April, Come She Will . . . . .

Wed 4th April : Circle on the Road, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton University
With Dan Whitehouse & The Birmingham Songwriting Circle
Song : You Can't Talk to Him

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Thursday 5th April : Black Country Radio Studios, The Waterfront, Merry Hill
With The Neon Collective on Billy Spakemon's 'Ommer & Chain Show
Songs : Don't Let Go & Pentonville Angel

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Friday 6th April : Bradford Arms Folk Club
There are not many nights when you finish the first half and finish the night as well !
Feeling privileged !!
Songs : Don't Let Go, Pentonville Angel & Tell Me

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Tuesday 10th April : SongWriters Night, The White Lion, 150, Sandwell Street, Walsall, WS1 3EQ
My night in charge, and with the new CD too.  Several writers who haven't been for some time here tonight.
Songs : The River's Started Rising & Zoe's Lullaby

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Tuesday 17th April : Tap & Spile, Gas Street, Birmingham
Half hour spot tonight - once the audience arrived !  Finished around 21.10.
Songs : Guardians, City by the Sea, Don't Let Go, No-One There, Towpath, I'll Try for the Sun [Donovan] & Pentonville Angel.

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Wed 18th April : Sandpiper Folk Club, Pigot Arms, Pattingham, Staffs
Four song loyalty spot tonight !
Songs : Harry Don't Go [Ralph McTell]  & Two Cities [with Chris Patterson] ;
City by the Sea & Tell Me [Solo]

<< Welcome Ken, performing a deserved extended spot tonight.
First, a lilting song called “Harry Don't Go” from the 1970s that captured the Caribbean rhythm and which he dedicated to the 'Windrush' victims.
“Two Cities”, a poignant song that is as relevant now as it was in the past. I found it moving as the audience sang along with “there but for the Grace of God go I”.
“City by the Sea”. This was a song about Southhampton; cars in cages, rhinos running free, love and peace everywhere, the spell that the city cast over me.
”Tell Me”.  "Tell me what I need to know”.  A song about bad news inspired when an elderly priest was killed in Northern France whilst celebrating Mass. “Tell me x2, Tell me its not real, Tell me x2, Tell me that it’s all a dream".  Ken at his best - thought provoking, shining light on the events in the world; truth echoing in the hearts and minds of us all >> 
                                   Sandpiper Folk Club Review via Facebook.

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Friday 27th April : Bradford Arms Folk Club, on the A5, Ivetsey Bank, Staffs
Singers Night with Roy Griffiths.
Songs : Ferry to the Isle of Wight & The River is Still Rising
 

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March - Comes in like a Lion !

Well, the "Beast from the East" started the month while we were down in Wiltshire and din't we have snow !  The road home via Marlborough was blocked by snow and we had to make a lengthy detour to avoid it !

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Tuesday 6th March : Folk @ the Oak, Royal Oak, School Road, Tettenhall Wood, Wolverhampton.
My night in charge - Helen recovering from her eye operation.
Songs : Ballad of a Crystal Man [Donovan], Dark Eyes [Bob Dylan] & Last Thing on my Mind [Tom Paxton]

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Wednesday 7th March : Sandpiper Folk Club,  The Pigot Arms, Pattingham
50's/60's Night !  Wth Chris Patterson on harmonica.
Songs : Chimes of Freedom [Bob Dylan] & Leaving London {Tom Paxton]

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Tuesday 13th March : Songwriters Night at the White Lion, Walsall
Chris Jackson in charge tonight.  Helen providing sound for Sam.  Finally caught some bug over the weekend so I won't be there.

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Friday 16th March : Bradford Arms Folk Club, Ivetsey Bank, A5
Helen in charge tonight : oversubscribed once again !  Hard act to follow next week !
Songs : Dark Eyes {Bob Dylan} & Leaves that are Green {Paul Simon}

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Wednesday 21st March : Sandpiper Folk Club,  The Pigot Arms, Pattingham
Another excellent night !   Songs : Leaves that are Green [Paul Simon] & Russian Spies [based on Dark Eyes by Bob Dylan]

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Friday 23rd March : Bradford Arms Folk Club, Ivetsey Bank, A5
In charge of a showcase night for Caitlin & Chris.  Distinct lack of support from the perfomer's brigade !
Songs : Towpath, Russian Spies & Guardians

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Friday 30th March : Bradford Arms Folk Club, Ivetsey Bank, A5
Singaround tonight with Linda DM
3 Songs : Ballad of Mary Magdalene [Richard Shindell], Tell Me & No-One There

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February's Ice & Sleet . . .

