Marlow Bottom Acoustic Club

More furniture-removing before we could start, and some dust hanging around after we'd done that, but we eventually gathered a quorum in the side bar and got started.

It was good to see and hear Trevor from Milton Keynes again, with his songs that are rooted in the tradition but with his distinctive stamp . Despite his introduction, his 'Green Man' song wasn't really about a gnome-like artefact outside his door to keep the Jehovah's Witnesses away.

Also nice to see newly-married Dave S again, and nice of him to respond to Karen's request for Fred Wedlock's Country & Western Song.

Comedy highlight of the evening though was Vicky's new twist on Bill Bailey's 'Unisex Chip Shop" - this time from Debbie's perspective. One for Martin on his return at Xmas.

We're clearly out of the post-brewery embargo period because Karen and Steve sang "Dimming of the Day", and Rosie and Alan gave us "Fishing Blues".

Dick concluded with "The Card Song", a great joining-in number that doesn't get aired often enough. Then Steve led us into "Country Life".

We had a fun night back in the bar, though still had to carry in chairs as it has not yet been restored to restaurant use.  We were joined by Simon from Marlow who played some great melodeon tunes.  We all missed Martin and Simon who are now back at Uni leaving Vicky as the only youngster.  Steve continued to make his presence felt from the stool!  At some point it threatened to turn into Uxbridge folk club as there was a fair amount of banter, which we all enjoyed.  We also all enjoyed the finale which everyone played and sang along with - in fact we were quite noisy!  We look forward to doing more of the same next week.

Dick reminded us all of the session on Tues 30th October at The Old Ship, Cadmore End.  We hope to see a good few people there next month.  Also, another reminder - it's Henley Folk Club next Tuesday at the Horse and Groom.

That's all for now! See you all at TJ's next week.

In order to avoid drowning out the cheering at TJO's while England beat Russia 3-0, we decamped to Rosie and Alan's for the evening.

Dick couldn't make it, so Bob kicked off proceedings with one of Dick's most-requested songs - 'Limehouse Lass'.

At Martin's request, Steve sang his own 'Santa Claus' song, which is not about Xmas at all and always a pleasure to hear. John too sang one of his own songs - the not-completely-autobiographical "I'm not a Real Man".

We had quite a 60's flavour, with Honky Tonk Women from Bob, Witch's Promise from Rosie & Alan, Can't Help But Wonder Where I'm Bound from John and Steve, and I'll Be Your Baby Tonight from Steve.

This was Martin's last session with us before heading for Derby University. He was joined by Stuart for the politically incorrect, but hilarious, 'Bo Duddley' from Derek and Clive. This was a  good way to  "leave 'em wanting more".

Back to normal at TJO's next week

We were very pleased to welcome new visitors John from York (& ex-Maidenhead regular) and Severn from Maryland USA who has had a great time going round the festivals this summer. 

John's  passions are Jake Thackray and Pink Floyd.  He does a mean Jake Thackeray but little did he know that the Jackson family do to! - added to which Terry and Quiet John both do Sister Josephine, though on this occssion Terry won the spot.  Even so, 4 different singers doing Jake Thackray in one night must be some sort of a record.  Much enjoyment and hilarity all round.

Severn has some most interesting songs and we especially liked the replacement lifeboat horses pulling the coffin which ends up in the sea.  Written by someone in Wales, (Edna someone?) I would be interested to know if it's based a true event.

As the room is being decorated we were in the main bar and Steve looked most professional mounted on his stool while strumming his guitar.   Stuart bravely made his debut with a sketch featuring Radio 4's Today programme and Robin Cook.  (For some reason it reminded me of Moira Craig's friend who performs "To be or not to be" to a well-known tune, which unfortunately I can't remember,  - absolutely brilliant and I can imagine Stuart doing it, so will have to find out from Moira what the tune is!)  Next week will be Martin's last week till December as he is off to university.  We will miss him, and Simon, the later returning to his Folk Music degree course - much jealousy all round.  We look forward to seeing them both back in the holidays.

Unfortunately the room won't be finished next week and there is an England game on so we are singing & playing at Alan & Rosie's place next Wednesday.  So bring your own refreshments along.  We will leave contact details at TJ O'Reilly's so anyone who turns up at the bar on Sep 12th can find out where we are, (it's not far from the pub).  If you know in advance that you're likely to come along and don't know where Alan & Rosie are, please send a message via this myspace site for details in advance.