Brighton Acoustic Session

LEWES EXILES - February 6th, 2012

2012-01-04T16:50:00.000-08:00

Vic & Tina Smith have been at the very heart of folk music in Sussex since the 1960s, as performers and animateurs. Currently running the highly respected weekly club at The Royal Oak in Lewes, as well as the annual Lewes Folk Festival, Vic's Scots roots are evident in his and Tina's polished and faithful interpretations of songs from over the border.

They will be appearing with two of the other resident singers at the club, Will Duke and Dan Quinn who, whether as a duo or performers in their own right, justly deserve the accolades that have come their way because of the huge contribution they have made to traditional music. Both have extensive repertoires but it is their commitment to the songs and tunes of Sussex which is most impressive.

Musicologists of the future will be particularly indebted to Will for his recordings of Scan Tester's tunes, but he also renowned for his fund of hilarious parlour ballads, delivered with inimitable deadpan panache.

Dan's musical CV contains resplendent reviews of his most recent recording with "supergroup" Duck Soup's eponymous album but his musical pedigree can be traced back to his days as a co-resident of Bob Davenport at the legendary Islington Folk Club. Between times he has played with Etchingham Steam Big Band, the Albion Dance Band, and Flowers and Frolics.

Mention must be made here of of BING LYLE'S return to the club on January 2nd, when he stepped in at the last minute to replace The Other Band who had to withdraw due to illness. It was as wonderful an evening as we have come to expect. His vast repertoire seems to be continually expanding and included on the night an immensely moving and tender song he wrote after talking to a war veteran after a performance at a retirement home. I don't think he's given it a title yet but do request it next time you see him.

THE OTHER BAND - January 2nd

2011-12-23T15:55:00.000-08:00

On the occasion of our fifth anniversary we are delighted to welcome this outstanding Sussex trio.
Accordionist Iris Bishop is one of the country’s most sought after accompanists and Gary
Holder is surely the hardest working and most respected string bass player around.
Fronting the line up is Marilyn Bennett, whose captivating singing breathes new life into an eclectic repertoire of blues, folk, ragtime - and some Dylan for good measure.

CHARLOTTE & SPONG - December 5th

2011-11-16T10:13:00.000-08:00

A delightful evening in prospect in the company of this excellent duo. Imaginative arrangements of traditional songs and tunes plus Charlotte's own wry songs.

CHLOE OVERTON & HATFUL OF RAIN

2011-10-20T16:14:00.000-07:00

MONDAY NOVEMBER 7

The Chloe Overton project gathers pace. The addition of Fred Davies and James Shenton has added a rich instrumental dimension to theband - Fred’s guitar and mandolin playing and vocals have long been admired inhis appearances with the excellent Porchlight Smoker and James has animpeccable pedigree, both as a classical violinist and sometime member of TheCrawfish Scrapers string band.

Phil Jones (bass and banjo) is the band’s bantering frontman but the eye nor the ear never wander far from Chloe’s compelling onstagepresence. Her soulful yet winsome vocal style bring out the best of thebluegrass and country repertoire but it is her own captivating songs thatlinger in the memory.

Reviews

“Heart-stopping vocals and unforgettable songs”

“Stunning instrumental virtuosity and harmonies”

“They deliver a whole package of contemporary andtraditional roots music in all its finery”

“With Chloe’s songs at its heart this band is destined forgreat things”

Tim Broadbent - October 3rd

2011-09-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

Many years after bursting on to the Brighton folk scene as a precociously talented teenager Tim is still on top of his game.

Forever the wisecracking, dazzling fingerpicking entertainer he has now accumulated a portfolio of original material which sits alongside his superb versions of folk, blues and country favourites.

Now resident in France this will be a rare British appearance on his European tour promoting his new album, Sessions and Solos

Latest News

2011-08-26T02:53:00.000-07:00

July & August are usually fallow months in clubs and sessions but we had virtually full houses on both of our club nights.

Terry Masterson's unique collaboration with Chris Littledale, Transports of Delight, is a refreshing way of presenting songs in their social and historical context and gets better every time I see it - wonderful singing and uncannily accurate sound effects.

