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TAMWORTH FOLK CLUB GUEST NIGHT
REVIEW Shep Woolly and Nigel Bullock Welcome to the review page at The Gamecock once again, I am sorry not to have reported on the last two guest nights, but other commitments on my time took precedence, in other words drinking Guinness in Ireland came first. July's guest night was opened by the ever popular Steve Swoffer who introduced a long standing (although he generally sits) member of the folk club as Betty's husband, in other words Nigel Bullock. I am amazed just how many tunes and songs Nigel has in his repertoire, we listen to him on Friday nights and rarely does he repeat himself. The four songs he performed were in completely different styles to the delight of the smaller than usual, but perfectly formed audience. I had not seen Shep Woolly before so did not realise he was originally from these parts, although a few North Warwickshire twangs escaped from his mouth occasionally, but from the people he recalled from his early life, backed up by Barbara Bristol's confirmation, it was true. They must be from the same era, I am surprised Bob has not delved into any relationship further. As Shep now lives in Portsmouth, he sings quite a few songs with a nautical accent, especially as he was in The Royal Navy for 15 years. He can tell a yarn between songs and can cope very well with audience banter, ( and we all know what that,s like at The Gamecock). I did enjoy his performance although I could detect a Malcolm Stent slant on his jokes, and this is not critical of Malcolm, or perhaps it is the other way round. The first half soon came to an end with our MC announcing the break and raffle. Betty's husband started up the second half with more songs and jokes thrown in for good measure, and as alcohol had lubricated certain members of the audience, she joined in, in roughly the same key. Shep Woolley performed a variety of songs with quite a spattering of country and blues, which suits his style. His own compositions have deep meanings if you listen to the words, but protest songs can be either enjoyed or hated dependent on your political opinion, but I think they should be limited within a club atmosphere. I think the night worked well and the audience enjoyed the fact a local man made good, I am not so sure Shep thought the same. Thanks once again to our organisers for the evening.
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Lowe and the Bad Pennies review |