| Reviews 2023 | |||
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Woodman Folk Club - Reviews |
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| Crows |
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| Woody* | 26 May 2023 |
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Hi everyone Woody here again with a review of another fabulous night
at the Woodman Folk Club; and as the chimes of Left Bank Two by the
Noveltones faded into the distance the evening was opened by our MC, Mr
Chris Irving, who asked for us all to sing “Happy Birthday” to our chief
photographer Gary Griffiths. (The chocolates followed later). Before our guests for the tonight we were entertained by our very own Mr Bryn Phillips, freshly returned from a short absence due to Covid. And how wonderful it was to see him. His set of five songs were all his own compositions and concluded with “Silver and Gold”. Bryn recounted firstly the story which caused him to write the song about ex-miner John Gates and his recent visit to Wales where he was invited to sing the song at a celebration for John, during which they met for the first time. We forget sometimes what a privilege it is to know such an accomplished song writer. If I may be allowed to paraphrase Derry Jones’ Facebook post – “Tonight we were in the presence of “English Folk Music Monarchy”. Crows originally formed in 1977 and performed - albeit in various line-ups until the late 80s. They were tempted out of “retirement “ in 2014, when Mick Ryan and Dave Bordewey and others united to sing a couple of songs at “The Sidmouth Memorial Concert” for ex- Crow member Ralph Jordan. They have continued ever since though again having gone through several personnel changes. The band now comprises; Mick Ryan lead vocals; Dave Bordewey, Fiddle and Mandolin; Pete Harris, Guitar, and Bouzouki; Paul Downes, Guitar and Mandolin. Mick and Paul have performed at the club on several occasions either together or solo but Dave and Pete were Woodman virgins. Their material is both traditional and contemporary. Most contemporary material was composed by Mick (once with Georges Bizet “Time To Rise” – albeit I don’t think he knows), Dave, “Calvary” and others such as Tim Lyons, “You Rambling Boys of Pleasure”, and Cyril Tawney, “The Song Goes On”. Their two sets also took us all over the world – America, “The Merry Golden Tree”; Australia, “Moreton Bay”, Canada, “Bold Wolfe” and Northern Ireland, “The Creel”. I always try to remain impartial but I have to mention my favourite of the lot which was “The Corsican” – which took as it’s subject Napoleon Bonaparte. Not only was it funny and I’m sure factually accurate? But it is the only song I know that contains the words, Capacious; Rapacious and Hubristic. True. I have put off until now attempting to into words the absolutely fantastic vocal skills which we heard from each member of the band. And I am sure I will not be able to give them true credit. The lead was for the most part taken by Mick who’s range extended from a rich bass/baritone to high tenor, though others took the lead on occasion. The all sang harmony at different times – anything from two to four parts and three in between. The rhythms varied within the songs and they all weaved in and out of the various melodies. They have to be heard for the reader to truly understand what I am trying to say. I am writing this review some three days after the event and I still have the songs in my head now. And so, regrettably, another evening came to an end and the audience wended their way home to return another day. I shall conclude as normal by saying A Wonderful Night Was Had by All. Here’s to The Next One. * Notes taken by Les Jones, who also typed up the review, but the views expressed are those of Woody, the club mascot. |
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