| Reviews 2023 | |||
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Woodman Folk Club - Reviews |
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| Plumhall |
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| Woody* | 21 April 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, for
the occasion, Mr Chris (Good evening multitudinous throng) Irving. Musical support and general warm up was tonight provided by Bryn Phillips of whom more later. One of the pleasures of reviewing these evenings is when we are presented with a new act to the club, especially, as was the case tonight. The act comes with such a strong pedigree, acquired by years of experience both on the road, in the studio, as a duo and with other bands and collaborators, such as Chumbawamba, Al Stewart and Magna Carta. There I’ve set out my stall already. So what makes me think this? Michelle Plum and Nick Hall, as they told us from the outset, are not only a musical duo but real life partners having been married for nearly 14 years. (Yes, to each other). They are, from my short contact with them during and after the performance, genuinely nice people. Their obvious liking for each other comes across on stage by the way they support each other, providing exactly what the team requires to be at its best. (The bickering is as they said genuine), but I have to admit I didn’t hear any. Their material is in the main self-composed, that is to say, I only spotted two “covers” and one collaboration with another composer. As is true with the best acts it is not easy to categorise their style, but I heard elements of Folk, pop, country, maybe a little blues and definitely some folk-rock which gave the appropriate tracks a real drive. Another of their talents which we were not able to experience this evening is that they (mainly Michelle I think) produce their own videos to accompany their various songs. Something for me to investigate later I think. We were treated to two excellent sets – as Nick pointed out only interrupted by the raffle. Six songs came from their first album “Thundercloud” which they have sold out regrettably, forcing me to buy it from Amazon (Sorry) and the same number from their current cd “The Ghost Of Noise,” which was on sale via an honesty box system (well honesty cap really), an idea he borrowed from Steve Knightley from Show Of Hands and seemed to work very well. “The Last day Of The Fair;” “That Further Shore” and “Silent Voices” are set to be on the next cd, which if I remember we were told is on the way. I can’t remember what was said about “Cold Harbour” but it would be a pity if it was not on the cd and finally one of only two covers Rowland Salley’s “Killing The Blues.” I have to admit that I have a preference for the Plumhall version, particularly the guitar accompaniment. It looks as if they have been playing it for some time but there was no hint that it would appear on a cd. Pity. Vocals were shared between them with other one providing harmonies. “No Fear” however had Michelle singing and playing mainly on her own. I think it fair to say that Michelle played mostly guitar support whilst Nick provided the more intricate “lead” role, which ranged from simple finger picking to a somewhat heavier style. Everything was just what was required and formed a perfect background to the songs. I have decided not to itemise each song as I often do but copied the set list below. Each song is as good as the next and I would urge you to seek out the cds from the band at gigs or from their website. It’s well worth it. • Exit From The Light • Cruel Adventures • No Fear • South To Glory • Last Day At The Fair • Thundercloud • Closing Down – from the film The Runaways (Sky ) • City Starlings Second Set • Learning How To Talk • That Further Shore • Mary • Silent Voices • Cold Harbour • Killing The Blues • A Darkness That Won’t Leave The House • Never Forget My Name And as an encore – in case you thought we didn’t want one. • Uniondale Lest I forget, praise should also be heaped on Bryn Phillips who provided excellent support as usual; He gave us five of his own songs: • Dante II (2) – no robots were harmed as it was rescued later. • Hard Times Make Strong Men • Hard Seat Thin Cushion Blues • Shallow Water • Chico Mendes Let me just add that if you put “Bryn Phillips Singer Songwriter" into Google it will take you to his website where you should find all the lyrics to these songs. * 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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