The Bishops Stortford Acoustic Club
at South Mill Arts Centre
1-3, South Road, Bishops Stortford, Herts.
CM23 3JG
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Previous Performances – Who played when |
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Performers Music Collection
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AKOS HASZNOS Songs of Conviction
It has been a while since we have seen Akos at the Club, but the reason
is quite clear. Back at home in Hungary he has released an album of his work. As ever his songs are crafted and highly individual reflecting his view
of the World. The latest album can be purchased by clicking the link below. |
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RHYS WILSON Howling at the Moon
Its been a
while since Rhys released an album so this latest offering has been much
anticipated. With 9 songs this latest album is a fair reflection of his
songwriting ability and his unique performance that brings these songs to
life. Of the
songs and words, Rhys examines a subject and find words that help to explain
his thoughts. His subjects are contemporary, reflective, often almost poetry
to music. When Oil Was King reminds of us of carefree days when you
did not really understand the effects. Howling at the Moon has a
wonderful piano that helps convey his broken heart. William and Maud
is a love song of colliding traditions with a beautiful melody. However,
to fully understand his music, as ever, a CD can only present the performance
not the background and context. To find out more, the only real way is to listen
live and understand his story. Full
details can be found at Rhys Wilson |
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ELIZABETH & JAMESON Dead Ends and Hand Me Downs The latest
release from this exciting duo is a short collection of their recent songs.
They demonstrate a real talent for writing up-beat and optimistic songs that
not only showcases their individual talents but when combined with Gaffyn
Jameson on bass they really raise their game. Tales of
childhood coupled with a longing to live near the sea permeate the whole EP.
They have a knack for catchy tunes and clever rhymes. They write from
experience both recent and from the distant past. Catching Crickets and
Hand Me Downs are great examples of remembering a childhood with
affection whilst Tell The World To Go Away speaks for itself. This EP is
a highly likeable and generally happy offering from a couple who put their
hearts and soul into their music, to really good effect. |
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DAVE SUTHERLAND NINETEEN
TWENTY-FOUR
Over the past year Dave has
been enormously busy. I know he is moving ahead to develop a new album. The
first offering from him is his latest single NINETEEN TWENTY-FOUR. Rather than try to explain the
concept, the terrifically talented Emma Pitt has conjured her incredible
magic with a video that hits the meaning and concept of the song. For the video link is Click the LINK, I am sure you
will enjoy the experience |
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Pat Crilly
Amber & Gold
Pat Crilly is an enigma.
He will turn up, play and entrance you with his songs, he will duet with Greg
Camburn or with his band or even give you a selection of Traditional Irish of
Scottish songs. But what he does best is play and sing his songs. This album
is the latest of a long list of musical offerings but is unique in one
respect. It is just Pat and his guitar. Recorded in one take, no overdubs, no
fancy backing tracks and certainly no looper! It is just Pat. There are songs
that we have all heard him play, there are songs we have heard in various
forms but this collection is marked by how Pat wants them to be heard. The 14
songs are sign posts along his life. “Senegal” from an oil rig, “Irish Reels”
from a story from his family in Dublin, “Somebody Take Me Home” a tribute to
his father, “The Man Who Named The Clouds” from his extensive reading and his
inquisitive mind and “I Don’t Have The Blues” from his family memories. All
the songs are special, all are personal and the epitome of the intelligent
and versatile songwriter that he is. Yes, I will miss the Camburn interludes
we often hear live, but this album is about the man, his songs and his music.
An absolute must have in any collection. If you want it, go to Pat
Crilly Music on Facebook and follow the link to get the
CD or download, or you can e mail him at patcrilly@hotmail.com and ask him or, much
better still, see him live and buy one from him. I am sure he will sign it. |
Luke James
Williams
Our Blood Is Red
Luke James Williams is an archetypal troubadour. He will travel
to share his music and his first full blown album follows the lead of his EP
and completes the next step. Our Blood Is Red is an album that is full of
haunting melodies and lyrical meanings. He has many friends who help with musical support but the album
is clearly his creation. An authentic voice and distinctive sound. From the
opening track "This Says" to the last note of "Monuments"
this album is a must have if you admire the singer-songwriter tradition that
is the backbone of the Acoustic Scene in the UK To find out how to get this essential slice of music |
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Ivor Game Fine Summer Rain Ivor Game is a
singer/songwriter from Middlesex and has enjoyed performing at The Acoustic
Club in the past. His latest release is Fine Summer Rain. He writes " On 6th May,
I'm releasing a new LP, called "Fine Summer Rain". 12 short tunes
which are more summer vignettes perhaps. Here is the link title track. It's more a musical companion
for the summer when we hope we will see some summer weather as a respite from
