’s House Support - TBC

18th April and Rex Preston Support - Zoe Wren

16th May Russell and Algar Support - Lewis Stockwell

This is the fourth season of concerts at Dunton Folk. We’ve had some great acts and have more to come. Thanks to everyone who helps put on the concerts and to John and Janice at the March Hare for providing our bar! See you soon.

St Mary Magdalene Church, Dunton, Biggleswade, SG18 8RR.

Doors open 7.30pm follow us Tickets available from www.duntonfolk.co.uk on twitter Simon 01767 310 424

2 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 www.unicornmagazine.org 3 Unicorn team news: After seven issues and two via Canadian Blues and Roots Radio. They are years Mike Nacey is leaving the editorial team. He developing ‘F Spot.com’ to incorporate an ‘Unsung writes: “Since joining Unicorn I’ve been delighted Heroes’ feature, providing inspiring insights and with the generous support of so many readers, tips via video interviews from behind-the-scenes through contributions, suggestions, advice and taste makers, to help independent folk and encouragement. Working with Clive and Simon acoustic musicians make the most of their talents has also been hugely satisfying and a lot of fun, and opportunities. and I hope to maintain my Unicorn association as A special compilation album is to be released a contributor and distributor. Thanks very much to on March 8th, International Women’s Day. ‘The one and all.” F Spot’ will open with a track by Peggy Seeger, Please send all editorial correspondence to who has just received a ‘Women in Music Creative Unicorn HQ at 10 Chapel St, Dunton, Biggleswade, Inspiration’ award from Music Week. Peggy is Beds SG18 8RW or email: expected to become more involved with Folkstock [email protected] as a mentor / Patron. New Roots 2015: New Roots has been running Local singer- Daria Kulesh, Russian- since 2000 and the standard rises every year. born but settled in Kings Langley, is making a Now the call is out again to musicians under the name for herself with her “gorgeous voice” (Roots age of 25 who perform traditionally based music. & Fusion) and “spirited performance” (The Living Whether your style is traditional or contemporary Tradition). On Saturday 31 January at The Old folk, roots or world music, whether you perform Town Hall Theatre in Hemel Hempstead, Daria traditional material or write your own, New Roots will launch her debut solo album ‘Eternal Child’, would like to hear from you. on the Folkstock label. She will be joined by her band KARA (included in The Telegraph’s 10 folk There are two categories: under 18, and 18 – 24. highlights of the autumn), multi-instrumentalist Judges this year are Lynne Heraud, Andy Stafford, Jonny Dyer, rising singer-songwriter-cellist Kaity Alastair Anderson and Miranda Rutter, who Rae, and video artist Kara Rose, who will blend Baldock & Letchworth Blues, Folk & Roots together provide a wide spectrum of insights colours and patterns into the flow of the music. Baldock Letchworth Blues, Folk Roots into the folk scene. They will listen to the entries Unless otherwise stated: £6 member cons � £7 members � £8 non-members � under 16s free and select performers to take part in the final on See www.daria-kulesh.co.uk and 8.30pm Wednesdays See website for full artiste info Sunday April 12 at Trestle Arts Base in St Albans, www.folkstockartsfoundation.com

at which they will give constructive feedback to Jan 07 session £2 Hitchin Staplers: Sunday 22 February will see performers. There is no overall winner, the aim Jan 14 Cahalen Morrison & Eli West £8/9/10 hp://cahalenandeli.com ‘Square Dancing with Style’ at the Staplers’ usual being to match performers to opportunities at folk venue, St Ippolyts Parish Hall, SG4 7RB. Improve Incredible ‘old-me’ musicianship & harmonies from the USA festivals, clubs and other events offered to New your technique and gain confidence with the basic Jan 21 Brooks Williams £9/10/12 www.brookswilliams.com Roots finalists. American Blues & Americana legend – in the world’s top 100 guitarists! moves and calls of American Square Dancing – and have some fun into the bargain. Jan 28 Open Floor Performers £2 audience £3/under 16s free Performers are invited to complete the entry form on the New Roots website and send it with a CD Halsway Manor Society: On Saturday 7 February Feb 04 Franc Cinelli £8/9/10 www.franccinelli.com with up to 15 minutes of their music to Alison (12 noon – 11pm) at Cecil Sharp House, Halsway Feb 11 session £2 Macfarlane, 40 Warwick Road, St Albans, Herts Manor will hold a showcase to celebrate their Feb 18 Fred’s House £6/7/8 hp://fredshousemusic.co.uk AL1 4DL. The closing date is 31 January 2015. Fabulous contemporary 4 piece. With very fine harmonies. Golden Jubilee and publicise their wide range For more information and an entry form see of courses and events. The day of sessions, Feb 25 Open Floor Performers £2 audience £3/under 16s free www.new-roots.org.uk, which also has a form workshops, discussions, music, dance, song Mar 04 Causton & Walker £6/7/8 www.penniandbryan.co.uk for organisers wishing to offer performance and storytelling for all ages and all abilities Mar 11 session £2 opportunities. Further details also from email will culminate in an evening dance featuring Mar 18 Jeff Warner £8/9/10 www.jeffwarner.com [email protected] or phone a ‘Halsway Jubilee band’. Workshops and USA’s foremost performer/interpreter of tradional music – songs with banjo 01727 852111. performances will feature Andy Cutting, Taffy Mar 25 Open Floor Performers £2 audience £3/under 16s free Thomas, Pete Coe, Pauline Cato, Rob Harbron, Folkstock: In a new strand of activity, Folkstock Miranda Rutter, Boldwood, Fee Lock and Andrew The Orange Tree, Norton Rd, Baldock, SG7 5AW have started an ‘F Spot Live Sessions’ radio show Swaine, plus others to be announced. Contact us: Tel: 01767 683583 email: [email protected] from their Recording Studio, presented by Daria Kulesh of KARA and broadcast round the world

4 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 www.unicornmagazine.org 5 Ely Folk Club presents

Wednesday 14th January The George, High Street, Damien Barber and Mike Wilson Silsoe, Beds MK45 4EP £10 (£9 advance) (No meeting in January) Wednesday 18th February Jennifer Crook 3rd February: ‘Singaround’ £9 (£8 advance) 3rd March: na-mara

Wednesday 18th March 7th April: Linda Watkins Band Gerry Colvin Band £10 (£9 advance) 5th May: Louise Jordan

at The Old Dispensary, St Mary's Street, Ely Admission £2.50. Starts 8pm. Floor Singers always welcome. 01353 740999/664706 www.elyfolkclub.co.uk Contact Ned: 01525 860846

AlecMaker of fine Anness stringed instruments Luthier since 1980

Custom made chromatic & diatonic autoharps, hammered dulcimers & banjo’s. Made from high quality quarter sawn tonewoods & fi ttings. Accessories including hard cases, tuning wrenches, hammers, fully adjustable stands, damper bar systems for hammered dulcimers & sets of strings. Chord bar felts, tuning pins & sets of strings for autoharps. Restoration of vintage instruments, custom inlays,re-fretting, re-fi nishing & set ups.

[t] 01353 863 442 [m] 07837 507 425 www.alecanness.co.uk

Alec Anness - Unicorn Magazine.indd 1 20/12/2013 09:07 6 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 www.unicornmagazine.org 7 THE WHITE HORSE Castle Street TASTER EVENING Hertford SG14 1HH

Folk Music 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the Month. MEN & WOMEN • NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED MONDAY 19 JANUARY • 8.OOPM SCOUT HUT, RIVERSIDE ROAD, ST ALBANS MusicLimited starts Floor at Spots 8pm available. Contact: Squire Trevor Adams ( 01707 883476 ) or Bagman Andrew Torrington (01727 833028) Winter / Spring 2015

UM129 UM3 St Albans Morris Ad 1.indd 1 12/11/14 23:23:35 Headline Acts

Spring 2015 th January 13 – Blue Harbour / Malcolm Ogden 9 Jan Helpful hints with Bob Barrett th If you enjoy a and The Turnabouts January 27 – Karen Johnson & Tony Clarke lively barn dance, 16 Jan Colin Hume and FF Band February 10th – Naomi Randall you'll find 23 Jan Club callers' favourite dances Friday Folk is 30 Jan Mike Bennett February 24th – Brian Burke a great way 6 Feb Eileen Sinden th to meet 13 Feb Friday Folk Band March 10 – Adrian May like-minded 20 Feb Bob Lilley th people and 27 Feb Paul Garner March 24 – Irish night with Pat Crilly th have fun. 6 Mar Friday Special, Linda Leslie April 14 – Sea Song night with Shanty Keith Newcomers are from USA and Stick Shift th – always welcome. 11pm finish April 28 David Cambridge / David Savage And there's no need th – to bring a partner. 13 Mar Red Nose Day with Suzanne May 12 Woodcut Farmer and FF Band th – Meeting Fridays from 7:45 to 10:00 pm 20 Mar Tappalachian May 26 Malcolm Hobbs at The Church Hall, Marlborough Road, 27 Mar Zesty Playford with Mark Elvins, St Albans, AL1 3XG. Mollie and Vic www.fridayfolk.org.uk – 01727 856508 3 Apr Closed for Easter 10 Apr New term starts Standard Friday admission £3 Contact Pat Crilly 07971804418

