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.
MICK is a very fine singer who writes just about the most articulate, clever, funny, sad, different songs you're likely to hear (like the hilarious and much-covered 'Widow on the Moor'), many in a 'traditional' style with a modern edge. PAUL is an amazing maestro of the guitar and all things stringed, perhaps best known for his duo work with PHIL BEER & THE ARIZONA SMOKE REVIEW. Though never one to bask in the limelight he is a superb musician who can turn his fingers effortlessly to any style. Tonight they'll feature songs from their new CD 'Away In The West', a fine collection of new songs by Mick. Great singing, playing, dry humour and gift for engaging their audience, these two embody the true essence of the Folk scene.
http://www.pauldownes.com£8 members/£9 non-members
SARA's voice is powerful, sweet and compelling. From New England, she grew up steeped in traditional music and folklore and has a wide repertoire that takes in American, Scottish & Irish ballads backed up with exquisite 5-string banjo. KIERON is her son, so naturally there was an influence! He is a fine guitarist, singer and songwriter who is rapidly becoming a major solo force. BEN has graced our ears here with the Expatriate Game and is a fiddler par excellence. In particular he has a penchant for Swedish folk tunes and has written an anthology which has become a standard work. With an awesome ability to turn his bow to any style, he is much in demand with as diverse a crew as DAMON ALBARN, THE SAW DOCTORS, THE LEVELLERS & MICHAEL NYMAN, as well as various dance bands. It's great to have them back.
http://www.maclurg.com/saragrey£9 members/£10 non-members
BOO is a Ram favourite. We were the club where he made his performing comeback in 2001, and he loves coming back! His wonderful album 'A Live One' was recorded at that very gig in the old venue, and afterwards he proclaimed himself "re-energised, a very happy man". He's toured and recorded to great acclaim ever since. For those who are new to Boo, he used to be the front man of 80s Rock group THE BIBLE and has had a parallel career as a top producer with the likes of EDDI READER and THE CORRS and a songwriter for many and a sideman and session musician to the great and good. Those gorgeous, melodic, memorable, thoughtful and highly nickable songs just keep coming, and tonight as ever he'll play a wholesome mix. Boo always seems to play here on cold winter nights (though they are never miserable), so this will be a special treat!
http://www.boohewerdine.net£9 members/£11 non-members
TYDE are HEATHER GESSEY (fiddle, vocals), SETH TINSLEY (guitar, vocals) and ANDREW WAITE (accordion). Another triumph for the Newcastle University Folk Music course, Tyde were finalists in the BBC Young Folk Awards where they captured the hearts of the audience with their mesmerising performance and infectious enthusiasm. Following on from that they were one of the big hits of the 2010 Folk festival season, going down a storm at no less than 18 of them and making a huge impression with their stunning musicianship and energy. Their eponymous debut album cements their reputation with 11 tracks of modern, punchy, danceable, exhilarating and unique music. 'Pure joy' (Tom McConville), 'Unstoppable' (K. Canute).
http://www.tydefolk.co.uk/site£8 members/£9 non-members