An inactive start to February as we've been providing family support during the birth of our second grand-child.  After an anxious time, happily both mother and daughter are doing well.  The same will apply to the end of the month when paternity leave expires !

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Tuesday 13th February : SongWriters Night, The White Lion, Walsall. 
Helen hosting tonight.
Songs : Guardians, Keeping England Free & Late Night Lisa

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Friday 16th February : Black Diamond Folk Club : The Lamp Tavern, Highgate, B'ham.
Singers Night on the way back from Shirley where I had dropped off the master disc and artwork for the duplication of The Neon Collective's new album.
Songs : Guardians & Pentonville Angel

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Wednesday 21st February : Sandpiper Folk Club, The Pigot Arms, Pattingham
With Chris Pattison on harmonica and finishing the night !
Songs : Guiding Hand & Picture of You
<< Ken Stott supported by Chris Patterson! ( No this is not a typing error !! )  We are thinking of moving Chris’s chair to the front now as he is up there so often ! 
Ken’s first song was “Guiding Hand” about a treasure that has blessed many generations, the Girl Guides. This gave us so much insight, reminding us what values can be passed on to our children; still surviving despite the X-box and the explosion of the internet.  Ken’s second song was “A Picture of You”, a lovely song about loss. We wonder who ?   Thanks Ken; as always, important messages wrapped in a gentle lilt and delivered with a smile >>  Thanks, Heather !

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January brings the Snow . . . . .

Well, another New Year, 2018 and the promise that comes with it.  Let's hope its good for everyone !

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Tuesday 2nd January : Folk @ the Oak : Royal Oak, School Road, Tettenhall Wood, Wolverhampton.
First outing of the New Year.
Songs : Following the Road, Matter of Time & Kathy's Song [Paul Simon}

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Friday 5th January : Bradford Arms Folk Club, Ivetsey Bank, A5 
Singaround with Roy
Songs : Ballad of a Crystal Man [Donovan] & Pentonville Angel

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Tuesday 9th January : SongWriters Night, The White Lion, Walsall. 
My turn to host the night.
Songs : Game of Life & West Coast Line

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Friday 12th January : Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, A5.  
My turn to play host here too !
Songs : Far from Ideal & Matter of Time

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Wednesday 24th January : Sandpiper Folk Club, The Pigot Arms, Pattingham
First session of 2018.  5th on in the second half, the penultimate performer.
Songs : I'll Try For The Sun [Donovan] & Pentonville Angel
<< Its not very often we hear Ken Stott do a cover, but he covered a Donovan number. We liked it Ken.  The second song was a more traditional Ken self-penned number. Thanks for the change in format for tonight. >>

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Thursday 25th January : Brewood Acoustic : Cricket Club, Brewood, Staffs.
Charity Night for New Crooss Heart & Lung Dept. with Will Morgan
Songs : Towpath & Pentonville Angel

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Friday 26th January : Bradford Arms Folk Club : Ivetsey Bank, A5.
Linda Kirtley in charge tonight.
Songs : I'll Try For The Sun [Donovan] & City by the Sea
<< We always enjoy Ken Stott’s set and tonight was no exception. A great Donovan song followed by one of his own compositions. Thanks Ken!   >>

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Dark December . . . . .

And so we come to the end of the year . . . dark, cold and just a few nights left.

