the wilsons down south

Subject: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST,Guest Jo
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 10:30 AM

I have only recently discovered the wilson family from the north east of england. I have seen their name mentioned on various posters and mudcat threads, but had never heard them before. That is till I visited saddleworth folk festival a few weeks ago, when both my partner and I were absolutely blown away by their powerful harmony singing, as were the rest of the audience at the saturday night concert. I cannot understand how after 15 years on the folk scene, I have not managed to see this wonderful group of singers. As far as I`m aware the wilsons are appearing at a number of clubs and festivals around the country but none in the south of england! why is that?
can anybody enlighten me!

Jo.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 11:36 AM

I recently guested at the wilsons folk club in Wolverston,and had a wonderful night,it was a pleasure to see Tom Steve Chris and Ken do a spot at their club,brilliant.
I have known them now 30 odd years,and was involved with them setting up the cutty sark singaround at whitby folk festival,mid seventies,not only are they very talented but they are a great bunch of people,as well. Dick Miles

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST,Noreen
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 11:41 AM

It's a long way from Teesside?

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: nutty
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 11:44 AM

There is simply a logistical problem of fitting round jobs and families which sometimes curtails their vising the south of England. It would be much easier for you to venture North.

They will be at Saltburn Festival next Weekend.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: CannieShieldsLaddie
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 11:50 AM

Wilsons gigs here:-

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/brian.colley/Wilsons/index.html

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: nutty
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 11:53 AM

OR HERE EVEN

CLICK

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 12:01 PM

'cos they've more sense?

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: muppitz
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 04:50 PM

Oh, the Wilsons! A huge inspiration for me, fantastic singers, lovely fellas and Mike owes me a pint which I fully intend to collect at Shrewsbury festival!

muppitz
x

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: collierlad
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 07:22 PM

The Wilson Family / Damien Barber & Mike Wilson Gig Lists

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: Kampervan
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 07:26 PM

Well if they can't make it south,then how about a new CD. That way we can at least listen to them even if we can't see them?

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 04:12 AM

Yes how about a new CD boys? see you all at saltburn.
SB

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: Vin2
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 04:53 AM

Hi Guest Jo. Yeah it was at previous Saddleworth Festivals that i first experienced the Wilsons (as i did this year) and they had the same effect on me, amazing vocals! Hope the Saddleworth committee keep inviting em back, take note guys!!

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 05:19 AM

The Wilsons all big lads!

Regulars at Saltburn for very many years and also appearances at Whitby

They have been singing for ever and very highly thought of by the late Peter Bellamy and Keith Marsden

As Nutty says family responsibilites and ties (there's lot of 'em and kids singing too) have kept them from Southern Festivals too long!

This is powerhouse singing so if you can get 'em to the bigger Festivals like Warwick FF and similar they would be an over night sensation!

Ray

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: nutty
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 05:52 AM

They were booked at Warwick at least ten years ago Ray. In fact thereis probably not a major festival in the UK (apart from Cambridge) that they haven't appeared at over the years.

They have been recording since the early 80's but are really a secret us 'northerners' would like to keep to ourselves.

For real earshattering harmonies, try The Wilsons and The Keelers together - now that is an experience.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 06:18 AM

Wilsons for Cambridge then Hazel!!

and the Keelers too

Keelers present lineup?

Jim Mageean, George Unthank, Alan Fitzsimmons, Pete Wood

or do you know better?

Jim is available more now I believe and Pete Wood has retired too

Some Newcastle all stars I reckon!!

Ray

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST,betsy
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 11:51 AM

If the Wilsons - Five Brothers and a Sister (singing unaccompied) had been from the London area they'd be all millionaires through their talent.
They're brilliant - South of England wake up !!!!!
Cheeers Betsy

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST,Noreen
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 12:21 PM

I see they are at Shrewsbury and Bromyard festivals this summer, so they are not averse to a fair bit of travelling.

Perhaps then it is time for festivals in 'the south of england' to invite them?

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 12:48 PM

They have sung at Towersey in the past,and the Four Fools when it was at Redditch.[Hope you can understand the Grammar].

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: BB
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 02:20 PM

I'm sure many in the South of England don't need waking up to the Wilsons - they're actually quite well-known down here. To my knowledge they've had invitations from at least two clubs in North Devon in the last couple of years, and I'm sure others in the South have done the same. It's not for want of trying, believe me! They just have to accept the invitations...

Barbara

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 03:28 PM

Whey man!! The' owny hev te come doon as far as Derby and we can hear them in Soothampton. A bit like Geoff Higginbottom in that respect

Crackin' entertainment though!! - The Wilsons aah mean! Higgies not bad either but not as pretty!

Aah think aah'll quit wile aah'm behind!

