|
|
FaBclub review 21st September2008 written by Kathy Migdal A glorious sunny day and quite a few fresh faces greeted this first 'club in the pub'session of the FaBClub's new season. We happily welcomed back Clive, who is successfully recovering from his op. The fabulous Ron Truman Border was our guest. The first floor spot was by our compere Trevor Little, who gave a strong performance of a song by John Prime, Come Back to us Barbara Lewis Hare Krishna BeauRegard. John Stafford added a scintillating accompaniment on the harmonica. Followed by some real blues from Trevor with John adding blues harp. 'It hurts me too' by Elmore James. Bill Pardon followed, (the man with toggles in his shirt).Musical monologue by Bill dedicated to Folk Club reviewers everywhere, the title is impossible to reproduce. Algernon Chalmondley Blenkinsopp Smythe or Fred for short. The song sounded great, not sure about my spelling. Next a mystical song dedicated to an old lady from Leigh on Sea, old Mother Moore and how she met her end. Bill continues the ballad tradition of story-telling in verse. Dennis Homes sang a seasonal song, In the Mists of Mid September, painting pictures of the countryside and memories of a loved one. Dennis' version of Singing the Blues by Marty Robbins got us all singing along to this foot-tapping number. As usual, an expert and gutsy performance. All the way from sunny Sidcup, our special guest Ron Truman Border took to the stage with quite a few guitars. He stood close to the audience, in front of the platform, which gave a real immediacy to his performance. A gentle start with a song called Brand New Day about fresh starts, and good chorus for us to sing. Whisky and Beer - about a bloke sitting in a pub and feeling sorry for himself. John joined in on Harmonica. Tears over my bones - a real fast-paced foot-stomping number conjuring up shades of the old West. About a young man who meets the hangman at age sixteen. They're tearing my England down - another chorus song from Ron about parts of our heritage being pulled down. Sleaze - About politicians and corruption: behaviour which is covered up but shouldn't be. One politician was mentioned by name but we can't print that here. A deliciously smoochy jazzy number. A song by Ron inspired by Buddy Holly. - Rave on Buddy, had us all clapping along. It Must be Love cos it feels like the Blues- blues with Ron on harp. I'm looking for a light to guide me home. - Lively bluegrass with John Stafford joining in on harp. Send the Yankees in. - the scary prospect of countries being 'helped' by the USA . Great bluesy song, it really hit the spot. After the break, during which the stuffed 'Andrex' puppy complete with toilet roll raffle prize was admired, Trevor sang Drunk and Disorderly. About a man who drinks a lot! Followed by Scarborough Fare - with an interesting alternative arrangement. Margaret (Lady Formby) performed next. A song called Ban Joe, written by Alan Neville for her to take to the Ukulele convention at Blackpool last year. Today she played a green Uke instead of a yellow one, in a melodic and clear performance. She continued with From a Jack to a King, a great old classic. Joe Migdal followed, singing Star Trails. Where we're all going in life and the stardust we've all come from. As always, technical guitar work and imaginative melodies. He then sang Roll River Flow by Richard Grainger. A great song with a great chorus, played with energy and a driving rhythm. Dennis Homes sang about folk clubs next, with a little poke at tradition. It might not go down too well with the purists but we thought it was great fun and had to admire his tongue twisting chorus. Thanks to Helen and Linda, a very successful raffle. After which Ron Truman Border came back for his second set. He began with a gentle but sad love song, followed by: Prisoner of War - an evocative ballad about the fact that not just prisoners, but every person is affected by the threats or consequences of war. Sundays - Trad blues with harp about just not getting going in the morning. Everybody hates the French. - a comic song definitely written from the English point of view but with just a hint of tolerance thrown in. Down the Road I'm gone - rock and roll about leaving home with another great chorus Every body's in the same boat - Dennis on guitar joined Ron for this one. Lovely blues we could all join in with. Covered in Blood - upbeat song about dreams of tragedy. Diamonds in my own Backyard - lively bluegrass to finish off. A big thank you to all the performers who provided us with a wonderful afternoon's entertainment, not least to our guest Ron. He gave us a great selection of songs which ran the gamut of timeless human issues. We heard a variety of styles, but with definite rhythm and blue influences. We were never bored! He also provided lots of opportunities and encouragement to people to join in. A strong performer who definitely likes to make contact with his audience. We would love to see him again at the FaBClub. KathyM |