CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB PRESS RELEASE (3 September 2004)

Life at 40 - The Cambridge Folk Club

If life begins at 40, well the Cambridge Folk Club is certainly a good example of this. Inaugurated in November 1964, it has been through all the changes and experiences of childhood, adolescence and adulthood The autumn programme shows how much the club prospers. It is classed as a thriving performance venue for acoustic and folk music in Cambridge at the Unicorn Pub, Church Lane, Trumpington every Friday night.

The autumn programme starts on 1 October with Kellie While. She cites many influences including jazz, folk, and roots and modern acoustic music. Her songs have been described as ‘fresh’ and ‘infectious’, and her voice as ‘effortless’, ‘classy’, and ‘timeless.’ On 22 October the grandparents of Folk music visit the club again. Norma Waterson and Martin Carthy between them have performed literally hundreds of different songs and tunes. Like the best folk clubs, they have survived so long because they know how to adapt. Whilst some artists and clubs have floundered because nothing changed, Waterson and Carthy, in their various guises survive because they do. True, traditional songs remain at the heart of their repertoire, but then so do modern songs. Both continue to push away at the edges so that they can bring something new into the genre.

Cambridge Folk Festival goers will be aware of the outstanding performance of Show of Hands at this years festival. Another opportunity awaits their supporters when they help the Cambridge Folk Club celebrate the 40th year of its inauguration on 12 November in the Comberton Theatre, Comberton Leisure, Comberton Cambridge. Steve Knightly and Phil Beer are England's most successful acoustic roots duo. Their widespread appeal is based on the combined power of Steve's original songs, the quality of the vocals and harmonies, and their multi-instrumental virtuosity.

On 26 November Spiers and Boden : John Spiers plays melodeons and sings. Jon Boden is lead singer and plays fiddle. Their musical partnership was forged in the vibrant heat of the Oxford Folk Session Scene. Regarded by those who first heard them as a musical match made in heaven, their shockingly original slant on the best of the English tradition rapidly attracted recognition and excitement. It wasn’t long before Fellside Records spotted them and with just two days in the studio John and Jon produced their first album Through & Through, followed by stunning reviews from press and media across the UK.

The Club hosts Malinky on 3 December. Their striking vocals and song-based repertoire, as well as their instrumental flair, define one of the most distinctive sounds to emerge from the Scottish folk-scene over the last decade. The vibrant voices of Karine Polwart and Steve Byrne remain at the heart of Malinky's material, as do their sympathetic string accompaniments. Whistle and bodhran player Mark Dunlop steps forward for the first time as a powerful solo singer and Jon Bews adds his swinging fiddle style and resonant harmony voice. But the most exciting development sees Malinky expand from four to five members with the addition of the wonderful Irish button-box and whistle player Leo McCann.

Open Stage and Show Case night's at the Club continue to draw a wide spectrum of performers from all around East Anglian and the midlands. These nights buzz with a convivial community spirit as audience and perfomers mingle in the Chat Room before and after performances. The Kevin Buxton and Kontra Band from Northampton play a 30 minute special guest spot on 17 September; Mooncoin from Norwich are one of three Show case acts to perform on 15 October. The revival of a local band Camus, reuniting after 20 years doing other things, will play a 30 minute special guest spot on 8 October Open Stage. And an old favourite on the Club Tent stage at the Cambridge Folk Festival, Liz Simcock from London will perform a Show Case on 10 December. On the Open Stage on 17 December No Fixed Abode from Derbyshire will provide the entertainment for a 30 minute special guest appearance. If you want to find out the rest of the programme, you should visit www.cambridgefolkclub.org

Issued by Cambridge Folk Club, PO Box 899, Comberton, Cambs CB3 7WQ Telephone: 01223-262775