Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 06:23 AM

Pleeeeeez! He needs a new name....he can't be called that! Makes me cringe everytime I read that! Desperately, trying to think of a suitably 'cool' name to replace it..!
He says you can come round and have a go on his drums and laughed at the saucepan bit, cos he actually broke the handle off one of mine once when he was doing a comedy sketch using saucepans as replacement drum kit, (Don't worry, I would lock my saucepans away while you were here and haven't got any knitting needles, phew!)
His main drumming icon is/was Keith Moon because of his performance style, as much as for his actual drumming.
Re my woffle above, I guess musical tolerance towards others is important, in the same way as it is in life, itself. I don't like all music but not everyone likes the music I do, either. So, I figure, if I respect other's efforts, they are more likely to be patient about mine and give me a fair hearing, or least not throw tomatoes...
By the way, when I use the word 'musician', I also include vocalists, sorry if I didn't make that clear. To me, their voices are one of the most valuable instruments, there are. Maybe, I should have just used words 'music lover' to mean all those who appreciate or make music in a positive way...doh!
I guess, I could have just said 'Keep Music Live' and Live and Let Live' it would have been quicker!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 04:33 AM

LOL Rockhen, the thought of you doing the Birdie Dance, can't you think of something better.
I think your comments etc show that you have your feet firmly on the ground and I don't think you are talking rubbish.
I love music and to me, it makes the world go around, and is a very social thing. Met so many nice poeple through the folk world.
I don't know why I never took up playing an instrument. Drumming was always my favourite. LOL, when I was young and the old man and woman had gone out, I used to get all the saucepans, glasses, cans etc, out and the knitting needles and at that time it was Rock n Roll and belt the hell out of the saucepans etc.My mother always wondered why her knitting pins were out of shape LOL.
Sandy Nelson was a role model for drumming at that time, then I got hooked with Ginger Baker and his drumming. Who is Rockcocks drumming icon?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Sooz
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 04:13 AM

What she said (again)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 06:45 PM

Sorry...I think this sounds a bit pretentious but,in my opinion...the day you think you have sung every song perfectly, and played every note exactly right...is maybe the day you should take a deep breath and think why you are bothering. I love music, I love writing, playing and listening to it. In my view, it is more than just a mechanical performance or series of correctly executed notes at the correct time and volume etc. It is a wonderful medium of expression and can make those performing or listening, feel lifted or deeply moved by it...it can make you cry with laughter or feel any one of 1000 other emotions.
It is a fantastic way of sharing time with others and I for one cannot imagine life without it...ok, so I am a bit of an addict and ever-so slightly obsessed with music and all that it goes with it...! Life can be great, terrible, tedious, beautiful and music, for me, is a way of responding to all that life throws at you good, bad or indifferent and sharing that response with others. A way of switching off from the hassles of everyday life in our times.
You are right, Villan, when you say, we work hard if we are performing, to produce hopefully our best efforts. If you are fortunate enough to be able to play well enough, or sing tunefully enough, share it with others and be grateful for the opportunities you have had and any skills you have been able to develop, as well as justly proud of the work you have put in practising to achieve whatever level you reach.
I know some musicians who turn their noses up at playing unless it is somewhere with sufficient 'status' or cash reward to make it appear worthwhile to them. OK, in theory, maybe it would be nice to be paid wads of dosh every time you played or met with adoring fans before and after every performance...most of us, like a bit of encouragement and recognition...but it is good to be able to get pleasure out of playing purely for the fun and friendship of the experience. I also know some musicians who rate others by the exams they have passed or musical qualifications plonked (haha) after their names. I think that is narrow-minded and, in itself, ignorant.
In this technological age, it would be easy for music making to become a thing which only happened in gadget-swamped studios...thank goodness for the 'Villans' of the world, LOL and all those who try to keep live music available to all.

Blooming heck what a load of old rubbish I've just written..and not touched a drop of red wine, honest! Thanks to all who put up with me talking rubbish as usual, especially those poor souls who actually manage to tolerate playing along and singing with me...LOL
Think I'm going to go off here and play that masterpiece, The Birdie Dance' to uplift me spiritually...

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 03:52 PM

As I said before, you are not going to be able to please everyone, and one wouldn't expect that.

