ISSUE 149
IN THIS ISSUE: l INTERVIEW WITH A STORYTELLER l JACK IN A BARREL FEATURE l FAREWELL TO ENGLISH MISCELLANY l CD REVIEWS l & MUCH MORE...
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020 FREE!every quarter www.unicornmagazine.org over 3000 copies distributed1 2 www.unicornmagazine.org EDITORIAL “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr
When novelist Jean-Baptiste commented on the You’ll find all the usual contents and some upheavals in France in 1839, he couldn’t have interesting features in this issue. In response imagined today’s even more turbulent world. But to reader feedback, this edition does look a bit his quote reminds us that whatever changes, there different and I hope you agree that it’s easier to will always be familiar elements. read - let me know what you think. And please keep your news, adverts, gig reviews, tunes and other And that’s certainly the case for Unicorn as it’s items flowing in - I want Unicorn to do everything ‘business as usual’ now that Clive has stepped it can to support folk music and dance in our area down. He did a fine job during his tenure and we by including interviews, features and other news as all wish him well. I’m sure we’ll see him at music well as promoting all the live events and festivals. events around the area. I have now taken over sole responsibility for the Do come and say hello if you see me at a gig or magazine and I very much appreciate all the kind festival, and I’d love to have your suggestions for messages of encouragement I have received. Thank anything you’d like me to include in future issues. you! Most of you already know me as Unicorn’s Thank you for your continued support of Unicorn. Co-Editor for the past few years, and as I have a background in marketing and publishing (and a Sandra lifelong love of all things folk), I’m well placed to keep the magazine going from strength to strength.
CONTENTS Editorial 3 Feature: English Miscellany 14 Contents 3 Strumming & Dreaming 15 Feature: Kimpton Folk Festival 4 Feature: Storytelling 16-17 Chatterbox 7 Diary 20-23 Round the Clubs 7 Feature: Folk Events in St Albans 26 Sessions 8-9 Feature: Jack in a Barrel 30 Shall We Dance? 12-13 CD Reviews 34-35, 37-38, 42
I take great care to ensure accuracy in Unicorn Magazine. However, I accept no EDITOR responsibility for any misprints or mistakes that appear. The views and opinions expressed in submitted articles and advertisements are those of the authors and do not SANDRA LAWES necessarily reflect the opinion of the Unicorn Magazine editor. I assume that any letters 07939 541927 sent to the magazine are intended for publication unless otherwise stated. I reserve the right to edit any material sent to the magazine for style, content or length. Please note [email protected] that I cannot print material previously published in other publications without express written permission from that publisher. I reserve the right not to publish elements [email protected] of free listings information if they appear elsewhere in the magazine or where I have space restrictions. CONTACT ADDRESS: 6 Holly Farm Close, Caddington, Luton, Beds LU1 4ET ‘If you don’t want to keep your copy of Unicorn Magazine forever, please recycle it responsibly.’ www.unicornmagazine.org
© Unicorn Magazine 2019 and 2020 BEHIND THE SCENES OF KIMPTON FOLK FESTIVAL Kimpton Folk Festival organisers will entertainment on offer across the village. do almost anything to ensure that next But some visitors have also asked if it’s year’s festival – on Saturday, July 4 - is an possible to stagger concerts so that ticket- outstanding success. A proposal to ritually holders can get to see all the performers. sacrifice its founding chairman, to ensure fair So that’s exactly what we’re doing in 2020. weather, was only narrowly defeated at a Afternoon and all-day ticket holders won’t recent committee meeting. have to miss a single minute of the main concerts, but will still have the choice to Preparations have begun with a drop in on the free music and dance events comprehensive review of what went well, on the village green, or attend sessions or and what less well, at the 2019 festival. workshops. Plenty of things went very well. Record numbers of visitors flocked to the village And three big headline acts are already to enjoy a spectacular range of acts on confirmed; Scottish fiddle, piano and close three stages, as well as the usual mix of harmony quartet Fara, Kimpton Folk Festival workshops, sessions, buskers, dancing, story- favourites, Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar and telling and craft demonstrations. Highlights the hugely popular husband and wife duo included an evening concert in the village Megson. church starring Kimpton Folk Festival’s patrons Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, joined Fara’s stunning blend of traditional and by Jess and Richard Arrowsmith to perform self-penned tunes and songs have won as the Melrose Quartet. them international acclaim and a showcase at the Royal Albert Hall at the Radio 2 Folk At the other end of the village, in the Awards. Megson are Stu and Debbie Hanna, Memorial Hall, the wild foot-stomping who delight audiences with their moving, gypsy rhythms of Sheelanagig had the entire bitter-sweet and often hilarious songs and audience up on its feet dancing; in the case Greg and Ciaran are simply one of the most of one festival trustee, so enthusiastically sought after acts on the folk scene. that she ended the night in hospital with a torn Achilles tendon. Definitely a health and More acts will be announced soon, but safety lesson learned there. tickets and details are already available at www.kimptonfolk.uk The festival has won many accolades over the years for the extraordinary standard Brian King of artists on show, and the sheer range of
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NCI SOCIAL CLUB Jan.8th Open Stage / Singaround Holland St, Jan.15th Lizzy Hardingham plus floor spots Jan.22nd Open Stage / Singaround Cambridge.CB4 3DL featuring Sarah Stock Jan.29th Green Mathews plus floor spots www.blackfenfolkclub.com Feb.5th Open Stage / Singaround JANUARY Feb.12th Said the Maiden plus floor spots 5,12 OPEN STAGE Feb.19th Open Stage / Singaround Feb.26th Alden, Patterson & Dashwood plus 19 SPECIAL OPEN STAGE * floor spots 26 OPEN STAGE Mar.4th Open Stage/ Singaround FEBRUARY Mar.11th Luke Daniels plus floor spots Mar.25th Fred’s House plus floor spots 2 Geoff Lakeman & Rob Murch ALL OTHER THURSDAYS ARE OPEN STAGE NIGHTS WEDNESDAYS 8pm – 10.45pm 9 OPEN STAGE 16 VALENTINE SONG COMPETITION Bedfordshire’s 23 Counters Creek Premier Home MARCH Brew and 1,8 OPEN STAGE Wine Making 15 Alistair Anderson & Specialists Ian A Anderson 22 OPEN STAGE • Comprehensive • Large choice range of bitters of wines 29 SPECIAL OPEN STAGE * APRIL • Wide selection • Excellent prices of lagers 5,12 OPEN STAGE • Free advice 19 Alden & Patterson
HOME BREW HELPLINE Admission £4 Open Stages 01234 353856 £8 Guest nights [email protected] A friendly, welcoming and www.thehappybrewer.com supportive hub for folk and roots Open Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm music in Cambridge. Sunday 10.30am to 4.30pm Every Sunday at 7.30pm. Closed Monday except Bank Holidays Floor spots available every evening Roxton Garden Centre @ The Black Cat Roundabout * Check website for details Bedford Road, Roxton, MK44 3DY
www.unicornmagazine.org 5 hobad qtr vt 2019_Layout 1 20/06/2019 15:47 Page 1
since 1976
BRITAIN’S FOLK & ACOUSTIC SPECIALISTS
An Aladdin’s cave of treasures! Come and try the instruments for yourself. visit our shops and festival stalls!
BIRMINGHAM | BRIGHTON | BRISTOL CANTERBURY | EDINBURGH (SCAYLES)| LEEDS |LONDON MANCHESTER | SOUTHAMPTON | RED WING MN, USA Order online or call +44(0)333 800 9500 www.hobgoblin.com 6 www.unicornmagazine.org CHATTERBOX We are very sorry to tell you of the recent After 44 years, English Miscellany has death of Chris Bashford who ran the decided to close. You will find full details in wonderful Moggerhanger sessions for several their article on page 14. They have various years. He was an enthusiastic and talented dance props and other equipment that they musician and a great asset to folk music in are looking to re-home including: this area. He will be sadly missed but his • books of dances widow Dorothy has agreed to continue to • Flamborough swords work with the Moggerhanger Village Hall • other swords Committee to continue the sessions on the • short and long sticks first Wednesday of each month. • books of jigs and dances A reminder that the closing date for New • clog CDs Roots is Friday 31 January 2020. This annual • miscellaneous catering equipment event which is for young performers of all • Morris bells of various sizes styles of traditional or contemporary folk, Please enquire through roots or world music, whether they play [email protected] before the end traditional material or write their own. of January 2020 – be quick, because it’s first Categories are under 18 and 18-24. See come, first served! www.new-roots.org.uk for more information.
