TOPIC FOLK CLUB, BRADFORD
At the Bradford Irish Club, Rebecca Street, BD1 2RX a wheelchair-friendly venue
Newsletter No. 109 - April/May 2011
Guest Nights start at 8.30pm £6/£5, Singers & Musicians Nights start at 8.15pm Free
7th April 2011
Singers & Musicians Night
Our ever popular 'first Thursday' Singers & Musicians night for those who like to perform or just listen
14th April 2011
Tom Bliss & Phil Wilcox
Thankfully emerging from a short disappearance from the live music scene, superb songwriter Tom Bliss has teamed up with young accordionist Phil Wilcox to bring a new dimension to his stories in song.
Tom has been compared as a writer with Steve Knightly, Steve Tilston, Jez Lowe, and even Bruce Springsteen(!) with many songs already being mistakenly credited as Trad Arr. His sympathy and enthusiasm for ancient musical forms and language, and his understanding of the craft of songwriting, from show tunes to hymns to pop, coupled with diligent research and attention to detail, made him one of the handful of performers on the folk circuit today whose work is admired by modernist and traditionalist alike.
His live performance has been described as "Astonishingly moving and inspirational..." (Tykes News) so we are delighted to see Tom's return to the Topic and look forward to a very special night.
21st April 2011
Jinski
Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne Jinski are Steve Jinski and Dave Kennedy, two highly individual guitarists/musicians with strong distinctive voices. They have a wealth of great original songs that draw upon acoustic roots and country music whilst remaining resolutely modern. Jinski play songs written by Steve that tell stories of love, joy, loneliness and longing. Intricate, soulful, beautiful songs, foot stomping, sing-a-long, raucous songs; music for the head and the heart, full of passion and originality.
Most importantly they are also consummate entertainers and leave their audiences feeling that the world is a better place!
28th April 2011
Jason McNiff
Jason McNiff is an enigmatic character. He is a troubadour and a renowned singer-songwriter. His vocal delivery, guitar playing and lyrical content invite comparisons with Dylan at his mystic best. Those familiar with his three albums tend to club him in with Americana, but there is also a underlying English sensibility - not surprising as he is returning to his home town tonight for an all too rare visit.
Jason is currently preparing a new album for release and will no doubt be previewing material from it
'One of the UK's best kept secrets ' **** MOJO
'Grossly overlooked' TIME OUT
Visit Jason's website www.jasonmcniff.com <http://www.jasonmcniff.com> and come down to the Topic to see what the fuss is all about!
5th May 2011
Singers & Musicians Night
Another chance to sing, play or just listen
12th May 2011
Brother Crow
Brother Crow are an acoustic duo from Weardale, in the heart of rural North East England, who perform original narrative songs about the people, places and historical events of their local area and beyond. Andrew Davison, who plays six and seven string guitars and ten-string bouzouki, is the duo's lyricist and main songwriter. He combines powerful rhythm and delicate finger-style to dramatic effect and uses his evocative lyrics and strong sense of narrative to paint imaginative pictures for the audience. Graeme Carroll is an accomplished mandolin player and accompanist. His playing has a complexity which combines affection for traditional tunes/playing with a modern melodic style.
Brother Crow's live performances have been described as intense, captivating, haunting and passionate. The dark nature of some of their songs being counter-balanced by a strong stage presence, a natural sense of humour and fun and a deep knowledge of their subject matter.
Really nice guys too!
19th May 2011
The Hut People
The Hut People are Sam Pirt (accordion) and Gary Hammond (percussion). They started playing together in 2008 and perform tunes from around the world to the delight and astonishment of their audiences (they received standing ovations and were voted Best Band two years running at the major Musicport world music festival). Sam has been involved in folk music since childhood and is currently also a member of 422. Gary was a member of The Beautiful South and also features as a percussionist in a number of world music and jazz line ups.
Together they are unique and wonderful and we feel very privileged to be welcoming them to the Topic. Don't miss them!
26th May 2011
Rodney Branigan
Rodney calls his music "progressive folk fusion", but that doesn't do it justice. Clearly, he's invented a new genre - one that blends rock, folk, flamenco, madrigal, classical, bluegrass and jazz - and, it all works. Most of his performance features instrumentals that are driving, thumping monsters. Often playing three instruments at once - two guitars (a 12-string and 6-string) and a tambourine - his musical facility is so awe-inspiring it will leave you breathless. The vocal pieces are just as strong, but more reflective. Rodney plays music so compelling that you have to listen to it. It stuns the audience and hushes the room.
Witness a very rare talent indeed on his first visit to the Topic.
Best Wishes
Joe Grint
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