Wednesday 23rd August 2006

Broadstairs Folk Week has come and gone again for another year. The Lunchtime session in the Nelson with Paul Lucas was enjoyable as usual and the guest on Monday was a fine Melodeon player of English tunes. Pity the Monday is an Irish session really.

Wednesday night was a 'pub gig' at the Rose with Pete May and Fergie. Surprisingly enjoyable.

The Thursday session was thin, and I think I frightened the horses with a later model Abbott No.2 Banjo. I had to take the resonator off because it was way too loud.

Never mind, I have my original Abbott banjo back now and tried it out at the Yew Tree at Barfrestone. Again a surprisingly enjoyable session and recommended to beginners / intermediate players.

Back to the Anchor at Wingham tonight, followed by the Bear at Faversham tomorrow and the Anchor at Faversham on Sunday.

Monday 14th August 2006

Broadstairs folk week started on Friday, and it's rained ever since! If you want a session, there are lunchtime sessions in the Nelson from about 12:00 with Paul Lucas and guest.

Last Thursday, we were treated to Mick Hale and Sylvia on Saxophone and Euphonium - in the bear - at close range. What they do to poor innocent traditional tunes would bring the Waffen EFDSS down on them for crimes against folk. Anyway, I'm sure it's entertaining in Germany.

Dearth of sessions this week because of Broadstairs. The Wednesday night may or may not happen in the Rose to support Pete May.

Tuesday 1st August 2006

The new session got off the ground this week and it was fabulous. Just what a session should be. There were enough musicians and appreciative audience to achieve lift-off. It was at the Anchor, Abbey Street, Faversham and hopefully will be repeated regularly on the last Sunday of the month. A very appreciative landlord supplied drinks for the players and the acoustics are great. Might have to organise the layout and find chairs without arms but overall very good. Some old friends turned out - nice to see Roger again and Heather Grabham sang a few of her songs.

The Wednesday session saw the welcome return of our piper, but unfortunately, he kidnapped my banjo (inadvertantly I hasten to add!). A word of warning - if you have a common banjo case - personalise it! Fortunately the mistake was realised and I had my banjo back the next day, but it was a worrying 18 hours wondering where it had gone! His was still in the pub, secreted in an alcove.

I have been trying out a Tubaphone Style M banjo recently while my Abbott banjo is in for some minor work. I know now why it was an expensive banjo in its time. It plays like a dream and is quite a bit louder than the Little Wonder but with a nice mellow tone and balance between bass and treble strings.

The Thursday session was another good one, with another welcome visit from Bob Kenward who was persuaded to sing a few songs. He managed to pull out the old Fred Wedlock number 'Robin Hood' which took us all back a few years.