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.
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 new CD 'Calling All Clowns', is quality acoustic rock chock full of goodies. Always a treat to have him back.
http://www.paulmillns.co.uk£8 members/£9 non-members
This awesome duo have been absent from the folk club scene for a while due to a combination of maternity leave and sibling supporting (Sean is a mainstay of his brother SETH's touring band). Because of their hectic schedule their duo gigs are still all too rare, so lap this up! Both have been BBC Young Tradition Award winners and members of 90s super group EQUATION, since when their careers have blossomed in many directions with great success. Kathryn has a voice to die for, capable of sensitivity, restraint & full-on power. She plays flute and keyboard, while Sean has honed a virtuosic guitar style through years of touring & recording that is equally suited to accompaniment or lead. With trad songs, gems by the likes of Tom Waits, Randy Newman & Suzanne Vega as well as songs from their forthcoming album this is a 'don't miss'!
http://www.kathrynrobertsandseanlakeman.co.uk£9 members/£10 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. This is their farewell tour but there are exciting plans afoot to metamorphose into a new band with a new sound. They gave us one of the best Ram gigs ever a couple of years ago, so rest assured - whatever they come up with next will be just as good.
http://www.uiscedwr.com£9 members/£11 non-members
A welcome return for this internationally renowned Canadian singer/songwriter. As soon as JAMES takes the stage and you hear the first few guitar chords and that warm, sure voice, you get that 'everything's-all-right' feeling. Like fellow compatriots Robbie Robertson of The Band and the much-missed Stan Rogers, James draws from the rich traditions, history, triumphs and tragedies of his home land, creating a powerful on-going narrative that combines Folk and Canadiana. Not afraid to dip his toes into the waters of politics, social issues and universal emotions his brilliantly-powerful, evocative songs are delivered in that rich baritone voice that 'soothes, seduces and packs a punch'! His latest album features 10 new songs, including co-writes with Karine Polwart and David Francey, so expect some of these and lots of favourites too.
http://www.keelaghan.com£9 members/£10 non-members