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Tuesday 5 December : Folk @ the Oak, Royal Oak, Tettenhall Wood, Wolverhampton
In charge of Helen's Christmas Party night tonight.  Twelve excellent performers, a monster 12 prize raffle, Sue's 60th Birthday cake with Pro Tempora to finish the night.  An overwhelmingly Christmassy evening of song.
Songs : Charity Begins at Home & Evening Star

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Wed 13 December : Sandpiper Folk Club, Pigot Arms, Pattingham, Staffs
Christmas Party night !  Fantastic night --- and I won the prize for the song the audience liked best !  1 Litre of Famous Grouse Scotch Whisky !  Wow !!  See FB quote below !
Songs : Evening Star & Twelve Days

<< Sandpiper Folk Club Charity event in aid of MIND : 13th December 2017

"The club would like to thank everyone who took part in this event, be they performers, audience or helpers. It was a fantastic night capped by the ingenuity of the performers to weave lines from the “12 days of Christmas” into one of their songs. There were some amazing efforts but there could be only one winner. Ken Stott went further!! He wrote an original song incorporating the lines in a humorous and entertaining way to the great appreciation of the audience. Hence, he won the prize of a 1 litre bottle of whisky. (Whether it’s still 1 Litre we are not sure!).
On a more serious note the efforts of everyone present raised a total of £220
We are pleased to inform you that Scott Parrish has completed his epic New Zealand cycle ride of 3114 km. He would like to reiterate his thanks to everyone for their support.
We would all like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year.  Hope to see you all on the 24th January"
x  Brian, Geoff, Roger, Pete, J.P., Sue, Heather, Janet, Florence and Andy >>

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Friday 15 December : Bradford Arms Folk Club, Ivetsey Bank, A5
Last singers night of the year, I think, as next week is a guest night !
Songs : Evening Star & Twelve Days [by request!]

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Dark November brings the fog . . .

The clocks have gone back so the nights are even darker. We've endured Halloween - this year the "Trick or Treaters" lost patience and departed before we could get to the door !  Is this a sign of aging ?

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Wed 1 November : Sandpiper Folk Club, Pigot Arms, Pattingham, Staffs
Songs : Borrowed Time, City by the Sea & England as she used to be

<< Three self penned numbers by Ken Stott. You never fail to make us think about what you sing Ken. Thanks for your unstinting support of the Sandpiper Folk Club >>

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Tue 7 November : Folk @ the Oak, Royal Oak, Tettenhall Wood, Wolverhampton
Unpromising start due to Helen running out of fuel on the way and few early arrivals but we managed to fit in 15 quality performers in the end !
Songs : City by the Sea & Follow Me Down

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Tue 14 November : Songwriters Night at The White Lion
My night tonight.  Only twelve writers tonight but still a quality night with a real fire and four extra songs by the end.
Songs : Strawberry Hair & Horse Fair

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Wed 15 November : Sandpiper Folk Club
Wasn't sure about going tonight.  Mick's first night he's missed !
Helen went home early.  Still, a good reception.
Songs : Knight School & Strawberry Hair

<< Wordsmith Ken Stott was next to the stage with two self penned numbers. Always thoughtful and thought provoking. Thanks for your unstinting support to the Sandpiper Folk Club >>

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Fri 24 November : Bradford Arms Folk Club
Linda K's night but very few here; only eight performers and three or four audience members.  Hence three songs ! 
Songs : Strawberry Hair, Whose Garden was This? [Tom Paxton] & Last Man Out

<< Ken Stott sang about angels, before a couple more apocalyptic songs ! >>

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Wed 29 November : Sandpiper Folk Club
Well, a capacity crowd tonight and eighteen performers !  I was number seventeen, but despite the long wait, it went really well !
Songs : No-One There & Whose Garden was This? [Tom Paxton]

<<  Ken Stott told us he had decided to extend his repertoire and sing other songwriter material, so he gave us one self penned number and one cover. We liked them Ken. Thanks for your continued support of the Sandpiper Folk Club. >>

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October and the Leaves are falling

Well and truly into Autumn, with the leaves falling fast this year !

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Tue 3 October : Folk @ the Oak
Helen hosted tonight.  Four songs !
Songs : Keeping England Free, Keep the Music Live, When Autumn Comes Around & Keep it Real

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Wed 4 October : Sandpiper Folk Club
Another superb night.  Brian hosted on his own tonight.
Songs : Don't Pick on Me & I Woke One Morning

<< If you want someone to write about observations of life, he is up there with the best. The first of his two self-penned songs was 'Don't Pick on Me’; about bullying.  A beautiful song, Ken’s work is a true link between the metaphorical and the magical. ‘I Woke one Morning’; this song makes you realise that inspiring music is alive and well in the West Midlands >>
Wow; Thanks, Brian !