The following month, Mike Ainscough, Chris Wolferstan and Ian Chisholm gave an effortless demonstration of musicianship which also provided a showcase for the quality of music on offer at clubs and sessions across our county.

September's guest is songwriter Robb Johnson, who runs the Hove Folk Club. His reputation is garlanded with too many superlatives to be repeated here - just check out the links elsewhere on this site!

June 6th - Jimmy Lee & The Edge of Chaos Orchestra

2011-06-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

Jimmy is a much-travelled Sussex man whose picaresque life is reflected in his engaging songs, deeply rooted in his native county.

Backed by an all-star line up of musicians, his performance left a deep impression when we last persuaded him to perform for us.

Check out his website here: http://www.edgeofchaosorchestra.co.uk/band.html

THE LONG HILL RAMBLERS

2011-06-02T14:33:00.000-07:00

A glitch in the system meant that the usual preview didn't materialise but what a night we had last month!

As with any band that features a vocalist the focus of this new line up was always going to be on Laura Hockenhull, the outstanding young singer who is soon destined to lose the soubriquet of "folk music's best-kept secret." Her limited public appearances thus far belie her poised and engaging appearance at the Brighton Acoustic Session. In the current climate of febrile praise for women singers in the "folk" boom there are many of the lauded ones who would give their eye teeth to be able at one moment to caress a vocal with a featherlight touch and the next to be soaring above a full throated chorus from the audience.

But the beating heart of this band is the unparalleled musicianship of the already legendary Ben Paley / Tab Hunter partnership, now augmented by the flourishes of rock-solid banjo player, Dan Stewart. One hesitates, therefore, to invoke the cliche of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts because here are performers who are each capable of virtuoso cameos.

Without question this ensemble delivered utterly authentic of roots music at its finest.

Porchlight Smoker - April 4

2011-03-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

A welcome return for Brighton's leading roots band. Great original songs plus authentic folk & bluegrass sounds.

Magellan plus John Cave - March 7th

2011-03-03T12:30:00.000-08:00

Magellan's accordionist Bob Howlett and Dick Warner on flute have been regular supporters of our session and it will be a rare treat to hear the band's complete line-up in full swing. They are the cornerstone of the excellent session at The Bridge in Shoreham on the third Monday of every month as well as being organisers of the burgeoning Shoreham Folk Festival, which takes place this year on July 9th & 10th. More details at www.folkmaster.com

A guest appearance by John Cave is also long overdue. His deadpan drollery and nifty guitar work are redolent of his hero Jake Thackray, some of whose songs are sure to be showcased on the night, along with his own comic creations.

Shauna Parker & The Saloon Bar Band

2011-01-19T16:15:00.001-08:00

Although firmly established as one of the best country bands in the area this will be a rare appearance for Shauna Parker & the boys in an acoustic setting. Not to be missed.

BLACKTHORN - January 3, 2011

2010-12-27T04:19:00.000-08:00

We are delighted to have secured a rare folk club appearance from this exciting four-piece who are normally to be seen on the big festival stage. Expect a vivacious romp through a broad repertoire of songs and tunes from all corners of the British Isles.

“It’s not just the musicianship that makes them special, it is the sheer enthusiasm they convey.” - Folk Roots

AMY HARRISON & THE SECOND HAND STRING BAND - December 6, 2010

2010-11-11T17:11:00.000-08:00

Since their last appearance at the Nelson the band has continued on its upward curve, gaining ever more fans both in Sussex and at festivals further afield. As usual, expect dynamic performances of country, bluegrass and old timey songs.

CHLOE OVERTON & HATFUL OF RAIN

2010-10-28T04:50:00.000-07:00

Chloe's own songs sit easily in the acoustic folk / bluegrass / country tradition and are delivered with a wonderfully warm vocal style that has an understated directness that gets right to the heart of a song.

Undoubtedly a star in the making.

She will be accompanied on bass by Phil Jones and by Porchlight Smoker's Fred Gregory on mandolin & guitar.

