 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
Crooked Roots Acoustic Music Sessions at the Crooked Spire
Crooked Roots began 2012 in style with its traditional January Burns Night special session on the last Friday evening of January. The 15 performers who contributed to this enjoyable and relaxed occasion in the Crooked Spire were: Ian Smith (guitar/mandolin/voice); Rob Tappin (guitar/fiddle/voice); Joe Higman (guitar/whistles/voice); Jeremy 'Jem' Walding and John Butson (both guitar/harmonica/voice); Alan Homer, Andy Lewis; Jackie Francis; John Hilsdon and Keith Fennell (all guitar/voice); Claire Fielding (fiddle/voice); Adrian and Jennifer Voss (both melodeon/voice); Delphine Holman (voice); and Gary Wilson (poetry).
Reflecting the theme of Robert Burns and all things Scottish, musical highlights of the session included: Jackie's singing of Burns' poem Whistle and I'll Come to You My Love, set to her own tune; Rob's accomplished rendition of the traditional tune Lucy Campbell; Delphine's unaccompanied singing of the Newfoundland song Nova Scotia; and a humorous poetic tribute to Burns himself by Gary Wilson. The session marked the welcome return of Adrian, Jennifer, Delphine and Joe to Ermington after long absences.
The last Friday evening of February found 21 performers packed into the Crooked Spire. January sessioneers Ian, Rob, Jeremy, John Butson, Alan, Andy, Jackie and John Hilsdon, were joined by Crooked Roots stalwart Patrick Patterson (voice); old friend of the session Graham Avery (guitar/mandolin/voice); and Carol Butson (percussion/voice). The evening also marked the Crooked Roots debuts of no less than 10 new contributors. These were: Duncan and Penny Caddick (both guitar/voice); Colin Campbell (voice); and the Hillhead Band, comprising local young people Amy Hickman (voice); Al Baggott (guitar/voice); Edd Johns (acoustic bass guitar/voice); Pete Johns (banjo/acoustic bass guitar); Adam Smith and Steve Newell (both guitar); and Ben Fox (hand drums).
Crooked Roots' February session traditionally celebrates St David's Day and Wales. It also commemorates the loss of Buddy Holly in 1959. The first of these themes was marked admirably by Rob's fine fiddle arrangements of two traditional Welsh tunes, Glwysen and The Cuckoo's Nest. Jeremy, Andy and John Butson excelled themselves in their respective tributes to Buddy Holly which had the entire pub jamming and singing along. Further musical highlights included: Patrick Patterson leading a Crooked Roots ensemble rendition of the traditional English folk song Fathom the Bowl; John Hilsdon's creative performances of his own songs; and the Hillhead Band's engaging and entertaining mix of original and contemporary material.
Both sessions were anchored by Crooked Roots' co-founder, Ian Smith.
Crooked Roots welcomes acoustic music of all folk and roots styles and traditions, along with poetry and story-telling. It takes place in the Crooked Spire on the last Friday evening of every month. The session thrives because of the openness, friendliness and creativity of its contributors and the loyalty of its supporters. Please come along to sing, play, read poetry, tell stories or simply listen and enjoy whenever you get the opportunity. The music starts around 8:30pm!