ROUND THE CLUBS There are big changes afoot at Hitchin Folk many members and supporters who have asked Club. The club has run weekly for the past 55 on numerous occasions in the past if the concerts years, nearly all of them at The Sun Hotel. But could start and finish earlier – especially by those due to ongoing difficulties at the venue over the who have to go to work on Monday mornings! past year, Maureen and Keiron Jones have now Here’s to the beginning of a new phase of Hitchin decided to run monthly instead of weekly from Folk Club and Unicorn wishes them great success January 2020. Over the past year there have and the very best of luck! (See their advert on been constant changes of staff at The Sun, never page 9). enough staff, and double booking the ballroom Waltham Abbey Folk Club is now meeting twice on a Sunday evening! They have had many in a new venue – upstairs at the Sultan PH in wonderful years at the hotel, but the situation Sewardstone Road in a private room which is has become untenable and so they have decided much more suitable for their singarounds and that a move has become necessary. guests. Do pop along and see for yourselves. The new Pavilion Function Suite at Hitchin Cricket Club (SG5 2JA) will be the club’s new home and, And finally, the Kings Arms pub across the road with a lift and its own large car park, access will from the Ely Folk Club has closed so visitors to be available for everyone. To comply with NHDC the club should bring their own drinks and glasses regulations the gigs will be starting at the earlier or buy bottles/cans from the nearby convenience time of 7.30pm and ending at 10.15pm. This news stores to guard against dehydration. has been greeted with enthusiasm by the club’s www.unicornmagazine.org 7 We would strongly advise checking with the venue/organiser before attending any of the below SESSIONS since unfortunately we cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information. l HEMEL HEMPSTEAD • Leverstock Green Cricket Club, SUNDAY LUNCHTIMES 24 Bedmond Road, HP3 8LJ (1st Bluegrass and old- l STONY STRATFORD • Vaults Bar, High St time songs and tunes): Chris Lawrence 01442 215826 (Weekly, Lunchtimes): Jane, 01908 566407 l HISTON • Boot, Histon, nr Cambridge (1st): Dave Benford, 01223 880553 SUNDAY EVENINGS l MARCH • Georges Folk Club, 61 High Street, PE15 9JJ l MILTON KEYNES • see www.mksessions.blogspot.com (1st), Acoustic music and song: Mark Gibson, (Weekly) 01354 652868 l MILTON KEYNES • New Bradwell Sports Club, New l RICKMANSWORTH • Conservative Club, Bury Lane Bradwell (1st): Patsy, 07932 157610 (2nd): Michael, 01923 770425 l ST ALBANS • Great Northern, 172 London Road, l TEWIN • Rose & Crown. (3rd evenings). Acoustic, AL1 1PQ 6pm Music but singers welcome. (Monthly vocal, instrumental. Kit Burgess, 01438 869435 fourth or fifth Sundays of the month. 26 January, 23 l TRING • Kings Arms, (8.30, 1st, trad Irish songs & February and 22 March. Please see website or ring tunes, led by Chan Reid/fiddle, John Devine/pipes, 01727 852111 for variations.) Neil Stanton/guitar): Rob Muirhead (landlord), l LEIGHTON BUZZARD • The Swan, Northall (1st): 01442 823318 Richard Chatterley, 07790 023220 l WOOTTON (Beds) •The Cock MK43 9JT (8pm, broad l MARSWORTH • Red Lion, 90 Vicarage Rd, Marsworth, acoustic & folk): Mike Carter Jones, 01234 768555 Tring HP23 4LU (2nd): New Moon Morris and Friends Pub (Karen) 01234 930034 slow and steady folk tune session for beginners and improvers. Louise, 07791 651199 WEDNESDAY EVENINGS l MARSWORTH • Red Lion, 90 Vicarage Rd, Marsworth, l PEGSDON • Live and Let Live, Pegsdon Way, Pegsdon, Tring HP23 4LU (3rd) 8.00 – 11.00pm. New Moon Hexton, Hitchin SG5 3JX (8.30pm, fortnightly first Morris and Friends open session. session 8 January 2020): Ann, 01582 560815 [email protected] l BENINGTON (Stevenage) • The Bell (1st): Kit Burgess, l MARSWORTH • Red Lion, 90 Vicarage Rd, Marsworth, 01438 869435 Tring HP23 4LU (1st) 7.00 pm. Folk session. l CAMBRIDGE • Six Bells, 11 Covent Garden (8.30pm, Jon Marks, [email protected] 2nd, Bluegrass & Old Time): Jim, 07803 158084 l CHINNOR • Chinnor Methodist Church, 62 Station MONDAY EVENINGS Road, OX39 4PZ (2.00pm to 4.00pm, 2nd, l ASHWELL • Rose & Crown (1st): Ian Chandler, slow and steady but fun): Liz 01844 351565 01462 743091 l ELY • Town Folk, The Town House PH, Market St, Ely. l CHATTERIS • Chatteris Folk Club, Honest John, 24a (2nd and last): Liam, 01353 659614 or 07468 240798 South Park St, PE16 6AR (3rd), Acoustic music and [email protected] song: Keith Cheale, 02354 652868 l HITCHIN • The Bucks Head, Stevenage Road, Little l SOHAM • Cherry Tree, Fordham Rd (3rd): Wymondley, Hitchin, SG4 7HY (9.00 -11.00pm, Claire White, 01353 720550 1st, Ramrugge Clog Morris): Kerry 07877 930201 l STEVENAGE • The Marquis of Lorne (upstairs) l MARCH • March Folk Club, Royal British Legion Club, (2nd): Gary Moyle, 07960 953778 Rookswood, 27 West End, PE15 8DP (3rd), Acoustic l TOTTERNHOE • Old Farm Inn (8.30pm, weekly): music and song: Keith Cheale, 02354 652868 Contact 01582 661294 (pub) l MOGGERHANGER • Moggerhanger Village Hall (7.00pm for 8.00pm, 1st): Dorothy Bashford, TUESDAY EVENINGS 01767 640242 l ABINGTON PIGOTTS • Village Hall, SG8 0SH l RADLETT • Cat & Fiddle, Cobden Hill, WD7 7JR (8-10.30pm, 3rd, admission £2 per person): (8pm, 2nd): Nick, 020 8207 3057 George Norris, 01763 853062 l ST ALBANS • The Robin Hood, Victoria Street, l AMPTHILL • The Albion, Dunstable Street (2nd): AL1 3TG (8.30pm, weekly): Music but singers 8pm Rod Ward, 01763 852 377 welcome. No session December 25, afternoon session l DUNSTABLE • Globe, Winfield St (Weekly): (2pm) January 1. Alison Macfarlane 01727 852111 Maureen, 01582 512300 l ST ALBANS • White Swan, Dagnall St (from 8.30pm, l DUNTON • March Hare, Dunton, nr Biggleswade (1st): weekly, traditional Irish instrumental): John Pritchett, 01767 448093 (pub) Rick, 01727 852976 l GT WILBRAHAM • Memorial Hall Social Club (3rd): l TEBWORTH • Queens Head, LU7 9QB (4th): Dave, 01440 783280 Free food. Richard Chatterley, 07790 023220 8 www.unicornmagazine.org l TOWERSEY • Village Hall (7.30 for 8, 3rd): Andrew Leleux, 01296 615160 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB l WELHAM GREEN • North Mymms Social Club, AL9 7PQ (2nd): Alan Francis, 07774 859758 THE CRICKET PAVILION
THURSDAY EVENINGS LUCAS LANE l HITCHIN HERTFORD • Great Eastern, Railway Place (3rd): Keith Acheson, 07979 841079 HERTS l KIMPTON • The Boot (2nd & 4th): Doug, SG5 2JA 07973 751039, [email protected] l LUTON • Black Horse, 23 Hastings Street, SUNDAYS LU1 5BE (weekly from 9.00ish) Acoustic music not 7.30 – 10.15pm
specifically folk music: Nigel Bailey, 07788 431470 l TOWERSEY • Three Horseshoes (last): Grant, 01844 212322 NEW VENUE! l WOBURN SANDS • Royal Oak (2nd & 4th): After nearly 40 years at The Sun we Vic Longhorn, 01908 582660 decided that a move was necessary. FRIDAY EVENINGS Hitchin Cricket Club have welcomed us, l AYLESBURY • Queens Park Arts Centre (1st, 3rd and with open arms, to the function suite in 5th): Amanda Diamond, 01296 424332 their new Pavilion. There is a lift, so we l WELWYN • Brocket Arms (8.00pm, 3rd) Doug, can now welcome wheelchair users and 07973 751039, [email protected] the bar has clubhouse prices! To comply with NHDC regulations we will be Organisers please note: we will continue to print all details as shown unless you tell us otherwise. Thank you. running earlier, starting at 7.30pm and Advert-Unicorn Jan 2020:Layout 2 8/11/19 ending14:07 at Page10.15pm. 1 Doors 6.30pm.
JANUARY 5th EMILY SLADE and ELLIOTT MORRIS
DANCE JANUARY 19th PHIL BEER THE MORRIS! plus KIRSTY MERRYN
Friendly local Cotswold FEBRUARY 16th group welcomes new men... STEVE KNIGHTLEY
...experienced or not, MARCH 22th as dancers or musicians. ALY BAIN & PHIL CUNNINGHAM
th We practise at Radwell Village Hall APRIL 19 RICHARD DIGANCE (nr Baldock) SG7 5EW every Thursday from 8-10 pm. MAY 24th All men welcome . . . DAPHNE’S FLIGHT
. . . come & have a go! If you would like a full copy of the For more information see programme, send us an email and we will put you on our emailshot list. www.letchworthmorris.org.uk or call Andrew for a chat on For further details phone Maureen Jones on 01462 440683 Hitchin (01462) 812391 [email protected] - LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN - www.hitchinfolkclub.co.uk
www.unicornmagazine.org 9 Dunton Wassail Brafront Guizers
Bedford Morris Men
Saturday 4th January 2020 March Hare 6.30pm, Church Farm, Dunton Public House www.duntonfolk.co.uk St Albans Folk Festival, June 26-28, 2020 Saturday June 27
Festival concertDay of Dance at the in the Abbey City Centre Theatre , 8pm Free performances, sessions and singarounds
Fayfeaturing Hield
Sam Sweeney with Rob Harbron
and ForSt further Michael’s details Streetand information folk evening about Ju, neWednesday 26 and 28, see July web 1site
Dancing in the street and music everywhere [email protected] www.stalbansfolkatthefestival.org.uk Enquiries 01727 852111 Concert tickets: see web site Folk at the Maltings, St Albans If you are under 25 and play Jan 3 The Moorcrofters and traditionally Lizzy Hardingham based music, this Jan 31 Odette Michell plus is for you.
Chris Fox There are two categories, under 18 and Mar 6 Leyla Burrows and 18-24. The judges will give helpful advice Paul Scourfield and award performance opportunities.
8pm at the Maltings Arts Theatre, Closing date January 31 The Maltings, St Albans AL1 3HL To enter, send completed application
form and 15 minutes of your music to Tickets £12, Student concessions £11. [email protected] Under 18 £7.50 from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo See: www.new-roots.org.uk.
