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| Gren Bartley |
Lancaster’s Robert Gillow has lined up more fine folk music for May, and we have the full details. Included in the line up is top act Gren Bartley, a well known musician on both sides of the Atlantic, and the superb Hard Times.
Thursday 5th May: 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 is 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 12 May: Keith Davis
Keith is a firm favourite at The Robert Gillow, coming all the way from Bristol to play in Lancaster. He’s a classic blues singer and a simply amazing guitarist – technically the most accomplished bluesman in the country – performing a mixture of “straight” blues, ragtime/ hokum styles and slide/ Dobro guitar and is widely regarded as one of the great British acoustic entertainers.
Thursday 19 May: Hard Times
Hard Times comprises Geoff Wilkinson (bass), Gordon Johnston (banjo, mandolin, guitar) and Laurie Johnston (everything) – all superb musicians playing a mixture of traditional and modern tunes and songs from the UK, the US and Europe. They are some of the finest acoustic musicians around, the band is simply brilliant!
Thursday 26 May: Phil Saunders
New to the Robert Gillow, Phil is a solid, stonkin’ blues player and busker who will entertain and delight. He plays guitar and harmonica and sings, and whether he’s playing his own material or rejuvenating classic blues numbers his music is down to earth, genuine and heartfelt. He says “just like the weather I’m a bit under the moon” (although we don’t know why) and his autobiography reads “after diddling about on guitar and harmonica since my early twenties I decided to try open tuning to entertain myself for the evening. So I twiddled the knobs until it sounded good and enjoyed the freedom of having no idea of what I was doing, years later I’m still enjoying myself.” You’ll love it!
• There’s folk music every Thursday night at the the Robert Gillow, 64 Market Street, Lancaster, LA1 1HP. Tel: 01524 36092 Web: www.pubfoodlancaster.co.uk