such trying times." Bravo Ivor! A lovely collection
of songs, ready for listening to. The link to the full album is
here Nice one Ivor, nice one!! |
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Akos
Golden Days in Puerto Rico
Long-time friend of the club Akos Hasznos has recorded a rather
brilliant original song and has put a video of it on YouTube for our
delectation and delight. His skilful guitar playing is there for all to see
and hear. IT IS WELL WORTH A LISTEN if only to remind everyone what a damn
fine performer Akos is. Click the link below to watch and listen |
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Fly Yeti Fly
Make a Ring
Wiltshire based indie-folk duo Lorna Somerville and Darren
Fisher recorded this album on their house-boat studio on the Kennet and Avon
canal and have produced a collection of songs inspired by connection to the
natural world. With a combination of guitar, mandolin and harmonica as well as
good vocal harmonies, the songs reflect stories and themes of community with
a variety of musical styles from traditional folk to bluegrass with Blue
Yonder. All in all, a cheerful album from a duo who are a delight to
listen to. To find out how to get this essential slice of music |
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Elizabeth & Jameson
Northern Shores & Stories
Taking their
inspiration from the North Yorkshire coast and the harbour town of Whitby,
'Northern Shores & Stories' is full of delightful soundscapes and characters. Early highlights ‘Endeavour’ and ‘How Long Has It Been?’ both
find their inspiration in the art of letter writing. ‘Dance
In The Shadows’ is a dreamy waltz, the
romantic escapism and longing to quit the rat race of ‘Live By
The Sea’ is a theme familiar to most This is
a beautiful record that has been lovingly crafted by two musicians who share
a love of their art. |
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M G Boulter Clifftown M G Boulter is
from the Thames Coast and he brings a new album based upon a fictional town
so reminiscent of Southend it is uncanny! Having recorded
with many people over the years, his collaborations are a breath of fresh air
and Clifftown develops these principles nicely. Working again
with producer Andy Bell and a host of friends from bands as diverse as
Bellowhead and Spritiualised, M G has created an all-encompassing personal
history of growing up in seaside suburbia which is both affecting and
observant. Full details
can be be found at his website |
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Jo Ash Matinee
Jo Ash
has recently released two EPs eloquently described as her musical
non-identical twins! Over the last year or so she has learned how to produce
and mix her own music, and over lock down has created two five-track EPs.
'Matinee is like a little trip to the theatre and 'After Dark' is more synth
led, with vibes of pop and electronica. Both are linked through Jo's musical
journey and songs written over the last few years. This has been quite an
experience for Jo, not devoid of stress at times, but worth every minute as it’s
been a huge learning curve! With
live performance on hold during the Lock down, the past 18 months have been a
highly productive time for Jo. These 10 songs on two Eps both reflect not
only her continuing growth and development as both a writer and performer but
put a very large stake in the ground which reads “LISTEN TO THE MUSIC”. Both
can be downloaded from various places but as a first step click joashmusic.com. Alternatively, you can e mail
Jo at jo.ash.artist@gmail.com where
both can be ordered. Jo Ash after dark
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Last Drop of Empty Dave Sutherland It has
taken over three years but Last Drop of Empty has finally arrived. This is Dave’s
fourth album and is a huge step forward in terms of his musical development.
His new label is taking a great deal of interest in the future and how Dave
is presented to the World. His work with Stacey Parrish and Jack Casady has
given a whole new musical landscape, ripe for the Sutherland treatment. The observational qualities of Dave’s
writing, so abundantly demonstrated over his previous albums, has continued
and developed unabated. He has a wonderful ability to adopt into character
traits of both ancient and modern times. The opening track Ghosts is equally
at home in the modern era as well as the mid-19th century Ireland.
Both her dedication and his loss of memory are equal players in a tale of
tragedy. One True Love is an eternal love song slipping seamlessly
into the best of the genre. Ever Changing Skyline is a testament to
contemporary London, the moving skyline with the images of modern-day
Bermondsey interspersed with the detritus of modern life. Money Can Do is a cautionary
song on the effects of money – both good and not so good. The reworking of Dave’s most popular and
his signature tune From the Vauxhall Tavern to the Deptford Broadway,
is a welcome new look at a song that invokes several important parts of South
East London. The new version brings a much harder focus on the reality of
South London life. Meadow Daisies is a whimsical song of love
discovered utilising classic Sutherland rhymes and word play. Damaged is
a cry from the heart defining the comparison between a child and an adult and
how the damage occurs. |
All Of The Things That You Are is a classic love
song expressing the reality of making the best of where we are. Throughout the centuries there have always
been those places where unlicensed and unregistered boxing took place. The
Yorkshire Grey, a pub in South London, was one of those mythical palaces
where fortunes were won in the ring and won and lost with the bookmakers.