0844 870 0887, in person at St Albans Central Library or on the door. Final Sunday April 26 www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk Trestle Arts Base, St Albans SHALL WE DANCE? JANUARY FEBRUARY Wednesday 1 • Dance with The Forest Band and caller Monday 2 • Club night • SFDC Gillian West • WFDC Wednesday 4 • Dance with club callers • LFDC 1 • Club closed • LFDC Thursday 5 • Club night country dancing • RB Friday 3 • Dance with the Friday Folk Band and caller 5 • Club night • NFDC Colin Hume • FF Friday 6 • Dance with callers Andrew King and Alain Saturday 4 • New Year Dance Val and Ian McFarlane with Williams Pete & Sue Hall 7.00 - 10.30pm • CFA • FF Monday 6 • Club night • SFDC Monday 9 • Club night • SFDC Wednesday 8 • Dance with club callers • LFDC Wednesday 11 • Dance with club callers • LFDC Thursday 9 • Club night • NFDC Thursday 12 • Club night country dancing • RB 9 • Club night country dancing • RB 12 • Club night • NFDC Friday 10 • Dance with caller Thomas Bending • FF Friday 13 • Ceilidh: with King Kontra and caller Geoff Saturday 11 • Dance with The Forest Band and caller Cubitt Andrea Stodell • WFDC • UC 11 • Dance with English Contra Band and caller 13 • Dance with the Friday Folk Band and caller Adam Hughes 8.00pm • LBD Wendy Harrup • FF Monday 13 • Club night • SFDC Saturday 14 • Dance with English Contra Band and caller Mark Elvins 8.00pm • LBD Wednesday 15 • Dance with guest caller Marlene Harrison- Jones 14 • Dance to Recorded Music and caller Keith • LFDC Wright Thursday 16 • Club night country dancing • RB • WFDC 16 • Club night • NFDC Monday 16 • Club night • SFDC Friday 17 • Dance with Spring Greens and callers David Wednesday 18 • Dance with guest caller Wendy Harrup • LFDC & Rebecca Capron • FF Monday 20 • Club night • SFDC Thursday 19 • Club night country dancing • RB Wednesday 22 • Dance with club callers • LFDC 19 • Club night • NFDC Thursday 23 • Club night country dancing • RB Friday 20 • Dance with caller Andrea Stodell • FF 23 • Club night • NFDC Monday 23 • Club night • SFDC Friday 24 • Dance with caller Suzanne Farmer • FF Wednesday 25 • Dance with club callers • LFDC Saturday 25 • Dance with Finality Jack and Zinguaresque Thursday 26 • Club night country dancing • RB and callers Bubbles and John Green 7.30pm 26 • Club night • NFDC • NC Friday 27 • Dance with The 20s and caller Karen Sweeney Monday 27 • Club night • SFDC • FF Wednesday 29 • Dance with club callers • LFDC Saturday 28 • Dance with live band and caller TBC 7.30pm • NC Thursday 30 • Club night country dancing • RB Monday 30 • Club night • SFDC 30 • Club night • NFDC 30 • Club night • NFDC Friday 31 • Dance with club callers • FF Friday 31 • Dance with club callers • FF
12 www.unicornmagazine.org MARCH ORGANISERS AND VENUES Saturday 1 • Spring Dance with The Portland Duo and caller BFD Bedford Folk Dance Club Lynne Render 7.30 - 11.00pm • SFDC1 St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Lane, Goldington, Bedford MK41 0HL • Ron Law 01234 825574 www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com Monday 3 • Club night • SFDC CFA Chiltern Folk Association Wednesday 5 • Dance with club callers • LFDC Amersham Community Centre, Chiltern Avenue, Amersham HP6 5AH Thursday 6 • Club night country dancing • RB • Joyce Stace 01494 727512 [email protected] CFAV Chiltern Folk Association 6 • Public dance with David & Kathryn Wright & Folkus Pocus 7.45pm • NFDC Amersham Common Village Hall, 24 White Lion Road, Amersham, HP7 9JD • Joyce Stace 01494 727512 [email protected] Friday 7 • Dance with the Friday Folk Band and caller Barrie Bullimore • FF FF Friday Folk Verulam School Rear Entrance, Jennings Road, St Albans, AL1 4PA Saturday 8 • Club night • NFDC • Bob Barrett 01727 856508 www.fridayfolk.org.uk 8 • Dance with The Forest Band and caller Steve LBD The London Barn Dance Company Russell • WFDC Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road, London NW1 7AY • Andrew Findlay 01628 782565 https://www.barndance.org/ 8 • Dance with Fiddlechicks and caller Andrew Swain 8.00pm • LBD LFDC Linsleighders Folk Dance Group The Forster Institute, Waterloo Road, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Beds, LU7 2NR Monday 10 • Club night • SFDC • Elizabeth Corser Secretary 01525 378010 [email protected] Wednesday 12 • Dance with club callers • LFDC NC Northampton Ceilidhs Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road, Abington, Northampton, NN1 5LL Thursday 13 • Club night country dancing • RB • John and Ruth Green, 01933 397767 or 07760 197921 13 • Club night • NFDC www.northamptonceilidhs.co.uk NFDC Northampton Folk Dance Club Friday 14 • Ceilidh: with the Bristol Ceilidh Quartet and Christchurch Hall, 3 Christchurch Road, Abington, Northampton, NN1 5LL caller Jethro Anderson • UC • Linda Pain, Secretary, 01604 711342 www.northamptonfdc.wordpress.com 14 • Dance with caller Dave Kerridge • FF RB Roundabouters Country Dance Club. The Friends’ Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage, Herts SG1 1UP. Monday 17 • Club night • SFDC • Lorna Sharpe, 01438 727 239 [email protected] Wednesday 19 • Dance with guest caller Mike Ruff • LFDC www.roundabouters.org.uk SFDC Staplers Folk Dance Club Thursday 20 • Club night country dancing • RB St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Road, Hitchin, Herts, SG4 9JP 20 • Club night • NFDC • Gill Goodman, 01462 456811, [email protected] www.staplers.org.uk Friday 21 • Dance with Mollie & Ali and caller Mike SFDC1 Staplers Folk Dance Club Bennett • FF St Ippolyts Parish Hall, Waterdell Lane, St Ippolyts, Hitchin, Herts SG4 9RB Sunday 23 • Family Dance Ted Morse with Neville Gardner • Gill Goodman, 01462 456811, [email protected] & Friends 2.30 - 5.30pm • CFAV www.staplers.org.uk Monday 24 • Club night • SFDC UC Unicorn Ceilidhs St Mary’s Hall, Church Street, Baldock, Herts, SG7 5AE Wednesday 26 • Dance with club callers • LFDC • Alan Creamer, 07946 439095 [email protected] www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk Thursday 27 • Club night country dancing • RB WFDC Winchmore Folk Dance Club 27 • Club night • NFDC Trinity Church Hall, Church Street/Gentleman’s Row, Enfield, EN2 6AN • Loretta Marigold, [email protected] or Gillian West on 0208 360 6226 Friday 28 • Dance with caller Bob Lilley • FF WFDC2 Winchmore Folk Dance Club Saturday 29 • Dance with Lebedek and caller Simon Loake The Village Hall, St Peter’s Church, Vera Avenue, Grange Park, London N21 1RJ 7.30pm • NC • Loretta Marigold, [email protected] or Gillian West 0208 360 6226
Copy Deadline for Issue 150 is 14th February 2020 Don’t forget to subscribe to both our blog and our mailing list for revised gig dates, news & updates between issues...
www.unicornmagazine.org 13 ENGLISH MISCELLANY HANGS UP ITS CLOGS, BELLS, GARLANDS AND STICKS!
Over the years we have been fortunate to benefit from the personal contribution of around 160 creative, artistic, practical and determined members with a remarkable level of collective skill – which was applied to all aspects of the club’s activities from performance repertoire and costume to organising the hosting and entertainment for our overseas visitors. EM’s contribution to the promotion of English Sadly, without enough new blood to offset dance and song was supported by the weekly the ravages of time and natural wear and tear, rehearsal of Cotswold & Northwest Morris, step- English Miscellany has decided to close. clog and, at our core, country dance. At many events, we were the only group to display this After forty-four happy, creative and eventful years social dance form. Later, the club added song and performing various styles of traditional English folk mumming sections, but country dance always dance - both within the UK and abroad, English remained central to our performances. In practice, Miscellany has made many friends and developed many members were active within two or more strong social links which I’m sure will continue. sections of the club, which gave great flexibility (and mid-show costume changes!) to our displays. The song section of English Miscellany will There is no doubt that this also contributed to the continue as “Miscellany Folk Singers” and the club’s longevity. mummers will form “The Common Mummers”. As English Miscellany closes, its membership will The display of traditional English dance, vigorously I’m sure remain active at local folk events and to show off its rich characteristics, requires a lot within other dance groups – continuing to enjoy of energy and can be demanding. We look forward performing traditional folk art. to newer, younger folk taking the same pleasure in performing as we have done. So, not such a sad turn of events for us as we all celebrate our collective achievement. Also, as As a display group, English Miscellany’s intention a part of our legacy, it would be fitting for such has always been to show traditional English dance of our equipment as may be useful, to enter the to the widest audience – an aim which enabled service of other clubs who may need it. Main us to make friends in the UK, across Europe and in items include clog boards, wooden (Flamborough) the USA. swords, metal (thatching needle) swords and some Making new friends and the joy of sharing cultures PA equipment. have always been high on our list of priorities. Please enquire through Taking part in festivals, dancing at summer fairs, [email protected] before the end seasonal outings and also performing at civic and of January 2020. corporate events, gave us the broadest stage for what we all loved doing. By Mike Heylin
14 www.unicornmagazine.org STRUMMING & DREAMING MAKING MUSIC IS ITS OWN REWARD - AFTER ALL, IT HAS TO BE! I love doing my radio show. And why shouldn’t a £500 car to drive 100 miles to a £50 gig”. But I? After all, I get to play the music I like, and for many a true word is spoken in jest; if it were just most shows I have talented guests who come into about making money then most of us would have the studio to play their music and chat about the given up long ago. passion we share. It’s something I would do even if I hadn’t made the commitment to do it, as it’s So why do we do it? For me it’s for the pleasure of always immensely pleasurable. And I know my seeing a song I’ve written come to life through the colleagues at Cambridge 105 Radio feel the same contributions of the other members of my band, way. Of course, it does have its perks, such as Red Velvet, through the creativity of the musicians receiving great music, namely the CDs given to me and the emotion and expression of Deirdre, our by my fellow musicians when I’m out and about singer and my musical partner. Then to take it out locally, the packages in the post and emails with into the world at gigs, to receive some applause mp3s and download links. As I say, I would do it and - hopefully - nice comments. But maybe most anyway, but if I do, it certainly isn’t to get rich. of all, it’s hearing that song played on a radio station, perhaps in another country or continent, The same also applies to most of the musicians by another radio presenter not unlike myself. I know, who play their music because they’re passionate about it, not because it’s in any way In short, to misquote Frank Zappa: “We’re not only lucrative. Unless you happen to be Ed Sheeran, in it for the money”. sadly there isn’t much money to be made from Les Ray folk music these days. I’m sure most readers will [email protected] have been amused by that old saying: “A musician http://cambridge105.co.uk/shows/strummers-and-dreamers/ is someone who loads £5,000 worth of gear into https://www.mixcloud.com/StrummersandDreamers/
The Home of Cambridge Music
Strummers & Dreamers Live – Fortnightly on Mondays at 7pm Catchup – cambridge105.co.uk/strummers
Online | On Digital | On FMwww.unicornmagazine.org www.cambridge105.co.uk15
Home of Cambridge Music NMG.indd 1 10/09/2018 19:39 THE HEART OF STORYTELLING SANDRA LAWES INTERVIEWS PROFESSIONAL STORYTELLER URSULA HOLDEN-GILL Having attended one of Ursula’s brilliant workshops at Costa del Folk, Portugal, I was keen to learn more about storytelling and its links with folk music.
