TAMWORTH FOLK CLUB GUEST NIGHT REVIEW
January 2005

Kerfuffle

support by Steve Edkins

 

We have had guest nights over the years, and I think you will agree that we have covered pretty well all kinds of music from traditional Irish/Celtic, sea songs, folk, blues, and a multiplicity of instruments have graced the "snooker table" on these nights.

The guests this night could be attributed to nearly all of the above, but first lets speak of Steve Edkins! When I first entered the room and saw Stephen surrounded by instruments I thought there was another side to him we had not seen before, but we saw and heard the reliable and likeable side, and as usual he was up to date with songs that fits the news i.e. in the week the last deep pit coal mine in Britain closed, he had a coal mining song ready.
Education is a wonderful thing. His set went down well and the slightly reduced than normal, audience were put in a relaxed happy mood for Kerfuffle.

Now where have I heard that word before? In the dictionary the definition of kerfuffle is a commotion, a disorder. After the evening there was no commotion or disorder only ordered and well rehearsed tunes and songs.

The group came together in 2002, and early appearances at folk clubs were followed up by playing at Trowbridge Festival that summer. The following year they recorded their first album, Not To Scale, which was launched at The Festival Of The Peak that year.

Ever since the release of Not To Scale, the band have been working on new material, and in spring 2004 a new album K2 has resulted in 11 tracks, all great music (yes I did buy a copy).

With material ranging from Swedish, Bulgarian, Irish, we had a truly international flavour. To cap it all Hannah displayed her skill of clog dancing, which left the audience breathless.

The one unfamiliar instrument Chris played, has a Swedish origin and is called a Nyckelharper, the best description, it is a keyed fiddle.

Kerfuffle's tunes and songs captivated the audience all night long and their last song was The Irish Blessing to the tune written by Mike Flemming which sent us home with a warm well being feeling.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

 

And until we meet again at The Gamecock, not forgetting that at the next guest night we shall have a new licensee taking over. We all thank Mike and Wendy for their help and friendship over the years and wish them all good luck in their new life.

R.D.C.2005