Fran McGillivray and Mike Burke

Subject: RE: Fran McGillivray and Mike Burke
From: Tony Rees
Date: 03 Jul 18 - 06:07 AM

I found this on Gordon Giltrap's site:

(from Colin Welfare » Thu Oct 06, 2011)
"However it was probably 1963 when at a pub in Blackheath Road, Greenwich South-east London, where my friends Bill & his sister Frances McGillivray were playing in their band that, in their break, Gordon did his bit."

So, Frances has a musician brother Bill... a little sleuthing led me to http://www.billmcgillivray.com/index.html so Bill seems to be active still as a guitarist. Not sure about the suggested date of 1963 though, the persons concerned would have been extremely young if my estimates are correct...

Very happy to learn more about the early days of these performers of anyone has memories or additional info.

Regards - Tony

Subject: RE: Fran McGillivray and Mike Burke
From: Tony Rees
Date: 30 Jun 18 - 08:40 PM

I just sent this correction but it vanished - second try..

For Katie Brayden read Katie Brayben in the initial post above. Minor brain malfunction to blame. Regards - Tony

Subject: Fran McGillivray and Mike Burke
From: Tony Rees
Date: 30 Jun 18 - 07:44 PM

Hello fellow Catters, just wondering if there is any mudcat love out there for London-based acoustic/blues/roots duo Fran McGillivray and Mike Burke who have been active since the late 60s - commencing I think with 2 tracks on "Blues Like Showers of Rain volume 2", see https://www.discogs.com/Various-Blues-Like-Showers-Of-Rain-Volume-Two/release/8822904. I came across them in London in the early 70s when I was but a lad, and was most impressed by Frances' gutsy singing (shades of Memphis Minnie and Jo-Ann Kelly) and Mick (later Mike)'s accomplished guitar work. They are still active and touring today I believe, details on http://www.franmike.com/ , also I think one daughter Jo (Joanna) plays Hardanger fiddle with bands in the Brighton area and the other (Katie) is better known as award winning actress and singer Katie Brayden who is best(?) known for her portrayal of Carole King in the West End show "Beautiful" until a year or two back.

I saw them at a few festivals in the 70s but they seem to fly under the radar somewhat while continuing to make good music (if the reviews on their site are anything to go by). Just wondering if others can fill in any gaps... Regards - Tony Rees, Australia (since mid 80s...)