to be your real self. I break up my stories with HOW DID YOU START music to make the material more accessible - I STORYTELLING? sing (very well), dance clogs (mediocre) and play I’m a classically trained singer and actor (you the ukulele and shruti box (badly but with great may have seen me as Alice Dingle in Emmerdale, enthusiasm!). I was particularly inspired by Alan Carol in Teachers, or in other stage/TV shows) Bennett and Victoria Wood who relished the then through various twists and turns in my power of the authentic spoken word. life, including moving to Yorkshire and joining a ladies’ Morris side, I met Christine McMahon – Like songwriters, I get inspiration from everyday an internationally renowned storyteller. Under issues and personal experience – underdogs, the her influence I began storytelling, performing environmental crisis, animal welfare, local folk in theatres, festivals and libraries and doing tales, bullying, sexuality and unsung heroes. therapeutic work in prisons and hospitals - like the children’s oncology unit at Leeds General HOW CAN FOLK Infirmary. MUSICIANS USE STORIES EFFECTIVELY? WHERE ARE YOU BASED? Folk songs and storytelling have the same roots, My home and office are in Hebden Bridge, and people remember stories better than plain Yorkshire, where I’m assisted by my Patterdale facts. So, by learning how to tell stories with Terrier. I travel all over the UK, last year I was in China, this year Denmark and next year I’ve got bookings in Peru. AREN’T STORIES JUST FOR CHILDREN? I love working with children, but storytelling is a very powerful ancient art that moves people to emotion and action. Recently it’s had a big renaissance and storytelling clubs for adults are springing up everywhere. WHAT MAKES A GOOD STORY? The essence of good storytelling is ‘heart’ – to believe passionately in what you are relating and
16 www.unicornmagazine.org messages, songwriters and performers can enhance their own performance. They can use storytelling to build rapport with their audiences and fill those awkward moments when tuning or setting up. This comes with experience, but a musician can accelerate the process by attending storytelling workshops or clubs. I run a series of workshops called “Stories and How to Tell Them” for musicians, therapists, educators and even public speakers, as well as one to one sessions. With my partner Keith Donnelly, I also run a workshop called “Mind the Gap” on the songs between the stories and the stories between the songs. You can find details on the Education tab of my website.
I also recommend world famous Drutsyla - 2020 Shonaleigh’s workshops and courses – she is a Jan wonderful storyteller in the Jewish tradition who learned her craft from her grandmother. Fri 3 PERFORMERS’ NIGHT Where can people see you in action? Two definite dates are the Festival at the Edge in Shropshire 17 – 19 July – the biggest storytelling Fri 17 JACK RUTTER festival in the UK with great music - and on 26 w www.jackruttermusic.com September at Bamford Village Institute, Bamford, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S33 0DY there’s a unique Feb collaboration with singer/songwriter Fay Hield and my version of “Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Fri 7 PERFORMERS’ NIGHT You can find out more about Ursula at www.ursulaholdengill.com Fri 21 BEN WALKER and a email her at [email protected] T THOM ASHWORTH and on YouTube. Her workshops would be a real asset to any folk club or festival. a www.benwalkermusic.com
Mar
Fri 6 PERFORMERS’ NIGHT a
Fri 20 CRAIG JOINER h
h http://craigjoinermusic.com
www.unicornmagazine.org 17 at The Pump House, Local Board Road, Watford WD17 2JP
Folk, Roots and Acoustic Music at its best Fridays 8pm –11 pm
rd 3 January CLOSED (Happy New Year everyone !) - 10th January Singaround £5 17th January SAID THE MAIDEN £12 24th January Singaround £5 31st January CHRIS FLEGG £12
7th February Singaround £5
th 14 February WINTER WILSON £12 21st February Singaround £5 28th February Spotlight Singaround with ELYE CUTHBERTSON & THEO DORMER £5 6th March Singaround £5
th 13 March SONGWRITERS CIRCLE with £5 LINDA BIRMINGHAM, TIM BROOKS &
CHRIS FLEGG 20th March Singaround £5 27th March NA-MARA £10
Please Note: Entry is by suggested minimum donation shown above
Visit us at: watfordfolkclub.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Find us on Facebook: Watford Folk Club
18 www.unicornmagazine.org
The Old Bull Inn 56 High St (car park Market Hill) at The Pump House, Local Board Road, Watford WD17 2JP Royston SG8 9AW
Folk, Roots and Acoustic Music at its best 7:30 for 8pm till 11pm www.roystonfolk.org Fridays 8pm –11 pm
Concert Nights Showcase Nights Last Friday of EVERY Month Nights Second Friday of EVERY Month Nights 3rd January CLOSED (Happy New Year everyone !) Friday 31st January 2020 Friday 10th January 2020 th - 10 January Singaround £5 £13 (£11 in advance) £2 under 25s Luke James Williams 17th January SAID THE MAIDEN £12 Daria Kulesh Trio Free Agents “bold, exotic, impressive” Kelvin Davies th 24 January Singaround £5 With her striking voice and Lee Russell strong Russian heritage, st Pembroke Tennison (pic) 31 January CHRIS FLEGG £12 a rising star and a unique character on the UK folk F riday 14th February 2020 th 7 February Singaround £5 scene with Katrina Davies The Medlars (pic) th and Tristan Sueme Vic Leonard 14 February WINTER WILSON £12 With support by Maisie Blades Ross Burkitt 21st February Singaround £5 John Meed Friday 28th February 2020 Delta Ladies 28th February Spotlight Singaround with £13 (£11 in advance) £2 under 25s Friday 13th March 2020 ELYE CUTHBERTSON & THEO DORMER £5 Treble Headliner .. with Wickenwood The Long Nights (band) (pic) Paul Chinnock and Dan Ketteridge 6th March Singaround £5 Dusky Sunday and … I Claudia Steve Warner th Kevin Hunt 13 March SONGWRITERS CIRCLE with £5 Three of our favourite showcase performers LINDA BIRMINGHAM, TIM BROOKS & with 45 min each to wow and indulge us. CHRIS FLEGG Showcases hosted by th Mark Gamon 20 March Singaround £5 Friday 27th March 2020 or Brian Harvey £13 (£11 in advance) £2 under 25s 27th March NA-MARA £10 entry is £4 (£3 performers) £2 under 25s Thursdays Band Mark Gamon, Nick Just arrive and pay on the door MARK IS NOW BOOKING Please Note: Entry is by suggested minimum donation shown above Blishen, Matt Kelly and Lucinda Fudge … SHOWCASE SPOTS FOR 2020
Visit us at: watfordfolkclub.co.uk With their new album ‘Chittagong Tattoo’ Email: [email protected] and other favourites With support by Bella Chipperfield CONCERT NIGHT TICKETS Find us on Facebook: Watford Folk Club FROM THE OLD BULL OR ON THE DOOR (or reserve 01763260556)
“For FOLK Music read … GREAT Music”
www.unicornmagazine.org 19 UNICORN DIARY JANUARY 2020 Wednesday 1 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club closed 20 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Guests Rosewicke Thursday 2 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • New Year Singaround Tuesday 21 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Elizabeth & Jameson Friday 3 FOLK AT THE MALTINGS • The Moorcrofters, Lizzy Wednesday 22 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Bernard MacGowan Hardingham 22 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers 3 FRIDAY FOLK • Dance with caller Colin Hume and the 22 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage featuring Sarah Friday Folk Band Stock 3 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Open Stage with Jo Ash Trio 22 WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm New members 3 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Club closed especially welcome Sunday 5 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage Thursday 23 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance - caller to be 5 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Emily Slade and Elliott Morris announced 7.30pm at Hitchin Cricket Club 23 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers’ Night Monday 6 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singers 19.45 for 20.00 23 NORTHAMPTON FOLK DANCE CLUB • 6 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround Club Night 8.00pm 6 STAPLERS • Club night 20.00 to 22.00 23 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, 6 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround country dancing Tuesday 7 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Suntrap Friday 24 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Showcase with Sally Wednesday 8 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Karen Johnson & Tony Clark Ironmonger; Pembroke Tennyson; Dom Prag 8 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers 24 FRIDAY FOLK • Dance with caller Suzanne Farmer 8 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage/Singaround 24 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround 8 WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm New members Saturday 25 NORTHAMPTON CEILIDHS • Ceilidh with Finality Jack & especially welcome Zinguaresque and callers Bubbles and John Green.7.30pm Thursday 9 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance - caller to be Sunday 26 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage announced Monday 27 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singers 19.45 for 20.00 9 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers’ Night 27 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround 9 NORTHAMPTON FOLK DANCE CLUB • Club Night 27 STAPLERS • Club night 20.00 to 22.00 8.00pm 27 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround 9 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country Tuesday 28 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Round the Room dancing Wednesday 29 BALDOCK FOLK CLUB • Odette Michell plus floor spots Friday 10 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Ben Smith and Jimmy Brewer; 7.30 - 8.00pm Free entry (donations welcome) Wes Finch 29 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers 10 FRIDAY FOLK • Dance with caller Thomas Bending 29 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Green Mathews 10 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Showcase featuring Luke James plus floor spots Williams, Free Agents, Kelvin Davies, Lee Russell & 29 WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm New members Pembroke Tennison especially welcome 10 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround Thursday 30 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance - caller to be Sunday 12 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage announced Monday 13 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singers featuring Daughters of 30 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Winter Singaround Tradition 19.45 for 20.00 30 NORTHAMPTON FOLK DANCE CLUB • Club Night 13 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround 8.00pm 13 STAPLERS • Club night 20.00 to 22.00 30 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country 13 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround dancing Tuesday 14 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Open Stage Friday 31 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Liz Simcock; Winter Wilson Wednesday 15 BALDOCK FOLK CLUB • Rosewood plus support and floor 31 FOLK AT THE MALTINGS • Odette Michell plus Chris Fox spots 7.30 - 8.00pm Free entry 31 FRIDAY FOLK • Dance with caller club callers (donations welcome) 31 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Concert featuring Daria Kulesh 15 ELY FOLK CLUB • Bob Fox Trio with support by Maisie Blades 15 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • The Fog 31 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Chris Flegg 15 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Guest caller Marlene Harrison-Jones 15 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Lizzy Hardingham plus floor spots 15 WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm New members especially welcome Thursday 16 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance - caller to be announced 16 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 16 NORTHAMPTON FOLK DANCE CLUB • Club Night 8.00pm 16 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 17 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Nick Barraclough and All the Federales 17 FRIDAY FOLK • Dance with callers David and Rebecca Capron and Spring Greens 17 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Said the Maiden Sunday 19 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Special ‘Curated’ Open Stage 19 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Phil Beer plus Kirsty Merryn 7.30pm at Hitchin Cricket Club Monday 20 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Craig Joiner 19.45 for 20.00 20 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround 20 STAPLERS • Club night 20.00 to 22.00
