TAMWORTH FOLK CLUB GUEST NIGHT REVIEW
November 2005

Vin Garbutt

I know it seems a long time since last November, especially as it is now January 2006, but due to pressures of work and holidays this is the first moment I have had to review what was a great night at The Gamecock.

According to my notes taken on the night (you thought I am just doodling when I scribble on these nights) the room was somewhat packed, and Stephen Edkins being his normal helpful self did try to introduce extra seating from the lounge, but was informed that there would be no concert if one chair appeared in that room, who needs bouncers?

I could see why the room was so full as the Two Steve's started the night off with a great selection of songs, not to mention a few of Swoffs near the knuckle jokes, but still very funny. In fact their polished performance got the audience into a great relaxed mood for what was to come.

Vin Garbutt was sitting with his wife at the back of the room listening with enthusiasm to Steves E & S, and when Stephen announced him you could see the audience was looking forward to his act.

Vin was born in Middlesborough and had an Irish mother and an English father, which probably counts for his laid back approach to life, although this has not stopped him from appearing all over the world, and here he is tonight in Birchmore. Those who already new of Vin probably new of his many protest songs, from the exploitation of foreign workers, unemployment, deforestation, emigration and all subjects in between.

Tonight though it was to be different. In 2005 Vin had to enter hospital with a faulty heart valve and his entire act revolved around his stay in hospital and afterwards. I think the whole experience has mellowed him and with his songs and stories has formed a great performance which captivated the entire audience.
The songs came thick and fast from past albums, "When the Tide Turns, The Bybass Syndrome and Plugged".
The stories of life before, during and after the operating table brought tears of both laughter and pain to us all, but I have to say mainly laughter.

The whole evening was a great success; even the "Band" remained glued to their seats. The night was over far to early for me, and after the audience had departed, I spotted a red upholstered chair in the corner, but lets keep that to ourselves.

Happy New Year

RDC 2006

 

Click HERE for Ray's Colum Sands and Will Morgan review

Click HERE for Ray's Lvivski Muzyky and The Laners review

Click HERE for Ray's Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies review

Click HERE for Ray's Phil Bates review

Click HERE for Ray's Mad Jocks and Englishman review

Click HERE for Ray's Kelly's Heroes review

Click HERE for Ray's Suntrap review

Click HERE for Ray's Hugie Jones review

Click HERE for Ray's Vin Garbutt review

Click HERE for Ray's Artisan review

Click HERE for Ray's Shep Woolly review

Click HERE for Ray's William Pint and Felicia Dale review

Click HERE for Ray's Nancy Kerr and James Fagan review

Click HERE for Ray's Kerfuffle review

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Click HERE for Ray's Last Night's Fun review