Review: Johhny Silvo

Subject: Review: Johhny Silvo
From: Dave Wynn
Date: 14 May 04 - 06:19 PM

I very rarely start a thread but this is a must. Last year we were lucky to get Johnny Silvo at Swinton Folk Club on one of his tours of the UK. He was brilliant. This year he came to us again and played a completely different set.

I dislike Jazz. I just tolerate blues (don't blame me it's just how I am). He has altered my attitude to both. He played Jazz , Blues , Traditional and Modern all on the same guitar , no sound system or microphone. He drifted in and out of Delta blues and 1930's Jazz with a voice ranging from industrial to silk.

He talked of his childhood and influences. Played songs to emphasize his life. He played with the gusto of a 20 year old and the quiet competance of a lifelong musician.

HE TALKED TO THE AUDIENCE!!!. All the time. Chatting and swapping memories with songs interspersed with quiet jokes and laughter.

If you get a chance to see him on this tour (Johnny Silvo on Google will find his tour dates) dont miss him. He is tripping gently towards 70 years old , fit and healthy and mark my words he is a legend in the making.

A Review by Dave Wynn AKA Spot the Dog.

Subject: RE: Review: Johhny Silvo
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 14 May 04 - 06:51 PM

I totally agree -saw him at Cottingham last week and he was amazing-his verson of Fats Waller's Black and Blue is a classic-go see him!

Subject: RE: Review: Johhny Silvo
From: GUEST,Trish
Date: 15 May 04 - 02:54 AM

Ditto on the Isle of Wight - don't miss him

Subject: RE: Review: Johhny Silvo
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 15 May 04 - 03:37 AM

First time I ever saw Johnny live he was singing "Mingulay" and decked in kilt and sporran.Made a braw kiltie, too! Was privileged to associate and work with Johnny Silvo many times subsequently; as has been noted by others, a warm and very talented man. You lucky people! I hope to have some opportunity for meeting and hearing him again.

Subject: RE: Review: Johhny Silvo
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 15 May 04 - 05:57 AM

Don't miss him he's brilliant, even better with his old mate Dave Moses.
eric

Subject: RE: Review: Johhny Silvo
From: GUEST
Date: 15 May 04 - 02:34 PM

I dislike Jazz. I just tolerate blues (don't blame me it's just how I am). He has altered my attitude to both. He played Jazz , Blues , Traditional and Modern all on the same guitar , no sound system or microphone. He drifted in and out of Delta blues and 1930's Jazz with a voice ranging from industrial to silk.

He talked of his childhood and influences. Played songs to emphasize his life. He played with the gusto of a 20 year old and the quiet competance of a lifelong musician.

HE TALKED TO THE AUDIENCE!!!. All the time. Chatting and swapping memories with songs interspersed with quiet jokes and laughter.


Dave, welcome to the world of folk club performers who began in the 60's.You sound so surprised! John isn't a legend "in the making", he's been a legend for years and years. Glad you've discovered him and are spreading the word.

Subject: RE: Review: Johhny Silvo
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 15 May 04 - 05:05 PM

You always get your moneys worth when yuou spend an evening listing to Mr Silvo, a polished performer no less
JOHN

Subject: RE: Review: Johhny Silvo
From: Willa
Date: 15 May 04 - 05:55 PM

A wonderful evening at Cottingham Live. As Linda says, his version of 'Black and Blue'was a classic - the best I've heard. Not to be missed.

Subject: RE: Review: Johhny Silvo
From: Lanfranc
Date: 15 May 04 - 06:09 PM

Johnny Silvo was one of the first artists I booked when I began my Folk Club organiser career back in the late 1960s. He was one of a stable of folksingers run by the late Sandy Glennon which included Silvo, Dis Disley, Alex Campbell, Paul McNeill, Sandy Denny and, if I remember aright, Noel Murphy, Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick.

Sometimes reviled by the folk "purists" as mere "entertainers", Silvo, Disley, Campbell, Murphy and others (Jon Betmead, Derek Brimstone, Colin Scot and Jeremy Taylor come to mind)were among those who, as Dave remarked, really communicate(d) with their audiences (past tense because Scotty and Alex are no longer with us). Any of these who are still gigging are worth seeing, even if (and possibly because) they are getting on in years.

I can't think of any of the later bunch of folksingers who can compare to the above. Too many take themselves too seriously and/or are too specialised in their material.

"It's all folk music..."

Catch Johnny (and any of the others mentioned) while you can.

Alan