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Sunday Lunchtimes Wednesday Evenings STONY STRATFORD • Vaults Bar (Weekly): Aston (nr Stevenage) • Rose & Crown, (8pm, 3rd, Jane Armour, 01908 566407 any acoustic instrument, vocal): Bruce Bullock, 07973 916574 Fri 16 Jan – 8pm Sunday Evenings BALDOCK • Orange Tree, (8.30pm, sessions: 7/1, 11/2, ASTON CLINTON • Oak PH (8pm, 3rd): 11/3, singarounds: 28/1, 25/2, 25/3): Al Hewson £15.00 / £13.00 concessions Roger Dorman, 01296 613742 01767 683583 MILTON KEYNES • BARTON-LE-CLAY • Waggon & Horses see www.mksessions.blogspot.com (Weekly) (8.30pm, fortnightly, 7/1, 21/1, 4/2, 18/2, 4/3, 18/3): Sat 14 Feb – 8pm MILTON KEYNES • New Inn, New Bradwell (1st): Ann 01582 560815 Friday 9th January Showcase KATIE BUCKHAVEN Patsy, 07932 157610 CAMBRIDGE • Six Bells, Covent Garden Ragged Staff (band), Chris Fox, £12.50 / £10.50 concessions OLD STRATFORD • The Swan (3rd): (8.30pm, 2nd, Bluegrass & Old Time): Cliff Burt, 01908 564392 Jim, 07803 158084 David Wilson, Liz Cotton, Bill Tarran ST ALBANS • Farmers Boy, Rd (1st): ELY • Kings Arms , St Marys St (last): Sat 28 Feb – 8pm Nick, 020 8953 5231 Liam, [email protected], 07905 044932 Friday 30th January Concert GIGSPANNER MARCH • March Folk Club, Royal British Legion Club, £12.50 / £10.50 concessions Rookswood, 27 West End, PE15 8DP (3rd), Jimmy Lee & Edge of Chaos Monday Evenings Acoustic music and song: Keith Cheale, 01354 652868 Support: Beau Jangles Fri 13 Mar – 8pm ASHWELL • Rose & Crown (1st): Ian Chandler, 01462 743091 RADLETT • Cat & Fiddle, Cobden Hill, WD7 7JR DEVINES (8pm, 2nd): Friday 13th February Showcase £12.50 / £10.50 concessions CHATTERIS • Chatteris Folk Club, Honest John, Nick, 020 8207 3057 24a South Park St, PE16 6AR (3rd), Acoustic music The Kitchenettes (band), Tim Mellor, and song: ST ALBANS • White Swan, Dagnall St (8.30pm, Keith Cheale, 01354 652868 weekly, mainly music): Mike Chapman, Colin Frid, James Frid Trevor Hacking, 01923 351739 SOHAM • Cherry Tree, Fordham Rd (3rd): Claire White, 01353 720550 TOWERSEY • Village Hall (7.30 for 8pm, 3rd): Linda Dorman, 01296 613742 Friday 27th February Concert UM2 Quarter Page (portrait) STACEY BANJOS 2.pdf 24/4/13 11:32:08 TOTTERNHOE • Old Farm Inn (8.30pm, weekly): 01582 661294 (pub) WELHAM GREEN • North Mymms Social Club, Edward Alice Band AL9 7PQ (2nd): Alan Francis, 07774 859758 Support: Kelly Oliver Tuesday Evenings Friday 13th March Showcase ABINGTON PIGOTTS • Village Hall, SG8 0SH Thursday Evenings (8–10.30pm, 3rd, admission £2 per person): (5 acts Book YOUR spot NOW .... STACEY BANJOS George Norris, 01763 853062 CROXLEY GREEN • The Shed, rear of Sportsman PH (8.15 – 11.00, 1st, song & acoustic music): Contact [email protected] ) DUNSTABLE • Globe, Winfield St (Weekly): Paul K, 07970 188026 Maureen, 01582 512300 HERTFORD • Great Eastern, Railway Place (3rd): Friday 27th March Concert DUNTON • March Hare, Dunton, nr Biggleswade (1st): Keith Acheson, 07979 841079 John Pritchett, 01767 448093 (pub) HUNTON BRIDGE • King’s Head (4th): John Kirkpatrick REPAIRS SET-UPS & GT WILBRAHAM • Memorial Hall Social Club (3rd): Tim, 01923 264536 Dave, 01440 783280 C KIMPTON • White Horse (2nd & 4th): Support: Steve Winch RESTORATION TO: HISTON • Boot, Histon, nr Cambridge (1st): Doug, 07973 751039, [email protected] Dave Benford, 01223 880553 M LUTON • Castle PH, LU1 3AA (weekly): Friday 10th April Showcase ACOUSTIC MARCH • Georges Folk Club, 61 High Street, Nigel Bailey, 07788 431470 Y PE15 9JJ (1st), Acoustic music and song: (5 acts Book YOUR spot NOW .... Mark Gibson, 01354 652868 TOWERSEY • Three Horseshoes (last): Contact [email protected] ) ELECTRIC GUITARS Grant, 01844 212322 CM RICKMANSWORTH • Conservative Club, Bury Lane (3rd): Michael, 01923 770425 WOBURN SANDS • Royal Oak (2nd & 4th): CLASSICAL GUITARS Vic Longhorn, 01908 582660 MY ST ALBANS • King Harry, King Harry Lane 7:30 for 8pm Showcase nights (1st, songs & tunes): Jenny, 01582 793164 CY BANJOS & TRING • Kings Arms, (8.30pm, 1st, trad Irish songs Friday Evenings £4 (£3 performers) £2 under 25s & tunes, led by Chan Reid/fiddle, John Devine/pipes, Concerts nights CMY Neil Stanton/): Rob Muirhead (landlord), ROYSTON • Old Bull Inn SG8 9AW (2nd): BANJOS BUILT TO ORDER 01442 823318 Michael Farrow, 01763 249296, www.roystonfolk.org £10 (£8 in advance) £2 under 25s K WOOTTON (Beds) • The Cock, MK43 9JT (8pm, broad ST NEOTS • Chequers, St Mary’s St, PE19 2TA acoustic & folk): Pub (Karen), 01234 930034 (2nd, 8.30pm, (no session January, 13/2, 13/3), tunes): Sarah, 07857 311834, [email protected] The Old Bull Inn DAVE STACEY STEEPLE CLAYDON • Prince of Wales, MK18 2NP 56 High St, (car park Market Hill) 19 FIELD LANE (2nd – Open Mic): Charlie, 07925 145062 LETCHWORTH Royston SG8 9AW HERTS SG6 3LF www.roystonfolk.org 01462 683074

10 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 www.unicornmagazine.org 11

evoked by the description of tunes with purposes such as to communicate across the hills, “I’ve lost my cow”. Book Review: Scandinavian Fiddle Turvey Mysteries My only disappointment is that not every title has Tunes – 73 traditional pieces for . an English translation. Those that do, such as Vicki Swan; Schott Music “Dance in the Field” and the amusing “Swing your Bottom” lent me an entertaining few his book offers a good collection minutes trying to translate some of Tof interesting tunes, most the others. However, some are not of which are duets. This makes obvious to pronounce, never mind it enjoyable to play, either with understand, so one would have to be a partner, or along with the creative if wishing to introduce a tune accompanying CD. The CD is also in public…! pleasant to listen to as background music, because the duets give a The book is aimed at fiddle players fuller sound than solo fiddle. Vicki who can read music and play at Swan plays nyckelharpa on the CD, Grade 3 upwards. Like most fiddle which is great to hear, and fulfils the music it is played in first position. purpose of helping teach the tunes on the violin since it sounds similar. A final bonus is that some of the tracks are available as online The pieces are pleasingly challenging downloads played on cowhorn or to sight-read, partly because of the different Swedish bagpipes, showing the possibilities of rhythms and scales used in Scandinavian music. playing the tunes on other instruments. The book’s introduction explains how these scales originated from simple early instruments such as the cowhorn and willow flute. I love the images Caroline Riches

REDBOURN FOLK The Passion www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS A community production of the second of Tony Harrison’s celebrated cycle of mystery plays, Jan.8TH Louise Jordan with music composed by and The Home Service Folk Association Jan.27thAssociation KellyFolk Oliver Hertfordshire Hertfordshire Folk Association Spring Sing Feb.5th AllcockSing & Brown Spring Spring Sing To take place in the historic setting of Feb.19th Dauphin All Saints’ Church, Turvey, Bedfordshire Mar. 5th Ragged Staff2015 2015 st st 26th - 28th March 2015, 7.30 p.m. March Mar. 19March th Jonny21 Dyer Saturday Saturday 21 March 6pm 6pm – noon 12 12 noon – 6pm Tickets £8 (£5 concessions) & Vicky At Swan At Mar. 26 th Rachel HarmanCROWN THE Band THE CROWN High Street, BUNTINGFORD BUNTINGFORD Street, High 17 17 High Street, BUNTINGFORD Available from Tim Brewster (07768 244826) Other dates are9AB SG9 Open StageHertfordshire, nights Hertfordshire, SG9 9AB or in person from Turvey Central Stores from mid-Feb 2015 Thursdays £5 8.00pmADMISSION ADMISSION £5 in thebar) Oldthe Schoolfrom Roomavailable (food (food available from the bar) Hollybush Pub Website: www.turveymysteries.org.uk For further information information further For For further information See www.hertsfolkassn.org.uk Church End www.hertsfolkassn.org.uk See See www.hertsfolkassn.org.uk Call John Grey 01920 460553 460553 01920 Grey John Call Call John Grey 01920 460553 E-Mail: [email protected] Redbourn AL3 [email protected] email Or Or email [email protected]

