For our 30th birthday on 21st October 2013 we updated our 'Compleat History of the Ram Club' booklet (PDF format, 10Mb). Click to view or download - it's a 'must read', with a list of all the guests we have ever had plus some stories and pictures!
Below is a list of the past guests from September 2006.
"One of Britains finest singer/songwriters" is an often-used and maybe over-used phrase but in REG's case it is true! Throughout his career, Reg has played the role of musical straight man with fun outfits like the PANIC BROTHERS and now HANK WANGFORD, but he has a parallel career as a major writer, performer and actor. His gently-rocking, melodic country-tinged songs are never 'in your face' but seem to plant themselves in the mind as if by celestial USB. Just as 'The Band' did before in the USA, Reg has created his own form of 'Britannicana', finding inspiration in fragments of history and real lives as well as the usual subjects of love and loss. Both on CD and live, he keeps the finest company, with the likes of Who keyboardist RABBITT BUNDRICK, MIRANDA SYKES, PHIL BEER and tonight the wonderful viola/fiddle player and singer JACKIE, a rising star who, since reaching the finals of the BBC Young Folk award in 2003, has had a MOJO top 10 album, festival appearances, tours with Show of Hands and a new CD about to hit the shelves.
http://www.jackieoates.com/
GAY and DAVE REAY are mainstays of the Kent Folk scene (as well as the jazz and the rock ones) and dropped in recently to do a spot and remind us just how good they are. Gay's angelic, silky vocals can charm the birds from the trees. Dave is a dazzlingly-inventive guitarist who can play anything, be it Folk, Blues, Rock, Django & finger-style jazz (and if you want a lesson he gives them too). They complement each other perfectly, weaving a tapestry of beautiful sound and a range of styles from traditional English, Irish and Scottish ballads to jazz standards, Billie Holiday to Dave's own inspired instrumentals. Quite simply gorgeous!
JOHN has had a brilliant couple of years, with awards cascading down including two Sony Radio Academy Awards for his immense achievements with The Radio Ballads, 'BBC Folk Awards Singer Of The Year', Folk Album Of The Year (for 'The Reckoning') and Best Traditional Track. Not surprising as he is up for an award most years! John is an inspirational composer busily creating what will undoubtedly be 'The Tradition' in a few decades time. His track record is awesome, from the Albion Band to the Home Service, his music for theatre right up to his acclaimed new CD and of course the Radio Ballads. He's even found time for TV stardom (Rifleman Daniel Hagman in the Sharpe series). You'll know from Coope, Boyes & Simpson that BARRY is one of the best harmony singers, but less well known are his talents on keyboard which underpin this wonderful liaison. Like before, this will be an evening of glorious songs from the home front that burn with emotion.
From deepest Loughborough, this young duo play an aromatic hotpot of folk, world and blues from around the globe. GREN is simply a superstar of the finger style guitar in the making. Leaving audiences flabbergasted with the speed and control of his picking, the sensitivity and variety of his music will draw you deeper in! With his mature vocals he brings a fresh perspective to both traditional and contemporary folk along with some impressive originals. TOM, a young folk award finalist 2003, plays fiddle with a unique flair, adding depth and texture to the material with his broad command of styles. Recently signed by Fellside Records, and with a busy gig schedule, the future looks bright. Their new album, RUSHES, is out now.