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Mon 9 October : Calf Heath Marina
Sing Around.
Songs : When Autumn Comes Around & She Don't Like Roses [Christine Kane & Tom Kimmel]

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Tue 10 October : Songwriter's Night at the White Lion
Helen's turn to run the night.
Songs : Keeping England Free & I Woke one Morning

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Thu 12 October : The Fountain Inn, Gornal
Terribly noisy open mic.  Really notice these places now, where everyone is keen to play but no-one is prepared to listen to anyone else !  Might not re-visit, there are better places.
Songs : When Autumn Comes Around & Ballad of a Crystal Man {Donovan}

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Tue 17 October : Tap & Spile, Gas Street, Birmingham.
Excellent night with Tim Walkerdine standing in for Jason.  Thanks to Andy Jenkins & the Spacehoppers who were also guesting here.  And thank you to the members of the audience for all their favourable comments about my set !
Songs : Ballad of a Crystal Man [Donovan], No-One There, Towpath, Pentonville Angel, City by the Sea, Festival & Guardians.

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Wed 18 October : Sandpiper Folk Club, Pigot Arms, Pattingham, Staffs
Another night of daunting standards !  Always grateful that I seem to be able to hold my own amongst all this talent.
Songs : Towpath & Follow Me Down [First Outing]

<< Super wordsmith Ken Stott was next to the stage. He did one of his well known songs and then completely surprised us all with a song about his good friend Mick Burrows who will be leaving us for pastures new very shortly. A very emotional song, Ken. >>  
and, unexpectedly by text message . . .
<< Ken, Your song for Mick last night was brilliant! You got over to the audience the feelings that one would have when a close friend moves away.you made us feel that void but also how important that person is to you. I personally was chocking back my feelings. The friendship you have together will be there for evermore. Love, Sue, Brian, Andy & Heather xx >>

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Mon 23 October : Crescent Theatre, Birmingham
Another rare opportunity to take part in an event with the Birmingham Songwriting Circle.  Twenty-plus writers, so just one song each : Don't Fight with Me
Several people told me that they liked the song !

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Fri 27 October : Bradford Arms Folk Club
I was in charge tonight !  Thanks to everyone who came along to support me !   A memorable night with many Neon Collective members and Chris & Kate, the new faces and Ian Pittaway + harp !
Songs : Keep the Music Live & Follow Me Down [ by request from Anthony !]
 

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September, I'll remember . . . . .

Autumn already.  August has indeed died, the showers are heavier than usual and the leaves are already falling !

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Tue 5 Sept : Folk @ the Oak, Tettenhall Wood, Wolverhampton
Helen in charge tonight and really well attended !
Songs : Far From Ideal & Rising Sun

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Wed 6 Sept : Sandpiper Folk Club, Pigot Arms, Pattingham, Staffs
Songs : Rising Sun [Request] & No Shadow
<< Ken Stott up next, on top form, singing two of his many and very varied self-penned numbers. Thanks for all your support for the Sandpiper, Ken >>

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Fri 8 Sept : Bradford Arms Folk Club, Ivetsey Bank, A5
Showcase night featuring Iain Evans and hosted by Joe Bayliss
Songs : Two Cities & No Shadow
<< Ken Stott is a prolific songwriter and luckily for us, has become one of our regular performers as well as occasional host ! >>

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Tue 12 Sept: : Songwriters Night at The White Lion, Walsall
Songs : Red, White & the Blue, Lean on Me & No Shadow

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Fri 15 Sept : Bradford Arms Folk Club, Ivetsey Bank, A5
Linda Kirtley's first singers night, shame that it was sparcely attended but we did all get three songs ! 
Songs : Red, White & the Blue, Lean on Me & No Shadow

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Wed 20 Sept : Sandpiper Folk Club, Pigot Arms, Pattingham, Staffs
Songs : Red, White & the Blue & Lean on Me
<< Wordsmith, Ken Stott next to the stage. Two self penned numbers by Ken, one with the audience joining in. It's always a joy to hear your songs as they are very personal and from the heart. Thanks for your continued support.>>

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Fri 29 Sept : Bradford Arms Folk Club, Ivetsey Bank, A5
Performers night hosted by Mick Burrows
Songs : Keep the Music Live, When Autumn Comes Around Again & Keep It Real

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August, Die She Must

And so onto another month.  They seem to come and go so quickly now !

