Category: Guest

 

In light of the rule changes on face coverings announced yesterday, the Management Committee have instructed that face coverings must be worn when attending any event or performance on-site at the Pump House.

Sam Brothers is a 26-year-old singer-songwriter and performer, based in Canterbury, in the South of England. Although he is rooted in the raw traditions of the travelling Troubadour – he reflects the ever-changing world we live in through the wide eyes of his generation. With the face of an innocent, the voice of a fallen angel and with a deep knowledge far beyond his years, he offers a genuine and meaningful alternative to the pre-packaged, over-processed, trivia-twittering wannabees that dominate the airwaves and flood our screens. Sam is a massive talent – a remarkable guitarist and unique song-writer, blessed with an astonishing voice that recalls the gentle sensitivity of Nick Drake, but underscored by the screaming power and swooping range of Jeff Buckley……. And with something more, an honesty and intensity that is purely Sam Brothers. His songs reflect the truths that his single-minded lifestyle and tough choices have delivered. Rooted in the raw passion of the early protest singers and touching on the beauty of the first wave of folksters – Sam’s songs are invested with echoes of Dylan, Buckley, Drake, Van Zandt, and all the stops along the long, old, lonely road that those illustrious names illuminate. Sam truly has something to say, a unique way to say it and a collection of people who believe in him and will support him in the process. He is already a great performer and a star in the making, but a new kind of star, who has a message to deliver and the tools to deliver that message. For a while now, Sam has been busy paying his dues and earning his spurs, in the old-school way, making just enough to live on and give him the time to write and create his first record and keep repairing the rustiest, old Ford Mondeo in the country! Samuel Brothers is an artist for an emerging generation, who won’t settle for less than the truth and who are disillusioned with the trivia and inherent futility of the virtual world. This is a new generation artist for a new-generation audience, but rooted in old school values. If you love music – you will love Sam Brothers

 

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In light of the rule changes on face coverings announced yesterday, the Management Committee have instructed that face coverings must be worn when attending any event or performance on-site at the Pump House.

Elizabeth & Jameson is an award-winning collaboration comprising two rising stars of the UK acoustic music scene. Hannah Elizabeth and Griff Jameson have joined forces to create an indie-folk sound which encompasses both their individual musical backgrounds.  Hannah’s influences are firmly planted in traditional folk-roots, whilst in contrast Griff has formed his musical reputation within folk pop/rock genres.  Together as a duo Elizabeth & Jameson arguably offer the best of both backgrounds; this is simplistic, classic song writing at its best – a stripped back harmony-driven sound with acoustic guitar, violin and exquisite harmony vocals.

As well as securing high-profile support slots on the UK folk/acoustic circuit the duo have built up a strong following after spending the last few years touring folk and acoustic clubs and venues across the UK. Their debut studio album, Northern Shores & Stories was officially released in May 2020 and has been receiving critical acclaim across the acoustic folk/roots community.

Recent festival highlights include greatly coveted invites to perform at Cambridge Folk Festival and the Great British Folk Festival.  Elizabeth & Jameson were awarded the NMG Award for best Acoustic, Folk & Roots Act of 2019, and were proud to open four shows for Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra as part of their 2019 Autumn/Winter tour. Currently touring their debut album extensively across the UK… and beyond, they will be joined by Griff’s brother Gafyn on keyboards and bass.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Elizabeth and the Jameson Brothers in concert!!

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Dan Raza is one of the mainstays on the London singer-songwriter and folk roots scene. He has been praised by artists such as Chris Farlowe, Slaid Cleaves, Mary Gauthier and Jackie Oates and had a song included on Neil Young’s ‘Living With War’ website.

Entry by minimum donation of £8 (£8.15 for credit/debit card payment)

Dan’s distinctive approach has won him a following across the UK and abroad as he has taken his songs on the road performing solo and opening for Joan Armatrading, Badly Drawn Boy, Alejandro Escovedo, Cara Dillon and The Sadies, amongst others.

Of mixed Indian and British origin, Dan grew up in the Home Counties and moved to London in his late teens where he has since been based.

Dan’s eponymous debut album was produced by Charlie Hart (Ronnie Lane, Ian Dury, Eric Clapton, Mose Allison).

The self-produced follow up, ‘Two’, was released in 2017 and features his band, The Shrouds, as well as appearances from Geraint Watkins (Van Morrison, Paul McCartney), BJ Cole (Dolly Parton, Martin Simpson), Steve Simpson (Eric Bibb, Ronnie Lane), Frank Mead (Albert King, Eric Clapton) and Mosi Conde (Mory Kante, Salif Keita).

‘The real deal’
– Huey Morgan, BBC Radio 2

“Truly spellbinding, stunning…if there is any justice in this world, it won’t be long before Dan Raza is headlining in a town near you, take my advice and go and see him live, highly recommended”
– Maverick Magazine

“An astonishingly accomplished set of songs, one of which a veteran songwriter would be proud.”
– R2 Magazine

“One of the best support acts I’ve seen in two or three years…an artist that makes you take note and listen to the songs.”
– Slaid Cleaves

“This guy really is something else – there’s something very beguiling about his music”
– Brian Mullen, BBC Radio Ulster

We are really looking forward to welcoming Dan back to Watford for what will be a very special night. See you there!!!

