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At: The Merchant Bar, 25 Peckover Street,
Little Germany, Bradford, BD1 5BD Tel: 01274 721100

Est: 1956

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Topic Newsletter

TOPIC FOLK CLUB, BRADFORD

At The Merchant Bar, 25 Peckover Street, Little Germany, BD1 5BD

Newsletter No 211 - January 2020

Hello and a Happy New Year to one and all,

Well, new year, new decade, but no changes at the Topic which continues, as you can see, to bring quality acoustic music to help us all through the winter gloom.

2nd January: Singers and musicians. Free entry.

9th January : Philip Cockerham Trio.

Philip Cockerham is a singer, performer and songwriter based in West Yorkshire, but plays nationally on the folk and acoustic music scene. His songs contain a range of sometimes humorous but always thought-provoking themes, with memorable hooks and irresistible choruses. There are also some familiar traditional songs, but delivered in a refreshingly different way. It's not surprising then, that Phil has been gaining a deserved reputation with his original material and his entertaining performances.

Supported with his collection of acoustic instruments, Phil Cockerham captivates audiences with his music in a range of styles. His relaxed and confident personality instantly engages and puts people at their ease. Whether he is performing solo, or as most often is the case when he is accompanied by ace double bass player, Dave Bowie and percussionist/harmonist Dickie Dixon, an enjoyable night is promised.

Since his emergence in recent years, many people have discovered Phil and his songs, and other musicians are now covering songs he has written and recorded. £6/£5

His music is charismatic and powerful...totally traverses the old and new, yet Philip has his own style and take on things too... Jumbo Records

...he is an impressive performer and songwriter... with engaging songs ranging from topical and catchy tunes to thoughtful ballads -Craven Herald and Pioneer

www.philipcockerham.com

16th January: Mockingbirds.

Mockingbirds are Cath Harney and Pam Johnson who say “ We both love singing and writing songs together. Although we both perform solo we seem to spend most of our time enjoying being ‘Mockingbirds’”. We’d both been singing and playing guitar and ukulele for years before getting together and realising how well our voices blended. Now we sing and play together as Mockingbirds whenever we can at local venues, open mic nights and charity fundraisers”.

“Mockingbirds are a very vocal bird. They love to sing and often do it every evening throughout the year.”

Cath and Pam kindly stood in to play at the Topic at very short notice earlier in the year following a last minute cancellation with little or no time to publicise their appearance. At the time they were already booked for tonight’s gig, so we have no hesitation in welcoming them back so soon after their previous performance. £6/£5

www.mockingbirds.uk

23rd January: Hazjak.

Hazjak are Steve Chapman Smith and Lynne O'Malley, both well known and respected on the Northern music circuit and have decided to bring their musical talents together .

Steve has performed and recorded with Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, Susan Herndon, Ghostdance, The Troubadors and has recorded 4 John Peel sessions with Red Lorry Yellow Lorry and Ghostdance. He writes gritty songs about real life - some political rants, some heart-wrenching love songs, and plays guitar, banjo and bouzouki.

Lynne is known for her harmony singing with a capella folk trio Yan Tan Tether and arranges harmonies for Henry Priestman and Les Glover. She writes songs about experiences and people she has met, and arranges harmonies for Steve's songs. She plays banjo, piano and percussion. Together they write songs and create a sound that is varied - from close harmony country rock to stark thoughtful folk to fun upbeat numbers. £6/£5

www.hazjak.com

30th January: Sam Kelly Duo.

Sam Kelly is a Cornwall-based singer, song-writer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. As a young child Sam spent many a night enraptured, listening to his Irish grandfather tell folk tales, sing folk songs, and play folk tunes on his melodeon. Having caught the bug, Sam has dedicated his life to rediscovering and renewing the sounds of his gaelic heritage, and creating exciting new music that transcends the boundaries of traditional and popular music.

Sam’s debut EP – entitled ‘Your Way Home’ was released in March 2013, featuring Beth Porter (Eliza Carthy Band) on cello. This created a buzz of interest in the folk scene for Sam’s music, being described by Bright Young Folk as a ‘captivating introduction to a name we’ll be sure not to forget.’, and gaining him support slots with the likes of Cara Dillon, Jim Moray and Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, as well as numerous folk clubs around the country.

Coming from a family largely made up of dairy farmers has left Sam with an unmatched experience for performing in front of hurtfully disinterested Friesians – and his musical journey ranges from reaching the final of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, to being selected for the first ever EFDSS Artist Development scheme.

Sam has such a beautiful voice and sings with so much soul. I’ve seen him perform live a few times and he’s amazing…he’s so talented. Cara Dillon

A captivating performer, Sam Kelly has one of the best young male voices in British acoustic roots music. Seriously…Check him out! Sean Lakeman

Jamie Francis is a Bristol based banjo player, guitarist and songwriter. He started gigging at the age of 12, and grew up surrounded by both the blues music popular in his home town of Maryport, and the Irish folk music played by his father. His playing and songwriting styles reflect these varied influences.

From the duo expect to hear haunting harmonies, soaring tunes and melodies, charming anecdotes and instrumental performances of the highest calibre, all led by Sam’s unmistakable vocals. £6/5

http://www.samkelly.org/

TOPIC STUFF

The following were elected on to the committee at last month's AGM:

Sue Gaffney; John Waller; Martin Richards;Neil Etherington; Liz Narey; Jane Ramsden; Rahel Guzelian; Tony Charnock

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 The Merchant Bar, 25 Peckover Street, Little Germany BD1 5BD, 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 (though may be limited when we have a booked support act - please check). Please arrive by 7.45 pm if you’d like a slot – it helps the MC to plan the evening. Would-be floor singers please note that for the time being we may change the format of the evening slightly and have all the floor singers at the beginning of the first half to start the night.

It's not set in stone, but it may help the evening run smoothly and ensure that the finish time is strictly adhered to, so that the necessary furniture moving etc can be attended to.

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

Best wishes

Tony Charnock
Topic Newsletter Editor