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.
Formed in mid-2004 the current line-up features ASHLEY (bass guitar and vocals), RUTH ANGELL (vocals, violin, acoustic guitar), JO HAMILTON (vocals, viola, acoustic guitar) and new boy JOE TOPPING - another very talented young singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist in his own right (Chris While says of him "one of the most talented new generation musicians around, with one of the most beautiful voices I have heard"). Musically the Rainbow Chasers combine sophistication, virtuosity and a directness of approach, with sensitive arrangements and instrumental virtuosity complemented by inspired harmony singing and shared lead vocals. As well as incorporating elements of folk and traditional song, the band's repertoire and musical identity draws on the classical training of Ruth Angell and Jo Hamilton and features self-penned songs about a wide range of ideas and influences. "An excellent snapshot of British acoustic music in the early twenty-first century", says Mojo magazine. And now we have a venue that will do them justice!
http://ashleyhutchings.tripod.com£10 members/£11 non-members
A Ram debut for this pair of rising stars, JACK and CHARLIE met while studying at the Birmingham Conservatoire and started playing together as a duo in 2007. During this time they were mentored by none other than JOE BROUGHTON (who will be here in December with Kevin Dempsey), so you can be sure they will be pretty good! Both have now completed their degrees and are on the road armed with new tunes and songs, wowing audiences at festivals and clubs up and down the country. 'BBC Young Folk Award' finalists in 2008, their first album, 'Light Up All The Beacons', highlighted their emotionally-charged, intelligent lyrics, deftly melodic guitar style and empathic fiddle accompaniment. A new album, 'The Northern Road', is on its way very soon, with songs about life as they see it, taking in a multitude of influences. 'Playing of the very highest standard, delivered with commitment and passion - gloriously upbeat and beautifully atmospheric', says 'Rock 'n' Reel' mag.
http://www.myspace.com/jackmcneillandcharlieheys£8 members/£9 non-members
FRAN & MIKE are at the core of the excellent blues/rock band SO LONG ANGEL, but in 2004, after doing an impromptu acoustic spot as a duo at the Colne Blues Festival, they decided to investigate the acoustic scene again. Fran plays bass guitar while Mike provides ultra-tasteful and dexterous flourishes on acoustic guitar. Tonight they will be playing a mix of soulful, dynamic and powerful folk/blues/jazz and haunting original songs, many from their CD 'Restless'. They did a great debut a couple of years ago, so welcome back!
http://www.franmike.com/£8 members/£9 non-members
A wonderfully eccentric, quirky, charismatic and liberating performer whose songs encompass the profound to the profane (and everything in between), hitting you like a Glasgow kiss! Uniquely bittersweet, kind-hearted songs with unexpected twists, backed up by laid-back piano and guitar and delivered with a 'dry charm and bedpan wit'. He's written well-known theatre, film and TV soundtracks, Folk classics like 'Take Me Out Drinking', acted with Robert Carlyle and even co-written with ABBA's Bjorn! His songs are sung by Eddie Reader & Billy Connolly among many. With a smoke-seasoned voice that makes Lee Marvin sound like Aled Jones, Michael inhabits several planets more than the rest of us, so prepare for enlightenment - his sort!
http://www.marra.me.uk/£9 members/£10 non-members