TOPIC FOLK CLUB, BRADFORD
NEWSLETTER No 38 March 2005
Greetings
Here's news of three big nights coming up, one after the other:
March 3 John Wright.
Or The John Wright Band; as this evening he will be supported by two talented young musicians in their own right: Joe Topping on guitar and Ruth Angel on fiddle. John is a consummate interpreter and performer of songs in the folk tradition and just beyond it, with a powerful rich voice; very much a big performer. After spells in the Household Cavalry and as a shepherd on the (Scottish) Borders, John finally gave full reign to his musical talents just over a decade ago: and 11 CDs and a world-wide touring schedule have followed. We are very grateful to John for agreeing to return to the Topic (he is one of many successful musicians who continue to support the club scene that gave them their early breaks) and the least we can do is give him a good turnout this week.
March 10 Maggie Holland.
An excellent singer and guitarist with a great pedigree and a fair few of her own songs, on a rare visit to Yorkshire. Maggie was brought up on the south coast, had a brief spell in and around Bristol, but then settled in Edinburgh, missing us out on the way. After spells with Hot Vultures and The English Country Blues Band she started to write on her own, and concentrate on a more solo career. Her current repertoire includes songs by the likes of Billy Bragg, Leon Rosselson, Al Stewart and Robb Johnson, as well as her own, one of which A Place Called England won the Radio 2 Folk Awards best song of 1999. Do come and support this excellent artist.
Weds Mar 16 Tony Cox and Steve Newman.
These two South African guitarists are already a couple of weeks into an extensive two-month tour of the UK in a campervan you can read about their progress so far on their website: www.tonycox.co.za/home.html They've been having a great reception thus far: let's make sure they get one from Yorkshire as well.
This is what it says on their website:
As individual guitarists in their own right Steve Newman and Tony Cox are unparalleled in South Africa as the most innovative guitar players that this part of the world has ever seen. Cox embraces the sound of the steel-string while Newman's preference is nylon; both have explored the depths of their instruments with a wide-ranging musical curiosity that sees them today as guitar players that have carved out their own unique style of playing. Based on finger-style, each player's technique enables him to sit alone and play melody, bass-lines and rhythm, all seemingly at the same time.
Being born in Africa has given both guitarists a unique rhythmic and harmonic edge to their playing styles. Combine their original music with their startling abilities to crisscross a myriad of genres from the classics to breakneck-speed bluegrass, with a lot of fun and laughter thrown in, and you have a guitar duo really like no other.
Note: this is a Wednesday gig, as the Melborn will be given over to St Patrick's Day celebrations on our usual Thursday.
AND ONWARDS: (More in the next Newsletter. Or via the website www.topic-folk-club.org.uk )
Mar 31 Howden/Jones.
Two extremely talented singer/songwriters
April 7 A double header evening.
George Papavgeris is an astonishingly prolific songwriter, while Shaun T Hunter's songs pack emotional punch.
April 14 Roy Clinging and Neil Brookes.
Songs, guitar, bodhran and fiddle.
April 28 Phil Hare.
A Topic regular with a sharp contemporary songwriting ear.
May 5 Artisan.
One of the biggest nights of the year, this. Superb, accomplished three-piece singing group. Tickets available in advance NOW on Clubnights; with a small discount for advance purchase. (This gig is supported by the Arts Council "Musicians in Residence" scheme - thanks.)
Acts booked (or in the process of being booked) up to the summer pause include: Jez Lowe (on his own), Soundsphere (from York) and Dick Gaughan. Keep your eyes open. More on all these acts nearer the time or right now, if you want to access the Topic Website!
See you all some Thursday (or Wednesday for Cox and Newman) at the Melborn (a real ale pub) at one of the above events. 8.30 start. Be there by then if you want to perform a floor spot, which are still available every night. No smoking in the club room.
John Waller
Topic Newsletter Editor
john@john-waller.co.uk
www.topic-folk-club.org.uk
Topic Newsletter No 38 March 2005
NEWSLETTER No 38a mid-March 2005
This isn't going to everyone just a select few to hope you'll be able to get down (or up, or across, depending where you see yourself as being) to see Maggie Holland this week:.
March 10 Maggie Holland.
An excellent singer and guitarist with a great folk pedigree and a fair few of her own songs, on a rare visit to Yorkshire. Maggie was brought up on the south coast, had a brief spell in and around Bristol, but then settled in Edinburgh, missing us out on the way. After spells with Hot Vultures and The English Country Blues Band she started to write on her own, and concentrate more on a solo career. Her current repertoire includes songs by the likes of Billy Bragg, Leon Rosselson, Al Stewart and (particularly) Robb Johnson, as well as her own, one of which A Place Called England won the Radio 2 Folk Awards best song of 1999. Do come and support this excellent artist.
Check her out on http://www.maggieholland.co.uk/
And remember it is Wednesday next week, for .......
Weds Mar 16 Tony Cox and Steve Newman. The two South African guitarists. check the progress of their tour out on http://www.tonycox.co.za/home.html - never a dull moment.
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