Mick West & Frank McLaughlin @ Herga Mon

Subject: Mick West & Frank McLaughlin @ Herga Mon
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 14 Jun 12 - 03:46 AM

The North-South distances often rob us of the chance to see/listen to some truly exceptional performers. Well, no more, because this Monday at Herga we have the man who has been described as "the Scottish Christy Moore", Mick West, accompanied by one of the best instrumentalists north of the border. But don't listen to me - on hearing Mick's performance on his recent cd , U.S. magazine Sing Out stated "why is this man not a household name..?" Frank McLaughlin provides a perfect backdrop to Mick's voice, exploring the world of Scot's (and not only) song with creative and expertly delivered arrangements on guitar.

Trust me, don't miss them, you'll hate yourself if you do, one day! Be there at the Pinner Green Social Club Rickmansworth Road, Pinner, Middx HA5 3TJ this Monday 18th June at 8pm for a rare and oh, so worthwhile, treat!

Subject: RE: Mick West & Frank McLaughlin @ Herga Mon
From: GUEST,moira (flyingcat)
Date: 14 Jun 12 - 07:10 AM

If you're in the area of Herga you shouldn't miss this gig. Mick and Frank are absolutely brillant and i am certainly going to be there unless hell freezes over!

Subject: RE: Mick West & Frank McLaughlin @ Herga Mon
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 14 Jun 12 - 01:05 PM

Mick's accompanists and backing singers on his various albums are a veritable who's who of Scottish talent also. And his arrangements on the various songs are knee-tremblingly briliant. One of my favourites is "When a man's in love".

But above all it's his voice and delivery that I fell in love with, first on 't internet, then made contact, then he got me up to Glasgow for the Partick Festival in 2007 where he was also the most gracious of hosts. Mick's a treat - but then so is Frank; such dextrous and sensitive backing...

Subject: RE: Mick West & Frank McLaughlin @ Herga Mon
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 06:03 AM

They had two cracking sets at Uxbridge last night...

Subject: RE: Mick West & Frank McLaughlin @ Herga Mon
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 06:08 AM

Fantastic! Don't miss them on this rare Southern tour.

Valmai (Lewes)

Subject: RE: Mick West & Frank McLaughlin @ Herga Mon
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 04:21 AM

How did it go, Valmai? I saw one ecstatic report on Facebook somewhere.

Subject: RE: Mick West & Frank McLaughlin @ Herga Mon
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 03:04 PM

They were terrific, and we hope to lure them back. I heartily encourage anyone within range to hear them at Herga.

They did us workshops on Scottish song and guitar accompaniment in 2008; we'd like them to repeat those when they next come to us.

(By the way, George, I took the liberty of presenting them with a lot of free Lewes Folk Festival programmes for Herga; I hope that's all right.)

Valmai (Lewes)

Subject: RE: Mick West & Frank McLaughlin @ Herga Mon
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 03:10 PM

Mick is a great unaccompanied singer too (as is Frank a great instrumentalist.) We recently booked Mick for 2 concerts of songs about the mining industry, and he did us proud!

Subject: RE: Mick West & Frank McLaughlin @ Herga Mon
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 18 Jun 12 - 08:13 AM

Got the programmes Valmai, no worries, we'll distribute

Subject: RE: Mick West & Frank McLaughlin @ Herga Mon
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 19 Jun 12 - 04:56 AM

After a wonderful evening at Herga, full of choruses but also amazing dexterity and vocal passion by the two lads, we retreated home for a well earned dram or two. Put it this way, serious damage was done to the contents of an 18-year old Glenfiddich. And much was discussed, well into the night. But this morning they were up bright and early - well, early - and raring to go back to Irene and Gillian. They're northbound on the M1 as I speak, and we miss them already after 4 nights with us. Here's to their next visit!

Subject: RE: Mick West & Frank McLaughlin @ Herga Mon
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 19 Jun 12 - 06:53 PM

These two are remarkable. It was a treat to hear Frank on the pipes as well as the guitar.

George, many thanks for accepting the programmes.

Valmai (Lewes)

Subject: RE: Mick West & Frank McLaughlin @ Herga Mon
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Jun 12 - 07:33 PM

Thought I posted earlier !! But we ALL know what 'thought' di , dont we ?
   An excellent evening of VERY Good music

Subject: RE: Mick West & Frank McLaughlin @ Herga Mon
From: GUEST,moira(flyingcat)
Date: 20 Jun 12 - 04:15 AM

brilliant evening. We thoroughly enjoyed it! I took my 90 year old mother who remembers Mick when he was about 16-17 and hadn't yet experienced the world of folk music. She was delighted, He and Frank are really great together.
M&M