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: Betsy
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 08:47 PM

Hiya Georgie Peorgie and others - don't get carried away - they're not Geordies ya Kna'.They're from the banks of the River Tees - mostly the North Bank . Ah cud tell ya a million lovely stories about this delightful family including their Mam (sadly passed away). What a great bunch to be with ,whether they are on the stage or off it, and each individual has time for YOU no matter what your question / query .
Invitations to here and there ? - they're like Gold Dust ,you get them when you can - not when you want.
Enjoy !!!!!!!!!

Cheers,
Betsy

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Aug 07 - 08:11 AM

I`ve read the program for saltburn and see the wilsons "this is your life" with pete betts. Sounds good fun, but only an hour???

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: BB
Date: 04 Aug 07 - 12:57 PM

"you get them when you can - not when you want." I know that, Betsy. Doesn't mean we have to like it, though! :-)

Barbara

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: Betsy
Date: 05 Aug 07 - 06:03 AM

Sorry Barbara , I didn't mean it like THAT . They've all got full time jobs - being a full time performer on the Folk scene can be precarious, and hellish expensive to keep 6 people in travel ,hotels, food laundry and all the rest of it without (mentioning beer). Good luck to ya .
Cheers
Betsy .

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: stallion
Date: 05 Aug 07 - 06:23 AM

If you fancy having your ears blown out try being in the same room as Keepers Fold and 2BS&S, it is powerful stuff and harmonies as well!

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: Kampervan
Date: 06 Aug 07 - 02:42 AM

So apart fropm "The Wilson Family Album", (which I love), are there any other commercially available recordings of tthe Wilsons?

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: andrewq
Date: 06 Aug 07 - 06:11 AM

The Wilsons will sell you inexpensive CD-Rs of two of their other older albums if you ask at their gigs (they don't seem very interested in marketing!): Horumarye (Songs of Graeme Miles) and Stocking Tops (The Wilson Family Live).

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: Kampervan
Date: 06 Aug 07 - 06:28 AM

Cheers for that. I certainly will.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST,Jo
Date: 06 Aug 07 - 06:47 AM

Thanks! from all your remarks I can see that the Wilsons, aswell as being great singers, they are also a lovely group of people. Which makes it all the more puzzling why we don`t see then down south more often, although I now know that they have ventured this way in the past.
We are hoping to get up to Saltburn Festival this weekend, but certainly to Bromyard in september.

Jo.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: Betsy
Date: 06 Aug 07 - 05:57 PM

No - they're not commercially aggressive in fact they're so laid back you could almost say they're hardly commercially active .They'd LOVE to sell you a C.D.if only they could remember which one of them has brought them. They don't just realise how popular they are. I helped them to sell a couple of dozen tapes ( tapes? - dates us Eh ?) in Holland - and THAT was all before we had finished breakfast on a posh camp site place. If you get to Saltburn Jo , we may well re-live THAT story on Saturday afternoon.Also the weather forecast is decent enough .

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Aug 07 - 05:59 PM

We class our selves as good friends of the Wilsons and have meet them at festivals all over the country as far afield as Devon Cornwell and right down to south Wales,heres hopping to see them all again soon this end of the world.   
Rose

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 04:07 AM

I have a question if anyone can help? I was told that the Wilsons were not running the Friday night singaround at Saltburn festival at the `cons club`,the programme says they are, but it also has them down to start the evening cocert at the marine hotel?

SB.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: The Sandman
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 04:16 AM

could it be that they are on first at the concert and then are running the singaround.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: nutty
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 06:30 AM

There are certainly enough "Wilsons" to do both but I think it likely that it is as Captain Birdseye suggested.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: Tootler
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 04:35 PM

I think they are hoping to run the singaround. There was something said last Thursday at the Welly, their folk club. Ken W said they were a bit annoyed about the scheduling and I think they had been putting their collective foot down with the organisers.

If they do run it, should be a good night. Unfortunately I shan't be there as I have a hospital appointment in the afternoon and will likely be feeling a bit yuk after being mauled about a bit.

