TAMWORTH FOLK CLUB GUEST NIGHT REVIEW
May 2003

The title above is not correct, as all you who attended the June guest night will know, but your reviewer arrived a week early, due possibly to Bob Bull giving miss information out, but more to the ageing process of the writer's mind (never I hear you say). So not wanting to waste my paper, I thought it was time to review a normal night at The Gamecock, if you could call any night normal. As it happened it turned out to be an exceptional night, in fact my sub title is Mutiny at The Gamecock.

It started later than the official time of 9.00 because Bob was "tuning" his drum, or rather stretching the skin with the patented cycle wheel nuts and bolts holding it together. Now into the first bondage song called "Whip Jamboree" as the Old Castle Band gathered together under the snooker lights. Peter followed with an old political song by Billy Bragg called 'Between the Wars'. Then it was in the next song from Bob that Pete's artistic temperament got the better of him and he laid down his instrument and walked off stage, the audience was held in suspense but did Bob actually forget the words, you be the judge, readers. He carried on like the true professional he is but some people thought it was staged for effect as this song has been in the repertoire for the last fifteen years.

John Davies was the next to sing, he never falters his words and gave a first class rendition of "Life on a Serviceman's Pay". After the band returned to their seats Ron assumed his normal place seated on the snooker table, and with his chewing gum safely placed in the corner pocket, gave us two songs, can you believe it ? The audience was spellbound. With Steve Edkins not there it fell to Nigel to perform a birthday song for Mary, now wasn't that nice. Following quickly on to Malcolm and his whistle, the foot tapping melody flowed ever on, it was a good job it was the short version. Next it fell to John Phillips to give us a love song, we all thought it was to bring Bob and Pete back together. I had to reflect on the performances up to this point and think what a slick programme it was, and any newcomer would be suitable impressed. Even Mike gave us a new monologue, I think especially prepared for the review.

The break and raffle followed and the house lights were put on in order that people might find the right coinage, no foreign currency or washers tonight please. Just enough time to buy another pint or two and we are into the second half, I told you it was slick.

With Pete back in his position, to the relief of us all, he sang his latest number from his C.D. or was it a 78, entitled, "Over the mountains, over the sea..... She is the one I love". Now I thought this was a folk club, but somewhere in my mind I can recall this song from another era. The band followed on with "I wonder who's kissing her now". I new then that the evening was about to become a reflective wander through the archives, and I wasn't wrong when my memories of a Saturday morning listening to Uncle Mac on the wireless was recalled with Malcolm actually singing "The runaway train". More up to date and John Phillips version of "Penny Lane", but back again and "Sweet Irene" from Ron. Nigel finished off the evening with a beautiful romantic song, "Will you still love me tomorrow", I hope Pete and Bob will take note.
I noticed at this point, half the audience had their eyes closed in contemplation, or could I hear the faintest hint of a snore. In any event it was a superb if different night for us all.

See you again next week at the proper guest night.

R.D.C.2003