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March 2010
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Mar 18
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Singers & Musicians - 8.15 start. An Irish theme tonight, to go along with the St Patricks Irish Festival being run by our host venue, the Bradford Irish Club, from 13th-19th March.
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Mar 25
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Tattie Jam
Tattie Jam offer a distinctive brew of songs, from dark ballads and protest songs to off-the wall humour, and tunes ranging from slow airs to kinetic jigs and reels. The duo comprises Seylan Baxter, one of Scotland's best-known traditional cellists, and Ruaridh Pringle, accomplished singer and musician with a distinctive style.
Much of Tattie Jam's material is given a playful or funky contemporary twist, with the odd starker a capella song or tune tossed in the pot for contrast. You can expect a varied yet harmonious blend of reinterpretations of traditional Scottish songs and tunes, and songs and tunes written by Ruaridh. Thoughtful arrangements and the fact that both harmonise vocals whilst each playing elements of lead, rhythm and percussion give Tattie Jam a sound that's both unmistakable and unusually big for a duo.
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April 2010
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Apr 1
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Steve Ashley
Steve Ashley has long been regarded as one of British folk's finest singer-songwriters. His reputation for writing contemporary songs inspired by the English Tradition was established in 1974 with his innovative debut album, Stroll On. Since then his songs have been recorded by many leading folk artists including Fairport Convention, Anne Briggs, Dave Pegg and PJ Wright, The Arizona Smoke Review, Martin and Jessica Simpson, Grace Notes, Phil Beer, Maggie Boyle and The Bushwackers.
Steve has also played a significant role in the development of British folk-rock, performing as a lead singer with the first Albion Country Band, then with his own Ragged Robin and various line-ups of The Steve Ashley Band. He has also performed occasionally with members of Fairport Convention.
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Apr 8
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Wendy Arrowsmith
Wendy Arrowsmith first appeared at the Topic as part of a double header evening early last year, it became clear then that we'd be having her back for a full evening before too long. Expect a rich mix of traditional & self penned songs (both accompanied on a multitude of instruments and unaccompanied). An easy relaxed style with a beautiful yet powerful voice, guaranteed to involve and entertain an audience. She is as comfortable playing to hundreds on a big stage as in the intimacy of a folk club.
Wendy's own songs have won awards at Saltburn Folk Festival 2007 (The Visitor), Scarborough Seafest 2008 (Sleep Well ‘till Morning) and Ryedale Folk Festival 2009 (Hearth Song).
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Apr 15
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Singers & Musicians - 8.15 start
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Apr 22
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Mark Newman
Mark Newman has played at the Topic Folk Club regularly over the years. In fact his very first folk club gig was played at the Topic way back in 1958. 2010 is to be Mark's last year of playing in UK clubs, so it seems very fitting that his very last tour date should be this one. Don't miss it, there won't be another chance!
For those of you not familiar with Mark Newman's music here are a few snippets to give you some idea of the treat in store...
" ....one of the best guitarists on the scene, but has a delightful unassuming style that belies the fireworks coming from the fretboard....." - Skipton Folk Club
"...amazing range on guitar and dulcimer. Traditional English, American, Irish, Scottish, his own imaginative material, with or without vocals....effortlessly amusing links and anecdotes and a real gift for involving the audience. Brilliant ." - Ilkley Gazette
"...this evening was particularly special....wonderful versions of Blues classics..... faultless and beautiful interpretations of more traditional Celtic pieces....humorous songs....brilliant technique always served the melody of the piece.....a very special evening from a very special player." - Swan Folk, Loughborough
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Apr 29
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Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts
Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts have been performing together on the folk scene since 2006. Their self-penned material ranges from blazing instrumentals to heart-wrenching songs, to contemporary arrangements of traditional songs. Jamie’s dexterous percussive and lap-style guitar work is a delight to see as well as hear, while Katriona’s intricate fiddle playing shifts seamlessly from sensitive to fiery and back again in the blink of an eye.
Their unique sound has been recognised with several accolades including Bright Young Things 2007 and New Roots 2007 and they have supported, among others, Bellowhead, Dave Swarbrick's Lazarus, Jez Lowe, Nancy Kerr & James Fagan and Spiers & Boden, at festivals, clubs and theatres.
