The Bishops Stortford Acoustic Club
at South Mill Arts Centre
1-3, South Road, Bishops Stortford, Herts.
CM23 3JG
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Directions to the South Mill |
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Previous Performances – Who
played when |
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THURSDAY 17th APRIL 2025
SIX ACTS – FOUR SONGS
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Hello Acoustic
Clubbers What a terrific
evening we had last time with a superb line up of six terrific acts It was an
absolute pleasure to welcome hard working musicians and they always, new to
us or regular performers back to our stage. |
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riverrats Opening the evening
The riverrats, gave us a superb set of original stomping, hard hitting music.
Their original, contemporary, unfussy
and superb music is doing exactly what they set out to achieve. Their unembellished
sound relies on originality and ability. To be honest they have lots and lots
of both and really gave us a start to remember!!! |
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Colin Frid Colin always ensures
we do not go away empty handed as he will always pull a great song out of his
memory. As a character Colin is unmatched. He is a big personality and will
always entertain and amuse in equal measure. Another cracking set from him
complete with strange tunings and glorious original music. |
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Arcadia Arcadia are Sue
Johnson and Richard Balarkas. AS a duo they made
their debut last time but it was not their first appearance at the club.
Being part of the wonderful Shorelines. Sue sings and Richard plays the
guitar and together they took us back to a less complicated era where fine
songs and close harmony ruled the stage. We had an unexpected journey back to a more
gentler time. |
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Brian Harvey &
Mark Gamon It was
an absolute delight to welcome back Brian and Mark to the Acoustic Club. Mark
has largely recovered from his leg injury, but in the meantime Brian has been
busy writing new music. Two guitars and two clear voices they gave us a
belting set of music that was typically Brian and Mark. |
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Peter Crossley. Peter
shows constantly why he is so important to local music. He has a vast store
of personalised cover as well as his highly original and delightful original
work. A proud Yorkshireman and troubadour of the old school who is happy
entertaining us with his terrific songs, but his musical influences colour
his music. Always the man to deliver a cracking set of music and melody his
set was a triumph. |
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Rhys Wilson Closing
the evening, Rhys is an unapologetic fan of the late and much missed musical
icon Gordon Lightfoot. As it happens it was exactly a year since we lost this
iconic singer songwriter and as a tribute to his memory Rhys chose three of
the very best from the Lightfoot song book and his own personal tribute to
him “The Day Gord Died”. A fine set and a glorious tribute to a man who held
the flag of singer songwriters for so many years. |
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We must also offer
grateful thanks to Seb for his
great work on the mixing desk ensuring all players had the very best of sound
as well all the Staff and Volunteers who make sure the SMAC is a welcoming
and friendly environment. |
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THURSDAY 17th APRIL 2025
DOUBLE HEADLINE SHOWCASE
JESS BRETT and ELLIOT PORTER
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Hello Acoustic Clubbers What a terrific
evening we had last time with a superb Double Headline Showcase featuring
Jess Brett and Elliot Porter. It was an absolute pleasure to welcome two of
the hardest working musicians on the circuit with both not only performing at
so many venues but organising varied music nights that enrich the local
community. |
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JESS BRETT Jess is
not only a long term friend of the Acoustic Club, she also has the
distinction of running the Club for several years after Keef and Annie
retired from the organisational role, so it is always a real pleasure to
welcome her back to the Acoustic Club. |
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Jess proved
yet again what a brilliant all around musician she is. Her song writing has
developed from the very good to the compelling. She performs with a
confidence and talent that has matured over the years but retains that
freshness that makes her performances of both her own compositions but also
the occasional cover that bears her distinctive mark. Her set passed so
quickly it appeared to be over just after it had started, which is the mark
of a compelling performer. Thanks Jess, just brilliant. |
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ELLIOT PORTER Over the
years Elliot performed probably more than any other artist at the Acoustic
Club. The reason for this was proven so clearly last time, he is very, very
good. He is constantly developing his talent, re-inventing himself over the
years from a young and burgeoning talent to established professional musician
with a song or tune for any occasion. |
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We were
delighted that he was joined by his partner Jess supplying some wonderful
harmonies which fitted Eli’s songs so beautifully. Elliot
combined not only the well worn musical profile of
singer/songwriter/guitarist with his other persona as the piano playing
singer who can fit into almost any situation where great music is required.