20 www.unicornmagazine.org UNICORN DIARY FEBRUARY 2020 Saturday 1 STAPLERS SPRING DANCE • with Lynne Render and The 19 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Guest caller Portland Duo. St Ippolyts Parish Hall 7.30 - 11.00pm Mike Ruff Sunday 2 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Geoff Lakeman and Rob Murch 19 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage/Singaround Monday 3 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singers featuring Hemley 19 WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm Hillbillies 19.45 for 20.00 Thursday 20 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance - caller to be 3 HERGA at the Castle • Guest night Matt Quinn and announced Owen Woods 20 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 3 STAPLERS • Club night 20.00 to 22.00 20 NORTHAMPTON FOLK DANCE CLUB • Club Night 3 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround 8.00pm Tuesday 4 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Camus 20 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country Wednesday 5 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers dancing 5 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage/Singaround Friday 21 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Peter Knight and Jon Spiers 5 WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm 21 FRIDAY FOLK • Dance with caller Mike Bennett and Thursday 6 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance - caller to be Mollie & Ali announced 21 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround 6 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers' Night Sunday 23 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Counters Creek 6 NORTHAMPTON FOLK DANCE CLUB • Club Night Monday 24 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singers 19.45 for 20.00 8.00pm 24 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround 6 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country 24 STAPLERS • Club night 20.00 to 22.00 dancing 24 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Friday 7 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Open Stage with Andy Wall Tuesday 25 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • AGM & Round the Room 7 FRIDAY FOLK • Dance with caller Barrie Bullimore and the Wednesday 26 BALDOCK FOLK CLUB • Americano plus support 7.30 - Friday Folk Band 8.00pm Free entry (donations welcome) 7 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround 26 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Oka Vanga 7 WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Annual Woodside Ale by 26 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers invitation. Please contact for details 26 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Alden, Patterson & Dashwood Saturday 8 NORTHAMPTON FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with David plus floor spots & Kathryn Wright & Folkus Pocus 7.45pm 26 WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm Sunday 9 ABBOTS LANGLEY WINTER ACOUSTIC CONCERTS Thursday 27 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance - caller to be • Belshazzar's Feast. 3.00pm £12 includes tea/coffee announced and cake 27 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers' Night 9 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 27 NORTHAMPTON FOLK DANCE CLUB • Club Night Monday 10 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singers 19.45 for 20.00 8.00pm 10 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround 27 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night and AGM 10 STAPLERS • Club night 20.00 to 22.00 Friday 28 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • David Youngs & San Inglis; 10 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Barbara Wibbelman; Mythopoeic Tuesday 11 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Terence Blacker 28 FRIDAY FOLK • Dance with caller Bob Lilley Wednesday 12 BALDOCK FOLK CLUB • Songwriters Circle including Les 28 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Concert featuring Wickenwood, Ray and Deirdre Murphy from Red Velvet 7.30 - 8.00pm Dusky Sunday & I Claudia Free entry 13 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround - (donations welcome) 28 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Spotlight singaround with Elye 12 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Lynne Heraud & Pat Turner Cuthbertson and Theo Dormer 12 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Said the Maiden plus floor Saturday 29 NORTHAMPTON CEILIDHS • Ceilidh with Lebedek and spots caller Simon Loake.7.30pm 12 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers 12 WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm Thursday 13 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance - caller to be announced 13 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Local Singers and Musicians 13 NORTHAMPTON FOLK DANCE CLUB • Club Night 8.00pm 13 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country dancing Friday 14 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Showcase with Lester Lloyd- Reason; Kevin Hunt 14 FRIDAY FOLK • Dance with caller Dave Kerridge 14 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Showcase featuring The Medlars, Vic Leonard, Ross Burkitt, John Meed & Delta Ladies 14 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Winter Wilson Sunday 16 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Valentine Song Competition 16 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Steve Knightley 7.30pm at Hitchin Cricket Club Monday 17 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Said the Maiden 19.45 for 20.00 17 HERGA at the Castle • Extra Guest night Nanne Kalma and Ankie Van Der Meer 17 STAPLERS • Club night 20.00 to 22.00 17 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Guest Martin Young Tuesday 18 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Eric Sedge Wednesday 19 CHEQUERS FOLK CLUB • Folk club with The Wick Trimmers & guests. Free entry (donations) 19 ELY FOLK CLUB • The Bailey Sisters
www.unicornmagazine.org 21 UNICORN DIARY MARCH 2020 Sunday 1 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage Thursday 19 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance - caller to be Monday 2 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singers featuring Webster announced Ferguson 19.45 for 20.00 19 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 2 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround 19 NORTHAMPTON FOLK DANCE CLUB • Club Night 2 STAPLERS • Club night 20.00 to 22.00 8.00pm 2 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround 19 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country Tuesday 3 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Tim Edey dancing Wednesday 4 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage/Singaround Friday 20 BALDOCK FOLK CLUB • Charity Night at the Town Hall 4 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers featuring a galaxy of local acts. Phone or see website for 4 WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm details Thursday 5 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance - caller to be 20 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Clare Hayes; The John Ward Trio announced 20 FRIDAY FOLK • Dance with caller Andrea Stodell 5 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround 20 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround 5 NORTHAMPTON FOLK DANCE CLUB • Club Night Sunday 22 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 8.00pm 22 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham 5 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country 7.30pm at Hitchin Cricket Club dancing Monday 23 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singers 19.45 for 20.00 Friday 6 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Open Stage with Dave Jenkins 23 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround 6 FOLK AT THE MALTINGS • Leyla Burrows and Paul 23 STAPLERS • Club night 20.00 to 22.00 Scourfield 23 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround 6 FRIDAY FOLK • Dance with callers Andrew King and Alain Tuesday 24 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Fake Thackray Williams Wednesday 25 BALDOCK FOLK CLUB • Alan Hewson and friends 7.30 - 6 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround 8.00pm Free entry (donations welcome) Sunday 8 ABBOTS LANGLEY WINTER ACOUSTIC CONCERTS • Bob 25 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Jeremy Harmer & Josh Lynch Fox and Billy Mitchell. 3.00pm £12 includes tea/coffee 25 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers and cake 25 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Fed's House plus floor spots 8 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 25 WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm Monday 9 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singers 19.45 for 20.00 Thursday 26 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance - caller to be 9 HERGA at the Castle • Theme night Spring - Songs of announced nature and rebirth 26 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Local Singers and Musicians 9 STAPLERS • Club night 20.00 to 22.00 26 NORTHAMPTON FOLK DANCE CLUB • Club Night 9 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Guest Daria Kulesh 8.00pm Tuesday 10 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Open Stage 26 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country Wednesday 11 BALDOCK FOLK CLUB • Elizabeth & Jameson plus support dancing 7.30 - 8.00pm Free entry (donations welcome) Friday 27 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Katie Spencer; Fran McGillivray 11 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Kelvin Davies & Mike Burke; 2 point 4 11 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers 27 FRIDAY FOLK • Dance with callers John and Karen Sweeney 11 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Luke Daniels plus floor spots and The 20s 11 WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm 27 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Concert featuring Thursdays Band Thursday 12 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance - caller to be with support by Bella Chipperfield announced 27 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Na-Mara 12 BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Local Singers and Musicians Saturday 28 NORTHAMPTON CEILIDHS • Ceilidh with live band and 12 NORTHAMPTON FOLK DANCE CLUB • Club Night caller TBC. 7.30pm 8.00pm Sunday 29 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Special 'Curated' Open Stage 12 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club night, country Monday 30 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Singers featuring Catherine dancing Earnshaw & Storywheel 19.45 for 20.00 Friday 13 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Reg Meuross 30 HERGA at the Castle • Guest night John Conolly 13 FRIDAY FOLK • Dance with caller Wendy Harrup and the 30 STAPLERS • Club night 20.00 to 22.00 Friday Folk Band 30 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround 13 ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Showcase featuring The Long Tuesday 31 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Round the Room Nights, Paul Chinnock and Dan Ketteridge, Steve Warner & Kevin Hunt 13 WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Songwriters Circel with Linda Birmingham, Tim Brooks & Chris Flegg + singaround Sunday 15 BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB • Alistair Anderson and Ian A Anderson Monday 16 CHESHAM FOLK CLUB • Judy Cook 19.45 for 20.00 16 HERGA at the Castle • Singaround 16 STAPLERS • Club night 20.00 to 22.00 16 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround Tuesday 17 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Judy Cook Wednesday 18 CHEQUERS FOLK CLUB • Folk club with Union Jill. £10 on door 18 ELY FOLK CLUB • Bill Jones 18 FOUR RIVERS FOLK CLUB • Melody Causton & Bryan Causton 18 LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Guest caller Wendy Harrup 18 REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open Stage/Singaround 18 WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice 8pm
