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.
A return visit from a man immersed in traditional American Folk music who is busy preserving the traditions of his homeland. From a musical family, JEFF gave us a wonderfully intimate, relaxed and entertaining log cabin performance last time. He is a man who can really make stories come alive, whether in song or anecdote. Just like that one brilliant teacher you remember from school, Jeff connects you with the music, joys, hardships and everyday lives of 19th century people with warmth & humour. A talented musician on a variety of instruments including guitar, concertina, banjo and 'things out of his pocket' he has the ability to inhabit songs - from the fishing villages of North Carolina to the lumber camps of the Adirondack Mountains and the whaling ports of New England and beyond. Tonight he'll showcase his new CD 'Long Time Travelling'.
http://www.jeffwarner.com/£8 members/£9 non-members
A big man, with a voice and presence to match, IAN tours all over the UK, Europe and America, captivating audiences with his own 'songs of the road' and a good helping of traditional Scottish song including his excellent Burns repertoire (he was a major contributor to the definitive 'Complete Songs of Robert Burns' on Linn records). With some great chorus songs (including the odd pop classic) as well as haunting and compassionate ones, this is free-wheeling, leather-clad Biker Folk at its best, although after last time's deep freeze bike ride from hell he'll be coming by car this time! A great feel-good evening in store from one of Scotland's finest.
http://www.ianbruce.org/£8 members/£9 non-members
MAGGIE is a familiar face at the Ram, having performed here many a time with Steve Tilston, Gordon Tyrrall, Frank Kilkelly, The Expatriate Game (with Duck Baker and Ben Paley) and last year with her harmony group Grace Notes. Each time is a special occasion, as she is a singer with a wonderful range and style as well as being a top flautist. Through her collaborations she has shone as a singer of contemporary material but traditional song is her forte. Born in London of Irish parents she grew up in a musical environment and continues to celebrate that music and culture. Her new CD on the Wild Goose label, 'Won't You Come Away', features mostly trad songs she loves but also some contemporary material, and it has received great reviews. Guest musicians include Jon Boden, Steve Tilston, Dave Wood and new accompanist the superb, nay legendary, Ram favourite PAUL on guitar! They promise a mix of songs from the new CD and lots of favourites too. We do spoil you!
http://www.maggieboyle.co.uk/£9 members/£10 non-members
They're back! Yup, the Ram's own patent cure for Seasonal Afflictive Disorder means there won't be a dry eye - or seat - in the house. With his dodgy hat, wide-toothed grin and George Hamilton IV "$incere" eyebrows, Hank is the nemesis of Country music yet still aspires to the glamour of his heroes. Gynaecologist, Life President of the Nude Mountaineering Society and sole inductee in his very own Hall of Pain, he's the complete opposite of Daniel O'Donnell and picks vulture-like at the soft, dark underbelly of Country. Misery, melody, raw emotion and open ribcages are his trademark. Once again, Hank brings faithful side-kick BRAD (aka ANDY ROBERTS, guitarist of choice for Pink Floyd, Matthews Southern Comfort & Roy Harper). Yeer-hoo!
http://www.hankwangford.co.uk/£9 members/£10 non-members
ROGER has been busily lending his considerable talents to the Folk scene for a couple of decades now, with his fiddle and guitar much in demand by such luminaries as John Tams, The House Band, Kate Rusby, Bill Jones & Martin Carthy. Recently he's been playing in the sensational National Theatre production of War Horse and a touring version of 'Larkrise to Candleford' and he's currently working with Pete Morton and Fay Hield. A great singer, he still finds time to keep a solo career going too, with a roster of very fine solo CDs to his name. Needless to say, he has graced our stage quite a few times, both by himself and with others, and you can expect a mix of originals & highly innovative covers including an amazing version of Hendrix's 'Hey Joe'.
http://www.littlebackroom.com/£8 members/£9 non-members