A review of last night a KFFC, over 20 lines so read if interested or bored!

Another great night at KFFC last night. The evening started with the usual singaround in the bar, I missed most of this as I was hindering Graeme (from Brother Crow- soundman superb) sound checking the acts. I only really caught Joolz Cavell & Wendy Arrowsmith harmonising on a great version of Joolz's song, Baba.

Excellent audience again, many traveling a considerable distance....thank you for making the effort, it all helps to keep music live!

First act up was the finest funky mandolin toting quirky songwriter ever heard in Kirkby Fleetham (OK, so the only funky mandolin toting quirky songwriter ever heard in KF) but great stuff anyway. There is a strangely dark side to Robin Bailey's mind....where else could those songs come from. If you are a bloke with a shed and a collection of toy soldiers, just make sure your wife doesn't have access to petrol and matches........you'll have to buy his album (only a fiver!) if you want to know more! and can he play mandolin...phew!

Tom Bliss's first set was very finely crafted, the more I listen to his songs, the more I like them. He has an honest, thoughtful style of both presentation and songwriting. A very polished professional.

Franana were great, it's fantastic to see such talent being unleashed onto the "folk" scene via the Newcastle degree. Fran is a superb singer, I especially enjoyed her unaccompanied singing (can't remember what it was....but I'm sure she will tell us!) and the Bob Dylan cover dedicated to her Dad who had come all the way from Wakefield to see her. Her own songs show real promise, very emotional and with strong melodies. Fantastic musical accompaniment from Chris Meredith on guitar and virtuoso accordion from Amy Thatcher....beautifully understated and subtle. The talent just drips from them all. Now Fran, about those keyboards............

Tom's 2nd set was probably even better than his first, more fine songs and tunes, some trad arr. some his own, some other peoples, all masterfully interpreted. The range of instruments he plays means that he firmly keeps the attention of the audience especially when interspersed with his very funny monologues....delivered with an actors aplomb. This man deserves to be even more famous than he is!

Late night singaround was it's usual riotous self. I even had time to get the banjo out and polish up some of the Blind Sum'it repertoire with Wendy & Joolz. Top contributions from future support acts Sue & Dave Swales and the Pearson Clan and from the visiting Fyrish who quickly became a future support act! More fine songs from the regulars, 1.45am came around all to quickly and another fab night was over!

I now need to get my skates on, we have a gig later.....and the KFFC Bluegrass special on Monday evening.......be good to see a lot of people of there too.

Paul