It is always nice to see new faces at The George when we hold our Open Music Nights, but it is even nicer when they turn up again. So of course, we were delighted to see Ray again, and Lew Bear, and because it has been a while, for some it seems like an new face, but Korben has played for us before. He's a bit taller, has a lot more kit, and become much more accomplished in his playing. He even brought someone along to sing with him, his sister Milly.
As is usually the case, I opened proceedings with two of my own; the first, a new song which hasn't got a title yet, a folky bluesy song about being left by one's lover for no apparent reason. The second was a familiar tune at The George, 'Mouldy Brown Bread and Cheese'. The harmonica parts on both songs were in different keys so I had the wonderful experience of swapping them over between songs; an opportunity to develop some stage chat that was missed by all the fumbling around and trying not to drop my guitar on the floor while doing it. Note to self, wear strap, even if sitting! My last song of the evening was harmonica free. The Canary in the coal mine has stopped singing for a variety of reasons.
Next up was Korben, who used his pedals and sampling equipment to great effect, producing an electric guitar medley with three guitars and a loop. His pedal board isn't quite to the scale of Derrick Meyer's Mothership, but you can see where it is heading.
A new partnership seems to have been born, with Nigel, Sandi and Tugrul coming together to give us Creedence Clearwater Revival's 'Who'll Stop The Rain' and the 1964 Roger Miller country song
'King of The Road'. In the second half they performed Bob Dylan's 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door' and The Beatles' '8 Days a Week'. I don't think we hear enough Beatles at The George, though I know there are some that don't agree.
Ray was back, extolling the virtues of Nobby's Beer. It sounded so good, and the benefits so desirable, that I think I'll ask to see if it can be put on tap at The George. It was made all the more delightful by someone in the audience recognising the publican in question.His second wasn't quite so cheerful. John Prine's 'Sam Stone'; a tragic song of an American Veteran and the effect on his family of his post combat drug problem. Have a listen to John Prine on Youtube by clicking the link.
Sam Stone by John Prine
In the second half, Ray gave us a beautiful mandolin version of Richard Thompson's 'Beeswing'.
Dave Sampson, who runs a folk club in Brinklow, at The Bulls Head, paid us a visit, and sang a couple of songs. The first about cold calling from 'Debbie from Lightning Windows'. His second song was about a jug band that hit the charts. (I wonder if Grandad Banjo was in it?)No Strings Attached were performing separately tonight, so were completely unattached. Of the two, Ken was up first, and had with him a Hawaiian guitar, providing a sound that The George has not heard, at least since I've been attending. If he brings it again I won't be sorry. I didn't manage to catch the titles of his first two pieces, but his third of the night in the second half was much more familiar, the famous Hawaiian 'Aloha'.
Roland was up next, and he sang an Australia sheep shearer's song 'Click Go The Shears. His second song was more familar to me, Mississippi John Hurt's 'Stagger Lee', an all round unpleasant fellow. (Not Roland but Stagger Lee). His second half performance was his signature ragtime piece.
MDF were short of a few members again, but that didn't stop them making a lot of noise, begining with that song about a train, 'City of New Orleans' and Dire Straights' 'Walk of Life'. There has been some frantic practicing behind the scenes as MDF play Barby Fete and then open on the Sunday at The Crick Scarecrow and Music Festival, and it is definitely begining to show. Our finale was Galway Girl with a stomping segue into Sall McClennan so that Ross could practice his band introductions.
Pete and Marian Pete sang Queen's little known 'Dreamers Ball' and Marian sang the Bellamy Brothers classic, 'Let Your Love Shine'
The second half was a quicker affair. Korben opened with a Stevie Wonder song, 'Duke'. The singing was very ably performed by his sister Milly.
And the evening was brought to a close by the very talented Lew Bear ended the night for us with a couple of songs. Motorhead's Ace of Spades and his Wild Rover parody. His first half being 'Ripples'and 'Mad' song Just For Fun.
If you were in any doubt, this has recently been posted on Facebook, and I shared it on The Open Music Collective page. Better Off Dancing With The Devil You Know
Hope to see you all in July.