22 www.unicornmagazine.org CLUB INDEX ABBOTS LANGLEY • Abbots Langley Winter Acoustic Concerts HERGA • Herga at the Castle Abbots Langley Community Centre, Gallows Hill Lane, The Castle PH, 30 West Street, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3EF Abbots Langley, Herts, WD5 0AP Contact: Tim Brooks, 01923 264536 Contact: Tim and Lesley Brooks 01293 264536, www.herga.club [email protected] - www.oldtimetim.com/alwac.htm HITCHIN • Hitchin Folk Club BALDOCK • Baldock Folk Club The Cricket Pavilion, Lucas Lane, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 2JA The Orange Tree, Norton Road, Baldock, Herts SG7 5AW Contact: Maureen Jones, 01462 812391 Contact: Brian Burke, 07768 274037 www.hitchinfolkclub.co.uk [email protected] www. Baldockfolkclub.org LINLEIGHDERS • Linsleighders Folk Dance Group BEDFORD • Bedford Folk Dance Club The Forster Institute, Waterloo Rd, Linslade, St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Land, Goldington, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 2NR Bedford, MK41 0HL Contact: Elizabeth Corser, 01525 378010 Contact: Ron D. Law, 01234 825574 [email protected] www. bedfordfolkdanceclub.com NORTHAMPTON • Northampton Ceilidhs BEDFORD • Bedford Fine Companions Folk Dance Club Christchurch Hall, 3 Christchurch Road, Abingdon, Hazledene Lower School, Stancliffe Rd, Bedford, MK41 9AT Northampton, NN1 5LL Contact: Chris Rutt, 01462 700451 Contact: John and Ruth Green 01933 397767 or 07760 197921 [email protected] www.northamptonceilidhs.co.uk https://finecompanions.wordpress.com NORTHAMPTON • Northampton Folk Dance Club BEDFORD • Bedford Folk Music Club Christchurch Hall, 3 Christchurch Road, Abingdon, Kempston Hammers Sports and Social Club Northampton, NN1 5LL 134 High Street, Kempston, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK42 7BN Contact: Linda Pain, 01604 787212 Contact: Mike Blair, 01525 404513 – see us on Facebook https://northamptonfdc.wordpress.com
BLACK FEN • Black Fen Folk Club REDBOURN • Redbourn Folk Club NCI Sports and Social Club, 1 Holland Street, Old School Room, Hollybush PH, Church End, Cambridge CB4 3DL Redbourn, AL3 7DU Contact: David Savage, 01223 424935, [email protected] Contact: Jenny McNaught, 01582 793164 www.blackfenfolkclub.com www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk CAMBRIDGE • Cambridge Folk Club ROUNDABOUTERS • Roundabouters Country Dancing Club Golden Hind PH, 355 Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1SP Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage, SG1 1UP Contact: Marion Treby, 01638 603986 Contact: Lorna Sharpe, 01438 727 239 www.cambridgefolkclub.co.uk [email protected], www.roundabouters.org.uk CHEQUERS • Chequers Folk Club ROYSTON • Royston Folk Club The Barn @ Cherry Tree Farm, Missenden Road, Great Kingshill, Bucks Old Bull Inn, 56 High St, Royston, SG8 9AW HP15 6ED Contact: Mark Gamon (showcases) 07738 183158 Contact: Philippa Wallin, [email protected] Chris Walls (concerts) 01763 260 556 www.wicktrimmers.co.uk/chequers-folk www.roystonfolk.org
CHESHAM • Chesham Folk Club STAPLERS • Staplers Country Dance Club White Hill Centre, White Hill, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1AG St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Rd, Contact: Ray Butler, [email protected] Hitchin, SG4 9JP www.cheshamfolkclub.org.uk Contact: Gill Goodman, 01462 456811 [email protected] ELY • Ely Folk Club (no bar BYOB) www.staplers.org.uk The Old Dispensary, St Mary’s Street, Ely, Cambs, CB7 4ER ST NEOTS • St Neots Folk Club Contact: Ruth Bramley/Andy Wall, 01353 740999 / 01353 664706 Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St Neots, PE19 2BH www.elyfolkclub.co.uk Contact: Roger Pitt, 01234 376278 FOLK AT THE MALTINGS • Folk at the Maltings www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk The Maltings Arts Theatre, Level 2, The Maltings, WALTHAM ABBEY • Waltham Abbey Folk Club St Albans, AL1 3HL The Sultan PH (Private room), Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, Contact: Alison Macfarlane, 01727 852111 Essex, EN9 1PD www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk Contact: Jan Ayres, 01992 613987 FOUR RIVERS • Four Rivers Folk Club www.walthamabbeyfolkclub.com (formerly The White Horse Folk Club) WATFORD • Watford Folk Club The Hertford Club, Bull Plain, Hertford, SG14 1DT Colne River Room, Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre, Contact: Pat Crilly, 07971 804418 Local Board Rd, Watford, WD17 2JP [email protected] Contact: http://watfordfolkclub.co.uk FRIDAY FOLK • Friday Folk Social Dance Club WATFORD • Woodside Morris Men Methodist Church Hall, Marlborough Road, St Albans, AL1 3XG Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre, Local Board Road Contact: Bob Barrett: 01727 856508, 07762 085629 Lower Watford High Street, Watford WD17 2JP www.fridayfolk.org.uk Contact: Nick Wilson, 07860 663033 or [email protected] http://www.woodsidemorrismen.com
www.unicornmagazine.org 23
Abbots Langley Winter Acoustic Concerts http://www.oldtimetim.com/alwac.htm
Afternoon of Sunday 9th February 2020 at 3pm - £12.00* Belshazzar’s feast Paul Hutchinson (accordion) and Paul Sartin (oboe, violin and vocals), “one of folk’s odd couples”, have for nearly 25 years wowed audiences around Europe, The States and Australia, with virtuoso musicianship tempered by wry humour.
Afternoon of Sunday 8th March 2020 at 3pm - £12.00*
Bob Fox and Billy Mitchell Two of the UK’s best known and loved singers, Billy Mitchell (Lindisfarne, Jack the Lad, Pitmen Poets) and Bob Fox (Warhorse Songman, Fox and Luckley, Pitmen Poets) are taking to the road together in Spring 2020 to tour their show "5 Star B&B"
Abbots Langley Community Centre Gallows Hill Lane, Abbots Langley, Herts, WD5 0AP
* Ticket includes tea or coffee & cake in the interval advance reservation recommended
Enquiries to [email protected] Or call Tim and Lesley Brooks on 01923 264536
Northampton Ceilidhs Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road, Northampton NN1 5LL
Tues, 31 December, N.Y.E. CEILIDH (Dancing from 8pm to 12:30am) If you fancy dancing North East Hobson's Choice w. Bubbles & John G Rapper or Yorkshire Longsword Saturday, 25 January 2020 or Medieval Buffens join us on a Finality Jack & Zinguaresque Tuesday at 8.30-10pm in the Callers: Bubbles and John Green Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Saturday, 29 February Lane, Stevenage, SG1 1UP or Lebedek w. Simon Loake email Saturday, 28 March Band & Caller TBC [email protected] Adults £9; Student £5; Accompanied under 16s FREE ; Groups of 6 ( paying) 1 free
Dancing from 7:30pm until 10:30pm Licenced Bar Free Car Park Ruth 01933 397767, John 07760 197921 www.northamptonceilidhs.co.uk
24 www.unicornmagazine.org
The Stables | Wavendon | Milton Keynes
The Ceilidh Experience is for anyone interested in traditional and folk music who would like the Course dates: chance to play in a band and at a ceilidh. Sundays 19 & 26 January, 9 & 23 February, 8 March 2020, 10am-12.30pm; During the sessions you’ll learn tunes and come together Sunday 15 March, 4pm afternoon as small ceilidh bands, getting ready to perform at a final rehearsal & 7.30pm evening performance event for dancers and folk fans of all ages. You’ll also have the opportunity to practice with a ‘caller’ Course fee: and work on a stage with professional sound equipment. £92 (£72 students) for six sessions The course is suitable for any instrument, but acoustic To book a place call The Stables box office instruments are especially welcome. on 01908 280800 Participants should be aged 15 or over, already be able to The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, play tunes from memory, ideally at ’dance speed’ and be Milton Keynes MK17 8LU prepared to do some tune practice between sessions.
box office 01908 280800 www.stables.org
The_Stables_A5_Ceilidh_Course_Ad_2019.indd 1 22/08/2019 10:47 FOLK EVENTS IN ST. ALBANS NEW ROOTS linked to the launch of the EFDSS’ database of songs and tunes from early twentieth The finals of the New Roots event for young century folk song collections. Fay’s work on musicians under the age of 15 will be on April The Full English led to an album which won 26 from 11am onwards at Trestle Arts Base, Best Group and Best Album at the 2013 Russet Drive, St Albans, Herts, AL4 0JQ. New BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and earned Fay a Roots first started in 2000, so this the 21st nomination for Folk Singer of the Year. event and we are discussing the possibility of a celebratory event later in the year. A num- Exploring ideas of the space between, ber of the performers who took part in past Wrackline looks to ghosts, fairies, spirits years are now well-established names on the and talking animals to understand what it folk scene. is about the unknown that entrances us. Working with traditional materials and This year, the New Roots judges will be Rosie ideas, Fay explores the feelings they evoke Hood, Tim Walker, Valmai Goodyear and and how they relate to her experience in the Andy Stafford. They will give feedback to contemporary world. Shifting between light- people they select to play in the final, who hearted stories about drunks sitting with will also win performance opportunities. pigs, to darker questions about infanticide, The closing date for entries is January 31. For Fay breaths life and meaning into old stories, further details, see advertisement. presenting them with a fresh twist and with consummate musicianship from Sam ST ALBANS FOLK Sweeney and Rob Harbron including fiddle, FESTIVAL concertina, guitar and banjo. St Albans Folk Festival will take place from June 26-28, and full details will be found at The festival will continue on the Sunday, www.stalbansfolkatthefstival.org.uk when we have been offered the use of St The main events will be on Saturday June 27. Saviour’s Church, complete with licensed During the day, there will be a Day of Dance bar, in the afternoon and the evening and in the City Centre starting with a massed planning is under way. There will definitely display outside the Alban Arena. There will be be another song writing competition. See free showcase performances in City Centre Unicorn 150 and our web site for details. pubs plus Waterstone’s bookshop and The ST MICHAEL’S STREET Old Town Hall Court Room, plus sessions and singarounds. If you would like to give a FOLK EVENING showcase performance, The annual St Michael’s Street Folk Evening please email [email protected] will be a few days later, on July 1, the first Wednesday in the month, with dancing in The festival concert at 8pm in the Abbey the street and music everywhere. Originally Theatre will feature Fay Hield with Sam the street had four pubs, but since two have Sweeney and Rob Harbron with tracks from closed, the music has spread out into the Fay’s new solo album, Wrackline. After churchyard and the garden of Kingsbury releasing two solo albums, Fay took the lead Manor. on The Full English, a ground-breaking project Alison Macfarlane
26 www.unicornmagazine.org The Stables | Wavendon | Milton Keynes
December to March highlights world class music & entertainment
Cara Dillon Greg Russell & Danny Pedler The Local Honeys 11 December 17 January 31 January
Martyn Joseph Fairport Convention Maz O’Connor 1 February 11 February 14 February
The Fureys Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham Richard Digance 3 March 16 March 19 March
box office 01908 280800 book online www.stables.org
The_Stables_Folk_Highlights_Ad_148x210_Dec-Mar20.indd 1 18/11/2019 19:05 www.unicornmagazine.org 29 JACK IN A BARREL
name comes from the song New York Girls where Jack the sailor is separated from his money, gold watch and clothes by a lady of the night and is forced to wear a barrel to protect his modesty. Their style is one of perfection heavily decorated with mischievousness, irreverence, mirth and merriment. They are a pleasure to listen to.
Singing mostly Tim’s arrangements of songs they all enjoy, Jane, Kate, Tim, Mark, Poppy, Charlotte and Ed are embarking on what could be a very The group formed in June 2018 to take part in successful journey into performance. I strongly a festival of Choirs in Turvey, north of Bedford. urge you to seek out one of their performances, I came across them at the end of 2018 via a you won’t be disappointed. If there aren’t any Facebook post about one of their performances. events near you, badger your local folk club, After an exchange of emails with the band, we church or theatre to contact them and give them a managed to agree dates at Dunton Folk for the try. If you can’t get to see them live, they have an Carols at the Hare and Wassail events in December excellent debut album, ‘I Know Not Where I Live’, 2019 and January 2020 respectively. I then offered available from their website, Amazon, Spotify and to write an article about them for the Unicorn other outlets too I assume. Well worth a listen, Magazine but as a result of diary and work issues and it is a permanent member of the CD collection we only managed to get together in the middle in my car. of November this year. A couple of weeks ago I attended one of their weekly practices and was www.jackinabarrel.co.uk warmly welcomed at the door with an offer of gin…my sort of welcome! What then followed www.duntonfolk.co.uk was an experience to cherish. I was treated to By Simon Bailes of Dunton Folk an evening of close harmony singing, the likes of which I haven’t heard since Artisan, Cockersdale, Coope Boyes and Simpson and The Young ‘Uns. Jack in A Barrel deserve to be put on the same pedestal as these Acapella greats, without a doubt.
