TOPIC FOLK CLUB, BRADFORD
NEWSLETTER No 39 mid-March 2005
WEDNESDAY March 16
Steve Newman and Tony Cox
Two brilliant virtuoso guitarists on tour from South Africa. In fact, they are South Africa's premier acoustic guitarists, Tony using steel string while Steve's preference is nylon. Based on finger-style, each player's technique enables him to 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. Their original music combined with their ability to crisscross a myriad of genres from the classics to breakneck-speed bluegrass, with laughter thrown in, leads to a guitar duo like no other.
All you've to do is remember it is WEDNESDAY this week. Come and enjoy what promises to be an excellent evening.
March 24
Singers and Musicians.
We have been displaced from our normal Thursday slot on 17 March as it is St Patrick's Day, and the Melborn is fully committed to that. So, only six days late, the theme for 24th will be Irish (and Welsh) songs.
March 31
Howdenjones.
Howdenjones play contemporary acoustic music at its best. With superb arrangements, breathtaking harmonies, down-to-earth virtuosity and an infectious delight in live performance, Kate Howden, Paul Jones and Sarah Cheffins blend vocals, guitar, mandolin, bodhran, nyckelharpa, fiddle, viola, tenor banjo, keyboards and flute to produce compelling original music and song.
Kate and Paul, who have toured nationally since 1999 and produced four albums, were joined by Sarah in 2003. The trio have rapidly established a strong reputation as one of the busiest and most sought-after acts on the UK folk/acoustic music scene. Expect instrumental excellence, lyrical poetry and joyful unpretentious delivery.
April 7
A Double Header evening. We look forward to welcoming the prolific and effective singer/songwriter George Papavgeris, up from St Albans or thereabouts. George's songs have been picked up and performed by none other than Vin Garbutt and Roy Bailey. He has a keen eye for detail and sense of tradition; and is "driven by a deep love for people and their imperfections". He will be joined on the bill by Leeds-based Shaun T Hunter, who did a Featured Support at the Topic last year. Shaun writes powerful and emotional songs on love and the human condition, earning the tribute: Shaun T Hunter has a rare talent whereby he can make light of deep philosophical/life scenarios, this coupled with his wit, ability to play with words has him weaving stories around strong catchy hooklines, leaving no doubt as to the commercial success he is destined for.
Artists like these are the future of original live music in and around the Folk tradition. They deserve your support.
April 14
Roy Clinging and Neil Brookes. Songs, concertina, fiddle and guitar.
April 21
Singers and Musicians: the turn of English songs.
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.)
More on all these acts nearer the time - or right now, if you want to access the Topic Website!
WEBSITE NEWS
It's really worth looking at the website right now. Webmeister Nicholas Waller has been doing some work tracking down artists from our dim and distant past (and even more recent) and inserted links to virtually all their websites. This has even thrown up artists who performed in the 1950s, some of whom are still out there performing: Steve Benbow (1959), plus Jerry Silverman (1959), and Rambling Jack Elliot (1958). Just click on Contacts and Links on the Topic Homepage http://www.topic-folk-club.org.uk, and you'll see them all.
Folkcamps
And finally: I do get various requests to add things to the Newsletter: (other clubs' gigs, our guests' other gigs and so on); and generally speaking politely decline unless it is directly Topic-related. But here's an exception: I have been asked to draw the existence of Folk Camps to your attention: and information is available at http://www.folkcamps.co.uk and also http://www.forestside-marquee.co.uk.
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
http://www.topic-folk-club.org.uk
Topic Newsletter No 39 March 2005
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