THE COPPER FAMILY - October 4th

2010-09-10T15:03:00.000-07:00

The Copper Family has a treasured place in our country’s musical heritage. For more than 400 years they have lived and worked in and around the village of Rottingdean. But what makes them unique is their family tradition of singing together and bringing to a worldwide audience the glorious songs and ballads once sung by the soldiers, sailors and farm workers of these islands.

My own memories of their singing goes back to the late 60s when Bob Copper was licensee of the Central Club in Peacehaven and his cousin Ron ran the Queen Victoria in Rottingdean. Even as a duo their delivery of the family songs, with their rough and ready harmonies, could make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up but now that the latest generation has joined the line up it's a truly magnificent sound.

Since they are usually to be found performing in concert halls these days there is bound to be huge interest in their appearance in the intimate setting of The Lord Nelson , so you are advised to get there early if you want a seat!

Ray Chandler & Paul Holden - September 6th

2010-08-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

Like most club organisers I get emails from all over the world from musicians and agents asking for bookings but I'm never tempted to stray from our policy of showcasing singers and musicians who are based in Sussex - simply because of the range and depth of talent on our doorstep. Our guests next month are ample proof of this.

Paul Holden has for many years been a welcome performer in Sussex clubs and sessions with his accomplished guitar style and laid back singing and the only criticism that could be levelled at him is that he doesn't put himself about more. There are plenty who do and who don't have half his talent.

Sharing the evening on September 6th will be Ray Chandler, whose return is long overdue. We owe him a great debt of gratitude because it was he who agreed to be our first guest back in January 2008. Until then we had been meeting as an informal group of friends and acquaintances taking turns to sing or play and, enjoyable though it was, things were getting a bit stale - especially for the non-participating audience. Ray's engaging performance that night invigorated us all and we have been going from strength to strength since. For the uninitiated, he is a superbly accomplished multi-instrumentalist, in a variety of styles, and an engaging singer with an unexpectedly broad repertoire.

As usual, admission is free, with a collection, with an 8.30 start.

NEXT MONTH: The Copper Family of Rottingdean

2010-07-13T16:24:00.000-07:00

We had a superb night with Unreel Unplugged on July 5th - superb musicians all, they played some familiar tunes with that X-factor that can only be produced by seasoned profesionals with years of live performance behind them.

On August 2nd we welcome back Bing Lyle, whose astounding musianship and rich vocals left everyone open mouthed last time he was with us. He has a deep and intuitive understanding of the Sussex tradition as well as a winning way with words and melodies from his own pen. And if we can persuade him , you'll get the best version of Little Red Rooster you've ever heard!

June 7th - The Blackwater String Band

2010-05-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

Yet another collaboration between experienced local musicians, The Blackwater String Band have a multi-instrumental line-up and have an authentic bluegrass / old timey sound, playing, as Dermot Watson, their lead vocalist describes as, "standards and original tunes on time honoured themes - namely love, loss, death and drinking."

On a more sombre note we are sad to report the death of Pete Cartlidge, one of the founder members of our session, who lost his battle with cancer earlier this month.

PAUL DOWNES - May 3rd

2010-04-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

He's still too young to be described as a veteran but Paul has been creating waves on the folk circuit for many years now. He first came to prominence during his partnership with Phil Beer in a duo which stormed through the nation's clubs and festivals - then he was part of The Arizona Smoke Revue supergroup. Since then he combined solo work with collaborations with Pete Seeger, Show Of Hands, The Joyce Gang and Mick Ryan.

Although his reputation rests on his astounding guitar playing he is aslo a very fine singer with a singular repertoire of seldom heard songs, many of them his own.

PORCHLIGHT SMOKER - April 2nd

2010-04-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

Superb alt.country bluegrass outfit who have combined years of experience in other bands and developed an intuitive rapport in the four years they have been together. They swap instruments, lead vocals and harmonies with effortless elan on songs from sources as varied as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Hank Williams, The Cure and John Prine - taking the traditional bluegrass sound to a new place.