I endorse what Tim said

Quote

I think that if you guys can sit there and entertain us for twenty five or fourty minutes and play how many thousand notes? pefectly you would have to be a machine of some sort and none of you are mechanical.
Just people with love of and gift for music. The more you perform with your heart and the less with your intellects the more enjoyable I find the music.

Unquote

I am not really sure how long MRFC has been running (two years or more), but in all honesty, I cannot remember one evening where I can say that I didn't enjoy the evening. Just to see performers go up there and give of their best for 25 minutes or more is just amazing. OK there are performers who are learning to perform in such an environment, some who are past that stage and are honing their skills to attain a higher level and some who have obtained that higher level. However at the end of the day, they have all contributed to a smashing evening and should be proud as a team of what they have achieved. Most audiences will never know just how much effort and sense of pride in wanting to please the audience goes with all performers. Its not just a question of rolling up and just doing it. Every person who has appeared at MRFC has put a lot of hard work into honing their performance, and the majority have day jobs to do as well and play for the love of it.

Discuss :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 03:10 PM

I never made any mistakes, no, not me, never did nuffink wrong whatsoever, was note-perfect performance...
I like the fact that the club is open-minded about lots of music and not just interested in a narrow band of certain types of traditional folk music.(Not that I dislike, 'traditional folk music', however you define it, far from it...) Clubs have to work hard to keep people interested and if they become too specific in the requirements of types of music, or songs, for acts, can be a bit off-putting for newcomers.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Ian
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 02:03 PM

Hello everyone,well thanks again for a great night.Did you make any mistakes Helen?Oh well i guess i was too busy trying to look anything but nervous while you sat behind me.I think i understood what Big Al means about not liking folk.I am glad clubs like this are around to give everyone a crack at any song they want to play.Being judged on the songs and not if they fit with the folk scene is how i see it.
I sit and wonder why i bother performing when i see and hear all the other wonderful performers.It is so humbling to even be a part of it all.I hope i did not wreck the Tracy Chapman number for anyone who may have liked it before.Thanks for remark on my attempt at Clive Gregson song Big Al.
Look forward to seeing you all at Big Les venue again very soon.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Sooz
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:57 PM

Sorry to have missed Big Al - it sounds as if you had a great time. It's time the Fence appeared at MRFC (like the new colour scheme on the website BTW) Click here to find out about his new CD and to hear some soundbites.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:41 PM

Is a great idea but...er...not volunteering...could u just have it like a visitor's book that is left out and people sign if they want to when visiting the club? Would it need any maintaining?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:33 PM

Thats a very good idea Tim. Do I have a volunteer for looking after the Visitors Book ?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:29 PM

Doh! we could make it like a scrap boook and have photose in it etc

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:29 PM

It all added to the charm Rockhen.
Its so nice to see you all conversing with each other.
I can never remember titles Twangy. Its hard enough trying to remember names.
It just amazes me how singers remember all the words.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:26 PM

Hey Les just a thought but could we have a visitors book for the club so everyone that came along could leave details and mudcat names etc
Might be fun to look back on over time

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:20 PM

thats the great thing about doing your own songs - nobody knows if thats the way its meant to be. On the second song - my mind just seized up and I couldn't remeber the intro at all - luckily, only my dear wife knew I was playing COMPLETE crap - although a few people may have twigged something was awry.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:06 PM

i made more than 4 mistakes...i can never count them...it was his lordship said 4 mistakes not me!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:02 PM

I think you did put that over pretty well and humerously Big
Can I call you big?
I just missed it out in trying to do reveiw.
I avoid trying to list songs and stuff 'cos although I do listen and enjoy I have terrible memory ,hence inability to remember titles etc.
and meant to put bluesy jazzy folky country but hey typing bad as memory.
All in all I thought was a great night of music for £3.
I also think that due to my lack of musical education I get extra pleasure from the club because of the variety of music on offer and the fact that most of the stuff we get to hear is new to me.
So that is my excuse for not singing many of the chorus's etc
Rockhen tells me she made four mistake in her playing and seems quite put out by that .
I think that if you guys can sit there and entertain us for twenty five or fourty minutes and play how many thousand notes? pefectly you would have to be a machine of some sort and none of you are mechanical.
Just people with love of and gift for music. The more you perform with your heart and the less with your intellects the more enjoyable I find the music.
Discuss!
(he he all answers to Mr. Les Worral please!)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 10:40 AM