This song evokes the spirit of Rocky without the glamourous locations of the
USA eastern seaboard. The last
and title track Down To The Last Drop of Empty reflects on the hope
that inevitably makes living worthwhile. “When you start out in this world
you’ve plenty, And when it’s gone you hope some more will come” is the
eternal optimists creed. And a
wonderful way to finish an astonishing album. Available
from Dave’s Website. |
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Live at the Acoustic Club Dave Denny and friends Dave Denny
has been at it again. He has released yet another album for which all the
proceeds go to St Clares' Hospice. This time
he has spent the last 18 months or so capturing live performances at the
Acoustic Club from so many players that it is almost a Who's Who of local
talent. Bella Chipperfield, The Fog, Jeff Carpenter, Joe Chipperfield Hanako
Ward and of course Dave Denny with Jeff Carpenter. All make an exceptional
contribution to this unique slice of Stortford Musical History which is
available for the princely sum of £5. Dave has a
few in stock and will be happy to swap one of his stock for the
aforementioned £5!! Dave said he will drop a few on the desk with Geoff so
there are no problems with obtaining a copy |
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Gretel! The Musical In Concert After
its initial sell-out run at The Other Palace studio space, Gretel! The
Musical is back with all the hits from the show. An innovative take on a
concert showcase; let the story take you away with magical illustration that
will bring the forest alive. Gretel! is a tale of childhood,
loyalty, and the power of fantasy to arm us against a dark reality. In a
world where your fate is seemingly already written, it’s a reminder that we
all have the power to create our own story – for sometimes destiny could use
a little help. The newly imagined artwork is
by the fabulous Bella Chipperfield and more is expected Initially this event was
planned for June this year, but due to COVID the date has been moved. As soon
as the date is released you will find out here!! If you want to find out more,
read updates, see previews or generally just support, search Facebook and
become a Friend. They are lovely people |
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Thursday’s
Band Chittagong
Tattoo One
of my very favourite Bands have just released their 2nd Album Chittagong
Tattoo. A
year in the making, this is Thursday’s Band’s second full album - a worthy
successor to their previous release ‘All We Have in Common’. Early
reviews of Chittagong Tattoo say it is ‘Beautiful storytelling, singing and playing…
transports you to cosy intimate interiors and rugged, vibrant landscapes' and
‘A worthy follow up to the first CD - no small achievement, seeing as their
first was so brilliant. It’s a great album and worth the wait…' You
can get hold of Chittagong Tattoo from www.clunkandrattle.com . |
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Anna Wells Circles Anna
is an artist we have seen from the very start. From the first nervous steps
to the accomplished performer, musician and writer who is destined to move
ever onwards and upwards. Circles is an easy-listening, quasi
classical-crossover pop album. Some mellow tunes and some definite
foot-tappers. Vocal clarity and mixed arrangements featuring mellifluous
saxophone hooks, smooth bass lines and tasteful drum grooves. Something here
for everyone. The album has a live, acoustic vibe, which venerates the
classic singer-songwriter pop genre of the late twentieth-century, combined
with a modern, contemporary idiosyncrasy. This album has been in progress
since 2017. Ten tracks composed between 2017 up to June 2019. |
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Peter Crossley Rags to Riches An
album to uplift - enjoy these folksy, original tunes written and performed by
Peter, singer songwriter and fiddle player extraordinaire. Peter Crossley has
been performing around Hertfordshire Venues for more than a decade, including
appearances at Festivals. He has made it his mission to tell stories of being
lost and found, broken and fixed, poor but rich and he does so with poetic
skill, passion and compassion. Peter
is warm and engaging – as a singer-songwriter, a performer and as a person,
and this heartfelt warmth shines through. |
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M G Boulter Blood Moon M
G Boulter is one of our favourite players. Coming from the Thames Coast he
brings a new perspective of life, love and all things in between. Having
recorded with many people over the years, his collaborations are a breath of
fresh air. Full
details can be found at his website |
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RUBY MUSE Just Like You ‘Silver-laced songs, filled with
the edge of Americana and the gentle repose of love’ Liverpool Sound
& Vision Featuring three enticing tracks
in lovingly designed, vinyl-style CD format – plus eco-friendly packaging!
All written, played, recorded and produced by Jools Heyes and Malcolm Heyes,
aka Ruby Muse in their cosy Cambridgeshire studio. Ruby Muse Facebook
Page
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Bella Chipperfield Leave My Mind One
of our favourite artists has just released her debut EP. Bella
says "Excited to announce that the EP is officially HERE! Available
on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and Amazon Music! Give it a listen and let us
know what you think!" |
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ELLIOT PORTER LANES Lanes is Elliot’s most recent
album which is top full of great tunes. 11 very classy songs that
reflect his life, loves and music, an absolute belter of an album. Available
on iTunes |
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CARELESS FRED'S HOUSE The brand-new album now. Careless is the
third album from Fred's House featuring 11 tracks. Presented in a scrapbook
style packaging with lyric booklet. for information. |
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Thursday’s Band All We Have In
Common The
songs on this album take you on a journey through the bleak darkness of ‘The
Black Ship’, the quiet longing of ‘Cold Boston’, the understated sharing of emotion in ‘Train
to Albion’ by way of the tongue in cheek humour of ‘Eating
Mexican’, to the raw feeling of ‘Fly’ and if
Lucinda’s vocals on ‘Jupiter’ don’t move your soul then you should start looking for it. A band that works its magic across its
chosen genre, blurring and bending the edges along the way….’
(Folkwords) |