Elliot is an all-around musical phenomenon and will always entrance and
entertain in equal measure. |
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Support was
provided by Bill Tarran Host and M/C, Emilia
Payne Smith, India Purton (Accompanied by Stuart Purton), John & Danny
McCarthy, William Chandler and Jasper Bokay |
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We must also offer
grateful thanks to Ali for his
great work on the mixing desk ensuring all players had the very best of sound
as well all the Staff and Volunteers who make sure the SMAC is a welcoming
and friendly environment. |
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THURSDAY 3rd APRIL
2025 6 ACTS – 4 SONGS Hello Acoustic
Clubbers A great evening of
live music was promised last time, and did those 6 acts deliver! When you
have 9 individual musicians who combine into 6 acts what more can you ask
for? Each act has their own place in music and demonstrated their
musicianship and ability to entertain as part of a wonderful evening |
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D n A D n A are a duo of
Ally Cosser and Dave Oxley. Both and Ali and Dave come from different musical
backgrounds but coalesce into a musical partnership that is a showcase for
their talents in so many areas. They are developing their own songs and have
some wonderful harmonies that engage and entrance in equal measure. They
treated us to some wonderful songs, both old and new with such verve and
panache their set was a delight. |
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COLIN FRID Colin has been part
of the fixtures and fittings of the local music scene for quite a long time
and there is a very good reason for this. He is just downright good at what
he does. Just him, his astounding voice and his Martin Guitar are all he
needs to produce wonderful music. It matters not what songs he chooses to
share, they are all individual and delivered in his inimitable style. Long
may he continue to entertain us in such glorious style. |
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VIC LENNARD Vic is always a
welcome performer at the Acoustic Club and his visit to us last time only
enhanced his reputation. Vic has an enviable back catalogue of original songs
as well as the ability to craft new versions of standards and well known
songs. He sings and writes about subjects that matter to him and his songs
are both lyrical and hard hitting at the same time. Great to see you again
Vic and look forward to seeing you soon. |
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JAMES FRID James has often
appeared as the Acoustic Club as part of One after 909 with his father Colin.
This was the first time we have seen and heard James on his own armed only
with ana acoustic guitar and his voice. What was not evident was just how a
great songwriter he is. His songs reflect his personality and are embellished
by his stunning guitar work and cultured vocals. Just a fantastic debut. |
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CUT THE MUSTARD Cut The Mustard
remain the “Go to duo” for goodtime, ragtime blues and swing. The reason they
are the Go to Duo is because they are at the very top of the musical tree.
They are original orientated but can slip into songs from the past with an
ease that is so slick in its execution that is can only be classed as
enviable. As ever a master class of guitar, vocal harmonies and soulful harp
embellish their performance. |
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KAREN MACWHINNIE
& FRIENDS AMERICAN TRIO Karen Macwhinnie
combining with Matt Kelly and Gary Wolley is a musical masterstroke! They
come from three distinct roots but when they get together to play some real
Americana they are outstanding. No one can doubt the musical pedigree of
Kelly and Wooley as both are masters of their instruments but when Karen’s
outstanding vocals tinged with her Scottish brogue soar above the
accompaniment and Matt and Gary swing in with their excellent harmonies and
backing vocals a musical authenticity takes place. Just a wonderful set
performed brilliantly by three musicians who love the songs they play. Many
thanks |
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We must also offer
grateful thanks to Ali for
his great work on the mixing desk ensuring all players had the very best of
sound as well all the Staff and Volunteers who make sure the SMAC is a
welcoming and friendly environment. |
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Featuring THE BROWNS and LILY MARTIN |
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A Double Headline
Showcase was on offer last time and probably was the widest gap in the
spectre of music that you could possibly imagine featuring Lily Martin
supported by Paul Finney and The Browns. |
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THE BROWNS The Browns are one
of the most distinguished duos playing these days. They are
singer/songwriters known for their rich and expressive blend of voices in
harmony. They have performed
at festivals and folk club venues across East Anglia and beyond. Last time they gave
us a very detailed look at the sheer pleasure of close harmony traditional
folk songs with a level of performance that would be very hard to better.
