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.
Canadian CARA is a dynamic performer with deep roots in both folk and rock 'n roll. An ace guitarist and vibrant, captivating singer, her shows flow with engaging, witty stories and powerful original and traditional songs. Raised by folk-musician parents in Calgary, at four she played autoharp and dulcimer in the family band before moving on to house concerts, folk clubs and festivals in her teens. A founder member in 2002 of THE WAILIN' JENNYS (here in '06), she toured and recorded with them for three years, bagging a Juno Award for the album '40 Days'. Her new CD 'The Light Fantastic' is contemporary, strong, evocative and highly-accessible - Carole King and Karin Polwart meet unplugged Led Zep - taking in Folk, Roots Rock, Country and Spiritual along the way. HUGH is a hugely talented bass guitar and octave mandolinist who was here in June with James Keelaghan. Since leaving legendary Canadian Folk-Rock band 'Spirit of the West' he has joined with Cara in a true duo, providing intricate countermelodies, chording and strong harmony vocals.
http://www.caraluft.com/£8 members/£9 non-members
DAVE started out in Folk clubs in the 70s, taking his cue from, and hanging out with, guitar greats like JANSCH, GILTRAP, and RENBOURN. Early success and an album led to Old Grey Whistle Test, BBC 'In Concerts', gigs at The Marquee and supports to Rod Stewart. Then he met BOO, who has one of those great voices that subtly blends rock, folk, soul and jazz into her own unique style - and she plays a nifty bass and guitar too! In the 80s they went 'electric', became The Reactors, did Rock and Big Hair and attracted interest from top managers but...! Since 1998 they have been happily acoustic again, and as ever will be delighting us with their great original songs (with lots from their new CD 'Living on Light'), and guitar playing of the highest order.
http://www.daveandboo.com/£7 members/£8 non-members
Hailing from Nairn, brother and sister, MIKE (fiddle, vocals) and ALI (piano, vocals) have been performing together for 10 years and are two of the best young exponents of traditional music in Scotland. With a varied mix of traditional and contemporary tunes, footstompin' jigs, reels and Strathspeys, and choice songs with close vocal harmonies, their performances are bursting with energy, drive and vitality. Swapping leads effortlessly they display an instinctive musical understanding often found among siblings, & their inventive arrangements match an empathic feel for the genre with a contemporary, innovative approach. Both have won various awards and the music is captivating and delivered with warmth and personality. If you liked the Wrigley Sisters and the playing of Dave Swarbrick with pianist Beryl Marriot, then you will love this duo!
http://www.mikevass.co.uk/£8 members/£10 non-members
If you could distil the essence of DAVE's voice it would be the smoothest honey laced with Jack Daniels. Maybe he's not quite to folk what BARRY WHITE was to soul but nevertheless the 'Barnsley Bard' doesn't so much sing a song as purr it, caressing the tune and never failing to set you at ease with his wonderful, relaxed style. Those songs are carefully-chosen and wide-ranging, with a penchant for the likes of RICHARD THOMPSON. With his warm stage presence, gentle humour and beautifully effective guitar, Dave is considered by many to be the epitome of 'Laid Back', though he prefers the term 'Controlled Dynamism'!
http://www.daveburland.com/£7 members/£8 non-members