why weelittledrummer, Al? you played guitar...or am I being dense?!
We do use pa when we do gigs elsewhere but the Folk club set up is usually acoustic so if some artists early in the night use pa then others don't afterwards, it doesn't always work. However, if the last act uses pa, like you did, that is fine or if the last x amount of acts use pa, it is also fine because no one has to do an acoustic set after them, which is difficult. I have had experience of that happening and it is difficult to follow someone with pa if you are doing an acoustic spot. Thanks, Al for the offer re pa, it was generous of you to offer the use of yours and in different circumstances, we would have probably used it. woffle woffle zzzzzz! :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 09:51 AM

terrific, why didn't you introduce yourself, I was looking round all night wondering who it was.
I wish you and a few more acts, Una for example had used the PA - acoustically the room seemed a bit flat. I don't think it would have been right for Liam. the shoe tapping would have started things off probably. The first lady with the gutsy voice though and yourselves - it would have enabled you to relax abit more vocally.

Reel in the Flickering Light was by Colm Gallagher and you're right, it is a beautiful song. I first heard Christy Moore sing it on that arts programme review thing on the telly.
that economy of technique - so few chords and so many pictures and the animated turns of phrase, and the way each animal and the hapless narrator is given a personality with a few brush strokes.

still that's the Irish for you..... words and epic tales!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 09:29 AM

He he. You can dance on the tables if you want Rockhen. In all honesty, we all have our likes and dislikes in music and style and it would be a boring old world if we all liked the same. That's what I hope is so good about MRFC, is the variety of performers.
I liked all the acts last night, so I am a bit lucky really :-)
That song that Al did about the animals was very slick and clever and had the audience immersed from what I could see, but the old beaver song was very funny as you say Rockhen :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 09:05 AM

just don't allow dancing on the tables....shame, Villan!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 09:03 AM

Hey Al, I played the piano last night...well, I tried at least, I think I made more mistakes each time I play but hey I enjoyed it anyway! Was a good night all round I thought. Everyone is always very friendly and supportive at Villan's club. Is a great night out.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 08:56 AM

Sorry I'm useless at this, who was Rockhen?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 08:30 AM

Hey, Al and Villan, all posting at once...! Great songs, Al...refreshingly different and the Brazilian one was particularly funny!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 08:27 AM

Thanks for that, Twangy. Hey, so someone actually does listen to the words, then?!!!
Was a good night and the variety makes it even more enjoyable. Was good to see the youthful Mr Robinson again,...even though he has got the relaxed performance style of an old hand and puts quivering nervous old wrecks like me to shame with his easy chat and excellent playing. Loved hearing the last bit of his set, especially with his 2 companions. They did some great singing as a trio.
Think Twangy said it all about the other acts, I agree with most of it ...some great 'acts' (you were very kind about us, thanks, I'll pay you later!) although, unlike Twangy, I didn't fancy the lady with the 'voice' from No fixed Abode...she just wasn't my type!
Is great to meet so many other music lovers and is good to watch and steal ideas for performing, too!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 08:22 AM

Big thanks there Al for coming such a distance and the same for No Fixed Abode. You weren't joking when you told me what a lovely voice Una (No Fixed Abode) had. She is truly blessed, and Tony so sensitive with the guitar work.
Al you did an excellent Spotlight Guest performance. I only got very good comments.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 08:16 AM

Excellent Twangy. knew I could rely on you. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 08:14 AM

Actually Tim I didn't say I didn't like folk music.
Thankyou for your review. I do appreciate anybody taking an interest or discussing my approach to folk music.
What I seemed to have failed to convey is that(despite having a fairly folky family background - Irish, Irish Gypsy, Lancashire miners, clogdancers) to my certain knowledge no one in the last 150 years in my family sang in the preferred accent, or in the modal style favoured by English folk revival.

In one of the great strategic mistakes of my career, I forbore from joining the great Walter Gabriel soundalike competition and tuning my guitar in DADGAD. That last (avoiding DADGAD tuning) was just narrow mindedness - Ken Nicol turned me on to its DADGAD's amazing possibilities last year.

However the shunning of adopting the all purpose rustic voice was an attempt at integrity.

It was a nice night, although I was very tired and made a few mistakes in my guitar playing. Earlier in the day I had been forced to attend a Speed Awareness course in Leicester after being done by a camera going slighly over the limit. I had driven straight there from Leicester.