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May 2010
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May 6
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Singers & Musicians - 8.15 start
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May 13
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John Kirkpatrick
One of the most prolific figures on the English folk scene, John Kirkpatrick performs solo, in duos, acoustic groups and electric bands, and has established an enviable reputation as an instrumental virtuoso and session musician, as well as a leading interpreter of English folk music. He has been a member of the Albion Country Band, Magic Lantern, The Richard Thompson Band, Umps and Dumps, Steeleye Span, Brass Monkey, Trans-Europe Diatonique, and Band of Hope, as well as numerous ceilidh bands.
As songwriter, composer, choreographer, and musical director, John has contributed to over sixty plays in the theatre and on radio. And as featured artiste, band member, or session player, his music can be heard on over 200 different commercial recordings. He was also recently seen portraying an 1880s folkie on the BBC docu series Victorian Farm.
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May 20
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Grace Notes
"the voices glide like birds circling on warm air currents" - fRoots
"nothing short of stunning” - Jim Lee, Dirty Linen USA review of Otley Festival
Grace Notes perform a cappella and accompanied arrangements of traditional and contemporary songs in three-part harmony.Their highly praised harmonies and thoughtful repertoire make them one of the folk scene's best loved female groups. Individually they have a long history of live performance and recording sessions with Nic Jones, The Chieftains, Mountain Ash Band, John Tams, Bert Jansch, New Victory Band & Muckram Wakes, to name only some.
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May 27
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Double Headliner Evening
Eddie Lawler
Warmly entertaining Saltaire-based balladeer with a wealth of songs of wit and wisdom, notably about Bradford and its surrounding area. From the the mysterious Baildon sky rocket, to the scandal of the Hole in the middle of Bradford and, further afield, from the Tyne's Millennium Bridge to the massacre of Glencoe and much more, Eddie Lawler will have you absorbed and entertained.
"...Eddie’s always astute lyrics that can move from the whimsical to the serious in the same song. The songs are never confrontational; Eddie is far more subtle than that. It’s like sitting by the fire in the pub being entertained, his witty observations charming you more with every drink."- Woven Wheat Whispers
Pamela Wyn Shannon
American singer-songwriter whose music is greatly influenced by the British tradition. In addition to her wistful, timeless vocal style and her enchantingly woven original songs, Pamela Wyn Shannon is an expert and inventive guitarist. Her playing has been compared to that of Bert Jansch. No doubt you will hear songs from her latest album Courting Autumn which has received rave reviews, and as well as her own material includes beautiful arrangements of the traditional Ca' the Yowes and Cold Blows the Wind.
"Pamela's performing style is enchanting: she has an attractive singing voice, sensitive and responsive, seductively sweet-toned... Pamela's voice is brilliantly complemented by her well-developed guitar playing, which is at the same time deftly intricate and hauntingly full-toned..." - fRoots Magazine
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June 2010
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June 03
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Rubus
"I think Rubus are one of the most exciting new bands on the folk scene today - great musicians with a wonderful feel for their music and their roots. Emily Portman's voice has great clarity and tone and she never loses sight of the fact that the songs she is singing come from a deep well of tradition." - Mike Harding
“From the first moment I heard Emily sing, I knew that she was special. She is beautiful and charming, and with her love of the tradition and her well-chosen songs, she graces the English folk scene.” - Shirley Collins
Rubus is a fairly new band that combines the talents of Emily Portman (voice &concertina), Christi Andropolis (fiddle, viola & voice) and David Newey (guitar). With a unique repertoire rooted in the more obscure songs and ballads of the English folk tradition, Rubus also explore new ground with original songs, combining Emilyʼs striking vocals with exceptional finger style guitar, and responsive fiddle. Their debut album Nine Witch Knots is quickly gaining them attention, having already received airplay on BBC Radio 2 and Radio 3ʼs Late Junction as well as topping the fRoots magazine October ʻ08 playlist.
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Jun 10
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Singers and Musicians - 8.15 start
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Jun 17
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Ewan McLennan - Ewan Mclennan
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Jun 24
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Larry Hanks - Larry Hanks
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July 2010
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July 01
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Roger Sutcliffe - Roger Sutcliffe
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July 08
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Singers and Musicians - 8.15 start
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July 15
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Double-Headliner
James Bar Bowen - James Bar Bowen
Zoe Mulford - Zoe Mulford
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July 22
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TBC
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July 29
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Robb Johnson - Robb Johnson
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August 2010
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Aug 05, 12, 19, 26
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Singers' and Musicians' Nights - 8.15 start
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September 2010
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