12 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 www.unicornmagazine.org 13 HADDENHAM The Ceilidh CEILIDHS ExperienceJanuary – March 2015 at Haddenham Village Hall Near Aylesbury, Bucks. HP17 8EE The Ceilidh Experience is for anyone interested in traditional and folk Jan 3 Random with Alan Simpson music who would like the chance to play in a band and play at a ceilidh. plus Chiltern Hundreds During the sessions you’ll learn tunes and come together as small ceilidh Feb 7 Peeping Tom with Hugh Rippon plus bands, getting ready to perform at a final event for dancers and folk Tappalachian fans of all ages. You’ll also have the opportunity to practice with Mar 7 The Jam & Crumpet Band with Mary a caller and work on a professional stage with sound equipment. Panton plus Berkshire Bedlam The course is suitable for any instrument, but acoustic instruments Apr 4 The Watch with Lisa Heywood plus are especially welcome. You should already be able to play tunes from Westminster Morris Men memory, ideally at dance speed and be prepared to do some tune practice between sessions. For more information please contact [email protected] CONCERTS Dates: Sundays 18 and 25 January, 1 and 8 February, Jan 3 Haddenham Ukulele Group 1 March, 10am-12.30pm; 15 March afternoon rehearsal (4pm) Feb 7 Jez Lowe and evening performance (7.30pm) Mar 7 Archie Fisher Apr 4 Dan McKinnon Course fee: £85 (£65 students) for six sessions For more details telephone 07717 047 039 email Half page 95mm high x 130mm wide Supported using public funding by [email protected] or write to Haddenham Ceilidhs, To book a place please call The Stables box office, tel: 01908 280800 John’s House 5 Church Street, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 2QP The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes MK17 8LU www.haddenhamceilidhs.co.uk

Abbots Langley Winter Acoustic Concerts & http://www.oldtimetim.com/alwac.htm An evening with Cash Young Sunday February 2nd @ 8pm Afternoon of Sunday 8th February 2015 at 3pm- £10.00* An acoustic tribute to the songs of Neil Young and Johnny Cash The Melrose Quartet All funds raised on behalf of Garden House Hospice Afternoon of Sunday 8th March 2015 at 3pm- £10.00* No entry fee, a donation on the night appreciated Jeff Warne r Viv Lucas invokes the unique sound of Neil Young. Since 2007 Viv has performed an acoustic tribute to Neil Young as 'Southern Man' in venues from pubs to the Cottingham Springboard Afternoon of Sunday 10th May 2015 at 3pm- £10.00* Festival and including a fund raiser for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and three Rodney Miller - Stringrays Garden House Hospice fundraising gigs at the Letchworth Arts Centre. Al Hewson has a varied & dynamic musical background. He has founded, fronted and toured a special additional concert featuring widely with several concert bands and has collaborated with many award winning national Max Newman a nd Stuart Kenney and international musicians. Al has performed to thousands on national radio and at festivals

Abbots Langley Community Centre and in the most intimate of venues in every county in England and Scotland. Al has been Gallows Hill Lane, Abbots Langley, Herts, WD5 0AP singing Cash songs for almost 50 years but he brought him to life for a special show at Broadstairs Festival in 2006, resulting in many more appearances at clubs and festivals, both CRAFT STALLS th Afternoon of Sunday 12 October solo as John E Cash and with the trio Americano. * Ticket includes tea or coffee & cake in the interval The Orange Tree, Norton Rd, Baldock, SG7 5AW

Enquiries to [email protected] Tel: 01767 683583 email: [email protected] Or call Tim and Lesley Brooks oAnf 0t1e9r23n oo264n5 3o6f Sunday 9th November The Yo

14 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 www.unicornmagazine.org 15

A concert in aid of the refurbishment of Woburn Sands Ceilidhs Abington Pigotts Village Hall Summerlin Centre Featuring: 138 Station Road, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes MK17 8SG (Next to the Station Hotel) Mayor and James 17th January Pinkers Spinney with Irene Entwhistle Playing an interesting combination of instruments Simon Mayor on & Hilary James 14th February The Hairy Marys with Sue Malleson singing and playing the double bass. 14th March Hogsty Oak (caller TBA) www.mandolin.co.uk/duo.html

7.30pm until 11pm With support from: Adults £7 (Accompanied under 16’s Free). Licensed Bar & Free Parking For further information Phone 01908 582660 email: [email protected] Joint Venture Jennie Heard and George Norris Bedford Morris Men ~ Winter Programme

For a full programme listing go to www.bedfordmorrismen.org.uk

Come along to a practice night ~ Wednesdays 8:15-10pm at Ravensden Village Hall at Border Tour and Carols Approx. Times The Three Cranes, Turvey Wed 17th Dec 7.45pm Abington Pigotts Village Hall, The Bell, Odell Wed 17th Dec 8.30pm The Sun Inn, Felmersham Wed 17th Dec 9.15pm Royston SG8 0SD The Bedford Arms, Souldrop Wed 17th Dec 10.00pm

Boxing Day Events 2014 Fri 26th Dec 2014 Approx. Times 4th March 2015 Bedford Embankment (Opposite The Embankment Fri 26th Dec 10.45am Hotel) - Dancing Bedford Swan Hotel Fri 26th Dec 11.30am from 8.00 until 10.30pm Dancing followed by the Boar’s Head Ceremony 12 Noon There will be a licensed bar Plough Monday - Mummers Play Plough Monday Approx. Times The Three Cups, Bedford Mon 12th Jan 2014 8.00pm Tickets £10.00 in advance The Castle, Bedfor d Mon 12th Jan 2014 8.45pm (Call Tracy on 01763 853696) The Wellington Arms, Bedford Mon 12th Jan 2014 9.30pm The Burnaby Arms, Bedford Mon 12th Jan 2014 10.15pm or £12.00 on the door.

16 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 www.unicornmagazine.org 17 UC advert Jan - Mar 2015:Layout 1 13/11/14 10:12 Page 1

FRIDAY 30th JANUARY Dance the night away . . . FRIDAY 27TH FEBRUARY chalktown Unicorn Thur 1 BEDFORD • CLOSED hERGA • Open Stage with caller CEILIDHS REDBOURN • Open Stage hITCHIN STAPLERS • ‘Club Evening random Fri 2 CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage with LEASIDERS • Club Callers Sheena masson with caller FRIDAY 27th MARCH David Cambridge ST.ALBANS MORRIS • Morris Practice WATFORD • Closed WALT HAM ABBEY • Singaround Chalktown are an innovative barry goodman Sat 3 hADDENHAM • Ceilidh: Random with Alan Tue 20 ST.NEOTS • Dave Ellis & Boo Howard dance band, with English folk Random’s gutsy, melodic, folk- hosepipe band Simpson plus Chiltern Hundreds; Concert: WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm meeting indie rock with a twist of rock interpretation of tunes with caller Haddenham Ukulele Group Wed 21 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice modern jazz, producing music with traditional roots creates Sun 4 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Open Stage LINSLEIG HDERS • Guest Caller Richard Ball that is irresistible for dancing. The scintillating but subtle ceilidh adam hughes Mon 5 CHESHAM • Singers with Feature TBA WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm band has a wealth of dance music that will make you want The band was formed in 1993, hERGA • Open Stage The Pump House music experience with three ex- to dance. www.randomband- and currently has 4 members hITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Evening Thur 22 BEDFORD • Singers Night – all welcome members of the legendary Gas agency.com playing 11 instruments LEASIDERS • No Club BEDFORD FDC • Caller: John Green between them, with tunes ST.ALBANS MORRIS • Morris Practice BIS HOP’S STORTFORD • Vicki Swan & Mark 5. www.chalktown.co.uk Barry plays and calls in his own WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Jonny Dyer band, but tonight he's calling from the British Isles and Sheena is rightly famous in the other European countries, plus Tue 6 ST.NEOTS • New Year Singaround REDBOURN • Kelly Oliver plus floor spots from his vast knowledge of WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm Fri 23 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome world of English Ceilidh as a top excellent dances - expect a their own compositions. See class caller, with huge enthusiasm www.hosepipeband.co.uk Wed 7 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Practice CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage with Jackson great evening! LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers Creek Band for dance and an excellent MOGGER HANGER • Singers, players CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Contra repertoire of dances. Interval: English Miscellany Adam calls regularly at Unicorn Ceilidhs, and has a and listeners Dance (NEW VENUE see Club Index) Interval: Red Cuthbert Morris LAST FRIDAY IN THE MONTH fine rapport with all WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm FRIDAY FOLK • Club callers’ favourite dances audiences, as well as a superb The Pump House WATFORD • Singaround www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk repertoire of dances. Thur 8 BEDFORD • Local Singers & Musicians Sun 25 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Burns Night Open Tickets only £10.00 - Singles & groups welcome BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Keith Harrup Stage BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Singers Night hITCHIN • Bully Wee Band plus Phil Beer Doors open 7.30 p.m. The Old Town Hall, High Street, Baldock SG7 6AR REAL ALE BAR REDBOURN • Louise Jordan plus floor spots Mon 26 CHESHAM • Singers Dancing 8.00 to 11.30 p.m. Fri 9 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome hERGA • Open Stage CAMBRIDGE • Showcase: Martin Kaszak, hITCHIN STAPLERS • ‘Club Evening Sheri Kershaw, Kiss the Mistress LEASIDERS • Club Closed CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Contra ST.ALBANS MORRIS • Morris Practice Dance (NEW VENUE see Club Index) WALT HAM ABBEY • Keith Kendrick & FRIDAY FOLK • Bob Barrett & The Turnabouts Sylvia Needham ROYSTON • Showcase (pre-booked Open Mic) Tue 27 hERTFORD White Horse • Karen Johnson featuring Ragged Staff & Tony Clarke, 8pm WATFORD • Spotlight Singaround featuring ST.NEOTS • AGM + Round the Room Watford Open Mic. Big Band WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm Sun 11 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Andy Wall Wed 28 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice hITCHIN • Life & Times and Friends LINSLEIG HDERS • Club Callers Mon 12 CHESHAM • Singers WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm hERGA • Steve Turner The Pump House hITCHIN STAPLERS • ‘Club Evening Thur 29 BEDFORD • Singaround LEASIDERS • Club Callers BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Kevin Prigmore WALT HAM ABBEY • Singaround BIS HOP’S STORTFORD • Geoff Higginbottom Tue 13 hERTFORD White Horse • Blue Harbour / REDBOURN • Open Stage Malcolm Ogden, 8pm Fri 30 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome ST.NEOTS • Phil Beer £12 & £10 CAMBRIDGE • Brooks Williams WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm ROYSTON • Concert: Jimmy Lee & Edge of Wed 14 ELY • Damien Barber & Mike Wilson Chaos; support Beau Jangles ENGLIS H MISCELLANY • Country Practice FRIDAY FOLK • Mike Bennett LINSLEIG HDERS • Club Callers WATFORD • Spotlight Singaround featuring WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm Richard Stewart The Pump House Thur 15 BEDFORD • Come All Ye BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Jane Edmett BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Sally Ironmonger REDBOURN • Open Stage For bookings telephone Fri 16 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Cahalen Morrison & Eli West – 01234 376278 FRIDAY FOLK • Colin Hume & Friday Folk Band WATFORD • Said the Maiden e mail – [email protected] Sun 18 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Open Stage ENGLIS H MISCELLANY • Morris and www.parsonsnoseband.co.uk Mumming Practice hITCHIN • Churchfitters Mon 19 CHESHAM • Life and Times