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Tue 1st August : Folk @ the Oak
In charge tonight.  Another really enjoyable night.
Songs : Lord of the River & Towpath

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Frid 4th August : Bradford Arms Folk Club
Paul Francis in charge tonight !  Well supported!
Songs : Je t'Adore & Savenay

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Tue 8th August : Songwriters Night at the White Lion
I'm in charge tonight ! 
Songs : Towpath & Take Extra Care

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Sat 19th August : Halesowen Athletics and Cycling Club
The latest in our series of Neon Collective gigs.
Songs : Festival, Two Cities & Guardians

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Sun 20th August : The Crown Joules, Codsall
A half hour spot supporting Sam Draisey & Alex Vann and my second paid gig ever !
Songs : No-One There, Towpath, Pentonville Angel, City by the Sea, Festival, Two Cities & Guardians

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Wed 23rd August : Sandpiper Folk Club
Back here after six week absence due to holidays and GBB festival.
Songs : Festival, Two Cities & Guardians

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Fri 25th August : Bradford Arms Folk Club, Ivetsey Bank
Sing-Around night downstairs with Helen in charge.
Songs : Kathy's Song [Paul Simon], In the Dreamtime [Ralph McTell] & Pentonville Angel

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July, She Will Fly

It will be a very short month, music-wise as we're off to France for our holiday 'en-famille' !  We're going as the resident babysitters, I think, but still looking forward to it immensely !

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Tue 4th July : Folk @ the Oak
Fully subscribed with Christine in charge.  Good night.
Songs : Take Extra Care & Festival [as a tribute to Alan Surtees who masterminded Shrewsbury Folk Festival for many years and who recently passed away]  So sad !

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Fri 7th July : Bradford Arms Folk Club
Helen's Night - That's it now until after our French holiday en-famille !
Songs : Borrowed Time & Take Extra Care

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Fri 28th July : No Covers Club, Earl of Lichfield, Lichfield
Excellent free parking nearby but pub small, busy and noisy.  Not my ideal venue.
Evening started late as host had decided to move house today ! 
Songs : Lord of the River, Towpath & England

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June, she'll change her tune

June has been a busy month, even apart from the music.  I'm quite proud that I've managed to fit in TEN nights out singing ! 

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Tues 6th June : Folk @ the Oak, Royal Oak, Tettenhall Wood, Wolverhampton
Lynn's 70th Birthday Celebrations and a great number of excellent performers.  Also Crooked House's Farewell at the Oak before re-locating to Cornwall.
Songs : Far From Ideal & No-One There

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Thurs 8th June : The Fountain, Lower Gornal
General Election today !  So, a new night starting and I've been invited to take part !
Songs : Guardians, City by the Sea & Pentonville Angel

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Tues 13th June : Songwriters Night at the White Lion
Chris Jackson in charge tonight.
Songs : Odd Man Out , Lord of the River & Keeping England Free

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Wed 14th June : Sandpiper Folk Club
Tribute night for Crooked House - what a send off !  As requested by Mick & Richard . . .
Songs : Towpath & Knight School

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Frid 16th June : Bradford Arms Folk Club
In charge tonight !  And well supported too !
Songs : Two Cities & Pentonville Angel
<<Ably organised by Ken, who not only managed to run the night perfectly, but sang a couple of great songs too! — with Ken Stott at The Bradford Arms. >>

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Mon 19 June : Calf Heath Marina
Singaround : Worth going to for the visual aid to Andy's song, "Shirley", provided by Derek.
Songs : Kathy's Song [Paul Simon}, Lord of the River, She Don't Like Roses [Christine Kane & Tom Kimmel}

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Fri 23 June : Bradford Arms Folk Club
Showcase Night : Breeze & Wilson
Songs : Lord of the River & Towpath

