Andy Weller

Live Review: Sam Sallon @ Folking Live

Mar 152012

“Saturday saw the first Folking Live of 2012 held in the Cellar Bar South Hill Park. The move to Saturday night certainly seemed to have swelled the audience numbers, a packed room waited in anticipation of a night of varied live quality entertainment, they were not disappointed.

First up, a local favourite, Caddy Cooper, whose powerful “smiley” voice and lively presence kicked off the evening to a great start. Caddy’s songs and lyrics are a lively collection of melodies about her life and observations, even in her work with underprivileged children she can find inspiration to put pen to paper and come up with a thought provoking take on how perceptions can sometimes be wrong. With a big personality and a guitar named “Little Martin” she certainly deserved the applause at the end of her set. I’m sure she will have gained some new followers amongst the audience. If you haven’t yet heard Caddy, look her up on iTunes.

Next to take the stage was another return act to Folking Live, a North London performer Eddy Johns. A singer song writer who is best described as a cross between Bob Dylan and Paul Simon with a quantity of Don Mclean thrown in for good measure. Quiet and unassuming, but with a big stage presence and a wide repertoire, he preceded to hold the attention of the audience with a demonstration of accomplished guitar playing and song writing skills. It’s no wonder that he sold clean out of the CD’s he’d brought with him, I’m sure he’ll bring more next time. If you missed Eddy look him up on YouTube, you will not be disappointed.

As a larger than normal group next took to the stage it was obvious that a change was about to happen. Frodo Freud a six piece band consisting of dual guitars and percussion, a bass guitarist and “most” of a cello. Best described as funk on acid with a touch of blues on the side for good measure, this group was always going to be entertaining and they didn’t disappoint, you can easily see why this group has a band of loyal followers. This was not your traditional folk roots line up however they gave a rounded and entertaining performance leaving their supporters crying for an encore which only proved to show how popular this band is.

Sam Sallon was the nights headline act, an accomplished singer song writer with a soft melodic voice that managed to fill the Cellar Bar with ease. Creating an atmosphere of calm that merited the intent listening from the audience; this is clearly a talented musician who has played alongside some notable names from both the folk and contemporary music scene. His solo career is surely only just beginning. With his intricate guitar playing a perfect accompaniment to his lyrics Sam even managed incorporate a few whistling passages along the way all adding to this demonstration of a unique style and a laid back approach to entertainment. His songs ranged from statements about life and his observations and take on world events alongside reflections of his own journey through life. His upcoming album “One for the road” will surely be one not to miss out on, if you can’t wait you can hear snippets available on his web site.

If you’ve not been or have missed Folking Lives first event in 2012 then put a note in your diary for the 4th Saturday in each month, come alone you will not be disappointed. The entertainment and the Ale will be first class.”

Live Review: Chris Ricketts @ Folking Live, Bracknell

Live Reviews

Oct 262011

Folking Live takes place each month at The Cellar Bar, South Hill Park, artists from near and far take to the stage to exhibit their musical talent and love of live music. This month’s line up of no less than four talented acts graced the stage of this intimate venue – rather like enjoying live music with friends in your living room.

First up was Rick Knight, a local singer song writer who opened appropriately with a rendition of Roots from Show of Hands. Rick’s set included his own song “Not In My Name” a thought provoking tale about students from when he was a school governor demonstrating at the commencement of the Iraq war. As the audience listened you could hear a pin drop, a big talent, a small guitar and a great start to the evening.

Following Rick to the stage was Ffred Jones all the way from Cardiff. Ffred was recently featured in a double page review of his work in Acoustic Magazine. With his light hearted introduction, banter and a range of his own songs he demonstrated not only his accomplished guitar playing but also his talent as a song writer. This was his first time at Folking Live, it will hopefully not be his last as everyone in the room would love to see more of what Ffred Jones has to offer.

Next up were four talented women called The Rosa Band, not often does this venue see so many musicians on the stage at once. The lead singer’s strong vocals were set against a fiddle, accordion and double bass which produced a rich harmonic sound. Switching with ease from Spanish style folk opera to traditional ballads with musical jigs and reels thrown in for good measure, they entertained the audience who were disappointed when their set was finished. Word has it that this, as yet unrecorded band, are looking to produce an album. Let’s hope they bring plenty when they return, as they surely will, maybe next time to take the headline slot.

This month’s headline act saw the return of Chris Ricketts from Portsmouth. A champion of the sea shanty and all songs maritime he enthralled the audience with his distinctive voice and accomplished playing. Chris admits that his passion is to research and rejuvenate songs from the mists of time and the depths of the sea, he also demonstrated his magnificent writing skills inspired from his personal life. A confident performer who delighted the audience, especially when he presented his hand-built ZZ top inspired guitar which was built to celebrate his latest album, Port of Escape, an album worth looking for when it’s released next month. In his words “the sea shanty is due a revival” and with “Captain” Chris at the helm who could doubt or argue with him? A great act with a well deserved encore rounded off the evening perfectly.

If you are not on the mailing list already it’s time to get yourself on there so you can be assured of not missing out on next months gig.

Live Review: Andrew Duhon @ Jagz, Ascot

Live Reviews

Sep 292011

September 21st saw the opening night of the 2011/2012 program for Artree Music’s Folking Live & Roots events; Bracknell and Ascot’s best kept secret, anyone who was not there missed out on a night of great live entertainment.

The opening act, Matt Gibson, actually was a musical duo who performed a range of light Americana style folk roots numbers. The lead singers voice was clear and rich in tone, accompanied by guitars and electronic keyboard, they delivered a rounded set which included a range of reflective songs and haunting melodies making a great start to an entertaining evening, setting a high standard for the others to follow.

Caddy Cooper followed – a singer with great stage presence and a strong voice. This bubbly “Resident Jagz artist” singer song writer performed a lively collection of her own songs accompanied by witty introductory pre -amble. Not the first time she has appeared at an Artree event and hopefully not the last as she never fails to deliver. Caddy’s performance and presence easily filled the hall at Jagz, holding everyone’s attention. It’s easy to see why Caddy has been so successful and has made it to the regional final of the UK Open Mic Competition. If you missed her this time round keep an eye open for her return to Folking Live or a local venue near you, why not go along and support her on the 9th October at the Open Mic event, you will not be disappointed.

This month’s headline act was Andrew Duhon from New Orleans, USA who has just embarked on his UK tour. Andrew is obviously well-travelled and has a wealth of experiences to draw on. This talented performer certainly won new fans amongst the audience and played with a maturity that belies his youth. Clearly influenced by the bluesy sounds of his homeland, but with the ability to combine his appreciation of other folk/roots musical styles. His set was thought provoking with an original take on a traditional Scottish folk number. His guitar playing and harmonica skills were evident, a seasoned performer who was not phased by a minor equipment failure which all added to the live nature of the evening and an overall enjoyable performance. Andrew’s penultimate number before rounding of the evening with an encore was a foot stomping, mouth organ rendition of a blues number he’d penned. The encore was a classical folk tale, making a statement of how determination and love can overcome injustice, contempt and adversity. All in all an enjoyable, entertaining and memorable evening which will remain fresh in the audiences minds for a long time to come.

Folking Live and Roots events are a must for anyone who enjoys quality live music from both local artists and musicians from further afield on tour. Whether you want to relax at the end of a hard day at work or want an evening of quality entertainment make sure you don’t miss either of Artree Music’s live shows! It will meet and exceed your expectations with an entrance fee you can count on one hand; what more can you ask for?