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As well as playing
music from the rapidly expanding list of their own songs, The Browns brought
their unique arrangements and harmonies to contemporary and traditional folk
songs. With just two
voices and one guitar, they delivered the unique musicality that they have
developed which is an exceptional sound allowing their distinctive vocals to
take centre stage and shine. An absolute
treasure of a set. Many thanks from everyone. LILY MARTIN Absent without
Leave from the Acoustic Club for some time so we were delighted to the
welcome return of Lily to the Acoustic Club. She has a rapidly developing superbly
vocal delivery with a voice not dissimilar to Amy Winehouse. |
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Lily has many
strings to her bow and that is not limited to a great stage presence, a voice
that can flip between haunting to soulful blues and all the way to her own
fantastic songs which she has co written with keyboard accompanist Paul
Finney on keyboard. You cannot
underestimate the level of talent Lily has and with Paul, the depth and sheer
quality of her original material is astounding. |
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Our supporting players rose wonderfully to the occasion
with sets from Host and MC Bill Tarran, Richard Holder, Riverrats (Alex
& Jon), Emily Piercy accompanied by Bill Tarran and Conor Andrews. We must also offer grateful thanks to Ali for his great work on the mixing
desk ensuring all players had the very best of sound as well all the Staff
and Volunteers who make sure the SMAC is a welcoming and friendly
environment. |
Thursday 6th March
6 Acts with 4 Songs each
LIVE AT THE BELGIAN BREWER
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Hello Acoustic
Clubbers Last time we were
back at the Belgian Brewer for a fabulous night of music when we returned
with 6 Acts; all ready, willing and able to entertain and enthuse with as
varied a range of music you could ever hope for. |
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We were delighted
to welcome The String Section, Mike Johnson, Mike Excel, Ray Hollingsworth
and Shouts at Clouds and Pat Crilly and Paul Hilder. |
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THE STRING SECTION The String Section
play fiddle, mandolin and guitar and deliver fine vocals. They thoroughly
entertained us with a rare combination of musicianship, talent and a
repertoire not often heard. In simple terms their music might be considered
backwoods American, but there is far more depth and meaning to it. The big
question to define their style; is it bluegrass, is it country, is it
Kentucky Mountain music? I am not certain it
is can be adequately classified, but it was perfectly executed and really
well appreciated. |
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SHOUTS AT CLOUDS (Pete Croft) Shouts at Clouds is
a solo project focusing on original music and slightly non-standard covers.
