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Topic Newsletter

TOPIC FOLK CLUB, BRADFORD

At Glyde House, Glydegate, Bradford BD5 0BQ

Newsletter No 205  - July 2019 

Hello all, hope you're having/will have a good summer...

Here's what's coming up in July at t'Topic - a full month indeed.

4th   July   Roger Sutcliffe. 
This is Roger’s 56th year of playing at the Topic: there is very little we can say about him that his army of admirers don’t already know. But for any newcomers to the world of acoustic music Roger stands on his own as ragtime picker extraordinaire, blues supremo, and singer of songs of those genres. There are invariably a number of guitarists in his audience who have learned their craft first hand from Roger, so whether you pick, play or just listen, get down early for another packed night. 

11th July    :   Cath & Phil Tyler.  
Often described as one the most raw and compelling acts on the scene, Cath and Phil play Anglo-American folk music, sharing a love of traditional folk narratives, mountain banjo and full voiced Sacred Harp singing. Using a combination of guitar, banjo,fiddle & voice they bring a highly concentrated and intimate musical experience that penetrates deep into the essence of the folk tradition.

Taking a more minimal approach to their material than some, they have been described as ‘one of the most compelling musical partnerships on the scene’.

They have performed on stages as diverse as the Royal Opera House in London and a dank tower in the old city walls of Newcastle.

Folk balladry has rarely been performed with such commitment and intensity – Record Collector

Beautiful songs, sung with care and love by two people who collect and cherish the history and impoortance of folk song – Folk Radio UK 

18th July: Stables.
The alt-folk duo formed by Matthew Lowe (Keston Cobblers Club) and Daniel Trenholme.

Stables was formed in January 2016 during late night drinks between Matthew and Daniel in London. Matthew was working on a new project idea at the time and, after playing through what was to become their first single, 'Steam', at 5 am, the duo was born, and quickly went public four months later.

'Beyond Brushes' (their debut album) was released to critical acclaim just nine months after, in August 2016, and was championed by the likes of BBC's Steve Lamacq, Tom Robinson and BBC6 Recommends amongst others, soon establishing them firmly on the circuit, with a growing fan base.

Just a month after the release Matthew and Daniel embarked on their first UK headline tour, followed by a small French headline. Stables put emphasis on 'energy' when playing live; switching instruments and producing the sound of a full band, with big harmonies and varied styles. Matthew says; 'I always wanted to create a simple sound that could then be taken further when needed, from a small folk club, to a large festival stage'. Stables have gone on to tour the UK further, performing at major festivals including Glastonbury Festival and five European headline tours in just over a year.

Stables' second album, 'Reverie', was released at the end of February 2018.

Cracking Stuff!' Steve Lamacq, BBC Radio 2 & 6 Music

Personal favourite- Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6 Music

25th  July:  Double Header: Tom & Manny McKenzie; Chris Elliott & Caitlin Jones.

Tom McKenzie is a singer-songwriter from Bradford who performs both original songs and covers around Yorkshire.

Tom records, mixes and masters all of his own music and has been doing so since the age of 15. His songs range from acoustic folk to indie. His newest album Tom McKenzie, is folkier than earlier material with a focus on acoustic instrumentation and live arrangements – the double bass, mandolin and fiddle taking larger roles.

Tom has performed in many venues including York Racecourse, Leeds University Union and Bradford Centenary Square, with radio play on a wide range of local radio stations.

Go and check out Tom McKenzie, it is rare to find such talent – Success Circuit

Making waves across Yorkshire with his delightful style of acoustic folk – York Calling

A breakout artist with real potential for a swift upwards climb – Mad Alice Records

http://tommckenzie.co.uk/

Chris Elliot and Caitlin Jones are a Staffordshire-based duo playing traditional and original music inspired by the English folk tradition. Well-known locally as part of the successful Bric-a-Brac, who gave the Topic a great night and also wowed audiences in other local venues such as The Castle and Black Dyke Mills Heritage Venue, we are looking forward to what is sure to be a great evening’s entertainment.

https://chrisandcaitlinmusic.org.uk/  

NON-TOPIC STUFF.

I've been asked to mention what sounds a very interesting folk-related event taking place in Leeds City Centre on Tuesday 16th July.

Its a double bill of  folk gig/performance lecture by Chloe Bezer, cellist and theatre-maker who presents a mix of theatre story-telling and live music,  called Women and Other Exhibits and Lucy Lill's epic wonder tale The Flaming Queen.

More details can be found here: https://chloebezer.bandcamp.com/merch/double-bill-women-and-other-exhibits-and-the-flaming-queen

The venue is Wharf Chambers, 23-25 Wharf Street LS2 7EQ, Tuesday 16th July 7.30 pm, tickets are £7.

TOPIC STUFF 

The sale of Vegan Burgers in the bistro area has become a feature of club nights for those who get that hungry feeling during the evening, thanks to the culinary skills of Phil McCowen.

MEMBERSHIP

If you would like to become a member of the Topic Folk club it still only costs only £5.00 for the year. 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. 

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".

Tony Charnock

Topic Newsletter Editor