 

Q. What do you get when you cross an Essex Folk Singer with a big bloke from the North East who loves Americana music?

A. Quintessential British Country-Folk for and About Grown Ups.

Black*Scarr which is Emma Scarr, folk singer from the East London/Essex borderland and Johnny Black a bonafide Geordie Bloke but has lived and plied his trade in the South for a long, long time.

We are looking forward to welcoming Emma & Johnny back to Watford Folk Club for what will be a terrific evening of great songs & lots of fun!

Entry by minimum donation of £8. (card payments £8.15)

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BLACK*SCARR are an East London duo formed by two singer songwriters with different styles and influences, but whose co-writing has collided to produce a collection of songs that move audiences to laughter and tears. Honest and gritty, this urban folk/country duo produce songs full of stories and themes that are modern but classic-sounding and timeless, personal and everyday, still universal. Black*Scarr have become known for live performances bursting with energy and chemistry. Prepare to tap your toes to upbeat melodic country tunes and be touched by hard-hitting, yet poetic lyrics that will stay with you. Guitar, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica and classic harmonies document the trials, contradictions, fears and delights of middle-aged life and love.

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Black*Scarr have performed previously at Folk Clubs including, Royston, Watford, Redbourn, Loughton, Twickenham, The Ram, Hitchin, Warwick, Tiller Flat, The Beamish Mary and Cramlington. Also, The Lantern Society and The Country Soul Sessions (London).

Black*Scarr have played festivals too – Balstock, St Albans, Dacorum, Leytonstone, New World, Straw Bear and Folk on the Water among them.

Black*Scarr tracks have been played on radio stations including BBC introducing Radio Teesside, Country UK and House of Mercy.

Black*Scarr won “Best Audience Reaction” award at “Love Folk Live” competition run by Folkstock and have been finalist and winner for the Watford Folk Club Song Writing Competition.

We are pleased to welcome our good friends Na-Mara to Watford Folk Club on Friday 15^th October to help us celebrate our 13^th birthday from 8pm – 11pm!!

Yes, we’ve been going for thirteen years although it only seems like yesterday when we opened the doors of The Colne River Room for the first time.

Herts-based duo Na-Mara are described by Folk London as “elegant and skilled musicians”. Paul McNamara and Rob Garcia perform in venues and festivals across the UK and have in recent times performed in France, Germany, Spain and China, and have featured in broadcasts on BBC Radio 4 and a host of local radio stations. Their music includes self-penned songs in traditional style on contemporary and historical topics; traditional songs from the British Isles; their own translations of songs from the Breton, French and Quebecois traditions, and tunes from Brittany, France and the Spanish Celtic regions of Asturias and Galicia.

“…Na-Mara is one of today’s leading folk ballad duos on the British Folk Scene.” Michael Moll, Folk World, #70, 2019

Looking forward to a great night and to seeing you there for our Birthday celebration!

 

 

https://vimeo.com/63730861

 

We are excited to welcome Craig Joiner as our main guest on September 17th!

Craig has been a professional musician for over 25 years and has written songs that have been recorded by the likes of Heart, Bonnie Tyler, Eddie Money and Steps, and had his songs used in major Hollywood movies such as ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’, ‘102 Dalmatians’ and ‘Jack Reacher’, he has recently released his first ever solo album.

Craig’s incredible journey began back in 1987 when his band Romeo’s Daughter were signed to Jive Records and released their debut album a year later. The self-titled album was produced by the legendary Robert ‘Mutt’ Lange (Def Leppard, The Cars, ACDC, Shania Twain), spawned a whirlwind tour of the USA and saw the single ‘Don’t Break My Heart’ shoot up the US Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart.
Over the years their infectious music attracted the highest calibre of established artists with Heart covering their single ‘Wild Child’ on their multi-million selling album ‘Brigade’ achieving No.2 on the Billboard Rock All Play charts and Eddie Money having a huge hit with their track ‘Heaven In the Backseat’.

Following the demise of the band, Craig signed to Zomba Music and began writing library music for TV and radio where he was equally successful, having his music played on programmes such as ‘Friends’, ‘Cold Feet’, ‘Would I Lie To You’ ‘European Golf’ and Disney. He is currently signed to Universal and Zone Music where he continues this line of work.

As a session player Craig also has an impressive list of names he has recorded for including Tom Jones, Jane Wiedlin and Peter Collins.

In recent years Craig has been a stalwart of the Folk Club scene where he has gained an impressive following and where he honed the songs for the long-awaited solo debut album ‘Art of Landing’

Entry is by minimum donation of £8 and open from 7.45pm for 8pm start.

Look forward to seeing you there for a great evening!