Tudor Folk Club
Chesham, Bucks, England

Archive for 2005

17th January 2005 - Brian Peters and Gordon Tyrrall

"They shake the shackles of the English tradition with a full-blooded acoustic attack"

Rock'n'Reel

"Proof that British folk music can be modern, respectful of tradition, powerful and exciting"

Folk Roots

A fantastic start to 2005's guest nights with this versatile and exciting duo.

7th February 2005 - Dana and Susan Robinson

"...rural America explored with elegant simplicity. Their music and cleanly poetic songwriting bring to mind the great folksingers of our times"

Asheville Citizen-Times

Dana and Susan make music that is a perfect blend of the old and new, bringing roots and tradition to contemporary songwriting. With depth, and clarity, Dana writes songs about America, the land and its people. They bring to their performances an understanding of America's musical heritiage.
We had Dana and Susan with us last year and we just had to have them back.

21st February 2005 - James Keelaghan

It's been some years now since James last played at Tudor, so when we heard he was touring the UK this year we thought he was another artist we just had to have back.

With his beautiful self penned songs and his interpretation of North American music, a super night is promised.
James will be accompanied by Jane Clark on fiddle and Hugh McMillan on bass. Don't miss this night to remember.

14th March 2005 - John Wright

Here's a review of the gig. John didn't disappoint!

It's over 3 years ago that John last played at Tudor, and his performance made us realise how much we'd missed him. Superbly supported by Joe Topping and Ruth Angell, John once again delivered a collection of the best contemporary material sung as only he can. With songs from his last 3 CD's and the new 4 track "EP", most of the material was new to us but deeply enjoyed for all that. Let's hope another 3 years doesn't have to pass 'till we see him again.

4th April 2005 - The Queensberry Rules

Jumping rockabilly from the band that impressed us mightily when they did a floor spot for us over a year ago. They've now got 3 CDs out and have been playing high profile support spots to Jez Lowe, The Strawbs (who are coming to Tudor in September!), Christine Collister and Chris and Kellie While to name but a few.
The band have created a sound that is influenced by the music they love, but at the same time uniquely different to those influences and the scene around them. With successful festival dates behind them, the Queensbury Rules will soon be huge, so catch them now while you still can. Only £5 for members and £6 for visitors.

18th April 2005 - Artisan

The trio's 20th anniversary and final tour. Your last chance to see one of the finest ever a cappella harmony groups at Tudor. They've finally decided to call it a day, but we have one more chance to hear their beautiful sound. Only £6 for members and £8 for visitors.

9th May 2005 - Bob Fox

The man with Tudor Folk coming out of his ears. A welcome return for the most accomplished of singers. Only £6 for members and £7 for visitors.

23rd May 2005 - Kelly While

The last time we saw Kelly was last year when she was supporting Pentangle. This time we have her for the whole evening, to show us why she's building up the plaudits wherever she performs.

13th June 2005 - Pete Quin

Fine singer, songwriter and guitarist Pete was well known around the folk circuit but then real life got in the way for a while. But now he's back entertaining audiences wherever he appears, and we're looking forward to an evening of good songs, well sung, with loads of great choruses.

27th June 2005 - Tom Napper Tom Bliss

You must see these guys. 'if they don't make as big a splash as Show Of Hands, it won't be the fault of their music' 'brimming with excellence' 'actually fantastically good'
Just some of the reviews from around the country for these two musicians. This is going to be a great night.

18th July 2005 - Benji Kirkpatrick

Benji is carving out a name for himself as a solo artist and with Bellowhead - who won a BBC Folk Award this year. On bouzouki and guitars, and with a fine voice, Benji's performance will be a superb way to ease ourselves into the summer, just as his Dad did last year. Tickets only £5 for members and £6 for visitors.

12th September 2005 - Vin Garbutt

One of the best known performers on the music scene today, and one of the most sought after. Tudor has managed to get Vin back after too long an absence so we can enjoy his witty and powerful song-writing and his accomplished and fine guitar and whistle playing. All this mixed in with his own inimitable humour and repartee.

26th September 2005 - Acoustic STRAWBS

Acoustic Strawbs play classic Strawbs songs with the integrity and musicianship for which the band has always been recognised. The three man line up of Dave Cousins on guitar, dulcimer, banjo and vocals, Dave Lambert on guitar and vocals, plus 70's band member Chas Cronk on guitar, bass and vocals guarantees a marvelous evening.
Be sure to book in advance so you too can be "Part of the Union" on this memorable night. Tickets at £10 for visitors and £9 for members are available in advance direct from the club or by writing to John Hatton, 519 Waterside, Chesham, Bucks HP5 1QF enclosing a stamped self addressed envelope and a cheque payable to Tudor Folk Club for the necessary amount.