18 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 www.unicornmagazine.org 19 Sun 1 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Open Stage hITCHIN • Tannahill Weavers Sun 1 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Open Stage hERGA • Open Stage ENGLIS H MISCELLANY • Morris & Mon 16 CHESHAM • Jaywalkers ENGLIS H MISCELLANY • Morris and hITCHIN STAPLERS • Guest Caller Chris Turner Country Practice hERGA • Open Stage Country Practice LEASIDERS • Club Callers hITCHIN • John Kirkpatrick hITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Evening hITCHIN • ST.ALBANS MORRIS • Morris Practice Mon 2 CHESHAM • Singers with Feature TBA LEASIDERS • Club Closed Mon 2 CHESHAM • Feature Rosie Hodgeson WALT HAM ABBEY • Pete Coe hERGA • Hannah Sanders ST.ALBANS MORRIS • Morris Practice hERGA • Dan McKinnon Tue 17 ST.NEOTS • The Hut People hITCHIN STAPLERS • ‘Club Evening WALT HAM ABBEY • Singaround hITCHIN STAPLERS • Guest Caller Colin Hume WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm LEASIDERS • Club Callers Tue 17 ST.NEOTS • Broom Bezzums with Spring Greens Wed 18 ELY • Gerry Colvin Band ST.ALBANS MORRIS • Morris Practice WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm LEASIDERS • Club Callers ENGLIS H MISCELLANY • Country Practice WALT HAM ABBEY • Singaround Wed 18 ELY • Jennifer Crook ST.ALBANS MORRIS • Morris Practice LINSLEIG HDERS • Guest Caller Mark Elvins Tue 3 ST.NEOTS • Gawkey ENGLIS H MISCELLANY • Country Practice WALT HAM ABBEY • Singaround WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm LINSLEIG HDERS • Guest Caller Mike Ruff Tue 3 ST.NEOTS • Round the Room The Pump House Wed 4 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Practice WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm Thur 19 BEDFORD • Singaround LINSLEIG HDERS • Club Callers The Pump House Wed 4 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Practice BEDFORD FDC • Caller: John Green MOGGER HANGER • Singers, players and Thur 19 BEDFORD • Singers Night LINSLEIG HDERS • Club Callers MILTON KEYNES ACOUSTIC MUSIC CENTRE • listeners BEDFORD FDC • Callers: Lorraine & Ced Morgan MOGGER HANGER • Singers, players Roots guitar, fiddle & whistle tuition WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Ron Trueman Border & listeners REDBOURN • Jonny Dyer & Vicky Swan plus The Pump House MILTON KEYNES ACOUSTIC MUSIC CENTRE • WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm, floor spots Thur 5 BEDFORD • Local Singers and Musicians Roots guitar, fiddle & whistle tuition The Pump House BIS HOP’S STORTFORD • Rosa’s Lovely BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Charles Day REDBOURN • Dauphin plus floor spots Thur 5 BEDFORD • Singers Night Daughters BIS HOP’S STORTFORD • Damien Barber & Fri 20 BEDFORD FINE • Half Term – no club BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Kevin Prigmore Fri 20 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome Mike Wilson CAMBRIDGE • Kara BIS HOP’S STORTFORD • Singers Night CAMBRIDGE • Phil Beer MILTON KEYNES ACOUSTIC MUSIC CENTRE • CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Contra MILTON KEYNES ACOUSTIC MUSIC CENTRE • CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Contra Roots guitar, fiddle & whistle tuition Dance (NEW VENUE see Club Index) Roots guitar, fiddle & whistle tuition Dance (NEW VENUE see Club Index) REDBOURN • Allcock & Brown plus floor spots FRIDAY FOLK • Bob Lilley REDBOURN • Ragged Staff plus floor spots FRIDAY FOLK • Tappalachian Fri 6 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome WATFORD • Spotlight Singaround featuring Fri 6 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome WATFORD • Singaround CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage with Jon Betmead & Liz Lawley CAMBRIDGE • Barluath Sun 22 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Open Stage Tom Ling Sun 22 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Open Stage CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Contra hITCHIN • O’Hooley & Tidow CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Contra hITCHIN • & Tristan Seume Dance (NEW VENUE see Club Index) Mon 23 CHESHAM • Singers Dance (NEW VENUE see Club Index) Mon 23 CHESHAM • Singers FRIDAY FOLK • Linda Leslie (USA) & Stick Shift hERGA • Open Stage FRIDAY FOLK • Eileen Sinden hERGA • Open Stage – to 11pm hITCHIN STAPLERS • ‘Club Evening WATFORD • Singaround hITCHIN STAPLERS • ‘Club Evening WATFORD • Singaround LEASIDERS • Club Callers Sat 7 hADDENHAM • Ceilidh:Peeping Tom with Hugh LEASIDERS • Club Callers Sat 7 hADDENHAM • Ceilidh:The Jam & Crumpet ST.ALBANS MORRIS • Morris Practice Rippon plus Tappalachian; Concert: Jez Lowe ST.ALBANS MORRIS • Morris Practice Band with Mary Panton plus Berkshire Bedlam; WALT HAM ABBEY • Singaround Sun 8 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Gig tbc WALT HAM ABBEY • Singaround Concert: Archie Fisher Tue 24 hERTFORD White Horse • Irish night with hITCHIN • Vintage with Mike Silver Tue 24 hERTFORD White Horse • Brian Burke, 8pm Sun 8 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Gig: TBC Pat Crilly, 8pm & ST.NEOTS • £12 & £10 hITCHIN • ST.NEOTS • Open Stage Mon 9 CHESHAM • Two Old Oaks WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm Mon 9 CHESHAM • Singers WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm hERGA • Open Stage Wed 25 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers hERGA • Open Stage Wed 25 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice hITCHIN STAPLERS • ‘Club Evening WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm hITCHIN STAPLERS • ‘Club Evening LINSLEIG HDERS • Club Callers LEASIDERS • Club Callers The Pump House LEASIDERS • Club Callers WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm ST.ALBANS MORRIS • Morris Practice Thur 26 BEDFORD • Singaround ST.ALBANS MORRIS • Morris Practice The Pump House WALT HAM ABBEY • New Roots finalists Tom BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Graham Foster WALT HAM ABBEY • Singaround Thur 26 BEDFORD • Singers Night & Jessica Dalton BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Rosewood Tue 10 hERTFORD White Horse • Adrian May, 8pm BEDFORD FDC • Lynne Whapples Tue 10 hERTFORD White Horse • Naomi Randall, 8pm REDBOURN • Open Stage ST.NEOTS • John Renbourn & Wizz Jones REDBOURN • The Rachel Harmer Band plus ST.NEOTS • Tom McConville Fri 27 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome £15 & £13 floor spots WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage with The Larks WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm BIS HOP’S STORTFORD • Andy Smyth Trio Wed 11 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice FRIDAY FOLK • Paul Garner Wed 11 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice Fri 27 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome LINSLEIG HDERS • Club Callers ROYSTON • Concert: Edward Alice Band; LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers CAMBRIDGE • Bryan Causton WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm support Kelly Oliver WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm FRIDAY FOLK • Zesty Playford with Mark Elvins, The Pump House WATFORD • The Foxglove Trio The Pump House Mollie and Vic Thur 12 BEDFORD • Come and join us Singaround Thur 12 BEDFORD • Local Singers and Musicians ROYSTON • Concert: John Kirkpatrick, support BEDFORD FDC • Caller: George Hearnden BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Keith Harrup Steve Winch BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Singers Night BIS HOP’S STORTFORD • Paul Cherrington WATFORD • Rachel Hamer Band REDBOURN • Open Stage & Pamela Ward Sun 29 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Open Stage Fri 13 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome REDBOURN • Open Stage ENGLIS H MISCELLANY • Morris and CAMBRIDGE • Liz Simcock We desperately need help to distribute copies Fri 13 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome Country Practice FRIDAY FOLK • Friday Folk Band of Unicorn Magazine to the 60 or so distribution CAMBRIDGE • Clive Carroll hITCHIN • Brookes Williams plus Emily Slade ROYSTON • Showcase (pre-booked Open Mic) locations on our list. FRIDAY FOLK • Suzanne Farmer & FF Band Mon 30 CHESHAM • Gren Bartley featuring The Kitchenettes If you could help by taking copies to your club, ROYSTON • Showcase (pre-booked Open Mic); hERGA • Rachel Hamer Band WATFORD • Spotlight Singaround featuring feature acts TBC hITCHIN STAPLERS • ‘Club Evening Ray Owen & Debbie Marchant session or venue every quarter, please WATFORD • Dave Ellis & Boo Howard LEASIDERS • Club Closed Sun 15 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Valentine’s song contact us. Sun 15 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Open Stage ST.ALBANS MORRIS • Morris Practice contest. Most romantic and vengeful songs win Even small deliveries will help reduce ENGLIS H MISCELLANY • Morris and WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround fabulous prizes! Mumming Practice Tue 31 ST.NEOTS • Round the Room the crippling postage & petrol bills! ENGLIS H MISCELLANY • Morris & hITCHIN • Craubh Rua WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm Mumming Practice Mon 16 CHESHAM • Carrivick Sisters