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Wed 28th June : Sandpiper Folk Club
Great night - finished the first half with two songs and so many people told me how much they liked the wheelie-bin song !  Could be edging into my top ten !
Songs : April, Come She Will [Paul Simon} and Wheelie Dancers
<<  Next, Ken Stott who was requested to perform the 'Wheelie Bin Song'.  Ken you are so modest about your song writing, but you could tell from the audience they love you and the song. Can we have some more like that ?  >>

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Thu 29th June : The Fountain, Lower Gornal
Well received, and an invitation to the Maverick, Stourbridge !
Songs : Keeping England Free, April Come She Will [Paul Simon] & No-One There

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Fri 30th June : Bradford Arms Folk Club
Not so many there tonight as many were either on holiday or had gone over to the Charity event in Stafford.  No matter - four songs each !
Songs : April Come She Will [Paul Simon], No-One There, She Don't Like Roses [Christine Kane & Tom Kimmel] & Festival

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The Merry Month of May

May has been quite wet, so far, but the gardens badly need the rain after a prolonged dry spell. Here's my event list and song diary so far.

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Tuesday 2nd May : Folk @ the Oak, Royal Oak, Tettenhall Wood, Wolverhampton
Songs : Ferry & Faded Photograph

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Wednesday 3rd May : Sandpiper Folk Club, Pigot Arms, Pattingham
Songs : In the Dreamtime [Ralph McTell] & Festival

<< Our very own wordsmith, Ken Stott was next. His second number was about The Shrewsbury Festival, reminding us that the music festivals for this year are just round the corner. Thanks Ken. >>

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Tuesday 9th May : Songwriters Night at the White Lion, Sandwell Street, Walsall
Songs : City by the Sea & Festival

An eventful evening !  Eleven contributing singer-songwriters.  Proceedings disrupted by altercation in the other bar followed by the timely arrival of the Police !  A warm welcome to John Langford & Dave Tighe, sampling the White Lion for the first time.

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Tuesday 16th May : Acoustic Lounge at the Tap & Spile, Gas Street, Birmingham
Half an hour guest spot around 7.45pm.  Thanks, Jason.

Songs : Guardians, City by the Sea, Ballad of a Crystal Man [Donovan], Far from Ideal [first outing !], Matter of Time, She don't like Roses & England, as it used to be.

Showcase acts : Ken Stott, Andy Jenkins & Every Thread. A great night !
Well supported by a listening audience with many contributions to the Open-Mic.

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Wednesday 17th May : Sandpiper Folk Club, Pigot Arms, Pattingham
Songs : Towpath & England, as it used to be
Nice compliment via Facebook : Arbie J. Morgenstein‎ to Ken Stott : <<Really enjoyed your set at the Pigot Arms on Wednesday. Excellent songs ! >>

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Friday 19th May : Bradford Arms Folk Club, Ivetsey Bank, on the A5
My turn to host the Singers Night.  8.30pm start.
Songs : Don't Let Go, You Can't Talk to Him & Far From Ideal
<< Wonderful night at The Bradford Arms Folk Club. A very appreciative audience and ten accomplished performers. Thanks to Ken Stott for expert hosting and to Ed Brown for setting up the sound system and making everyone sound good 🎶 >>

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Wednesday 31st May : Sandpiper Folk Club, Pigot Arms, Pattingham
Songs : Two Cities & Rainbow
An amazing number of compliments tonight about my first song, my guitar, my playing and a request from JP for one of my songs next month.  Fame at last ?
<< Super wordsmith Ken Stott to the stage with his trademark style and performance. Always a pleasure to have you performing at the Sandpiper. Thanks for your support Ken.>>

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April, Come She Will

So, the clocks have gone forward and the nights are lighter.  Here's my song diary for the month.

