home| newsletter | gigs 1970-2008 | history | faq | contact & links

Topic Newsletter 60: Late December 2006

Greetings:  and thanks for a great 50th Anniversary Season.                         

After a slow start, in terms of audience, the last two months of the Season have been magnificent.  Allan Taylor, the Robinsons, Julie Felix, Wizz Jones, Kitching and Sullivan, Kieran Halpin and the brilliant Scarlet Heights – what a culmination.   But it doesn’t end here.  Simon Alexander has put together a varied and high-quality programme that also has some big names: TNTB, Jez Lowe, Martin Carthy, Steve Tilston .... So I hope the audience-recipients of this Newsletter will keep on coming into the new year.                       

Dec 28 Singers and Musicians night for everyone looking to fill that yawning stretch of ennui between 25 and 31 December with some wholesome musical entertainment.  Free entry.

Jan 4, 2007   The Durbervilles    
Bright, breezy feel-good music from this joyful, talented, Leeds-based multi-instrumental five-piece toe-tapping outfit.  There will be no Featured Support; so an excellent opportunity for Floor Singers.  Book in advance by return-reply for a guaranteed slot; or just turn up and we’ll fit you in somehow.  Tickets £4 / £5.

Jan 11 Tom Napper Tom Bliss
Not much needs to be said to readers of this Newsletter about this most polished, witty and downright brilliant musical duo.  Tom N is a master of anything stringed and most things blown: while Tom B, as well as all that, crafts some superb and thoughtful songs in the traditional idiom.  Featured Support comes from Gerry McNeice: a singer/songwriter/guitarist making progress in “folk” from a background in rock.   Tickets £4 / £5.

Jan 18 Singers and Musicians.  
Performers, audience, all welcome.    Entry free.

Jan 25 Jez Lowe
One of the country’s very best crafter of songs, many dealing with history and change in his native north-east.  Jez has a fine guitar technique, smooth voice and comfortable manner.  Featured Support will come from Liz Ryder from Sheffield.  Again, self-written songs, fine guitar technique, lovely voice.  I know I have just said that about Jez: it is true of Liz too; but in a very different way. Tickets £5 / £6.

And onwards through 2007:

February 1 DH: Gerry Cooper and Clive Leyland
February 8       Vicky Swan and Jonny Dyer FS
February 15     Pete Morton Floorsinger opportunity
February 22     The Hall Brothers FS

You can access all these acts, read their Blogs, invade their MySpace and peer down their YouTubes, via our excellent Topic Website: see above and below for the address.  Who says the folk scene is mired in a time warp?

It would be remiss of me not to record the thanks of the club to all the members of the team who make it happen.  With apologies for any omissions, this includes Dave Robey for keeping the accounts, Guy Killingbeck for organising the door, Mick Walker for the physical and stage environment, Rahel Guzelian for providing guest accommodation when needed, and Simon Alexander for taking a turn at bookings.

See you all some Thursday at the C.ock and Bottle at one or more of the above events.  8.30 start.  Be there by then if you want a floor spot, which are available every night even where a Featured Support artist is booked.  No smoking in the club room.

John Waller   
Topic Newsletter Editor       
john@john-waller.co.uk                             

Topic Newsletter No 60: Late December  2007

home