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Hors d’oeuvre: Andrea Ferguson Main Course: Sam & George, Richard Bircumshaw, Tyla & Toby Harris, John Ecob Dessert: The Shantymen with Steve Lealand
Here we are again for another Tuesday Night Chill as Andrea kick-starts the evening with “Star of The County Down”, “Big Yellow Taxi”, “Summertime” and “Fever”. Next up are Sam and his friend George for a couple of originals and a cover of The Clash’s “Safe European Home”. It’s certainly interesting to hear Sam perform some of his own material and George’s bass playing seems full of promise. Richard came home the other night to the surprise but happy news that he’s going to be a daddy again. Congratulations Richard. It just goes to prove there’s life in the old dog yet! Richard opens with his own instrumental, “Rod’s Rag” before John on auto harp and Steve A. on spoons join him for a cracking version of Dick Burnett’s “Man Of Constant Sorrow”. Richard rounds off his tidy little spot with a rather passionate rendition of the blues classic, “Motherless Child”. Good Lord! Is that what fatherhood does for you? The man will be playing rock and roll next! After much badgering and cajoling, Tyla gets up to give us a song. Under the watchful eye of Mum and Dad and a whole host of friends, she’s understandably rather nervous. However she has a fine voice so she takes a deep breath and accompanied by her brother Toby on Yamaha keyboard she treats us to a nice version of “Let It Be”. Good lass! Congratulations too to John Ecob who celebrated his birthday on Sunday (no doubt 21 again!) John gives his first public outing to “Hollywood Song” before following with Bob Dylan’s “Things Have Changed”. John then takes us to the break with his established favourite, “A Long Way To Heaven”. Time for some chips and sandwiches or a much needed fag or even both if it takes your fancy. A perusal of the six guest beers chalked up on the beer menu tonight reveals the satisfying sight of no less than four local brews with Oldershaw’s Old Boy, Bateman’s XXX, Newby Wyke’s Slingshot and Highwood’s Shepherd’s Delight all flying the flag for the Yellowbellies. Andrea gets us back on the road with her first proper public airing of Kristina Olsen’s boppy “Your Little Brother Sure Can Dance”. This song seems tailor made for Andrea and she performs it so well it must surely be destined to become a regular entry on her set list. Andrea gives Richard such a flattering intro for his second spot that he’s almost rendered speechless which is of no consequence for he begins with his own superb instrumental, “Sisters”. As mentioned in these columns before, Richard has been working hard on his music over the past year or so and the fruits of his labour are amply displayed in his much improved guitar work on Bob Dylan’s “One More Cup Of Coffee”. Richard signs off with another of his own instrumentals, “Just Another Day”. Andrea pops back up to satisfy a request with Gillian Welch’s “Caleb Meyer” before she invites the Shantymen to close the evening. John and the two Steves entertain us with five shanties, “Haul Away Joe”, “We’re Bound For South Australia”, “Santy Anna”, “Barley Mow” and “Chariot” interspersed with an instrumental featuring John on 8 string mandolin. Many thanks to our compère, Andrea, who keeps our little ship afloat, Pete and Tracy for their generous hospitality, Paul for doing his utmost on the sound desk and the winning team of Wendy and Sarah for their warm welcome while keeping us well watered.
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