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Tuesday 4th April : Folk @ the Oak, Royal Oak, Tettenhall Wood, Wolverhampton
My turn to host the night ! 
Songs : Leaves that are Green [Paul Simon] & Rising Sun

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Tuesday 11th April : Songwriters Night at The White Lion, 150 Sandwell Street, Walsall
Personal best night for Helen - 20 singers tonight !
Songs : Madame Bayeux [First Outing] & Faded Photograph

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Friday 14th April : Bradford Arms Folk Club,  on the A5 at Ivetsey Bank, Staffs
Good Friday Singaround - very well supported !
Songs : The Ballad of Mary Magdalen [Richard Shindell] & In The Dreamtime [Ralph McTell]

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March 2017

I still wasn't very well as the month began - whatever I've had seems to be taking forever to get better !  I was still managing the absolute essentials as far as musical activities were concerned.  As of a few days ago however, it all seemed to lift and my chest and throat have been better than for the last six or seven weeks.  I'm intending to try the Bradford Arms and the Sandpiper before the end of March.

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Thursday 2 March @ The Patrick Kavanagh, Moseley, Birmingham
Booked for a 15 minute spot.  Excellent club despite the difficult parking ! 
No expense spared on gear, so very good quality sound and a professional photographer on hand who took two excellent photos while performing.
Just a shame the car died on the way home !
Songs : Guardians / No-One There & Pentonville Angel

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Tuesday 7 March @ Folk at the Oak, Tettenhall Wood, Wolverhampton
I had all the gear so I had to go !  Audience member only tonight.
I didn't perform !

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Friday 24 March @ Bradford Arms Folk Club, Ivetsey Bank on the A5
First outing since feeling as if I've recovered !  And first music night out in the new car ! Singers Night with Paul Francis hosting.
Songs : Flowers Never Bend with the Rainfall [Paaul Simon] & She Don't Like Roses [Christine Kane]

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Monday 27 March @ Calf Heath Marina Pub, Kings Road, Calf Heath, South Staffs
Singers Night with Chris Edwards. Thanks for the extra song Chris !
Songs : Leaves that are Green [Paul Simon], Guardians & To Try for the Sun [Donovan}

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Wednesday 29 March @ Sandpiper Folk Club, Pigot Arms, Pattingham, Staffs
First Singers Night here since mid-January !
Songs : Guardians & Leaves that are Green [Paul Simon]

<< What a great sight to see, Ken Stott back at the Sandpiper. The song about the plight of the North American Indians is a great one Ken and one we all love. Good to have you back friend. >>

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Friday 31 March @ Bradford Arms Folk Club, Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, A5
Singers Night with Rob [the vet] : even if it did take me moaning, I still got my third song !
Songs : Rising Sun, Leaves that are Green & Another Sunrise

Two Nights in Three Days

Two events in quick succession this week !  An unusually busy week !

Tue 28 Feb @ The Acoustic Lounge, Tap & Spile, Gas Street, Birmingham.
30 minute spot around 8.00 pm.

Thu 2 Mar @ The No Covers Club, Patrick Kavanagh, Moseley, Birmingham.
15 minute spot aroud 8.00 pm

Bradford Arms Folk Club

This could be a night to remember !

February - Not my Month !

As usual, I have my annual spell of ill health this month.  Weirdly, it started at exactly the same time as last year almost to the minute !  Sore throat, brochitis, stomach pains and generally feeling low for over a fortnight !  Consequently, less musical activity than usual.

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Wednesday 1st February, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
Circle on the Road. 
Song : Guardians

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Tuesday 14th February, Songwriter's Night at The White Lion, Walsall
Hosting !  With the aid of throat pastilles and Fishermans Friends.
Song : Rainbow.

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Friday 17th February, Showcase Night at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, A5
Guests : Ed Conway & the Unlawful Men
Hosting the evening - fuelled by willpower and alcohol !
Songs : No-One There & Pentonville Angel

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Tuesday 28th February, Acoustic Lounge at the Tap & Spile, Gas Street, Birmingham
Half hour spot around 8pm.
Songs : Guardians / Strawberry Hair / Rising Sun / No-One There / Towpath /
             Two Cities & Pentonville Angel

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Circle on the Road

I'm pleased to announce that I will be joining Dan Whitehouse and many other songwriters for Circle on the Road at the Arena Theatre at Wolverhampton University, the evening of 1st February.  I've never performed there, so I'm looking forward to it.  It should be a great night !

