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TOPIC FOLK CLUB, BRADFORD http://www.topic-folk-club.org.uk
Topic Newsletter No 41 May 2005
Hello again, hello again; with information on the next few weeks at the Topic Folk Club.
May 19 Lyn Geddes Lyn has returned to folk music in the past five years, after an early life as a successful and dynamic folk duo with her sister; and then something of a gap. However, the acquisition of a Martin 0018 not only rekindled her enthusiasm for playing, but also inspired her to research the traditions of English Folk Music; and start to write her own material in that idiom. The Topic is pleased to give her the opportunity to develop this second musical wind: a pleasant evening is in prospect. No Featured Support booked, so plenty of opportunity for floor singers this week
May 26 Tom Bliss and Mark Newman Another in our series of Double Header evenings. Tom and Mark know each other well, but they will not (unless I'm wrong) be performing any material jointly. Tom is well known as half the duo Tom Napper Tom Bliss (who we have already re-booked for February 2006) and also as a member of Slide; but he has a rare songwriting and instrumental ability that sometimes works best solo. So here is an opportunity to hear some new and unfamiliar material from one of the region‚s leading folk musicians. Mark is similarly well known as a guitarist of incredible talent, superbly delicate finger- and fret-work, ranging over a number of musical styles; and even the occasional song. Both these musicians are worth an evening on their own: to have both on a single bill is unmissable. Plus a guest MC and performing spot from rising bluesman Gerry Cooper.
June 2 Singers and Musicians evening: theme: Royalty, Class, Us and Them. Make of that what you will. As always, the theme is nothing more than a guide, a suggestion - Just come and make (or enjoy) music!
June 9 Jez Lowe One of the Topic's most popular and enduring artists. Often appearing with his backing band The Bad Pennies, Jez is on his own tonight. Our moderately intimate setting suits his simple, direct and always refreshing brand of songwriting: from chronicling the contemporary and historical life and times, the declining industries and passing customs of his native north-east, to a range of humorous songs that bear listening to time and again, Jez's writing and performing always has an edge that's the envy of other songwriters. This should be an excellent evening: your place can be guaranteed by buying a ticket in advance at clubnights between now and then. No Featured Support yet booked per se, but Keith Armstrong the Geordie Poet has promised us a floor spot.
June 16 Soundsphere A four-piece, mostly a capella group from York, singing a range of traditional, new and self-penned songs, to the occasional accompaniment of drums and percussion. Everything from contemporary writers such as Pete Morton and Van Morrison, to plainchant. Soundsphere have toured in the UK and abroad; and their choice of song is eclectic and international.
June 23 Tom and Barbara Brown tradition from the West Country.
The rest of June and July see the likes of the Hall Brothers (featuring the delightful Hannah and Clair), the inevitable Roger Sutcliffe in early July, and more Double Header evenings featuring Janet Wood, Friendly Visit, Tony Taffinder, Bruce Baillie, and Karen and Colin Thompson.
After the August singarounds, the Autumn is beginning to develop an international character, with Jeff Warner from the USA, Cloudstreet from Australia, Dave Gibb from Scotland, and The Bisserov Sisters from Bulgaria. But there will be plenty of Newsletters telling you all about them between now and then.
See you all some Thursday 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 available every night. No smoking in the club room.
John Waller
Topic Newsletter Editor john@john-waller.co.uk Topic Newsletter No 41 April 2005
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