October 10th 2005 - Singers Night featuring New Roots finalists Hazel and Emily Askew

Every year the New Roots competition at St Albans produces a host of new young talent. Hazel and Emily delighted the audience and judges with their playing, and now's your chance to see them at Tudor where they will play an extended set during our otherwise regular singers' night.

17th October 2005 - String Whistle

...are Dave Rickard - keyboards, guitar, vocals - and Rob Mitchell - whistles, flutes, recorders, clarinet, sax, vocals.

Formed in 1980, they were residents at Dartford Folk Club for many years, and were regular performers at clubs and festivals in Kent and along the south coast in the '80s. After a 9 year sabbatical, this lively duo went back on the road in 1998 with even more experience behind them. Dave had taken a jazz diploma, played in several bands and continued to gig with Opus 2 with wife Anne who is a member of the renowned harmony trio "Dangerous Curves". Rob developed his talent as writer and arranger of music for dramatic productions which have been performed at such prestigious venues as Minack!

Rob and Dave have always revelled in their eclectic mix of music encompassing traditional and original music and they link their material with witty and informative banter. They are currently featuring material from their latest CD "Spirits of the Past" which was inspired by some of Dave's more positive , experiences as a participant in the BBC's 'Surviving the Iron Age'. The title track and some tunes were written by Dave, and there are some delightful Celtic tunes and songs from the wider Celtic tradition, specifically from Brittany, Wales and Isle of Man, plus some old favourites.

31st October 2005 - The Witches of Elswick

Join us for a halloween night with Bryony Griffith, Fay Hield, Becky Stockwell and Gillian Tolfrey. Collectively known as The Witches of Elswick they produce "A cappella harmony with attitude"

"Four young women, each with strong and melodious voices, bring fire, commitment, imagination and fun to a variety of traditional songs from these islands. Their vocal arrangements for four parts are delicious, and the sounds they create are gorgeous. They can enchant, engage and excite. They are The Witches. They are magic!" (so says Sandra Kerr, and she should know.)

14th November 2005 - Steve Tilston

"Steve Tilston can stand shoulder to shoulder with any singer/songwriter/guitarist in the world." writes Dirty Linen magazine.
Steve is the writer of the classic songs "The Slip Jigs and Reels", "The Naked Highwayman", and "Here's to Tom Paine" so this is your chance to hear them and others as their writer intended them to be heard. Steve's superb guitar playing complements his unique voice to make for an evening you won't forget.

28th November 2005 - Dave Ellis and Boo Howard

Back by popular demand almost 2 years to the day since they were last with us.
Based in London, some scintillating live performances have won them a loyal following in the folk and acoustic clubs with Boo handling most of the vocals and occasionally adding a second guitar to Dave’s 6 string, banjo and highly individual 12 string playing.
Back in the 70's, Dave had national exposure via appearances on the BBC’s Old Grey Whistle Test and In Concert shows. From the folk clubs he found himself graduating to support slots for the Edgar Broughton Band(!) at London’s Rainbow Theatre, and Rod Stewart at Reading Festival. Dave was also a familiar name on the posters outside those famous bastions of the then London music scene, the Marquee and the Roundhouse. Happy days...

Eventually Dave became involved in bands and as a result met up with Boo Howard. The pair began to write together as well as independently, and the strength of their material was such that both secured publishing deals, with EMI and Chappell recognising their songwriting abilities.

Some time has passed since then and, having survived the post-punk wasteland, they continued to collaborate and eventually the time seemed right for a recorded collection of their work - their debut album “Maybe I Might Fall.”

Intoxicating harmony vocals, terrific guitar playing and stunning songs... "Amber" is the second album from Dave Ellis & Boo Howard and is, despite such qualities, a remarkably understated delight from start to finish.

12th December 2005 - Mike Silver

It's been far too long since Mike was with us - 5 years in fact. In that time he came to be heard and loved nationally with loads of radio plays of "A matter of pride" from his "Solid Silver" album.
With his dulcet, honeyed tenor voice and immaculate accompaniment on guitar, Mike will provide the perfect ending to Tudor's 2005 guest programme.