MEDWAY FOLK CELLAR MEETS THE BROOK!!!

PROGRAMME

EAST OF EALING - Described as an 'irrepressible outfit whipping up an acoustic storm and trailblazing through a varied landscape of roots music territories. Their stomping rhythm raises the rafters, resulting in a gritty and effective raw and raunchy blow out.' In other words, rocking good time global grooves.

MUNDY-TURNER are Catherine Mundy and Jay Turner, an internationally-touring acoustic, original songwriting duo based in Brisbane, Australia.

Both performers are impressive vocalists, able to inject melodies with affecting depth and pathos.

Their instrumental work is equally expressive. Jay is a versatile acoustic guitarist, alternately driving and delicate. Cath plays lyrical violin and piano in a cross between classical, folk and rock styles.

Together their live performances are characterised by strong original material, intricate harmonies, humorous story-telling, and powerful arrangements. They are influenced by a melting pot of musical styles - folk, blues, rock, country, classical, gospel, acappella, pop.... MUNDY-TURNER's music is unique and emotionally charged. Their stage presence has been described as exciting, dynamic and charismatic.

CYRIL TAWNEY - Cyril Tawney has been singing folk songs for a living longer than anyone else in Britain.

Born into a lower deck Royal Naval family at Gosport in 1930 he joined the Royal Navy as an apprentice in 1946 and his role as a folk singer emerged from various scriptwriting and performances for naval entertainment.

He bought himself out of the Royal Navy and embarked on a successful career as a folk singer with numerous TV and radio spots. Songs of his such as 'Grey Funnel Line', 'Sally Free and Easy' and 'Sammy's Bar' have become standards and his work is quoted in both the Oxford Book of Traditional Verse and The Oxford Book of Sea Songs.

THE PHIL BEER BAND - Phil Beer is the multi instrumentalist half of England's foremost acoustic duo 'Show of Hands'. His instrumental wizardy is well documented and has been utilised by countless artists over the years, the mnost notable being The Rolling Stones, Mike Oldfield and Steve Harley.

While having his feet firmly in the 'acoustic' camp, he has kept his hand in with electric music over the last five years with an annual outing of the Phil Beer Band.

These have become increasingly popular, and this year will see the first month long tour to take place in September.

The first ever Phil Beer Band album will be released to coincide with the tour and features Gareth Turner, Charlotte Ayrton, Steve Crickett, Nick Quarmby and Deb Sandland as well as the lad himself.

JULIE FELIX - Julie Felix was a major star in Britain in the 1960s. Along with singers like Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and Tom Paxton she became part of the folk movement carrying a message through song to a generation of young people.

40 years on Julie is back with a heightened political and spiritual consciousness and a style that seems a world away from her fragile 1960s image.

The beautiful fluidity of her voice and perfect pitch are still there, but now combine with a hard won inner peace.

An evening with Julie Felix is a memorable experience.

HARVEY ANDREWS - Harvey Andrews has been writing and performing his own songs, monologues and stories for 35 years. In that time he has travelled the world, been on the Old Grey Whistle Test, done sessions for John Peel, appeeared in a solo concert at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall, been voted Canada's International Artist of the Year, produced 14 albums and had his songs recorded by over 50 artists from Christy Moore to Max Boyce, the Houghton Weavers to Mary Hopkin.

He's as fine a raconteur as he is a singer and a writer, so turn up and prepare to be seriouosly entertained.

THE MELLSTOCK BAND - The Mellstock Band sings and plays the dances, carols and music of English village and church bands from the 18th century to the present day.

The band's musical backgrounds include folk, jazz, and early music and they use their skills to create a vital, present day musical experience rather than a dry, museum like reproduction of something past and gone.

Their Christmas Show is enhanced with period costume, spoken word and authentic music from a bygone age.

GORDON GILTRAP - The respect that Gordon Giltrap generates from his fellow musicians was made manifest when he re-recorded his classic instrumental 'Heartsong' to celebrate 25 years in the business, with guest appearances from amongst others, Midge Ure, Steve Howe, Rick Wakemman, Neil Murray and Brian May

The new millenium sees the release of almost all of his entire back catalogue on Voiceprint Records and many have never been released before.

If you want to see a guitar supremo at work, here's your man.

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