A seven-piece band (though they were missing their bass Ed when I visited) with roots in various performing genres, they have come together through strong friendship and a love of performing to create a very warm, cohesive group. Their
30 www.unicornmagazine.org P J Music
Wayside Cottage, Chapel lane, Botesdale, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 1DT Music Books, Instruments and Accessories Quick Draw Capo Never lose your capo again Never have to take it off Easily slides up and down fretboard £19.00 + £2.00 P&P Slides over the nut when not in use 01379 890088 07968 687011 M e lo d e o n a n d A c c o rd io n re p a irs a n d tu n in g [email protected] www.pjmusic.co.uk Advert Unicorn Jan-Mar 2020:Layout 2 8/11/19 14:42 Page 1
Dance the night away . . . it’s a barn dance – or is it a ceilidh? A ceilidh (say kayley) is your chance to dance English folk dances with others. The caller explains all the moves and walks them through – the band starts – and a great time is had by all! There’s usually a dance display in the interval and a raffle. Singles and groups are welcomed – just come and enjoy dancing to great music from top bands. Tickets only £11 - singles & groups welcome. See www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk FRIDAY 13TH MARCH FRIDAY 10TH APRIL FRIDAY 14TH FEBRUARY king kontra frog on a bike bristol ceilidh with caller with caller quartet geoff cubitt andy rouse an exciting, unique and with caller King Kontra are Frog on a Bike has over 10 e band formed especially to 0 years of innovativ musicianship between them. jethro play for contra dance. They present a reperto Their anderson ire is rooted in English folk blend of high energy American, Irish music, both Three E traditional and contem- nglish folk fiddlers and a fa and original music set in a fusion of porary, how cellist ma b ever, plenty of Scottish, ke a big string sound with jazz, traditional, rock and western Irish and sometimes loads of energy even French and drive. They take swing influences. tunes are usually th great tunes rown into the mix and create exciting www.cbdb.co.uk/king-kontra just for good arrangements ex measure! ploring the dynamic or www.frogonabik range of the Geoff is well known as a caller f e.co.uk string quartet. . He has www.bristolceilidh American Squares and Contra Andy is an enthusias quartet.com nce festivals, tic caller & called at many national da dancer, and always tran ble experience as a sforms the Jethro is an experienced and has considera evening into a memorable caller with a dancer himself. occasion! great repertoire. St Mary’s Hall, Church St, FULL BAR Tickets now avail- Doors open 7.30 p.m. with REAL ALE able on line - see Baldock SG7 5AE website for details Dancing 8.00 to 11.00 p.m.
www.unicornmagazine.org 31 The Priory Centre, St. Neots, PE19 2BH Every Tuesday 8.00pm Email – [email protected]
Telephone - 01234 376278 www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk
Jan 7 Suntrap Jan 14 Open Stage Jan 21 Elizabeth & Jameson Jan 28 Round the Room Feb 4 Camus Mar 3 Tim Edey Feb 11 Terence Blacker Mar 10 Open Stage Feb 18 Eric Sedge Mar 17 Judy Cook Feb 25 AGM & Round the Room Mar 24 Fake Thackray Mar 31 Round the Room
Friday ev: Showcase night – artists tbc. Saturday: Day of Dance Sat. evening: Richard Digance & The Salts
Sunday ev. Ninebarrow & Tom McConville Tickets on the door or from the Club or ticket application form via web site or leaflet The Priory Centre, St Neots, PE19 2BH For more information see website: www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk or ring 01234 376278
32 www.unicornmagazine.org
Spring 2020
If you enjoy a 3 Jan Colin Hume and Friday Folk lively barn dance, Band you'll find 10 Jan Thomas Bending 17 Jan David & Rebecca Capron and Friday Folk Spring Greens is a great 24 Jan Suzanne Farmer way to meet 31 Jan Club Callers like-minded 7 Feb Barrie Bullimore and FF Band people and 14 Feb Dave Kerridge have fun. 21 Feb Mike Bennett and Mollie & Ali Newcomers are 28 Feb Bob Lilley always welcome. 6 Mar Andrew King and Alain Williams And there's no need 13 Mar Wendy Harrup and FF Band to bring a partner. 20 Mar Andrea Stodell Meeting Fridays from 7:45 to 10:00 pm 27 Mar The 20s with John and at The Church Hall, Marlborough Road, Karen Sweeney St Albans, AL1 3XG. 3 Apr Bob Barrett and Spring Greens www.fridayfolk.org.uk – 01727 856508 10 Apr Closed for Easter Standard Friday admission £4 17 Apr New term begins
Ely Folk Club presents Wednesday 15th January Bob Fox £12 (£11 advance)
th Folk in the Annexe Wednesday 19 February
Fri 10 January – 8pm The Bailey Sisters Fri 14 February – 8pm £12 (£11 advance) £2.50 performers / £4.50 non-performers/ £3.50 concessions th Wednesday 18 March Guest Night Bill Jones
Steve Knightley £12 (£11 advance) Sat 21 March – 8pm £15.00 Old Dispensary, 13 St Mary’s St., Ely
CB7 4ER 01353 740999/664706 www.elyfolkclub.co.uk
www.unicornmagazine.org 33
CD REVIEWS
SASKIA the UK’s most well-known up-and-coming folk instrumentalists who provide depth GRIFFITHS- to the songs without trying to outshine MOORE ‘BAEZ, the singer. Her growing fan base is and DYLAN AND ME’ always has been at the heart of her career Saskia Griffiths-Moore is a London based and it shows in her three successful independent English singer-songwriter, crowdfunding campaigns including for known for her pure, clear voice and her nu- this album. Frequently compared to Joan folk style repertoire. She quit a potentially- Baez, Joni Mitchell and Eva Cassidy for her lucrative job as a craniosacral therapist in crystal-clear vocals, Saskia’s rather more Harley Street back in 2014 to successfully gentle treatment of these well-known pursue her dream of being a professional classics, including Blowing In The Wind, singer-songwriter. She has appeared Diamonds & Rust and The Times They Are frequently at clubs and folk events in our A-Changing, may not please some fans of area. Initiated by requests from fans to the grittier originals. cover these songs, the album ‘Baez, Dylan Find out more and buy the album at and Me’ was released fifty years after www.saskiagm.com Woodstock and is Saskia’s homage to the music which inspired her. Recorded at Reviewed by Barry Guy Abbey Road Studios it features several of
ADY SHAW AND just for the listener - and the songs are evocative and poignant. I was particularly JILL WATERSON moved by ‘I promised Orient Express, I ‘EQUAL RIGHTS gave you crazy fairground ride’ in ‘Please FOR SHADOWS’ Mind the Gap’ and ‘Bomb blackened Ady Shaw is an experienced performer stones which had been their home only and Jill Waterson has a choral background yesterday’ in ‘Aleppo in Pieces’. and they have been playing together as a Watford based duo since 2017. He wrote The album cover is also very striking – all nine tracks on this album and his featuring a series of powerful images passionate feelings are clear in every note illustrating the songs and a photo of the and every word of the lyrics. duo by Julian Mount. I haven’t seen Jill and Jill provides harmonies, and plays recorder, Ady perform live but I shall certainly look glockenspiel and percussion and Ady out for them now. accompanies his strong earthy voice with skilled guitar work. Reviewed by Sandra Lawes
The album has a fresh, stripped back feel – as though the artists are performing live
34 www.unicornmagazine.org CD REVIEWS
DAVID as ‘his grandfather’s legacy’, he creates the distinctive sound we hear on ‘Songtales’ CAMBRIDGE This collection takes a long, loving look at ‘SONGTALES’ hundreds of years of the essential, elusive craft of spinning songs, addressing subjects ‘Songtales’ is David’s debut solo album. It of love, loss, war and the various exploits is a mix of traditional and contemporary men get themselves involved in. songs, all of which have been re-imagined Harmonies from Hannah Sanders and by David. It was launched on Friday 8th Jenna Walker together with contributions November 2019 at Cambridge Folk Club. from Anna Scott (cello), Ben Savage David’s interest in the folk genera goes (guitars), Evan Carson (percussion) and back a long way. He ran the folk club Saul Bailey (melodeon) on various tracks while studying science at Southampton add a subtle depth to the different University, where he also set to mastering arrangements. finger style guitar. From a long-held The album is available on interest in re-making songs, beginning by www.Bandcamp.com or directly from reducing them to the bare bones of tune David. Email him at and rhyme, a highly individual guitar style, [email protected] and the extended horizons of open-tuning, together with a voice which he describes Reviewed by Barry Guy
WARD songs of love and loss. The songs are all performed to perfection by two musicians AND PARKER who clearly enjoy playing together. ‘ONE’ Ward and Parker have played gigs in the ‘Unicorn’ area, notably at Cambridge Folk Both Cliff Ward (formerly of Nizlopi) and Club and Ely Folk Festival, wowing audi- John Parker (founding member of The ences wherever they appeared. I hope they Willows) have impeccable pedigrees as come back soon. musicians and came together as a duo after Stu Hanna invited them to be part of Visit their website www.wardparker.com the Megson Band in 2016. for more information and some tasty mer- chandise including T-shirts to celebrate The combination of John’s double bass and the launch of this album. beatboxing style and Cliff’s guitar playing and gentle voice is poignant and memo- Reviewed by Sandra Lawes rable. With alternative, acoustic, jazz and pop influences, this 10-track debut CD album pushes the boundaries of the folk genre through upbeat pop to haunting
www.unicornmagazine.org 35
Berkhamsted Campaign for Real Music
Saturday 15th February: Breabach. Best Group Finalists in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017. "As polished as it was passionate, matching fiery intensity with exquisite finesse, this was a magnificent set." The Scotsman 2017
8 o’clock at The Vyne Theatre, Northbridge Road, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 1EH www.bcfrm.com
36 www.unicornmagazine.org CD REVIEWS