If Ken says anything this Thursday, I will post, but it may be a bit late for some by then.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: Betsy
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 07:09 PM

I read it it as Capt.Birdseye wrote .I reckon they'll do their bit and loosen up at their concert spot (Marine hotel) and them go and relax at the Cons club with the sing around .Big deal - so they will be 15 mins late for they start for the singaround - not their fault.we know all folk clubs start exactly on time !!! They know everyone and will make sure every one gets a sing. Don't forget it's only HOSTED by them ,they don't have to flog themselves silly at a sing around - besides I know for certain one or two them are fond of the special ale in there, so they would be going there anyway. Also, in that place on the first night it's great to have the patter in the bar (a separate room) with people you haven't seen for a while, which ,I know they all love doing,you do, and so do I. So 15 mins late is neither here nor there
It'll all work out , besides if a couple of them went missing from a sing around - there'd still be enough of them left to more than adequately keep us going. Calm down - it's a friendly folk festival not a German Railway timetable.
I'm Looking forward to it and I know I'll be aiming for the Cons Club where I am 101% certain the slight gloom / uncertainty of the couple of previous posts will have completely disappeared.
Now, whether the Wilsons bring any C.D.'s to sell (as earlier posts)- is completely another matter.
Cheers,

Betsy

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: Dame Pattie Smith EPNS
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 08:01 PM

They are lovely big hairy boyos and when they came to Llantrisant some years ago they brought their mam with them and she was a lovely lady too. Unfortunately it costs a lot of money to get the entire family down south cos they don't come in small doses! Hello boys if you read this I'll see you at Whitby X

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 04:16 AM

Thanks for that Betsy! I only asked the question as apparently in an earlier draft of the programme, it showed someone else other than the Wilsons running the singaround. Great news! one of my highlights of the weekend aswell as great concert spots, they know how to run a good singaround.

SB.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: nutty
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 05:54 AM

There is another singaround in the back room (bar) of The Victoria which will be run by the Darlington Mummers in the evening - I think

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 06:16 AM

I think it is important to say that the Wilson's in concert are a must see

However the festival singarounds are also for people who like to sing themselves and play music etc

Competitions also Singer Songwriter and trad Unaccompanied

Don't forget the singarounds led by Glen Osborne and The Wilkinsons of Tranmire and the final Guisbro' Rugby club event on the Sunday in the Spa

All these things are regular events at Saltburn FF

Individual Wilson's and their extended families usually give us songs too!

See you all there in the Con club or Vic or Back Alex probably!!

Ray

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: Saro
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 07:20 AM

I'll just take time to mention that Craig Morgan Robson will be appearing with the Wilsons at two "harmony happenings" at Saltburn, on Sat and Sun mornings 11.30 till 12.30 ( I think we are there as contrast!!). Dangerous Curves will be there on Saturday as well!
Can't wait...
Saro

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 07:58 AM

Does Holland count as being down south?

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: Betsy
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 08:44 AM

Hiya Guest , does Friesland count as Holland ?, if so, the Wilsons have performed THERE and have some great hilarious stories about their time.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: Tootler
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 04:42 PM

Saltburn Folk Festival Programme here

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Aug 07 - 04:20 AM

Cheers for that, but I think that Jo was wanting more response from southern festivals and clubs, I to am a big fan of the Wilsons and remember seeing them at Wareham festival, and Portsmouth folk club a couple of times in the 90`s. I also saw them at the Fred Jordon memorial concert, in C.Sharp Hs (LONDON)a year or two ago, where they were outstanding.
So come get your act together!!!!!

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST,RACHAEL (steve wilsons daughter):D
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 07:58 AM

dear betsy

i found that message about you can tell storys about my dad and auntys and uncles .... but the best part was about my nana we all miss her very much and i could tell you a million and one --- beet you :P---about my nana wilson ... i was listening to a CD of my dads the other day ... stoking tops and i heard my nana smash the glass ---as she did :D .. any ways i love my family and never want to leave them


fromm daughter

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: nutty
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 08:32 AM

It's lovely to hear from you Rachel .... Welcome to Mudcat. I knew your Nanna very well, she was a very special person - she made us all part of her large family.
I hope to hear you singing with the family one day as some of your cousins have done.

PS - please tell your Mum that Hazel is sending her best wishes.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST,Brian Peters
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 08:59 AM

Ma Wilson is indeed much missed. I found myself trading rounds with her years ago at the Seven Stars in Shrewsbury, and ended up a very long way under the table.

The thing about the Wilsons is that they have never forgotten that folk music is supposed to be the people's music. Hence their enthusiasm for running singarounds anywhere that could conceivably host them (including locations where 'persuasion' has been necessary). They also value passion and committment over cleverness every time.

Their old club at the Collingwood was rightly a legend. They encouraged my tentative singing there twenty-seven years ago, and I've a lot to thank them for. Cheers, lads.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: The Sandman
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 11:27 AM

I agree, Brian.[how,s that for being punctually correct]

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: The Sandman
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 11:31 AM

I agree,Brian.[hows that for correct punctuation]

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST,Brian Peters
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 11:53 AM

Getting there, Dick....

Next stop, the apostrophe!

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: melodeonboy
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 12:58 PM

Every time I see the title of this thread, I wish they would come down south. I saw them at The Gower Festival donkey's years ago and they were outstanding.