20 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 www.unicornmagazine.org 21 BEDFORD FDC • Bedford Folk Dance Club HITCHIN • The White Horse Folk Club Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB White Horse PH, Castle St, Hertford SG14 1HH Contact: Ron D. Law, 01234 825574 Contact: Pat Crilly 07971 804418, [email protected] www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com HITCHIN • Hitchin Folk Club BEDFORD • Bedford Folk Music Club Sun Hotel, Sun St, Hitchin, SG5 1AF Daley’s Club, Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8BB Contact: Maureen Jones, 01462 812391 Contact: Mike Blair, 01525 404513 or 01525 404304 www.hitchinfolkclub.co.uk See us on Facebook HITCHIN STAPLERS • Staplers Country Dance Club BEDFORD • Bedford Fine Companions Folk Dance Club St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Rd, Hitchin SG4 9JP Hazeldene Lower School, Stancliffe Rd, Bedford MK41 9AT Contact: Cecilia Mills, 01582 881966, www.staplers.org.uk Contact: David Cooke, 01234 823920 LEASIDERS • Leasiders Folk Dance Club www.finecompanions.synthasite.com Blenheim Baptist Church Hall, Blenheim Cres, BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Stortfolk Luton LU3 1HB Royal British Legion, 28 Windhill, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2NG Contact: Liz Patrick, 01582 732656 Contact: Jon & Hilary McNamara, 01279 656664 LINSLADE • Linsleighders www.beerfordbury.co.uk Forster Institute, Waterloo Rd, Linslade LU7 2NR BRICKET WOOD • Wicket Brood (Border Morris) Contact: Mrs E.A. Corser, 01525 378010 St Stephen Parish Centre, Station Rd, Bricket Wood AL2 3PJ MILTON KEYNES • Milton Keynes Acoustic Music Centre Contact: Gill Clough, [email protected], Community Centre, Britten Grove, Old Farm Park, MK7 8QU www.wicketbrood.org.uk Contact: John Timpany, 07981 161261, www.mkamc.co.uk CAMBRIDGE • Black Fen Folk Club MOGGERHANGER • Village Folk Hot Numbers Café, Units 5 / 6 Dales Brewery, Gwydir St, Moggerhanger Village Hall, Blunham Rd, Cambridge CB1 2LJ Moggerhanger, MK44 3RD Contact: Robin Gillan, 07847 680560 Contact: Chris Bashford, 01767 640242 www.blackfenfolkclub.com [email protected] CAMBRIDGE • Cambridge Folk Club REDBOURN • Redbourn Folk Club Golden Hind PH, 355 Milton Rd, Cambridge CB4 1SP Old School Room, Hollybush PH, Church End, Contact: Marion Treby, 01638 603986 Redbourn AL3 7DU www.cambridgefolkclub.org Contact: Jenny McNaught, 01582 793164 CAMBRIDGE • Cambridge Contra Dance www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk St Andrew’s Hall, St Andrew’s Rd, Chesterton CB4 1DH ROYSTON • Royston Folk Club Contact: Hugh Stewart, 01223 368641, Old Bull Inn, 56 High St, Royston SG8 9AW www.cambridgefolk.org.uk/contra Contact: Mark Gamon 07738 183158, www.roystonfolk.org CHESHAM • Chesham Folk & Acoustic Music Club ST.ALBANS • St.Albans Morris Men (Men’s Cotswold) Whitehill Centre, Chesham HP5 1AG Riverside Road, St Albans Contact: Bob Templeman, 07771 727943 Contact: Bagman, Andrew Torrington, 01727 833028, www.cheshamfolkclub.org.uk www.stalbansmorrismen.org.uk ELY • Ely Folk Club ST NEOTS • St Neots Folk Club The Old Dispensary, St Mary’s Street, Ely, Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St Neots PE19 2BH Cambs CB7 4ER (no bar) Contact: Roger Pitt, 01234 376278, www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk Contact: Ruth Bramley 01353 740999 / 664706 www.elyfolkclub.co.uk WALTHAM ABBEY • Waltham Abbey Folk Club Royal British Legion, Brooker Rd, Waltham Abbey EN9 1HY FRIDAY FOLK • Friday Folk Social Dance Club Contact: Jan Ayres, 01992 613987 or 07799 407363 Methodist Church, Marlborough Rd, St Albans AL1 3XG www.walthamabbeyfolkclub.com, see us on Facebook Contact: Bob Barrett, 01727 856508, www.fridayfolk.org.uk WATFORD • Watford Folk Club HADDENHAM • Haddenham Ceilidhs Pump House, Local Board Rd, Lower High St, Haddenham Village Hall, near Aylesbury, Bucks HP17 8EE Watford WD17 2JP Contact: [email protected] Contact: Julian Mount, 07778 526489, www.haddenhamceilidhs.co.uk, 07717 047 039 [email protected], HARPENDEN • English Miscellany www.folkatthepumphouse.webs.com, East Hyde Village Hall, Lower Harpenden Rd (B653), www.facebook.com/groups/watfordfolkclub nr Luton LU2 9QB WATFORD • Woodside Morris Men Contact: Helen Stamp, 020 8386 3779 Pump House, Local Board Rd, Lower High St, www.englishmiscellany.com Watford WD17 2JP HERGA • Herga Folk Club Contact: Nick Wilson (sec), Pete Bradshaw (publicity) Pinner Green Social Club, Rickmansworth Rd, Pinner, 07860 663033, www.woodsidemorrismen.org.uk Middlesex HA5 3TJ Contact: George Papavgeris, 07747 768868 www.hergafolk.org

22 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 www.unicornmagazine.org 23 tarting in March 1966 the SClub has run continuously to the present day with various venues throughout Benslow Music Highlights in our January – July 2015 the Town and has now settled programme which may be of interest to folk in The Priory Centre. or those of you who are not yet aware of who musicians include Pete Cooper’s “Folk Fiddling Music type: Eclectic: trad/blues/self-written/music & song – by Ear” in February and the summertime The Club is run by Fwe are and what we do, Benslow Music is acoustic, PA only for certain guests. a thriving hot-bed of musical activity based in Klezmer course in June. And in the New Year Committee, and as well as Meets: Hitchin, Herts. Our raison d’etre is to “promote we will be releasing our July – December 2015 the Tuesday Club nights organises an annual Festival Every Tuesday except August and Xmas/New Year music education for the public benefit through programme which contains a weekend during in June, plus other events during the year e.g. dances. the study and practice of music, especially in its the summer devoted to the music of John Admission charge: We welcome singers and musicians both young and old £2: Round the Room, £7.00 members/£8.00 non- to do floor spots on guest nights and take part in Round social and co-operative forms, among students Playford and a folk-weekend in October which members. Higher for certain guests up to £12–£14. of all ages” and throughout the year we offer includes “Fiddle Music of Scotland and Ireland” the Room and Open Stage evenings. Guests: an unparalleled programme of both residential which runs alongside our annual Clarsach Three guests a month with Round the Room on last There is an annual Membership of the Club which gives and day courses, all of which are designed for course. If you are interested in any of these Tues of the month. With five Tuesdays in a month cheaper admission to Members. This runs for one year amateur musicians. Our courses cover a wide- courses please get in touch and we can add you we hold Open Stages or a Showcase night. from the time of joining and costs £15.00. range of musical genres including classical, to our mailing list. Venue name: jazz, folk and popular, and we have courses The Priory Centre For more information about Benslow Music to suit (almost) any instrument and standard Venue address: of playing. So no matter where you are in your please visit our website – www.benslowmusic.org Priory Lane, St Neots, Cambs PE19 2BH – and if you have any enquiries please email us – musical progression, we are sure to have a Parking: [email protected]. course for you. And for those who do not play Plenty nearby an instrument or sing, we also have a number Club contact: of study weekends devoted to particular topics, Whether it is for a course, a concert or an event, we hope to see you at Benslow Music soon. Roger Pit so there really is something for everyone. • 01234 376278 • [email protected]/www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk

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Contact the Unicorn Team for more information 07986 888 090 www.benslowmusic.org or to discuss your requirements. Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9RB Or visit our website 07986 824 998 T: 01462 459446 E: [email protected] www.unicornmagazine.org for full details [email protected] A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England no 408404. Reg Charity no 313663 and examples of what we can do for you.

