Here’s the line up of folk music at Lancaster’s Robert Gillow pub for November courtesy of local musician about town, Tony Cooke, which includes appearances by the superb Graham Robinson, pictured above.
Thursday 5 November: Simon Nicholls
Simon lives in Rugby and is a singer and guitarist of great repute who makes regular tours of Great Britain. A set from Simon will typically contain both traditional and contemporary songs in the folk idiom, together with pieces borrowed from the world of rock music. He is an all round entertainer and a perfect accompaniment to a pint or two.
Thursday 12 November: Graham Robinson
Originally from Jarrow on Tyne but now living in Colne, Lancashire, Graham Robinson’s playing reflects the styles of the early blues masters – particularly the east coast, syncopated styles of Blind Boy Fuller and Blind Blake. Other major influences include Rev. Gary Davis, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Big Bill Broonzy, and Fred McDowell.
A typical performance will include impassioned renditions of songs from the above artists played with energy and conviction on a very old Stella and National resonator guitars.
Thursday 19 November: Gren Bartley
A “phenomenal guitarist and singer”, Gren Bartley is deeply rooted in old folk and blues traditions whilst stamping his own style on the genre. Whilst the first thing you’ll hear is his virtuosity on guitar, it’s his mature vocals and poetically crafted lyrics that ensure the longevity of this young musician’s career. His first full solo album “Carry Her Safe” is a collection of original songs and tunes, played on guitar and banjo. His second CD e°g° with fiddle sensation Tom Kitching, led to a record deal with folk stalwarts Fellside Records.
He’s often compared to the likes of Richard Thompson, Nic Jones and Kelly Joe Phelps – an emerging talent not to be missed.
Thursday 26 November: Pete Morton
Pete Morton is, quite simply, the best songwriter in the UK today, who has been performing to audiences worldwide for over two decades with his unique and involving style of songwriting and traditional singing. His songs are an unruly mix of humour, politics, religion, love and social comment, wrapping their way around the folk tradition. His stageshows are intense and dynamic, with the national Guardian pronouncing him “not only impressive but a revelation… totally original” and fRoots magazine saying he is “… amongst the best the British roots music scene has produced in living memory.”
Pete has recorded seven albums of original material and one brilliant album of traditional English songs.
• For more events at the Robert Gillow, visit the pub’s official web site