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.
Following BOB's reunion tour with STU LUCKLEY last autumn we proudly present his other stellar duo! Both are steeped in the essence of the Tyne, with musical pedigrees second to none and a treasure trove of northern songs from that highly-fertile scene, all delivered with consummate musicianship and Geordie-style banter that will have you in stitches! Bob has twice been nominated as 'Singer of the Year' at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and is a masterful interpreter of traditional and contemporary songs & a superb guitarist. BILLY spent eight years as front man of Lindisfarne, prior to which he founded the seminal folk-rockers Jack the Lad. He also 'enjoyed' a stint as the musical straight man in the infamous comedy duo MAXIE AND MITCH. He recently released his first solo album, 'The Devil's Ground', and the duo have a new CD out, 'Five Star B & B', reflecting both the quality and wry humour of their musical collaboration. A classic night in store!
http://www.bobfoxmusic.com/£9 members/£11 non-members
PAUL started his career playing piano and keyboards for blues and soul bands - music which was to influence his own singing and composing. In the mid 60's he came to London, joining a succession of bands and touring the world with Alexis Korner, Eric Burdon, Dr Hook's Dennis Locorriere, Bert Jansch and Jo Ann Kelly. His own songs, influenced by heroes like Tim Hardin and R & B legends, have been covered by Elkie Brooks & Bonnie Tyler to name a few. He has also co-written songs with friend Benny Gallagher and his last CD 'Undercover', was one of his best. Paul tours all over Europe with his band, so it's a treat to have him back.
http://www.paulmillns.com/£8 members/£9 non-members
'Ishka-dooer' means 'water' in Irish/Welsh, and they've certainly made a splash since winning the BBC's Young Folk Award in 2002! Founded by astounding Welsh fiddler and vocalist ANNA ESSLEMONT and ace bodhran and percussion player CORMAC BYRNE, the music flows like a river - fast down the rapids, serene through the shallows - underpinned by the driving guitar and bass of NICK WALDOCK and with African, Klezmer, and classical influences thrown into the Celtic melting pot. Mike Harding played music from their new album 'Fish Cat Door' recently and remarked that he thinks it 'the best thing they've ever done'. Praise indeed!
http://www.uiscedwr.com/£10 members/£12 non-members
One of the UK's premier folk guitarists, and a superb stylist, innovator & interpreter who has inspired 1000's of guitarists everywhere (and, it must be said, inspired 1000's more not to bother). His versions of songs from artists as diverse as Bob Dylan, Randy Newman & Hank Williams have become definitive and much-imitated, and more recently his own song writing has come to the fore, bagging a Folk Award last year. A superb accompanist, he currently works with ROY BAILEY and jazz guitarist MARTIN TAYLOR among others, and his profile has never been higher. He plays the grandest of emporia but the Ram is his respite.
http://www.martinsimpson.com/£10 members/£12 non-members
A return visit from this young duo who play music from a remarkably broad range of sources as well as their own. Their new album, 'Boundary', crosses genres with a healthy disdain for arbitrary pigeon-holing of styles and traditions. 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 the music. TOM, a Young Folk Award finalist in 2003, plays fiddle with a unique flair, adding depth and texture with his broad command of styles.
http://www.tomandgren.co.uk/£8 members/£9 non-members