January 2017 - Happy New Year

A belated welcome to 2017.  May it be a better year than 2016 !

Folk nights so far, during January . . . . . songs are mine, if unacknowledged.

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Tuesday 3rd January.  Folk @ the Oak
Singers Night.  Helen hosting.  Heating faulty so extremely cold.  Not many there; much illness about.
Songs : Two Cities / Kathy's Song (Paul Simon) / Pentonville Angel / She Don't Like Roses (Christine Kane & Tom Kimmel)

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Friday 6th January.  Bradford Arms Folk Club
Sing-around format, downstairs.  Martin hosting.  Well attended - 14 performers / 3 rounds.
Songs : Dear River Thames (Richard Digence) / Ballad of a Crystal Man (Donovan) / Kathy's Song (Paul Simon)

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Tuesday 10th January.  Songwriters Night at the White Lion
First meeting of the year.  Helen hosting.
Songs : I Woke One Morning / Guardians

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Wednesday 18th January,  Sandpiper Folk Club
First club of the year.  Always a good night !
Songs : London Bus & Shakespeare in Stratford

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Friday 27th January, Bradford Arms Folk Club
Singers Night with Paul Francis
Songs : English Blues & West Coast Line

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Keep the Music Live - CD Review

Ken Stott - Keep the Music Live
CD Review by Vincent Raymond-Barker

This album shows Ken Stott at the top of his game, with interesting lyrics and vocals showing increased range, whilst the guitar has moved beyond excellence into timeless beauty. The bishop of Wolverhampton once described Dylan’s ‘Slow Train Coming’ as ‘perfectly balanced’.  The same can be said of ‘Keep the Music Live’. There are songs with messages, songs with laughs, songs of nostalgia and songs which are relevant now.  Making this balanced album even better is the quality of the choruses.  

Enthusiasm is one of Ken’s greatest qualities, as shown in his title track description of a concert in the Lichfield Guild Hall: ‘Such a gig you’d wish for in your dreams.’ The message of the song, support live music, is uncompromising. There is a beautiful and subtle connection between the songs which imperceptibly threads the album together, as at the end of “When Autumn Comes Around”, the single mother by the French marshes hears the murmuring tide before “City by the Sea” begins in a different place and mood, but still near the sea.  I often listen to an album while washing up, but rarely play an album right through. This is such a good album is that I look for more washing up, so that I can carry on listening!  If anybody interrupts with a conversation I shush them…it’s that good. Just one more song, then another; I play the whole album and I hang on every word. As “England, as it used to be” begins, I enjoy the Gibson guitar and wait for Ken to tell me another story. He doesn’t disappoint. ‘I wrote down some lines on the Sunday lunch menu, out in the garden and under a tree…’  While Ken sings appealing stories with clear messages, his mastery of the guitar shows apparently effortless sophistication.  “Borrowed Time”, is at once a celebration of life and a lament at its passing, almost unbearably poignant and with memorable vocal backing.  The messages are far from simplistic.

 A clever link to “Late Night Lisa” comes as the long sleepless nights of “Borrowed Time” segue to Ken in bed listening to late night radio!  All the best albums have a bouncy or comic number, and Lisa has both qualities, as well as the album’s best line: “Why is it that I can only think of you in underwear?” “Jane Austen’s Eyes” is perhaps the album’s finest song, raising questions about that period during the Napoleonic wars.  I was impressed by how convincing Ken is as a gypsy, singing about the Appleby “Horse Fair”. “Take extra care” is a masterpiece of warning clothed in light humour, and an example of how Ken can magic a song from the most unlikely situation. But the underlying question is all the more chillingly effective for the lightness of touch. After such thoughts, it’s comforting to turn to “The River Is Still Rising”, even here when it’s flooding by the Severn near Tewkesbury – almost reassuringly, ‘it does this every year…..rivers are our friends.’ As I enjoy this soft song, remembering rain at a festival, I understand why, as Mick Burrows has pointed out, it would be nice to live in a Ken Stott song. The album’s excellent final track about climate change, “Last Man Out”, is sweet to inhabit. Only as the track finishes does the listener feel Ken’s hand on his shoulder: ‘– and can you close the stable door?’