Elsie's Band - March 1st

2010-02-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

Although our booking policy is to feature mostly Sussex-based musicians we are pleased to make an exception for this fine band from across the border in Kent. They have been together since the 70s and have been stalwarts of the club and festival circuit. Though they are well respected for their playing of traditional music they have the extra bonus of a wealth of original compositions too.

They are: Tony Deane, Iris Bishop, David Watts and John Hills.

DANNI NICHOLLS February 1st, 2010

2009-12-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

Danni is one of the rising stars of the UK acoustic Americana circuit - hardly surprising, given her dynamic performance style. Armed with a batch of her own songs and an eclectic range of covers by the likes of Gillian Welch, Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline, her nifty guitar playing and rich vocals have won her many admirers in her short but burgeoning career. This is set for another lift-off with the release last month of an EP album of her songs, Heavy Shoes.

As if that wasn't impressive enough she is the indefatigable organiser of events at two Brighton venues - Americana Unplugged at The Foundry pub and monthly Hoedowns at The World's End in London Road.

THE SECOND HAND STRING BAND

2009-11-12T16:19:00.000-08:00

Some of Brighton's most vibrant music is to be found in small pubs tucked away in side streets - our own venue is one example - and that's where we discovered three of our upcoming acts. So far we've only seen them in a public bar setting where they're competing with ambient noise, so we're looking forward to hearing them in our more attentive setting...

First up is The Second Hand String Band, whose exciting take on the bluegrass and country tradition is delivered with an authenticity which belies their youth. Their line up of guitar, banjo and string bass, fronted by the rich voice of Amy Harrison, is the real deal.

Next year we'll be hosting multi-instrumentalists Porchlight Smoker and the effervescent Danni Nicholls.

NOVEMBER 2nd - Tim Broadbent

2009-10-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

Back in the heydays of the Brighton folk scene local boy Tim forged his reputation as a wisecracking, barnstorming guitar picker before progressing the worldwide folk club circuit - and is still going strong.

These days a resident of France his energy is undiminished but has become a respected songwriter too, with a passionate commitment to, for example, prisoners on the death rows of America.

It's a testimony to the esteem and affection in which he is held that he remains our biggest crowd-puller - so come early if you want a seat!

Monday September 7th 2009

2009-08-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

AINE KING & ANTONY HODGSON

Aine and Antony have made music separately and together for many years. You can expect vocals, guitar, bohdran and fiddle in just about any combination, but they are probably best known for their powerful harmony singing and Aine's chilling unaccompanied ballads.

Although most of the material is from the Irish and English traditions, you could just as likely hear a contemporary, American or self-penned song or two thrown in.

More details at http://www.brightonacoustic.com/

The Rude Mechanicals - August 3, 2009

2009-07-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

This is the rearranged appearance from February when the session was cancelled owing to the snow.

These three musicians are outstanding in their own right, with years of composition and performance behind them. Ray has twice been guest on Andy Kershaw's Late Junction programme on Radio 3 and, like Barry (formerly of Uncle John's Band) a multi instrumentalist, while Jeremy has many TV credits to his name.

John Copper - July 4th

2009-07-01T15:57:00.000-07:00

We had a great session in June with Pete Cartlidge & Vince Purcell and we are really looking forward to welcoming back John Copper, whose family have contributed so much to our folk heritage for four generations.

When he sang for us last year he reckoned it was his first solo gig for about 35 years but you wouldn't have thought it. He gaved us a rollicking good night of music hall hilarity plus, of course, a selection of songs which his family have made their own.

It'll be standing room only - so come early!

Next Guests: The Twagger Band

2009-04-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

It’s roughly two generations ago that the first “folk” club opened in Brighton - the Skiffle Club in a cafe in Egremont Place - in 1957 to be precise - and, as elsewhere in the country, the folk “revival” was under way. 20 years on the charts were awash with the acoustic sounds of The Dubliners, Simon & Garfunkel and Ralph McTell and every town and village had a club. It was the indie music of the day.