Please let me know if they ever come anywhere near Kent!

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: Betsy
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 06:41 PM

Hiya Rachel ,
I was talking to your Dad last Saturday and your Aunty Pat, Uncle Chris ,Tom, Ken, Steve, and Mike and we were all recalling lovely stories about your Nana who we all miss so much.
I'm glad you never want to leave the Wilsons - you are a very lucky girl to have so many nice relations . Send my best wishes to your Mam and Dad
Just say - Betsy sent them.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Aug 07 - 06:45 AM

Wilsons were just great! at Saltburn festival as always. I hope everybody read the familys heart felt tribute in the program to Jean Lee who sadly passed away earlier this year. That! aswell as other comments made in this thread, show the relationship they have with their audiences up and DOWN the country. See you all at Whitby!

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST,Jo
Date: 16 Aug 07 - 05:01 AM

Hello Guest, unfortunately we were unable to make Saltburn, but we are definitely going to Bromyard festival to see them. It was lovely to hear from Steve`s daughter, and the nice memories she had of her nana. Did the Wilsons parents sing and have they carried on from them? and how many of their children sing, and do they all sing together.

It might be nice for Jean Lee`s family if the Wilsons tribute to her, were to be posted on to this thread!   

Jo

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: The Sandman
Date: 16 Aug 07 - 07:57 AM

I think only their mother sang.
I have been friends with the Wilsons since 1975,and I dont recall any mention of their dad singing.Dick Miles.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST,rachael
Date: 21 Aug 07 - 03:38 PM

at the whitby festival in the met there was dad tom mike ken chris pat jackie (who doesnt normally sing) me and someone else who i have fogotenn...we all sang my nanas favorite song which is ... minors life. A day after i was speaking to my dad about the singing and said how proud nana wilson would of been. i miss her so much... we all do

rachael

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: The Sandman
Date: 21 Aug 07 - 03:56 PM

Hi Racheal,give them all my regards,was it Paul you forgot.Dick Miles

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Aug 07 - 09:20 AM

It was Louis Killen! I went to all thier concerts they were on great form as ever.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: The Sandman
Date: 23 Aug 07 - 10:17 AM

Another Individual who has contributed a lot to the folk scene,along with the Wilsons.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: nutty
Date: 23 Aug 07 - 12:50 PM

Hi Rachel. Your Nana would have been very proud that all the family were singing together cos as you said Jackie doesn't often sing with the rest although she has a lovely voice as well. Glad you enjoyed it as well.

I once saw her hit a man on the head with her fan because he was talking while the family were singing on stage and she couldn't hear properly. He was very suprised but didn't talk again.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST,Jo
Date: 02 Oct 07 - 05:29 AM

I was very please to find out yesterday, that the Wilsons are appearing at a club in Leicester on the 22nd October, Which coincides with a trip I have to make up to Nottingham that week! perfect timing! I spoke to a couple of the Wilsons briefly at Bromyard festival, and they did hint that there was a good posibility of them venturing down to some clubs and festivals near the south coast in 2008. Great news!!      

Jo

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: Betsy
Date: 02 Oct 07 - 05:56 AM

Hi Jo,
I do believe it's at a village Barrow on the Soar. Amazingly my newly wed daughter & husband have just moved there from the North and they're looking forward to seeing the Wilsons. My daughter definitely wasn't at Bromyard - but she is called Jo - if you like small coincidences !!.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Oct 07 - 09:11 AM

Is it the Grand Union folk club?

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST,old girl
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 03:54 PM

Hi Rachel Your Nan was the first person to get my grandson to perform with your Dad on stage (ask him about it), his name is Nicky from S/Wales send them our love and tell them we think of them often.
Rose & Dave

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST,Jo
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 06:46 AM

At last!! We saw the Wilsons last Friday at the Guildford Music Institute folk club, and what a lovely night, the lads were on excellent form as was the singing from the audience. Since this thread was first posted back in 2007, we have seen the family performing at various festivals up and down the country, but it was great to see them almost on the doorstep. Brilliant, well done and thank you Guildford.

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: Hamish
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 09:04 AM

and they're in Walthamstow on 24th January :)

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: Surreysinger
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 03:13 PM

Hi Jo.... glad to hear that you enjoyed the evening. I heard really good reports about it when I got back from Bucks , and shall pass on your comments to other members of the club's committee. I gather that the Wilsons also enjoyed the evening a great deal!

Subject: RE: the wilsons down south
From: GUEST,John
Date: 12 Dec 09 - 06:32 AM

Walthamstow? mmmm that's doable. Their new cd is fantastic, and I've just checked out their excellent website for the last half an hour. Very different to the norm, but what you would expect from the Family.(I for one would be very interested in the book Tom)