Thanks all who came. I had a great time so I hope everyone else did too. Once again it was different from every other one we've had. Several people commented on it.
It was lovely to see everyone and great that people had come from so far away. We had people from Chester, Leek, Aylesbury and Harrow. The quality of the singing and music was wonderful and included at least three, no four...no more than that...people I would pay money to listen to. I have to say, as I said to her, that Amanda Diamond should be making and selling records. She is easily on a par with people like Kate Rusby.... a stunning singer.
I was kept totally happy as well, by hearing Eddie Richard's do "The Hiring Fair" which is one of my all time favourites. He was right when he said he'd never have got out of there alive if he hadn't done it for me. He also did "Meet on the Ledge" which is another one to make me totally happy. Houston Diamond did "No Woman No Cry", which I can listen to over and over again. Steve Thomason was brilliant as ever. Mandotim was great and very useful since he can and does join in with all the music and I loved hearing the Country Joe and the Fish number he did, though amused to see that the only people laughing at it were the over 40s. Several younger people sat there listening with blank faces and not understanding most of it.
Tim and Neil on Swanee whistles were...interesting. Rachel (Cally Hanna) has obviously been doing a lot of practising and was great on both the concertina and the whistle. All the others were equally enjoyable and made a really good evening.
I must say I was so proud of my ShadyLady, who has always been quite a good singer though lacking in lung capacity. Suddenly her voice has become bigger, but remains beautifully clear. I know I'm a bit biased but I think she does brilliantly for 12 years old.
Once again, thank you everyone, it was wonderful to see and hear you all. We4 must make sure we continue to do the sessions regularly again. Still trying to find an alternative venue though, as the landlord remains a surly and unwelcoming sod even though we must have more than doubled his normal Thursday evening takings.