Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 17 Nov 11 - 06:48 AM

I think it was actually Dave Lipscombe, not certain though. He used to share a flat in Montague Road, Richmond, with Johnny Silvo in the late 60s or early 70's. When he went the room was taken over by a certain Davey Johnstone aka Shaggis, who after a spell with Noel Murphy, and then a move into Draught Porridge with Noel and Ron Chesterman, [ex The Strawb's]. He went into Magna Charta, and eventually metamorphosed into Elton John's guitarist.
Now living and working in the USofA

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,Dick Wilkinson
Date: 17 Nov 11 - 12:19 AM

That's going back a bit. Dave Lipson was the name, I think. He and his brother Rob used to run the club at Dalston Junction, also one in Abbey Road called Grotty Lotty's. I was part of the resident trio with them. Dave had a huge old Super Snipe which he negotiated very badly after a few sups. I also sang at the Leather Bottle or was it the Flask at Edgeware when it was run by Martin Windsor of the gravel voice. Was the Black Bull the one in Totteridge?

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 13 Oct 11 - 06:48 AM

Everything's taking ages at the moment - don't know why. It's not usually this bad!

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,Roger F.
Date: 12 Oct 11 - 07:05 PM

Why does it take absolutely ages to wait for Sort Descending to come up and then even longer to get out of this website and back to one's home page???
It seems to lock up!

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 06 Oct 11 - 04:13 AM

Must mention the passing of Piers Hayman, who died this week in New Zealand. He was, along with Pete Cox, one of those who took part in, and helped to promote the 60's folk revival in England.
He had lived in NZ for many years before his death, and became a much loved personality in that country too.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,Howard Fullbrook
Date: 05 Oct 11 - 10:59 PM

Just found this thread!

I was a regular performer at the Farnborough Folk Club, from the middle 60's, and also ran the nearby Fleet Folk Club.

At weekends my friends and I would drive to London and go to the Troubador, Les Cousins and La Fiesta. It was a great way to hear new performers and persuade them (with money) to come and play at my club.

I played at these and other London clubs with different bands. Namely, The Bill Boazman Band, Canticle and BMW. They were great times.

I especially enjoyed La Fiesta as it was a sort of "post gig" venue. I remember Sandy Denny singing there just a few hours after performing at the Festival Hall. One night someone in a white tie and tails showed up with his bass (having earlier played with an orchestra at the Albert Hall) and proceeded to play along with a jazz guitarist (name escapes me).

I revisited the Troubador about 10 years ago, it hadn't changed all that much.

Howard

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: Richard Mellish
Date: 30 Aug 11 - 04:46 AM

Mention of The Railway Tavern in Catford (which I wot not of) reminds me that that was the name of a pub in Stratford (East, not Bill S's town) where I went a few times. Can't remember who ran it.

But one tale is worth telling. Some years back at Sharp's, after I sang a certain song, Rod Shearman came up to me and asked "Where did you get that song?". I replied "From a bloke in a pub in Stratford East, about 1967." Rod said "That was me." The song was his "Bound away for New Zealand".

Richard

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,Bluesman
Date: 29 Aug 11 - 07:26 PM

First time I visited London we went to a Club near Soho Square, can't recall the name of it, a girl called Margaret or Maggie sang with an older man, they were great.

I liked the Islington Folk Club, it was a big change from the Ulu Bar in Hereford. Young people enjoying folk music, marvellous.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: tonyteach1
Date: 29 Aug 11 - 06:38 PM

Thankfully not Arsenal then see you when the new season starts at the Rose and Crown

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 29 Aug 11 - 06:28 PM

tonytaech1 - I still have dark hair but being a Spurs supporter have had it turned white to reflect the team colours.

Or perhaps being a Spurs supporter is what turned it white!

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: tonyteach1
Date: 29 Aug 11 - 01:33 PM

I first came to London in 1971 and can remember Kevin Sheils when he had dark hair
You could go to a folk club 7 nights a week if your liver could stand it

Bull and Mouth yes - Enterprise where I courted my wife - Dingles the organiser had the Iron Cross in folk dancing and Cecil Sharpes various locations - The wheels turn as I am now a guitar teacher launching singer guitarists onto the circuit

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,Mick Penning
Date: 28 Aug 11 - 04:37 PM

-Mick Penning.

Cheer up mate - if you got paid, it was a successful gig. (posted 06 Feb '11 by Max Johnson)

It's ok Max -I'm ok about it -Did it sound so sad.... it was meant to be 'philosophical' and to convey a 'salutary' lesson and remind us all of life's absurdities.
I still cherish the event -even with all the drama of disaster! And still have a copy of that week's edition of the Melody Maker -with my name up there in lights -'But Charlie, I could have been a contender'......