Unicorn24 Mag_Dec Ed.indd 1 Please mention UNicorn28/11/2014 Magazine 13:22:07 when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 www.unicornmagazine.org 25 UM ad design service ad.indd 1 21/11/13 16:45:23 At the heart of English folk

2 Regent’s Park Road, London, NW1 7AY WWW.STALBANSFOLKFESTIVAL.CO.UK ST ALBANSth FOLK FESTIVAL th & 28 2015 June 27 Saturday June 27th Now on sale January 2 The Foxglove Trio, KARA, • Free music in the Old Town Hall Kelly Oliver February 6 Malcolm Hobbs, Silent Session, Folk Song in Cara Dillon Folk Guitar • Concert with Brass Monkey Danny Pedler & Rosie Butler-Hall England: Level 1 12 February, 7.30pm Workshop New • Day of Dance in the City Centre March 6 Ragged Staff, Sue Graves, Course Batkin•Hill, Whinlatter 18 January, 22 February, For further details see web site Ballad Nights: 10.30am - 4.30pm 10am - 4pm 8.00pm at the Maltings Arts Theatre Broken Hearted Wednesday July 1st The Maltings, St Albans AL1 3HL Tickets £10, student concessions £8 from: Ten Thousand 14 February, 7.30pm Ballad Nights: St Michaelʼs Street folk evening: • www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo Times Adieu: Emily Portman Borderlands Dancing in the street and music 0333 666 3366 St Albans Tourist and Information Centre Bob Copper James Fagan 27 February, 7.30pm in its two pubs & elsewhere Centenary Event Paul Sartin Alasdair Roberts Email: [email protected] 24 January, from 2pm Lisa Knapp Further information: The Broadside Day Web: www.stalbansfolkfestival.co.uk Kris Drever W: www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk Wesley Stace’s 21 February, Enquiries: 01727 852111/ 833028 E: [email protected] Naomi Bedford Cabinet of Wonders 10am - 5.30pm 31 January, 7.30pm Eddi Reader 24 March, 7.30pm 129 SAFF 2014 Quarter Page (portrait).indd 1 2/12/14129 11:09:50Folk at MaltingsIf you Quarter are Page under (portrait).indd 1 8/12/14 15:38:11 25 and play traditionally based music, this is for you... There are two categories: under 18 and 18 – 24. The judges, Alastair Anderson, Miranda Rutter, Andy Stafford and Lynne Heraud, will give helpful advice and award performance opportunities. To enter, send a CD with up to 15 minutes of your music to: cecilsharphouse.org | 0844 888 9991 Closing date: January 31 2015 Alison Macfarlane Finals: April 12th 2015 @ 40 Warwick Road Promoter Supporters /cecilsharphouse Trestle Arts Base, St Albans St Albans Herts Booking fees apply. www.new-roots.org.uk @cecilsharphouse [email protected] AL1 4DL

26 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 www.unicornmagazine.org 27 129 New Roots Quarter Page (portrait).indd 1 2/12/14 10:48:49 Cambridge Junction

Thur 1 Anglo Scottish Dance with Andrew BFC Bedford Fine Companions: Kellet & Mary Bryan, 7.30–10.30 • WFD Newnham Middle School, Polhill Ave, Bedford MK41 9DT Sat 3 Kelly’s Eye with Callers John 01234 823920 Symmonds, Maggie Fletcher & Alan • [email protected] Archer, 4pm • CFA • 7.30 – 11pm • Entrance £7 • Food available Sat 10 Caller: Ian Jones, Band: Kendal Green, CFA Chiltern Folk Ass: 7.30–11pm • BFC Amersham Community Centre, Chiltern Ave, Sat 10 Mark Elvins, Fat Harry, 8pm • LBD HP6 5AH Contact: Judith Inman, 01628 486845 Mon 09 Feb False lights Sat 10 Cyril Jones’ Birthday Dance with Brian • www.chilternfolk.org.uk [feat. Sam carter & jim moray] Jones, 7.30–10.30pm • WFD FF Friday Folk: Sat 17 Pinkers Spinney with Irene Entwhistle, The Church Hall, Marlborough Road, Tue 10 Feb Hudson Taylor 7.30–11pm • WS St Albans, AL1 3XG Fri 30 Chalktown with Caller Sheena Masson, Contact: Bob Barrett, 01727 856508 Jim boyes with Belinda o’hooley: Wed 11 Feb 7.30 for 8pm • UC LBD London Barndance: Sat 31 Black Abbot with Caller John Weaver Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road, sensations of a wound • NC London NW1 7AY Contact: Andrew and Jane, 01628 633962 Tue 17 feb The staves • [email protected] • www.barndance.org • Tickets: £10 (EFDSS £9, LBC & concs £8) Sat 21 feb Trio da kali [mali] Sat 7 Kelly’s Eye with Caller Lynne Render NC Northampton Ceilidhs: • SCD Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road, Sat 28 feb Northampton NN1 5LL Dub colossus Sat 14 Lynne Render, Chesapeake, 8pm • LBD Contact: John Green, 07760 197921 Sat 14 Sibby, 7.30–10.30pm • WFD • 01933 397767 Michael mcgoldrick, john mccusker Tue 03 mar Sat 14 The Hairy Marys with Sue Malleson, • www.northamptonceilidhs.co.uk & john doyle 7.30–11pm • WS SCD Staplers Country Dance Club: Sun 22 Toucan Play with Caller Ted Morse, Parish Hall, Waterdell Lane, Sun 22 mar 2.30pm • CFA St. Ippolytts SG4 7RB Megson family folk show Contact: 01582 881966 Fri 27 Random with caller Barry Goodman, Mon 23 Mar 7.30 for 8pm • UC UC Unicorn Ceilidhs: Jon gomm Town Hall, High Street, Baldock SG7 6AX Sat 28 Knitters Jig with Caller Chris Turner Contact: 01582 724261 • 07946 439095 Mon 30 mar Martha tilston • NC • www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk WFD Winchmore Folk Dance Club: Mon 20 apr megson Trinity Church Hall, Church St/Gentleman’s Row Enfield EN2 6AN Tue 21 apr Fri 6 Stick Shift with caller Linda Leslie (Also Tue mornings 10 –12 noon, Grange Park Boo hewerdine & kris drever (USA) • FF Methodist Church N21) Sat 14 Caller: Lynne Render, Band: Kelly’s Contact: John Wood, 020 8926 7293 Sat 25 apr Mariana sadovska [Ukraine] Eye, 7.30–11pm • BFC WS Woburn Sands Ceilidhs: Sat 14 Linda Leslie (USA), Vertical Expression, Summerlin Centre, 138 Station Road, Woburn Sun 26 apr Kathryn Roberts & sean lakeman 8pm • LBD Sands, MK17 8SG (next to Station Hotel) Contact: [email protected] Sat 14 Anne Dunn, 7.30–10.30pm • WFD Sat 13 jun • 01908 582660 • 7.30 – 11pm • Adults £7, Emily maguire Sat 14 H ogsty Oak (caller TBA), 7.30–11pm Accompanied under 16’s Free • Licensed Bar • WS & Free Parking , andy cutting Thu 24 sep Fri 27 H osepipe Band with Caller Adam & Hughes, 7.30 for 8pm • UC Sat 28 The Night Before with Caller Bob Cambridge junction, clifton way, Cambridge cb1 7gx Morgan • NC Junction.co.uk | 01223 511 511

28 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 www.unicornmagazine.org 29 The Priory Centre, St. Neots, PE19 2BH Every Tuesday 8.00pm

Email – [email protected] u s t Telephone - 01234 376278 Melodeons r and more www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk Saturday 21st March 2015 Jan 6 New Year Singaround Feb 3 Gawkey Mendlesham, Suffolk Jan 13 Phil Beer £12 & £10 Feb 10 Tom McConville Jan 20 Dave Ellis & Boo Howard Feb 17 Broom Bezzums Melodeon & concertina workshops Jan 27 AGM + Round the Room Feb 24 Martin Carthy £12 & £10 Mar 3 Round the Room Squeezebox Special evening concert Mar 10 John Renbourn & Wizz Jones £15 & £13 Music Market - sales, repairs, CDs Mar 17 The Hut People Mar 24 Open Stage Absolute beginners classes Mar 31 Round the Room Brilliant & inspiring tutors

Great sessions, food and beer!

featuring:

r a d i t o n l M u s c T

OUR FOLK SONG COMPETITION 2014 Winner was: John Kirkpatrick Mike Excell with “Scorecards in Stone” and Bob Hines was the worthy runner-up with “Dig” Keith Kendrick & Sylvia Needham

Congratulations to both & well done to all finalists and entrants. Gavin Atkin Mel Biggs Terry Mann FUTURE GUEST ARTISTS INCLUDE: Watford Open Mic. Big Band, Said the Maiden, Richard Stewart, Ray Owen & Debbie Marchant, Liz Lawley, Paul Scourfield Steve Dumpleton The Foxglove Trio, Dave Ellis & Boo Howard and The Rachel Hamer Band. (See diary entries for d ates) Full details and booking form on the EATMT website: DON’T FORGET our LEGENDARY SINGAROUNDS on non-guest nights! Further club/artist info at: http://folkatthepumphouse.webs.com www.eatmt.org.uk Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/watfordfolkclub/ EATMT, The Old Stables, Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket, Email: [email protected] Suffolk IP14 1DL Tel: 01449 771090 Email: [email protected] E a s t A n g l i T

30 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 www.unicornmagazine.org 31 London Barndance JOLLY, DANCY Saturday 10th January 8 p.m.