Everybody was very nice to me, and you do great club over there in Market Rasen - you can be justly proud of it. I wish you all well, and thankyou for your hospitality.

al

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 07:19 AM

Indeed I will try Les,
First let me congratulate you on providing yet another line up of artistes varied in all musical ways except for the quality of performance.
They all did what they do and did it very well.
That sounds bad don't it?
What I mean is to compare one to another would be well nigh impossible!
However at the starting line Miss Abbott and Mr. Eyre.
I love this ladies voice and the passion that erupts through her voice and minimalist playing just grabs me and drags me along whatever road she happens to be wondering along.
Mr. Eyre provides the clever, sweet sounding "twiddley" bits.
The bits that all aspiring players of twangling objects would love to be able to do, then he sings and solos they are a great start to any evening.
Just one thing was wrong last night I didn't have the nerve to go say what a brilliant song "Teach you to dance?" is, superb song superb performances.
Mr. Robinson and Company.
Does any one else get a sinking feeling when they see a squeezebox approaching in a confined space?
But no worries here, why can't they all play em like this?
Great, lively, interesting,
jiggy reeely dancy music.
Not ear bashing volume and dirges.
This trio's set was over in about three minutes it seemed to me.
Now I don't know what the tunes origins where or who collected collated or added the lyric.
But I know that I wanted to dance around drink loads and kiss girls (well mostly girls Les X).
In case you didn't catch on I thought they were great.
Now comes Heliankeys, laidback, and gentle, thought provoking.
Each song opening like a flower in the night.
I watched Hellion playing the piano her fingers seemed to dance, I closed my eyes and let Mr. Keys smooth voice insinuate itself between the cap holders either side of me head.
I listen to their music and am forced to think about uncomfortable things like war, and orphans and waiting for the police to arrive.
I have known this pair a year or more now and I count them as mates so not gonna say anymore except
Chuck more of your own songs in guys!
SO to the main event
Another raffle went wrong!
I never got a look in what a rip orf!
hehehe.

After the break came No Fixed Abode.
This wasn't my sort of thing at all.
I mean what normal bloke wants to hear the voice of an angel coming from a beautiful lass and be allowed to enjoy it 'cos its art?
And who in their right mind wants to sit and listen to song after song of beautifully understated guitar accompaniment.
As a vision in a haze of red hair and summer green jumper floats around engaging each and every person in the audience, in a glance full of promise and a little smile of a shared moment in time.
Hmmm loved the song and the music and always was a sucker for that accent.

Last but not least was Big Al Whittle…
Blues man suit, jazz in his fingers and two guitars, flash git!
But hey he only played 'em one at a time.
I thought I would ask how long he has been playing.
To get some idea if I will live long enough to learn you know?
"Since I was about 15 when a lad taught me some stuff"
Hhmmm so there you go.
He started of by saying he doesn't like folk music.
He plays a jazzy bluesy folk style
He uses a (gasp!) PA system and sets it fairly loud.
He sings songs of murderers and pubic deforestation
And he makes you laugh
He made me laugh and I will have to have a word with Les about this watch of his Big Al only got about five minutes on stage as well.
Cheers ..

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 03:14 AM

That was another excellent evening of entertainment. I am hoping Twangy will do his normal unbiased review of the evening. :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 07 Apr 06 - 01:43 PM

Well is still a good night in there Sooz,(The Leaking Boot!)
but in the dim ans distant past I seem to recall it beiing in a bit better state of repair.
I think that when the GYFC used to meet there the Lounge was still quite a posh place.
The current managers are very into live music and really freindly to those of us who go to the open mike and the Blues of The month Club.
One of them,name of Lee actualy writes his own stuff and is not averse to taking part in the OM and the sing around/Jam that inevitably follows. Mind I didnt say it was v folky ,although Mr Dylan often seems to get a mention somwhere in the evening.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Sooz
Date: 07 Apr 06 - 12:27 PM

What she said.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 07 Apr 06 - 08:38 AM

Yeaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! me too!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 07 Apr 06 - 04:05 AM

I bet you are in a good mood Mrs Sooz, what with the kiddlywinks having a two week break :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Sooz
Date: 07 Apr 06 - 02:41 AM

The Leaking Boot used to be our local when it was Darley's and we lived round the back of it.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 07:31 PM