Those heady days may be behind us but reports of the death of folk music have, to paraphrase Mark Twain, been greatly exaggerated. In recent times the success of the likes of Seth Lakeman, Kate Rusby and Show Of Hands have been heralded as an indication that acoustic musicians are once again swimming in the mainstream and the future looks bright. From other quarters come wails of despair: you’ll only get to see these top artists in concert venues because the folk clubs’ audiences are dwindling and can’t afford the fees or are closing altogether which means that the professional circuit that once existed can’t support them and soon there won’t be any clubs left at all.

As always, the truth lies somewhere in between. It’s true that the well known names will only be able to make a living if they mostly tour professional music venues like the Komedia or the Concorde here in Brighton - but not exclusively. To give some examples: The Watersons and Steve Knightley, both of whom have filled the Albert Hall in the past couple of years, played recently at the Royal Oak in Lewes and the Brighton Folk & Blues Club, as did Peter Sarstedt at the Hove Folk Club, in the usual folk club setting of a pub function room. That they did so is testament to the durability of the traditional clubs.

And then there are the singarounds, open mic nights and sessions which are growing in number and popularity as the live music scene changes. Our own session is one such. These days it’s standing room only which means, I hope, that we’re keeping up with the times. We’ve had some great musicians turning up and some unexpected delights from audience members who have contributed songs and tunes.

Our next guests, on May 4th, are the Twagger Band. They’re a 5-piece group who play armfuls of instruments between them and take up lots of room, so get there early!

More details, as usual at www.brightonacoustic.com

Next Guests: Ben Paley & Tab Hunter

2009-03-07T16:28:00.000-08:00

Following our standing room only night with Paul Downes this week we are lucky to have been able to persuade this in-demand duo to play for us again on April 6th. They set the place alight when they came last year and are expecting another full house.

They have played together for more years than they care to remember - first in Brighton scratch-band the Aardvarks, later in the infamous bluegrass-rockers The Wild Turkey Brothers (who toured in support of The Levellers and Chumbawumba). Their duo work includes the launch of Evolving Traditions 2, Mrs Casey Music's compilation of the best of young British folk musicians, at the Barbican; working with Damon Albarn and Michael Nyman on the music for the Fox feature film Ravenous, and supplying incidental music for Channel 4's Grand Designs. They have impressed audiences at Fulbeck International Fiddle Festival, Broadstairs Folk Week and Brigg Fiddle Festival with sensitive interpretations of traditional tunes from the British Isles, Europe and America: their range of material reflects their shared love of all traditional music, and they play Irish, American, Swedish and Eastern-European tunes with equal measures of passion, skill and authenticity.

BEN (described by Folk Roots as "just about the best folk-fiddler of his generation") has been playing the fiddle music of the USA, Sweden and Ireland since he was six years old. He has toured widely with his father Tom (founder-member of the seminal New Lost City Ramblers) and recorded with Bing Lyle, Mandragora, The Saw Doctors, Murray Lachlan Young and The New Deal String Band. His collection of Swedish fiddle tunes (Swedish Fiddle Music, an Anthology published by Dragonfly Music) has become the standard work on the subject in this country.

TAB has gained his breadth of experience as a guitarist (flat-picker and accompanist), songwriter and recorded jews' harpist as a soloist and in duos and bands in the tradition, from Irish music to death-blue-metal-grass, through klezmer, jazz, Old Time and Scandinavian folk music. His playing has taken him to perform all over Europe, including England's prestigious Edale and North Wales bluegrass festivals. He has appeared on television and on BBC Radio.

More details on the session at http://www.brightonacoustic.com/

Next Guest: Paul Downes - March 2, 2009

2009-02-22T06:33:00.000-08:00

First, belated apologies for the last-minute cancellation on February 2nd. Snow in Brighton! there'll be rain in the Sahara next...

Our next guest, Paul Downes, is an exception to the general rule that our guest performers are based in Sussex. Paul now lives in Devon but spent several years in this area and appears regularly with the Brighton Taverners. His association with the band stretches over more than thirty years, since he and Phil Beer co-produced and played on their second album Wrap It Up For The Lady.

He will be best remembered for the Downes & Beer partnership which swept all before them in the 70s & 80s and for joining folk supergroup The Arizona Smoke Revue. Since then he has played with, among others, Pete Seeger, Show Of Hands and The Joyce Gang. In addition to solo gigs he is currently part of Mick Ryan's touring theatre shows.

