I was pleasantly surprised when ANT MILES messaged me this morning to ask if I’d like to review the evening’s gig – I’ve been a supporter and member of the excellent Downend Folk Club for a couple of years now, and I continue to be amazed by the quality of live acts that they attract – nearly all have been personal favourites, and, although it’s nearly 30 miles away from my home in the Forest of Dean, it is very convenient to get to (road closures permitting!), and I think of it as my local club – always a friendly, appreciative crowd, and usually a sell-out.
The evening started a with the support act, singer/songwriter STEVE PLEDGER, whose songs have ‘something to say’ – he started with a very lyrically powerful, poignant song about the relationship between a son and his father, and the feeling with which it was delivered seemed to me that it was auto-biographical. He then treated us to a series of emotionally charged songs, stripped back to basics with very delicate, yet effective arrangements – his emotional voice grabbing your attention to the subject of each song. ‘This Land is Poundland’, perhaps a parody of the famous Woody Guthrie song with a similar name bemoaned the death of our High Streets and consumerism reducing goods to cost, not value, and he finished up with ‘Striking Matches In The Wind’, dedicated to Jo Cox and Idealism. All the songs make you think, and are written & delivered sincerely, skilfully & emotionally – very impressive.
Photo: Alan Cole
After a short break, SW Australian based LUCY WISE took the stage with her ukulele, the mics & instruments tastefully decorated with Flower & Fairy lights. Her first song is very upbeat and we know we’re in for a treat… She switches to guitar for her next song ‘Song for Shanti’ -, this, and the next song ‘Sleepwashed Morning’ were inspired by poems written for the National Schools poetry competition for 6-17 year olds, and the imagery evoked is enchanting. She tells us that her father is a Luthier, and she also makes instruments – all the instruments she is using this evening were made by her family – impressive! She sings a song for her Dad, reminding her of their walks in the Indian Ocean. Well travelled, she tells us of volunteering with little/no experience for an Ocean-going yacht trip from Darwin to Ambon, and sings a very delicate song recalling the trip. SIMON DUMPLETON (piano/accordion), whom she only met yesterday, then joins her on accordion for the next song – ‘Little Bag’, into which everything that is important can be fitted, and they play together like seasoned professionals – superb.
KIRSTY BROMLEY now joins them on stage, and they explain that this is Part II of their Two Hemispheres tour, and that they have in common The Spookie Mens Chorale, whom each of them supported on UK tours. Lucy had flown in from an extensive solo US tour just a couple of days ago, so rehearsal time has been at a premium. They sing together ‘Neighbourhood Song’ with delicate counterpoint harmonies, and understated accordion.. lovely – the 1st half ends with rapturous applause….
"Another triumph for all the hard work of the volunteers at Downend Folk Club!"
Restarting after the raffle, as announced by Ant’s son Josh, Kirsty sings, unaccompanied, a song 'Season of Peace, Season of War' about hope / joy, a poignant tribute to recent world events. Lucy & Simon then join her to sing ‘The Valley Song’, very harmonious & atmospheric, with delicate percussion from Lucy on the shiny red egg! Kirsty then sings a traditional chorus song English Ground including an accordion solo William Tailors Table Top Hornpipe from Simon. Kirsty tells us that she’s spent the last 6 months touring Aus/NZ with Lucy & Simon Taberner – the first half of the 'Two Hemispheres Tour', and we hear that Ant Miles has organised all the UK dates on the tour. Kirsty then sings the title track of her recent album ‘Time Ashore’, a sailor’s lament, and we all join in the chorus… very atmospheric song. Kirsty then sings a new song which she wrote in a café in Melbourne, simply called ‘I cannot write this song’ – a gentle, beguiling song with metaphorical imagery – when she finishes, she tells us it’s the first time she’s sung it in public. Next is the trad. song ‘Twas on One April Morning’, about the fickleness of young men – another opportunity for us to add our voices. Kirsty then sings unaccompanied her new Single ‘Absent Mother’, about the relationship between a mother & her daughter… enchanting. Next is a very soft & gentle song penned by Kate Fagan – ‘Roll Sweet Rain’ about rain & bush fires in the Aussie Outback. It’s time for the last song! ‘One more Time’ about friendship, and we add our voices to the best chorus of the night.. superb. To enthusiastic applause, they return to the stage for an encore, and the trio sing accapella ‘Row On’ to finish the night in style…. Another triumph for all the hard work of the volunteers at Downend Folk Club.
Kirsty sings traditional & self-penned siongs with a maturity way beyond her years, and has enthralled me since first hearing her back in 2011, when she did a short support slot for Nancy Kerr & James Fagan at Ruskin Mill – she was travelling nanny to their children at the time. Her voice is used as an instrument, and many of her songs are sung unaccompanied, beautifully, and poignantly – she deserves every success.
- Chris Hedges, DFC regular