Tamworth Folk Club
Guest Night November 2009
Broom Bezzums

I arrived at Bolehall Manor early this evening to be met by a group of about 8 people all working to set up lighting, microphones, PA systems, video camera and musical instruments on the stage area of the large downstairs room, which was laid out in a semi concert arrangement with chairs and tables to a very high standard. I thought I had entered on the wrong night when possibly an orchestra was performing, but after a few minutes when some of the usual members of the audience arrived I knew I was in the right place.

They were even pleased to pass over money for the entrance fee so Bob’s announcements on earlier nights had not fallen on deaf ears. Regular customers mixed with quite a few newcomers all to join in what was to become a great experience in live music

Broom Bezzums is a folk duo with a repertoire of acclaimed original compositions of northern English folksongs and instrumentals. Mark Bloomer, vocals, guitar, mandola, Andrew Cadie, vocals, fiddle, guitar, Northumbrian pipes. started playing together in 2005, they have built up a steady fan base in the UK, Germany and Ireland and  have toured in Switzerland and Slovenia.

Mark has been a drummer in several midlands based punk, indie and psychedelic rock groups and a guitarist in the Cork session scene where he developed a repertoire of traditional flute tunes.

Andrew, borne in Berwick on Tweed was drawn to traditional music, impressed with his father’s tin whistle playing and his mother’s clog dancing, busking his way around Europe and studying for a music degree in fiddle, guitar and singing.

With nearly all the seats full the audience were awaiting the support act which was to be our very own Stephen Edkins, whose ego was greatly uplifted by being invited by the committee to perform on his own, (or did the rest of the group did not wish to compete, I could not possibly comment) which he did so perfectly. Steve’s rendition of songs either accompanied or unaccompanied are always a joy to listen to and when he appears on a well lit stage, even better. As this evenings proceedings were being videoed he acknowledged he could possibly be seen on U-Tube or Crimewatch. His set put the audience in a relaxed mood to enjoy what was to follow.

Andrew and Mark took to the stage and straight away got into the swing with traditional songs like Blackleg Miner and Working men of England to the delight of the audience. Their accomplished musicianship on fiddle and guitar together with voices that gelled together proved an instant hit. Andrew commented that Tamworth Folk Club was probably the first club he had appeared in when the family lived in the area some years ago, (and Andrew, they are still singing the same songs)

After the break Steve straight away introduced Broom Bezzums again (he had just discovered where the video was to be played) and they played songs and tunes from their 2 CDs “Arise You Sons of Freedom” and “Under the Rug”.  With a fiddle, guitar, mandola and then Northumbrian pipes all contributing to songs like “Rigs of the Time”, and “Chains of Tyranny” and even a dedication to Woody Gutheridge the evening ended after an encore to a very happy and satisfied audience.

In fact in the words of our own Nigel Bullock “it’s the best guest night the committee has booked” I commend these words to them.

RDC 2009