Why is he so much in demand? Quite simply because he is one of the most versatile guitarists you will hear in a long time - with stunning accompaniments to a huge range of songs, including his own.

His latest album, Directly, is out now - as is the long awaited reunion album with Phil Beer, Live At Nettlebed.

More details at: www.brightonacoustic.com

Some great performers lined up

2009-01-18T04:27:00.000-08:00

The guest slots for 2009 are filling up and we're very flattered that so many excellent performers have agreed to play at our very small venue. Because our only income is derived from a collection on the night, nobody is doing it for the money...

I like to think that we have found a middle ground between an open mic night and a pay to enter folk club - on the one hand a chance for someone walk in off the street and get the chance to sing and on the other to be able to share an intimate space with seasoned performers.

Financial considerations mean that we aren't going to be able to book the likes of Eliza Carthy or Seth Lakeman but we are lucky that so many well known musicians with a national reputation live in Sussex who are not so arrogant as to reserve their appearances for larger, commercial venues and who have given us their support. And that's not to mention the huge number of seriously good performers from the area whose first love is the music and not the money and who deserve every opportunity to showcase their talents. It's they who form the backbone, not only of our session but of similar clubs up and down the country.

We're always grateful for suggestions for new performers so if you know of someone we don't please get in touch via our website www.brightonacoustic.com

First Anniversary

2008-12-08T13:11:00.000-08:00

The session on January 5th, 2009 will mark the first anniversary of us booking performers to play extended slots.

On that night we will play host to Nick Burbridge, a powerhouse of the local arts scene. Not only is he a published novelist and poet but has also had two of his plays broadcast on BBC Radio 4.

Many will remember him playing local pubs and clubs with Tim O’Leary, who later played with The Boys Of The Lough.In 1986, as singer-songwriter, he co-founded McDermott's Two Hours (see their myspace page), a band that “cut the mustard” (Q Magazine), and earned a reputation as one of the best live acts of its genre. Their album The Enemy Within has become a folk-rock classic. One track, Dirty Davey was covered by The Levellers on their eponymous album, which sold over 250,000 copies.

Recent collaborations between the two bands have produced four albums of Nick's songs: World Turned Upside Down, Claws And Wings, Disorder and Goodbye To The Madhouse.

He will be accompanied tonight by Ben Paley on fiddle, so expect some unique melodic riffs to embellish Nick's impassioned lyrics.

Ray Chandler was the first guest in January 2008 - and a great night it was too. He is a man of modest demeanour but he set the room alight with some wonderful songs and his usual multi-instrumental virtuosity. The good news is that he will be back on February 2nd, in the company of his regular co-performer Barry Ruffell as well as occasional member of The Rude Mechanicals, Jeremy Sherman.

Stuart Reed
December 2008

Next Session - November 3rd

2008-10-19T04:48:00.000-07:00

Dublin songwriter Adrian Mannering makes a welcome return to Sussex for his only UK appearance. His most famous song, Lovers, has been recorded multiple times but is only one of many that have earned him the reputation as one of Irelands finest.

His talent was obvious from his early days as this review in New York's prestigious Village Voice observed: "He wrote his own terrific ballads and became the troubadour of the Gaslight. The crowd loved his topical ballads - his visitor's eye framed New York in a fresh, awestruck perspective."

The session starts at 9. Admission is free, with a collection.

This month's guest - Monday October 6th

2008-10-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

Tim Broadbent makes a welcome return from his exile in France. Great guitar picking and plenty of one-liners guarantee a great evening's entertainment.

Arrive early to get a seat!

New Website!

2008-09-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

Brighton Acoustic Session now has its own dedicated website, with full details of upcoming guests:

www.brightonacoustic.com

2008-08-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Guests

2008-08-29T18:15:00.000-07:00

The September session (Monday 1st) features extended slots from father & son John & David Warner - The Warner Brothers to you - playing sets of rarely heard tunes from around the world on accordian & flute.