And the Band played on....

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: tritoneman
Date: 25 Aug 11 - 05:02 PM

Yes I still see Paul regularly and chat about the old days at the Troubadour etc.... He's in great form, lives in Tiverton and still sings and plays fiddle at folk clubs and sessions. He's on Myspace. http://www.myspace.com/paulsnowmusic

Graham

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,John from "Elsie`s Band"
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 08:12 AM

We were reminiscing about "The Railway Tavern" F.C. at Catford we used to run in the 60`s and the name Paul Snow came to mind. We met Paul through "The Journeymen" from Exeter and Tony Rose. Does anyone remember Paul or have any news of him?

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: Max Johnson
Date: 25 Jun 11 - 11:06 AM

Indeed, you are correct, folks - I should have said 'theoretically' dry. I lived directly opposite The Troubadour for three years and dropped in fairly regularly. The first time I ever visited was 1971-ish with Eric Leggoe. We were expecting to drink coffee I suppose, but we ended up sharing a bottle of Greek brandy with Red Sullivan.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,Roger F.
Date: 25 Jun 11 - 07:08 AM

Does anyone know what happened to Mike Robinson.
He always played a tasteful accompanyment on the guitar while singing border ballads at the Folk Cellar at CSH.
He also played the Northumbrian smallpipes and gave smallpipe workshops for a while in the library at CSH.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,guest -jim younger
Date: 04 Jun 11 - 12:19 PM

Kevin, re: dry Troubador - my father smuggled in a quart of cider in a brown paper bag when we went to see Carthy and Swarbrick, March '67. Great gig - we didn't get out till almost 4am.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 Jun 11 - 12:18 PM

Oh it WAS because you were ill, with a cold I seem to remmeber, Margaret.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,Margaret King
Date: 04 Jun 11 - 11:01 AM

Apropos the other singer of the 4 Marys it was me always one of my favourite songs and one of the first songs I ever learned and sang in public. I see in an earlier thread that according to someone I was supposed to suffer from stage fright to the extent that it finally caused me to quit singing which is a complete load of b.......s I never turned down a gig because I was too scared to sing.Any performer experiences nerves before going on but it never stopped me singing so if Jock MCK Jack had to do your club solo it was because I was sick.I finally left the folk scene to nurse my mother through her last illness and after she died never felt like going back. I hope this sets the record straight.

             Margaret ( to her friends Maggie ) King

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 Jun 11 - 04:16 AM

Aye, there was often a wee libation going round in the old coal cellar behind the stage. I believe it was actually called the artiste's retiring room. I do remember it had those little squares of frosted glass set in an irom frame in the ceiling. You could see the shapes of pedestrians on the pavement above, passing over.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 04 Jun 11 - 03:09 AM

Dry in parts, Max!

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: Max Johnson
Date: 03 Jun 11 - 09:05 AM

Just remembered the name of the gay pub across the road from the Troubadour and the Coleherne. It was 'The Boltons' (now an O' Neill's, I believe). On the corner of Earls' Court Road and Old Brompton Road. Less intimidating than the Coleherne, and a meeting place before heading to the Troub, which was dry.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,Barry B.
Date: 02 Jun 11 - 05:45 PM

Re. the other singer who used to sing "The Four Mary's" apart form Marian MacKenzie. I think it may have been Scots folksinger Jean Redpath who came down south to play the London clubs from time to time, probably early to mid 60's I think.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,Jack & Margaret King
Date: 18 Apr 11 - 05:23 AM

Nice to hear from you Chas got the web site up ,you dont look a day older Hows the painting in the attic?

                   Cheers J&M

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,Chas Upton
Date: 08 Apr 11 - 12:36 PM

I spotted the update from you Jack ; I often think of how you are both doing. Yerst I am in deepest Dorset, still running folk sessions, and have formed a group 'Fippenny Piece' (see website) and as my wife Sammy often is playing a lead role on stage she has got me into drama. So we do that as well.
I hope this reaches you.
Best wishes
Chas Upton

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: tritoneman
Date: 08 Apr 11 - 03:19 AM

Who was the girl who worked the door at the Dungeon Club, run by Cliff Aungier and Ian Grant? She did a lovely version of the Curragh of Kildare - John Mackenzie.

I know exactly who you mean. I can picture her and yes, her version of Curragh of Kildare was superb. She sometimes sang at the Half Moon too. I think her name might have been Dana. But am not sure.....it was all such a long time ago!!

Graham

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: ChrisJBrady
Date: 07 Apr 11 - 07:37 AM

Anyone up for a Crypt (St Martins) reunion gig?

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,slipperspain
Date: 06 Apr 11 - 07:38 AM

Would anyone know where in London Anthea Joseph used to live?

