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 phenomenal young guitarist, banjo-picker, singer and exceptional songwriter, GREN is one of those new artists carrying the Folk torch forwards. A while back he played the club with then partner TOM KITCHING, but he has now moved on and formed a cracking band to showcase his latest music. This includes both traditional and contemporary folk along with some impressive originals. Gren paints his own songs with a broad brush, from love songs to the confessional, political to celebrations of life. His honest, sincere vocals are underpinned by sublime, sometimes delicate instrumentation with Eastern & African flourishes and a splash of the blues to give a spine-tinglingly beautiful sound. His critically acclaimed new album 'Winter Fires' is yet another leap forward, building further upon the success of 2012's 'Songs To Scythe Back The Overgrown'. Tonight he'll be bringing JULIA from said band to accompany him with sparkling fiddle, piano and harmony vocals. If you like the music of Martin Simpson, Nick Drake and Chris Wood you'll love this!
http://www.grenbartley.com£9 members/£10 non-members
EDWINA has one of those voices that just stops you in your tracks. Pure and plaintive, it hangs in the air, expressing the emotion and meaning of the songs she writes and chooses. With her subtle guitar accompaniment it's just the two of them - a classic case of less is more. Whether she's singing one of her own songs or a choice cover by the likes of Richard Thompson the effect is always the same - you listen! Her second album, the exquisite 'Pour Me A Drink', accurately represents her live performances - stripped down, acoustic, sometimes-haunting with a mixture of songs of longing, regret, joy, despair and hope. The title song was covered by Nanci Griffith who calls her 'The sweetest voice in England'. She has opened shows for many stars like Jools Holland, KT Tunstall and Van Morrison, and her cover of Randy Newman's 'Feels Like Home' was featured in the Cameron Diaz film 'My Sister's Keeper' and has had over two million hits on You Tube. Her latest album 'Good Things Happen Over Coffee' is chock full of bewitching, lovelorn, melodic songs. Edwina did a great debut gig back in 2012 so we're really pleased to have her back. She has a way of introducing the songs that will have you in convulsions of laughter!
http://www.edwinahayes.com/£8 members/£9 non-members
NED LUBERECKI and STEPHEN MOUGIN are over from the USA and we're very lucky to have 'em! They're nothing to do with American TV cop shows but everything to do with a great night of Bluegrass/Rock crossover music that we know you'll really enjoy! Both are top notch musicians with pedigrees as long as their fret boards. Ned is a mighty fine banjo picker & natural comedian while Stephen plays guitar & mandolin with equal dexterity and is an excellent, soulful vocalist. Much lauded by peers and audiences alike, they perform a variety of strong, original songs and instrumentals, classics from the world of Bluegrass, Newgrass, Blues and even a funny song or two. Both are passionate about keeping their music alive and passing it on. Says 'Newgrass' star Sam Bush of the duo, "Full of adventure & playfulness, thoroughly entertaining throughout". Sure is!
http://nedskiandmojo.com£9 members/£10 non-members
"Annoyingly brilliant - 4Square, a teenage folk phenomenon" (PJ Wright), "Outstanding musicianship... dripping with very obvious talent" (Netrhythms), "Simply stunning" (John Tams). You get the idea then - this 4some are special! Since their 4mation at Cheetham's Music School, Manchester in 2006, 4SQUARE have matured into one of the most unique and distinctive sounds in UK folk. Still studying at various institutions, they are amazingly talented and equally at home with tender, haunting ballads by the likes of Karine Polwart and Richard Thompson, shimmering traditional airs or full-blown Celtic tune sets. NICOLA LYONS (Fiddle, Clogs, Vocals) danced with The Demon Barber Roadshow. JIM MOLYNEUX (Piano, Accordion, Vocals) made it to the Grand Final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year in the percussion section. DANIEL DAY (Percussion, Piano, Vocals) also reached the percussion category finals of the YMOY. JAMES MEADOWS (Banjo, Mandola, Guitar) was a semi finalist in the 2006 BBC Young Folk Awards. Phew! If you enjoyed the pentagonic Outside Track you are going to love 4Square. Musically speaking, we reckon they're 'The Best 4x4 by Far'!
http://www.4squaremusic.co.uk£10 members/£11 non-members
We continue our mini-season of youthful talent with a Ram debut for this award-winning duo. KATRIONA GILMORE (The Albion Band) & JAMIE ROBERTS (Kerfuffle) came together in 2006. They combine folk roots with a contemporary twist to deliver a unique, powerful sound. Ranging from hard-hitting to fragile with elements of folk, bluegrass and rock, their songs explore many and varied subjects but remain consistently bound by the Yorkshire-based pair's passion for storytelling. Their combination of fiery fiddle, astounding lap-tapping guitar and spot-on harmonies has to be seen to be believed. They 'Take English folk and scuff it up with indie rock drama' (Q magazine) and they've had a momentous year, with BBC Folk Award nominations, radio work and first prize in the Acoustic/Folk category at the UK Songwriting Contest. Their acclaimed third album 'The Innocent Left' has had some great reviews, so come along and see what they're about!
http://www.gilmoreroberts.co.uk£9 members/£10 non-members