CHRIS FOX His voice and acoustic guitar are supported on various tracks with instrumentation by ‘FROM THE Dan Wilde, John Parker, Jamie Welstead, SHADOWS’ Jasmine Watkiss and Stephen MacLachlan. Zoe Wren and Jamine Watkiss provide vo- cal harmonies. All ten tracks were written Award winning singer songwriter Chris by Christopher Seaman. Fox is an independent musician who has worked his way through the Cambridge On the album cover, Chris acknowledg- music scene the past few years, each es the support of folk clubs which have year acclaiming greater presence at an helped him to build his career – mention- increasing number of stages and festivals, ing Cambridge and Royston in particular. including Cambridge Folk Festival. His You can see him at the Malting Arts music reflects thought provoking topics Theatre in St Albans with Odette Michell and humorous insights on life with deep on 31 January and at The Milkmaid in Bury powerful vocals and varied and eclectic St Edmunds on 7 February. guitar styles that span Americana, Folk, Country and Blues. See www.chrisfoxmusic.org for more information and gig dates. Chris’s spellbinding vocals ensure that every word of the lyrics is as clear as a bell. Reviewed by Sandra Lawes
DOM PRAG with “Cold haily windy night” and “Black- leg miner” in a robust, forceful manner, ‘YOUNG MAN but I was particularly drawn to the last ON A FERRY’ two tracks. “My Grandpa, like so many” deals with the issues faced by soldiers returning from war and the difficulty they Dom Prag is a young singer-songwriter find interacting with family. “Old man’s from Southampton. Since releasing an EP song” certainly resonated with me, quite a in 2015, he has ranged across seventeen perceptive song from such a young man! counties and London, wowing audiences at I think Dom’s lyrics will probably read well festivals and clubs. This debut full 10 track as an anthology of poems, but poems set CD, features seven self-penned and two to music don’t always make good songs, traditional songs, plus a Keats poem he especially if it is freeform poetry. Dom has set to music. Dom is clearly a compe- Prag followers will love this CD. It is an tent, if somewhat Jekyll & Hyde, guitarist honest reminder of live performances, just ranging from delicate fingerstyle with a Dom and his guitar, with nothing added or classical feel to heavy strumming, some- taken away in the studio. times in the same song! www.domprag.com Dom’s treatment of the Keats poem, ‘Meg Merrilies’ is commendable, and he deals Reviewed by Keiron Jones
www.unicornmagazine.org 37 CD REVIEWS
WINTER This CD is very much what they do best – playing live and interacting with an audience. WILSON Listening to the album is like having this ‘LIVE AND talented duo perform just for you, in your UNCONVENTIONAL’ home or your car. A booklet in the colourful CD cover provides the thought-provoking Kip Winter and Dave Wilson played part- words of the 15 tracks. time on the UK folk circuit for many years and they became full time musicians as Kip and Dave’s undoubted vocal and instru- Winter Wilson almost by accident when the mental talents dominate the album and as a global banking crisis left them both facing special treat for the listener, they are joined redundancy in 2012. In 2018 they were invit- on three of the tracks by members of Fair- ed to make a guest appearance on Fairport port Convention. The album was launched Convention’s Winter Tour in 2018 and ‘Live at Fairport’s Cropredy Convention in August and Unconventional’, their ninth album, was 2019 where it received a rapturous reaction. recorded live on the road during that tour. Closer to home, you can see them at Cam- bridge Folk Club on 31 January. If you have seen Winter Wilson on stage you will know that they don’t simply sing the For more information see songs – they give a full performance - ribbing www.winterwilson.com each other, making the audience laugh and explaining the back stories to the numbers. Reviewed by Sandra Lawes
tabla, African calabash, Irish whistle and MISHRA guitar). ‘THE LOFT TAPES’ The four musicians describe themselves as a global folk ‘collective’ and their enchanting music brings strong influences from Indian CDs often arrive here at Unicorn stating that classical, Americana and jazz to their roots in they feature ‘an exciting new band’. Mishra, UK folk. a four-piece band led by Ford Collier and The band recorded each of the eleven tracks Kate Griffin, amply justifies that description. in a single take on analogue tapes in a farm- On their debut album, ‘The Loft Tapes’, Kate house loft, aiming to capture the atmos- and Ford are joined by Joss Mann-Hazell on phere and feel of a live performance and they Double Bass, Bouzouki and Electric Bass and most certainly succeeded. John Ball on Tabla. In 2018 they have played at Sidmouth Folk Ford and Kate wrote ten of the tracks on the Festival and Cambridge Folk Festival where CD which was released in December 2019 they won the inaugural Christian Raphael and put together a fascinating arrangement prize. I don’t know when they will be return- of the traditional ‘Angeline the Baker’. ing to our area but I certainly hope it will be I found Kate Griffin’s voice and clawhammer soon. banjo completely mesmerising and perfectly complemented by Ford Collier’s vocals and Find out more at www.mishramusic.com continent-hopping instrumental skills (Indian Reviewed by Sandra Lawes
38 www.unicornmagazine.org 25th APRIL - 1st MAY 2020
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SAT 11 JAN NEW ROUTES: THE SHACKLETON TRIO + ERIN BROWN & BARRY WATSON THU 16 JAN MARTYN JOSEPH SAT 18 JAN SHAVE THE MONKEY TUE 21 JAN THE EAST POINTERS WED 22 JAN DELLA MAE FRI 24 JAN MEGSON TUE 04 FEB MAZ O’CONNOR WED 05 FEB LISA O'NEILL SAT 08 FEB NEW ROUTES: ALDEN, PATTERSON & DASHWOOD + JELLYMAN'S DAUGHTER MON 10 FEB SAM LEE MON 17 FEB SAM LEWIS: SOLO TUE 18 FEB FARA WED 19 FEB BEAR'S DEN SAT 22 FEB MICHAEL MCGOLDRICK, JOHN MCCUSKER AND JOHN DOYLE SAT 07 MAR NEW ROUTES: LEXI GREEN + BEN WALKER MON 16 MAR KATHRYN ROBERTS & SEAN LAKEMAN TUE 31 MAR THE TRIALS OF CATO Cambridge junction, clifton way, Cambridge cb1 7gx Junction.co.uk | 01223 511 511 Copy Deadline for Issue 150 is Friday 14th February 2020
Don’t forget to subscribe to both our blog and our mailing list for revised gig dates, news & updates between issues... CD REVIEWS
JUG BAND and plays mandolin, dobro and banjo, Geoff Stephens dobro, kazoo, cajon and ‘JUNK YARD tambourine, Peter Crossley is on fiddle DAWG’ and guitar and Pete Brown is on bass. This combination of instruments gives Junk This lively eight track CD from this four- Yard Dawg something of a bluegrass/ piece band had my feet tapping right from country feel and is great to listen to. All the first note although the pace slows four musicians sing provide vocals on on tracks six and seven. The artists all various tracks. sound as if they are thoroughly enjoying themselves and their enthusiasm is Contact Pat Crilly on 07971 804418 to infectious. I’m sure the music will bring a get a copy. It’s just the thing to cheer up a smile to your face. dark winter’s night!
The Jug Band are Pat Crilly, who runs Reviewed by Sandra Lawes the Four Rivers Folk Club in Hertford
A LINE IN THE SAND………………... Unicorn is primarily a magazine that pro- So, it’s time to draw a line in the sand. Such motes live music and dance and there is only a huge backlog has built up that many of the limited space on our pages. It’s honestly ‘new’ releases are now over a year old and heart-breaking to receive literally dozens of their moment for review has gone! great CDs every quarter that we simply don’t For this issue, I have chosen CDs either from have the resources or the page space to re- artists with links to our catchment area view. In our last issue, we told you we were through their location or their gigs, or from snowed under and offered our sincere apolo- artists we have made definite promises to. gies to everyone we have had to disappoint. Again, my apologies to those I have not been We can only review a small number of CDs able to feature. in each issue, and it’s hard to know how to So, if you send me a CD for review in the select them. Should we choose well-known future – please let me know what links you artists who will certainly delight our readers have to our area (Beds, Bucks, Cambs, Herts, but who may have the benefit of radio plays Northants and North London) and give me or reviews in other publications? Or should as much information as you can to help me we encourage newcomers who have put their decide which ones to feature for Unicorn heart and soul into their self-promoted de- readers. but albums? And what about the dedicated PR people who do their utmost to promote Thank you for your kind understanding – I their clients? Whatever we do, there will be do want to give as much support to our won- disappointments! derful talented musicians as I can. Sandra Lawes (Editor)
42 www.unicornmagazine.org PROGRAMME JANUARY TO MARCH 2020 EVERY FRIDAY, 8PM, THE GOLDEN HIND, 355 MILTON ROAD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 1SP
TICKETS FOR MAIN ACTS ON OUR WEBSITE WWW.CAMBRIDGEFOLKCLUB.CO.UK OR PHONE 01638 603986
Fri 3 Jan: Open Stage with Jo Ash Trio £5(door), £3(members), £3(performers)
Fri 10 Jan: Smith and Brewer £10(door), £9(advance), £8(members) Support: Wes Finch
Fri 17 Jan: Nick Barraclough and All the Federales £10(door), £9(advance), £8(members) Support: Amy Goddard
Fri 24 Jan: Newcomers’ Showcase: Pembroke Tennyson; Dom Prag £10(door), £9(advance), £8(members) Special guests: Sally Ironmonger and Brian Carter
Fri 31 Jan: Liz Simcock; Winter Wilson £11(door), £10(advance), £9(members) Support: James Eisner
Fri 7 Feb: Open Stage with Andy Wall £5(door), £3(members), £3(performers)
Fri 14 Feb: Showcase: Lester Lloyd-Reason; Kevin Hunt With Cliff Ward; Wendy Hardeman and Ian £10(door), £9(advance), £8(members) Turner
Fri 21 Feb: Peter Knight and Jon Spiers £15 Support: Kelly and Woolley
Fri 28 Feb: Showcase: David Youngs and Sam Inglis; £10(door), £9(advance), £8(members) Barbara Wibbelman and friends; Mythopoeic
Fri 6 Mar: Open Stage with Dave Jenkins £5(door), £3(members), £3(performers)
Fri 13 Mar: Reg Meuross £11(door), £10(advance), £9(members) Support: Karen Johnson and Tony Clark
Fri 20 Mar: Claire Hayes; The John Ward Trio £10(door), £9(advance), £8(members)
Fri 27 Mar Showcase: Katie Spencer; Fran McGillivray £10(door), £9(advance), £8(members) & Mike Burke; 2 point 4 Bigger, brighter, better than ever! The 5th annual
Saturday 4 July 2020 Artists booked so far... FARA MEGSON CB1574 Tickets on sale now: www.kimptonfolk.uk [email protected] @kimptonfolk @kimptonfolk kimptonfolkfestival
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