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: JohnH
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 12:51 PM

@Roger F.
Sorry for the delay. Mardles is the Folk listings magazine for East Anglia, Pub. quarterly by Suffolk Folk. To save you trouble, sessions near Bury St Edmunds: third Monday- The Dove, Hospital Road, BSE.(01284 764563) First Tuesday- The Greyhound, Flempton,(01284 728400) Second Wednesday- The Bull, Woolpit (call me on 01359 240297), second Friday- The Cock and Bell, Long Melford,(01787 379807)

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,John MacKenzie
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 11:54 AM

OK, next question.
Who was the girl who worked the door at the Dungeon Club, run by Cliff Aungier and Ian Grant? She did a lovely version of the Curragh of Kildare.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,Roger F.
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 11:12 AM

Yes thanks, Diane, I've had an e-mail from Don Bonito (now likes to be called Dom for Dominic) who has confirmed it was Marian McKenzie, who he said he worked with for a while until she married the chap from the Yetties and moved away. Thanks for the names of the other Marys.
Nice to hear from you Jack!

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,Jack King
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 10:43 AM

Marian McKenzie was a regular floor singer at the Cellar in the 60s although we never actually booked her ,there was another girl who used to sing The Four Marys but I cant for the life of me remember her name!!! On another topic been in touch with Colin Wilkie recently he is still gigging & still writing ,his latest CD wasissued on the 10th March last week

       All the best to all who remember
                                        JK

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: Singing Referee
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 10:12 AM

Guest at 10:10 was me!

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 10:10 AM

Hi Guest,Joan Crump 27 Feb 11

RE: Scots Hoose in Cambridge Circus

Yes, what you've been told is correct. In my late teens, (mid 60's) I used to go there on Saturday night with a group of school friends. Don'r know about Peter Bellamy, but Bert Jansch, Annie Briggs, John Renbourn, Davy Graham and Pentangle were in regular attendance.

Here's a little quote from Christy Moore concertning the Scots Hoose:

'The first folk club I ever encountered in my life was the Scot's Hoose [in Cambridge Circus, London],' says Christy Moore, 'and Annie Briggs was the guest. It was a very interesting experience hearing this woman singing unaccompanied to a quiet room. It was quite a turn-on. I think that night was the only time I ever encountered her and I didn't actually get to speak to her. At that time I was playing in Irish pubs in London and it was difficult. People didn't listen. Really, you sang a few songs when those who played the jigs and reels wanted a break. You were the filler and, in the main, the people who went to hear Irish music weren't that good at listening to songs. And then I went to this folk club and the order, the atmosphere . . . I said, I want some of this! I never actually worked at the Scot's Hoose myself, but shortly after that I went up to Manchester and really started my career working on the folk-club scene there. But the Scot's Hoose – I went there one night, Anne Briggs was playing, I proceeded to get drunk and I was chucked out. I've no doubt it was entirely my own fault!'

Couple of extracts from Wikipedia:

In the 1950s and 1960s it had one of Britain's most celebrated folk clubs in its upstairs room, run by Bruce Dunnet, that featured some of the greatest names of the folk revival, such as Bert Jansch, Paul Simon, Al Stewart, Davey Graham, Donovan, Ralph McTell, Roy Harper, Bob Dylan, Sandy Denny, Ewan MacColl and The Young Tradition. The club operated under various names, including "Ballads and Blues" when it opened in 1953, and later "The Young Tradition".

The number of clubs began to decline in the 1980s, in the face of changing musical and social trends. In London Les Cousins in Greek Street, where John Renbourn often played, and The Scots Hoose in Cambridge Circus, were both casualties.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 07:50 AM

I don't think Marian McKenzie frequented the Cellar much, although definitely Hampstead where shw was resident. There was another regular singer of the 4 Mary's at both clubs, probably in the NW3 days before Marian, who had a guitar playing partner but can't quite place either of their names at present. She also was well known for Donal Og.

The old grey matter is failing on names however.

She would certainly have been on speaking terms with Roger as her partner was IIRC one of the Tuesday guitar crowd at CSH.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 05:42 AM

Hi Roger

Marian McKenzie used to do Mary Hamilton / The Four Marys, (Beaton/Seaton/Carmichael/and me). If that's the singer you mean, xhe's in Dorset, having married Pete Shutler of the Yetties.


http://www.contemplator.com/scotland/4marys.html

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,Roger F
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 05:09 AM

Borchester Echo may know this one:
We used to have a Scottish singer at the Folk Cellar (CSH) & at the Hamstead club. She always sang: "Once there were four Marys, now there are but three, there was Mary Seaton, Etc" can't remember the names of the others.
What was the name of the singer? and is she still around?
(I'm currently reading an historical novel about Mary, Queen of Scots, and Mary Seaton is mentioned. It brought to mind the singer we had at the two clubs in the 70's who I was on speaking terms with!)

