Martyn Wyndham-Read performing during his wonderful evening of songs and stories at Norwich Folk Club early in May (Photograph by Keith Garnham)
NORWICH FOLK CLUB REVIEWS AND PHOTOS:-
REVIEW OF AELFAR :- 1 February 2008
Talented local duo Aelfar presented an appealing range of material, from medieval tunes and traditional folk to classical Italian songs via the Beguine. Katherine Fryer's unique vocal delivery was enchanting - her crystal notes are often spine-tingling. Guitarist Chris Davis ably demonstrated his versatility and brought a lightness of touch to his accompaniment.
Martyn Wyndham-Read performing during his wonderful evening of songs and stories at Norwich Folk Club early in May (Photograph by Keith Garnham)
Photograph of Tania Opland & Mike Freeman at Norwich Folk Club by Keith Garnham
Photographs of Danasooz at Norwich Folk Club by Keith Garnham
REVIEW OF MIRANDA SYKES and JENNY CROOK (Review by Lin Robinson)
Miranda Sykes made a return visit to Norwich Folk Club
on the 3rd February but this time with Jenny Crook.
Miranda and Jenny entertained us with their
double bass, harp, guitar and vocals.
They sang beautiful self penned songs by Jenny,
along with some traditional numbers all served up
with wonderful combinations from the instruments.
An audience of 60 people shared the evening’s
delights and anyone who didn’t come missed a
truly wonderful evening. It’s a treat to be
able to listen to such huge instruments, played so well,
in combination with each other and great singing too.
The end of the evening was buzzing with people’s comments
and nobody wanting to leave, another successful guest night
at Norwich Folk Club!
REVIEW OF JON BODEN and JOHN SPIERS
at Norwich Folk Club, 10 March 2006 (by Steve Evans)
Anyone who has cooked those trays of small Yorkshire puddings
knows that it is all too easy to get it wrong;
some on one side can get burned or conversely they can be soggy.
The trick is to get the finest ingredients, skilfully mix them,
and oversee the process like a master chef.
The chairman was in fine form, the floor singers did a good job,
then it was the turn of Jon and John.
Fresh from their triumph at the Folk Awards,
they put on a great show. Mixing traditional songs with,
as John Spiers put it, ‘fake’ pieces written by Jon,
they kept the musos happy, while their songs were a pleasure.
Both were driven along by an infectious energy.
‘Horn Fair’, ‘Old Maui’ and ‘Bold Sir Rylas’,
just a small sample from their eclectic repertoire.
Stories and asides delivered whilst they tuned up
ensured that there were no flat spots during the whole performance.
John Spiers carts around enough melodeons to fill a small shop,
but all of their instruments are brought into play,
including a 30-inch square piece of shuttering ply,
balanced on a framework,
which Jon thumps with his foot to provide percussion.
Whatever the fee was they were worth every penny!
REVIEW OF PETE COE (by John Matthews):-
Pete Coe at Norwich Folk Club
Pete Coe has appeared at Norwich Folk Club on many memorable
occasions, but his recent visit in January must surely be his best
yet. If ever there was a hard-working musician to compare with Mr
Coe, I would like to meet him. His stepping boots were on the go
nearly all evening and often in conjunction with singing and
delivering lively stuff on the melodeon - exhausting just to watch.
He also entertained on bouzouki, dulcimer and banjo and there were
quieter numbers: his treatment of Cyril Tawney's 'Monday Morning' was
a show-stopper. He had a good audience this time and he 'worked his
socks off'.
REVIEW OF FLOSSIE (by Bridget):-
Flossie at Norwich Folk Club
‘Stratospherically good!’
‘Where else can you see someone so talented for £4?’
These were just a couple of comments from members on the club’s recent visit from Flossie, which was one of our most enjoyable evenings so far. Flossie’s laid-back charm and dry humour won us over from the first - her great voice and the range of songs made for a very entertaining time. Lyrics came in three languages – and even the raffle became bilingual. There was quite a buzz around the CD table at break time and appreciative phone calls first thing on the Saturday, asking for more copies – I don’t think that has ever happened before!
And just one more quote:
‘What an excellent evening and vivacious performer. Her incredible
Darlington/French accent - I'd buy a CD just with her talking!!’
www.flossie-malavialle.co.uk