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.