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 13 Mar 11 - 02:24 PM

Daisy - I don't think that Herga's Daisy has quite shaken it off either. And he's a Michael, not a Dave, but we didn't have a Buttercup to distinguish him from...

Kitty

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,From: Roger F.
Date: 12 Mar 11 - 07:30 PM

Re Folk Club in Long Melford.
It was the Cock & Bell I rang but they couldn't give me any information.
Excuse my ignorance but what is the Mardle Mag?

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 12 Mar 11 - 05:52 PM

DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAISYYYYYYYYYY !!!! [sorry... force of habit...]

<< hug! >>

Ya still playing the pipes?

B   xxx

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: JohnH
Date: 12 Mar 11 - 05:22 PM

@ Roger F
Regular monthly session at "The Cock and Bell" Check in Mardle mag for details

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,Dave Armitage
Date: 12 Mar 11 - 04:33 PM

Yo Babs,

Sent you a long email back in December in response to your posting - did you get it? My email: [e-mail]

Love to you, and Bonnie if she's still following this (hello darlin').

Dave Armitage - oh alright Daisy - took me 30 years to shake that off and some people still resolutely refuse to acknowledge my real name - I honestly don't mind if it's someone I have known for so long...blah blah blah...

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,Roger F.
Date: 12 Mar 11 - 06:24 AM

I note a few entries from Suffolk people. Does anyone know about a folk club in Long Melford. Tis once a month on a Friday evening in a room over a pub. I tried ringing the pub but the person who answered said the room is hired but he didn't know by who, whether a guest was booked or whether it is a Come All Ye. It was advertised in the East Anglian Times, but not in the last couple of months.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 06 Mar 11 - 09:36 AM

She's fine, Kevin, last time I talked to her (last winter). Still mostly in London (though she also has a house in Ireland), still sounding like her usual lovely self. (Apologies if I've just repeated something I already posted above - the will to live is not sufficient energy to send me trawling through 474 messages...)

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 06 Mar 11 - 07:51 AM

Went to Hammersmith Irish Cultural Centre last night for Tommy Peoples and Sean Tyrell and by coincidence was sat on a table just by Kay Nicholson, one of Peelers organisers and wife of the late Roger Nicholson the great dulcimer player, both mentioned earlier in the thread.

Hadn't seen her for, I guess, 35 or so years but chatting was like re reading this whole thread! Great memories.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 05 Mar 11 - 11:50 AM

Good to hear from you Dave! Welcome to Mudcat.

Ah yes JohnH...the stories.....definitely a wee small hours job!

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: GUEST,John MacKenzie
Date: 05 Mar 11 - 10:04 AM

I remember Theo very well. He lived in a top floor flat in East Twickenham, and many notorious people lved in the first floor flat, including Johnny Silvo, and Roger Evans, at different times. I went to the barge in Kingston often, and also Bunjies.
He was actually a draughtsman or somesuch with a firm called Greenwood Airvac, in real life.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: JohnH
Date: 05 Mar 11 - 09:08 AM

Welcome aboard, Dave, (though it's about time!) These remeniscences could go on into the small hours.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: Radio Dave
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 08:42 AM

Hi Folks,   
         I started the " Phoebus Awakes " as it was so grandiosely
entitled, along with Jacqui Walker & Eddie Dunmore in March 1967.
Happy Days! I have now "retired" to the wide open spaces of East Anglia,where I still go to clubs & sessions most nights,& twice on Sundays.If anyone is near or by The Greyhound,Flempton,1st Tuesdays,
Thats near Bury St.Edmunds.Also I M.C. a Session at the Bull Woolpit
Just off the A14, every 2nd.Wednesday.If any of my old friends fancy a blast on air,I also present a live 2 hour folk show on Wayland Radio,which goes out every Sunday from 7.00pm - 9.00pm. That's on 107.3fm,or waylandradio.com
                         Ciao !
                              Dave

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 02 Mar 11 - 05:24 AM

Hi John!

Catford was also the first folk club I ever went to, when I was new to the whole country. Just off the plane from Boston and the entire phenomenon of the British folk club scene was untested territory. I'd always been into the music though, and Boston had a thriving folk scene of its own (and was where I first got turned on to The Coppers and The Young Tradition).

I got a very warm welcome from the Catford regulars (in the days when Dave & Ruth Cooper were running it) and kept coming back every week, even though it meant a late-night tube journey right up to north London on the northern line. Worth it too. That club was where I met Anne Lister, who is a valued friend to this very day, and Ralphie too.

I also remember Theo, but only really talked to him once. He was a gent.