Mark Elvins

Fat Harry

Saturday 14th February 8 p.m.

Lynne Render

Chesapeake All dances are held at Cecil Sharp House Saturday 14th March 8 p.m. 2 Regents Park Road Linda Leslie (USA) London NW1 7AY 1. Here they are gathered from miles around: 5. Here is the man who will play the guitar, Vertical Expression Some from the village and some from the town. Standing behind where the others all are. Further details from Ready to sing, ready to play, In with the tune soon he will chime Andrew and Jane: Ready to dance all the evening away. Keeping the rhythm and keeping the time. Tickets: £10 (EFDSS £9, LBC & concs £8) 01628 633962 Chorus: 6. There is the bass standing out at the side www.barndance.org [email protected] Follow the band, dance to the tune, Ready to thunder its sound far and wide, Right through the evening ‘til light of the moon. Making a sound so full and so rich: Mellow, the tone is, and low is the pitch. 2. There stands the fiddler so proud and so grand, Holding his fiddler’s bow in his hand. 7. Out at the front is the caller, so fine, His fiddle is poised right under his chin. Waiting to get all the dancers in line. Waiting for all of the band to begin. Soon he will try to get them to dance, For a complete guide to advertising with us, including a full set of technical specifications and suggestions to To lead them to caper and lead them to prance. ensure your ad looks as good as possible, please downlaod a copy of our Media Pack, available from our website. 3. In comes the flautist, his sound often shrill, Advertisement Sizes: • With border: Ready to stir all the crowd with his skill. 8. Now we’ve assembled the band to begin, Please note that from March 2013 we changed our adverts Trim size: 148mm (W) x 210mm Harmony with the fiddle so fair Up plays the flute then the sweet violin. sizes and prices to the following shown below. Bleed size: 154mm (W) x 216mm (H) Makes them a perfectly musical pair. Melodeon plays along with the tune; Back Cover (with or without border) £75.00 Prices are for supplied, correctly-sized, press-ready All of the band will be joining them soon. artwork: • No border: 4. There’s the melodeon player so tall. Trim size: 134mm (W) x 196mm (H) Quarter page (portrait) £22.00 His is the sound that is fullest of all. • With border: Trim size: 63.5mm (W) x 92mm (H) Leading the band with tunes short and long; Copyright © Graeme Meek 2014 Trim size: 148 x 210mm (no bleed) His music, so clear, entertaining the throng. Half page (landscape) £35.00 Bleed size: 154 x 216mm Trim size: 134mm (W) x 92mm (H) Front Cover Banner £50.00 Half page (portrait) £35.00 Trim size: 148 x 50mm Trim size: 63.5mm (W) x 191mm (H) Bleed size: 154 x 56mm

Full Inner page (no border) £55.00 All artwork is printed in mono / grayscale – preferrred Trim size: 134mm (W) x 191mm (H) formats are high res (300dpi) PFDs, with all fonts embedded (see the Media Pack for more information). Full Inner page (with border) £60.00 Trim size: 148 x 210mm Please note that we will be adding the black line around ad box shapes in-house – please leave any border This is a kind of calling on song for a country dance band. It is not based on any particular band. Bleed size: 151 x 216mm lines off youR ad design.

Inside Front or Back Cover £67.00 Graeme Meek is a member of song duo Life and Times and dance band Time of Your Life. Diary Entries see www.lifeandtimes.info, www.lifeandtimes.org.uk, www.timeofyourlife.info, www.lifeandtimes.me.uk, (with or without border) These include free entry in the Club Index. https://soundcloud.com/lifeandtimes-uk • No border: Trim size: 134mm (W) x 196mm (H) Price per quarter: £13.00

Take advantage of our 10% discount for four issues booked & paid for in advance – any size!

32 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 www.unicornmagazine.org 33 Julie Bubbles Oka Vanga The Willows INTRODUCTiON with Dave Jolly “Pilgrim” “Amidst Fiery Skies“ ELK013 here’s nothing quite like the buzz of “Just Friends” nyone who knows me will a really good live gig. The band is in be well aware that I love he second album release the groove, the packed audience listens, have to declare an interest, A since Bubbles has been instrumental guitar duos, Tfrom this Cambridgeshire participates, appreciates - applause, I so I was chuffed when Oka quintet combines English acclaim, bravo, encore… a regular at Bedford Folk Club for several years, so I know most of these 13 Vanga sent their new CD for review. and American folk influences into an accomplished and easily appealing contemporary offer likely So why do so many of us choose to shut songs and tunes very well. This mainly traditional Oka Vanga comprises Angela Meyer & William Cox, ourselves away in the forbidding recesses collection, from all seven verses of “Red River further to brighten their star in the current both professional guitar tutors who run a private music firmament. of the recording studio? It’s a very different Valley” to the self-penned and wistfully cheerful teaching school from their purpose built studio in environment which tests your skill and nerve in title song “Just Friends”, shows off her great voice Bengeo (www.parkhurstmusicstudio.co.uk). Produced jointly with Sean Lakeman, with vivid ways that gigs don’t. and talent for arrangement on accordion clarity well befitting their sumptuous harmonising, and concertina. The recording quality and production values on Studio time is pricey and the meter is ticking they arrange traditional songs, covers and their Pilgrim (their first album, I believe) are very high own original folk inspired material across a range all the time, so you need to get it as right as you The twinning of the tune “Balquidder Lassies” with – both guitars have a crisp, trebly sound (lots of can, as quick as you can. The financial rewards “Wraggle taggle gypsies” was sheer inspiration; and of songs from ballads to more uptempo folk rock new strings used in recording, I suspect!) that in ways often richly tinctured with bluegrass and may be meagre – you’ll bring in a few bob from the tune Bubbles wrote for the very sad poem cut through well. Differentiation between the two sales, but it will probably take a good while just “Two gypsy girls” couldn’t be better. country elements and also taking full advantage guitars is distinct and I particularly like the sound of evident skills in layering and melodic, to recoup your costs, and it’s never likely to of the nylon string guitars on this album, always fund that Caribbean cruise. The more obvious marriage of the tune and song mellow interplay. “Oyster Girl” is beautifully played here by Dave Jolly tricky to get right. There’s no doubting, though, that a well- on melodeon, as is “Jack in London City”, identical Thus 19th century Irish ballad Maid of Culmore Stylistically the tracks exhibit a wide variety, from cohabits with Bill Staines’ Roseville Fair (with its played, expertly produced CD will open doors to “Do-Me-Ama” from the singing of Bert Lloyd, but classical through exotic sounds, via traditionally- for you, helping to put your name around and with a different tune. actively occupied ‘front porch chair’) and Bruce tinged ballads, to more modern fast-paced tunes. [Utah] Phillips’ Goodnight Loving Trail about secure more bookings; it also constitutes a I recognise all sorts of possible influences in the lasting record of that fleeting live performance. I do wonder if the tunes to “False Knight” and John cowboy trail cookery where banjo and dobro are Conolly’s “Towersey Fair” are the right ones, since mix – a pinch of Rodrigo y Gabriela, a smattering very perceptibly profiled. Here we present the views of our expert the words seem hard to fit in; but it is good to hear of Al Di Meola-type melodies, garnished with reviewers on a selection of CDs recently “Bread & Fishes” sung slowly again, as it is often Renbourn-like finger picking and lots of pure Typifying their range and skills in pacing and submitted for review. Our review policy is to played too fast. classical technique. I personally prefer the slower, movement, new pieces The Visitor, with its concentrate on local performers, rather than more contemplative tunes (Abounding Grace, particularly catchy melody celebrating the the bigger national names, and focusing on our It would have been good, too, to hear more of Wildflower & Wasteland for example) but there remarkably heroic rescue of a shipwrecked crew home patch of Beds, Bucks, Cambs, Herts and Bubbles’ brilliant music hall songs – but perhaps are many other styles and tempos to keep one at Robin’s Hood Bay in 1881, and Red Sands and surrounding areas – mind you, when time and those are for the next album. listening and interested. Our Road deal sophisticatedly with emotional subjects with an exceptional admixture of space permit we are happy to wander further You should know that Bubbles plays her accordion Having played in several instrumental guitar units harmonies and fiddle of aching appeal. afield, both geographically and musically and concertinas despite crippling arthritis in her over the years, I know how hard it is to come up If you have a recent CD which you feel might fingers. Anyone with less talent and determination with non-vocal music that is pleasant to listen to Jade Rhiannon’s tender and pure voice is interest our readers please send a copy to: would have given up years ago. and yet possesses enough interest to keep people especially winsome, and Prue Ward’s fiddle work involved, but without too much of the technical stirring and emotive. Deeper resonance is added CD direct from Bubbles at [email protected] Unicorn Magazine, ‘flash’ which will only interest other guitar players. to the carefully blended arrangements by guests or 07940 538726. 10 Chapel Street I think Pilgrim satisfies admirably in all of these including Ben Nicholls on double bass. Dunton areas. Unarguably rich with the suppleness and grace of Biggleswade Mike Blair Beds SG18 8RW I have yet to see these guys perform but I the adjective derived from their name, only a few, I understand they have several gigs in the area over suspect, will find their winning formula a little too or email [email protected] the next few months – I look forward to hearing the comfortably cosy and coloured with Americana in music of Pilgrim live very soon! its alchemy.

