At: Hullabaloo, 41 Westgate, Shipley, BD18 3QX

Est: 1956

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Topic Newsletter Archive

TOPIC FOLK CLUB, BRADFORD

At Glyde House, Glydegate, Bradford BD5 0BQ

Newsletter No 201  - March 2019 

Hello all, 

Phew, what a scorcher! The recent unseasonable weather, or the upcoming March programme at the Topic?? Well, both, really: see here....

7th March:   Singers and musicians.  Free entry
 

14th  March  :  Jon Palmer Acoustic Band.
The Jon Palmer Acoustic Band is a high energy 6-piece folk, roots and rock-n-roll combo (based in-and-around the musically vibrant West Yorkshire market town of Otley.) and has been described as “a cross between The Pogues and The Oyster Band, with a bit of The Waterboys, The Saw Doctors and the Bruce Springsteen Seeger Sessions Band thrown in”.

Amongst a host of accolades, the band, who regularly perform at festivals and venues across the North of England. has been hailed “a blur of hedonistic delight” by Fatea Showcases and “the best upbeat folk band around” by the Yorkshire Gig Guide.

The line-up is guitars, mandolin, double bass, violin and percussion, with Jon Palmer their songwriter and lead singer, joined by Nick Settle, Wendy Ross, Ricky Silvers and Matt Nelson.  £6/£5

http://www.jonpalmeracousticband.com

21st  March  : Gareth Davies Jones.
Held in high regard by many commentators as a gifted and perceptive songwriter (BBC Radio's Bob Harris, Iain Anderson & Frank Hennessy are all fans), Gareth’s music is laced with a vivid and powerful sense of the aesthetic, forged amongst the landscapes and atmosphere of his native Ulster and now adopted home in Northumberland. A natural story teller through song, many reviewers have placed Gareth's performances alongside the best in the Troubadour tradition. Combining elements of Guthrie, Dylan, Taylor and Browne, the attention to musical detail is evident throughout his now extensive back catalogue playing a variety of instruments and featuring a keen sense of melody woven around a rich, distinctive voice.

The broad variety of the subject matter addressed in his songs continues to captivate and engage audiences at live shows up and down the country.    £6/£5

Rich, soulful vocals, a fine ear for melody & masterful acoustic guitar playing - R2 Magazine

one of the UK’s best-kept musical secrets, powerful songs and affecting performances – Properganda

https://www.garethdavies-jones.com

28th  March: Tom Kitching & Jon Loomes.
Tom Kitching and Jon Loomes are 50% of Pilgrims' Way, at least in terms of culpability, and perhaps as much as 70% in pure biomass. Fiddle and guitar, songs and tunes, bitter and mild. Engaging, entertaining, sometimes surreal, always compelling.

A consummate performer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist and ethno-musicologist, Jon is renowned for his work with traditional English folk music.

He released his much acclaimed solo album 'Fearful Symmetry' in 2005, has made two albums with 'Heretique', and is a member of folk award nominees 'Pilgrims' Way'. He was once described as 'a genius' by Zoe Ball.

Jon has worked in bands with artists such as Pete Coe, Chris Coe, Nic Jones, Paul Sartin, Keith Kendrick, John Spiers, Jon Boden and Benji Kirkpatrick.

In a successful thirteen year career, Tom has worked with numerous singers and bands, including Pilgrims' Way, Gavin Davenport, Jon Loomes, Gren Bartley, Zoe Mulford, and Albireo. He has tutored at several Summer Schools, and has lead numerous workshops around the country. Heavily involved in the dance scene, and veteran of over 1500 gigs, he stands at the leading edge of the English folk scene. His style is English at heart, whilst encompassing elements of many other traditions. It is a unique, vibrant style full of exuberance, energy and wit, yet capable of expressing extraordinary emotional depth.

In March 2015, he released his solo album, 'Interloper', a deeply personal project to capture the state of the English instrumental tradition and define the role of the fiddle within it.   £6/£5

Tom Kitching is one of the best English fiddlers ever - Mike Harding.

There are dozens of folk violinists, but few with the attack, passion, and ingenuity of Tom Kitching. The most beautiful instrumental playing of the year. - Sunday Express

http://www.tomkitching.co.uk

OTHER STUFF

TREVOR SHARPE

We were saddened to learn of the sudden death of Trevor Sharpe, one of the stalwarts of the local music scene, perhaps not a Topic regular in recent years but certainly known to many of you. 

This from our treasurer, John Waller, better placed than myself to comment on Trevor's passing and his involvement with folk-related activities:

"It is with much sadness that we mark the passing of Trevor Sharpe, a leading light in the Bradford and Yorkshire Dales folk scene for many years.  He only occasionally attended the Topic, preferring more informal singers’ and musicians’ gatherings such as “The Waggoners”, which met in various pubs in the Wibsey area for over 40 years – currently at the Gaping Goose.  Trevor was a fine melodeon player and a powerful singer; particularly liking the songs of Bob Pegg.  The funeral will be held at 11.15 on Monday March 11th, at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland; and later at the Guide Post Hotel, Low Moor from 1300.  Those who knew him are invited to come to sing and celebrate Trevor’s life in the way he would want us to."

The family have stated "Family flowers preferred, donations in memory of Trevor to Cancer Research or RNLI. A box will be available at the service"

TOPIC STUFF

MEMBERSHIP

If you would like to become a member of the Topic Folk club it still only costs only £5.00 for the year, an absolute bargain, better than anything you'll find in the January sales. Membership runs from 1st January and entitles you the lower ticket prices shown in this newsletter as well as the chance to become more involved in the workings of the club if you would like to. You can join or renew your membership on any club night. Now is the time to do it for maximum benefit...

For performers who may be thinking of approaching the club for a booking, please email: info4topic@gmail.com

If you’re visiting the club for the first time, be sure to come and say hello, and if anyone has any suggestions for the club, for example if you would like us to try to book a particular artist, we’d like to hear them.

The Topic runs on Thursdays at Glyde House, Glydegate, Little Horton Lane  BD5 0BQ, 8.00 pm start. Like all the clubs in the area, our aim is to provide good quality live entertainment to suit all tastes of those interested in folk music, and we thank you for your continued support.

Floor singers are always welcome, especially in the first half, though may be limited when we have a booked support act - please check. Please try to get there by 7.45 pm if you’d like a slot – it helps the MC to plan the evening.

To find the Topic on Facebook search for "Topic Fc".

With best wishes to all for the coming year.

Tony Charnock

Topic Newsletter Editor