Hey I liked it the way it was.
We had a great time at the Leaking boot OM and so did all our mates I think.
Talking of woman power thanks for making the cake Rocky!
Is a change from taking the biscuit.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 07:01 PM

I want one of Strollin J's new cds next time I see him. or If anyone is seeing him and could bring me one, I'll settle up with you when I see you tomorrow night.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 05:33 PM

Now that would be telling!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 04:49 PM

Mrs Twangy didn't get him drunk then did she, or are you on about afters :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 04:47 PM

If he has recovered from last night's celebration of Mrs Twangy's (own name, yet?...woman power...)birthday...?!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 04:46 PM

Oh dear I mustn't watch TV whilst I type and hit the Ok button. Although the post looks good the way it is :-)

It should have said

Ah the wonderful sounds of the piano returning to MRFC, Twangy will be happy.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 04:43 PM

Ah the wonderful. Twangy will be happy. sounds of the piano returning to MRFC

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 04:35 PM

Just realised... Strollin'...are you a bit better? Saw you posted on here yesterday. Hope so.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 04:32 PM

Hope you bring the cds with you, Al!
Looking forward to hearing everyone tomorrow. Watch out though cos I will be bringing the dreaded piano thingummy... :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 04:07 PM

What more can I say Rockhen LOL Al said it for me.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 03:32 PM

wodja mean, supposed to be. I'm bloody fantastic. I've got all the cds.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 03:23 PM

That Al bloke is supposed to be pretty good as well isn't he, Villan?!! :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 11:39 AM

I hope not to miss them Al :-) Sounds very good.

Should be another excellent evening with plenty of variety.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 10:58 AM

Neil Dalton Review of No Fixed Abode at The Maze
don't miss them tomorrow at Market Rasen Folk Club, Faldingworth

No Fixed Abode at the Maze, Nottingham: review

I thought The Maze was where they put the seriously bad boys of Belfast but actually, it's a club on the Mansfield Road in Nottingham. Una, of 'No Fixed Abode', walked on stage and introduced her first song in an accent that hailed from somewhere north of Dublin. I might have been worried but once Una Walsh started to sing, all anxieties and worries melted away. If there is a better voice singing here or in all the counties of Ireland then I haven't heard it. Her voice sweeps you up, sweeps you away, and sweeps you right out to sea. What's more you don't mind, you are happy to be there, with no lifebelt or hope of rescue, drowning in pleasure.



Tony Dean, the other member of the group, plays the guitar; it is tasteful, restrained, finger style, laying a platform for that voice. He looks the part; long hair, beard, cavalier not roundhead, with an easy self-deprecating manner. Their banter was a surprise, different, a couple you feel that could work up a real on-stage 'domestic'; Tony with his diffident asides, Una with her fire and sharpness, the man who would always be too late back from the pub, the woman who would always tell him the time. It's really about her and her voice though. She had on expensive calf high boots, the tops turned down, looking a little like a child in wellies, and a waistcoat with a touch of glitter. She wore a fashionable, dark red, floral printed dress – a cross between a punk cowgirl and a 1950's Australian outback, sheep shearer's wife. She looked terrific.



I'd like to have heard some harmonies in the set, some other voice, some roughness in the mix, some coffee with the cream. For have no doubt, there is plenty of cream with this duo; Una's voice just oozes richness. She can catch her voice, leave you just a little breathless, a little stirred, a little lost, as if you are staring over the edge of a cliff at the reaches beyond. It's scary and a little wonderful, sometimes even sublime, but you can only handle that in small doses; the heart can't be so full all the time.



The last song they played was called 'Going Home', one of their own songs, an ironic but strangely comforting thought for a duo called 'No Fixed Abode'. Where ever it is they want to go I wish them well and hope they get there safely.



Neil Dalton

Copyright 2nd April





'No Fixed Abode' was playing at The Maze in Nottingham. The duo are appearing at The Real-Music Club in Sharpe's Pottery Museum, Swadlincote on Saturday 17th June alongside Gordon Giltrap. Tel.: [phone] for tickets.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 05 Apr 06 - 03:19 PM

LOL

And so to Friday

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 05 Apr 06 - 02:35 PM

Hey I hear that the scenery there is very interesting.
Though I dont fancy the idea of going over Viagra falls in a barrel.
I suppose it must really be unique as the only one on the planet where the barrel is lifted up?
If you have any other holiday suggestions please post them soon.