Clive Batkin Kevin T. Ward

34 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 www.unicornmagazine.org 35 Gregg Cave KARA “Old England “Waters so deep...” Grown New” ara is a four piece band Tweedm01 (2014) Kfeaturing Daria Kulesh on vocals, Ben Honey on ollowing folk-rock guitar, Gary Holbrook on Fband Cave’s Welcome, accordion, and Kate Rouse on hammered dulcimer Welcome release (2008) and limited edition duet and backing vocals. They have been very busy on album Keep the Beggars Warm with fiddler Nick the scene since their formation and, having seen Ellison (2012), Gregg Cave’s new release combines them live several times, I was interested to hear mainly self-penned songs with thoughtful how their on-stage style and charisma translate to reinterpretations of traditional material. a recording. Centred on his very pleasing voice and guitar Their debut CD “Waters so deep...” instantly has accompaniment, either in confidently paced acoustic impact. The packaging is an eye-catching six story mode or with backing extending into more panel, tri-fold paper affair, with gloss black, red uptempo folk-rock group arrangements, there is a and white artwork designed by Daria herself. satisfying purity and authenticity in its rootedness A couple of large band photos, full track listings (whether with the folk tradition per se or its chapter and an insert with both lyrics and a description of of emergent period folk-rock) combined with the story behind each song completes the whole contemporary edge: generally, a strongly credible package, giving one a lot to take in whilst listening sense of continuity. to the tunes themselves! Opening trad. piece The Bonny Lass of Anglesey, The recording quality throughout is of a very high celebrating her victorous terpsichorean trouncing standard and quality – Daria’s vocals in particular of several ‘shameful’ noble lords (undoubtedly a really stand out and her delivery and annunciation political message of significantly potent passion for are excellent. The musicianship and arrangements GC), features the recognisably Whippersnapper- are also top notch – the liberal use of accordian ish fiddle voice of to great effect. and hammered dulcimer give many tunes a Elsewhere Nick Ellison’s woven embellishment of distinctive, tonally interesting quality. the melodies and tunes is equally richly sinuous. On the CD you will find a few Russian-influenced Gregg’s personal lyric theme is essentially and (given songs, a smattering of instrumentals, as well as the contextual weight of history) timelessly the ‘state lots of self-penned songs from the band – with of the nation’: the deceitful crookedness and greed the help of words by such luminaries as Pushkin, of the political system, the consequential ‘struggle’, Kipling et al. and anxiety of pride with place are recurrent issues. Resonant cathartic counterpoints are the faith, hope If I had to pick some highlights, I particularly liked and enduring relevance and vision of free thinking, the songs Union Street and Hunter’s Moon, and poetry and song in keeping the heart’s flame alight. their version of my old favourite Music for a Found We need to sing, give life to this blood that forever Harmonium would also make the cut. flows through our veins and our rivers that run wild Whatever your personal taste, I think ‘Waters (We Need a Mother), I’ll sing my song to the last so deep…’ should have something for most folk day… as it’s the only way (Last Day, John Clare’s enthusiasts. poem on dreadful destruction and oblivion set to music). The final pieceWilliam Morris-Wat Tyler, More information about both the band and the CD with its conclusively apposite and heartfelt refrain can be found at: www.karafolkband.com We’ll Stand Fast, we’ll hold steady in this wind, is a brilliantly catchy culmination harmonically enriched Clive Batkin by his wife, professional storyteller Jo Blake Cave. (www.greggcave.com)

Kevin T. Ward

36 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 www.unicornmagazine.org 37 Finally thanks to all our entrants (without you, we wouldn’t have a competition!) for giving us 31 new songs which will hopefully become firmly established in the folk canon. Watford Folk Club Song (Videos, photos etc. can be found on our Facebook Competition 2014 page www.facebook.com/groups/watfordfolkclub/) Sparrow The competition for 2015 is already being planned .45pm on 14th November 2014 and it’s standing – look out for details to be announced in future 7room only for the start of Watford Folk Club’s issues of Unicorn! 3rd Annual Folk Song Competition, this year with the theme of “War & Peace”. A folkie Luthier for folkies We were privileged to have Gren Bartley, Liz Simcock and Caz Devine as our judging panel. Set-Ups and Repairs for , Violas, Cellos and Hardanger Fiddles. They were faced with the unenviable task of choosing a winner and runner up from the 10 finalists selected by the club committee. Fiddles and Hardangers made to commission. There were a record 31 entries! Hand made contemporary Fiddles for sale. The evening began with the judges performing one Tim J. Sparrow song each, followed by a “warm-up” song from each of the finalists. These included not only club St.Neots, Cambridgeshire regulars and occasional visitors but some who (Workshop open by appointment) Emma Scarr presents the were with us for the first time and some who had Winner’s Trophy to Mike Excell Tel: 07704 836 170 Email: [email protected] travelled many miles to take part. www.sparrow-violins.co.uk www.facebook.com/SparrowViolins A big surprise was a song by Bob Hinds about our Bob Hines – The Worthy Runner Up 1st Song Competition. (We’re thinking of adopting it as the competition theme song!) After a short break, the competition started in earnest. The standard of writing and performance in previous years has always been high, and this year it was exceptional, making life difficult for the judges, as each singer’s style and approach was very different. After the last performer sang, Gren, Liz & Caz left the room to deliberate and decide. Emma Scarr then sang “Kathy O’Toole”, the song that won her last year’s competition. The judges returned to announce that “Scorecards in Stone“ by Mike Excell had won, while “Dig” by Bob Hines was the worthy runner-up. Congratulations to both Mike and Bob. Emma then presented the trophy to Mike and after a photo call of the finalists, he closed the evening by reprising his song. It was a fantastic evening, hosted by the competition organisers Kim Olyett and Alison Raymond who deserve compliment and thanks for all their wonderful organisation and hard work. We are truly grateful to our judges Gren, Liz and Caz, not only for doing such a brilliant job but also for giving us their time and experience so willingly.

38 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 Unicorn Magazine: issue 129 www.unicornmagazine.org 39 The Lankin Mummers’ Play

n Boxing Day I was watching the local Robin Goodfellow (with cudgel): My name is Mummers with Uncle Obadiah. He was Robin but sometimes it’s Puck, I can bring good Onot impressed with their ability to collect or bad luck. I will curdle your milk and burn money and the plot seemed very complicated, down your barn but give me some silver and “Too much like a panto,” he commented. It you’ll come to no harm. If you don’t believe what appears Uncle Obadiah and various members of I do say step in Jack O’ Lantern without delay. the Lankin clan used to go Guizing and a dig in the family archives soon revealed the script. The Jack O’ Lantern (with sack and lantern): My only stage direction was that they should form up name is Jack and I carry a pack and a lantern in a circle with the audience in the middle. in my hand. I’ll give you a fright if you go out at night so pay up and all will be grand. If you Father Christmas (carrying bell and broom): don’t believe what I do say step in King Wren In comes I Old Father Christmas, with my without delay. bell and my broom I make some room. Give us your money and wish us no ill and health King Wren: I am the wren, the king of all and happiness will stay with you still. If you birds. I can send crows to pilfer orchards. Your don’t believe what I do say step in King George apples will rot, your pears they will fall and without delay. you will have no cider at all. So bring me some bread and a full pot and then you will sleep King George (carrying double handed sword): safe in your cot. If you don’t believe what I do I am King George a noble old knight, give us say step in Beelzebub without delay your cash or else we will fight. I’ll cut you and stab you and lay you down low – so give us your Beelzebub (carrying a gun and a cooking pot): money and then we will go. If you don’t believe In come I with my gun and my pot, give me what I do say step in Bold Slasher without delay. your jewels and you won’t get shot. Throw in your watch, your rings and your gold, I’ll shoot Bold Slasher (carrying two axes or hatchets): you down if you try to be bold. Just give us I am Bold Slasher a man of great thirst, of beer your wealth and we’ll wish you good cheer, you and ale I think of the first. So give me a barrel won’t see us again – until next year. and give me a pot – I will leave when I’ve drunk the lot. If you don’t believe what I do say step Uncle Obadiah explained that they would add on Old Mother without delay. or delete other characters depending upon how many Guizers they had and the threats they could Old Mother (carrying an oversize rolling pin): dream up but Beelzebub always came last. “I In comes I with my falsetto voice, I’d sing and usually carried a sawn off shot gun” he grinned: dance if I had the choice. Give me cake or I’ll break down your door and lay it flat upon the With some trepidation I asked what happened if floor. If you don’t believe what I do say step in they didn’t pay up – “A barrel of shot over their Good Doctor without delay. heads usually did the trick”, he grinned, “They were good days!” Good Doctor (with bag): I am a doctor with potion and pill, I can cure or make you ill. I can Happy New Year! poison your sheep or even your cow so give me your money and bring it out now. If you don’t believe what I do say step in Robin Goodfellow without delay. Long Lankin

www.unicornmagazine.org 40 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 129