Light-hearted serious uplifting dark original songs (& covers). Rocky
Folky? Punky Acoustic? Who knows. Pete is an old
friend of the club’s and it is clear he now spends considerable time and
effort on his band, but that does not matter a bit. His songs are spikey,
hard hitting and just plain good. He really comes to life when on his own,
with just him, his guitar and his songs and last time was no different. |
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MIKE EXCELL A welcome return to
the club. Mike is a first rate singer and songwriter as well as an
exceptional guitarist His writing is
complex and poetic. He produces a wonderful sound that is not lost amongst
the glorious words and as ever he delivers his superb songs with a smile on
his face, joy in his heart and at time his tongue very firmly in his cheek!. The songs are as
varied as his life experience as well as of the news in general. A fantastic
set that made everyone sit up and take notice! |
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MIKE JOHNSON Mike is better
known as the front man of the soft rock band JONO but as a solo performer he
is able to explore other genres and writers. He is a meticulous
performer with great vocals and a fine guitarist he gave us an eclectic range
of covers with his unique stamp on them. Great versions of songs from the
rock era of the 1980’s and 90’s that you thought you knew and delivered
sinerely. |
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RAY HOLLINGWORTH A fine all round
entertainer who is on a continuing journey with his guitar and vocals, Ray
has spent a distinguished career perfecting his talent and after a brief
outing a little while ago, we were eager to hear an expanded set. Ray does
not do disappointment. Top full with some remarkable songs, especially Rory
Gallagher and George Harrison. What more can you ask for? |
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PAT CRILLY and PAUL
HILDER We are delighted to
welcome back Hertfords Mr Music accompanied by his long term sparring partner
and blues guitar legend Paul Hilder. If It is in Hertford and has music, it
is a safe bet that Pat is somewhere either on stage or in the background. As
being arguably the hardest working and most popular performers around the
area Pat often teams up with other players and tonight his foil was Paul
Hilder. His catalogue of remarkable songs as well as the stories that support
them are expanded by the sheer talent Paul can demonstrate which give Pats
songs a different dimension. Just a cracking set. Enough said. |
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Many thanks to BILL
TARRAN for M/C and running the sound desk and to Nic and his staff at the
Belgian Brewer for such a fantastic setting for a great night of music |
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Thursday 6th February
2025 THE TOM BRAGGINS TRIO |
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Hello Acoustic Clubbers What a performance! Every time we plan a Concert
Evening, our players seem to rise to the occasion and produce outstanding
music all-around. Last time we had a wonderful selection of varied and
brilliantly performed music across the genres and to finish the evening on a
wonderful high point, the Tom Braggins Trio. |
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It is about as difficult as knitting yoghurt as it is
to define what genre the Trio actually falls into. Funk Rock? Not completely.
Jazz Funk? Perhaps. Contemporary Jazz Rock? Not sure. The truth is that it is
a task that should not be attempted simply because the music they produce is
unique. It is original, well rehearsed and perfectly delivered with that air
of improvisation that delights audiences. They have a musical connection that
borne of long association and mutual respect. Once you have heard their
music, you are hooked. An hour long set is never enough, but at the end of
their inevitable encore the audience left with that sense of fulfilment that
the pre-gig hype had promised. Many thanks to Tom, Phil and Chris for a
perfectly executed and professionally delivered hour of just superb music. Geoff promised and the guys agreed – THEY WILL BE
BACK!! Many thanks to our supporting players. Stuart
Nicholson and Dan Titus are known quantities musically and gave us
great support (Note to Dan – your song writing has definitely moved from good
towards remarkable). We were also delighted to welcome two new players Mia
Automata and Godspeed Jones who collaborated brilliantly together
with wonderful original music. |
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Grateful thanks goes
to Charlie for his great work on the mixing desk ensuring all players
had the very best of sound as well all the Staff and Volunteers who make sure
the SMAC is a welcoming and friendly environment. |
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Hello Acoustic Clubbers There was some sort of bug going around last week that
threw plans for the evening into a bit of disarray for a while. But Geoff,
unflappable as ever, quickly sorted matters to ensure a cracking evening of
music. We hope that all the players who were struck down with the bug get
well soon and we look forward to another night with you. With a quick couple of calls we went from the 6 acts to
5 acts but with the added bonus of 5 songs from each. Many thanks to our
performers who really made the evening a superb night out. |
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Pat Crilly & Greg Camburn Whatever can be said about this magnificent duo has
probably already been said. They are a perfect collaboration of musical
talent. Whether they are performing Pat’s original songs or the very
occasional and carefully selected cover or songs from yesteryear, they have a
unique and compelling style and sound.
Greg’s counterpoint accompaniment on sax or whistle to Pat’s distinct
vocals and guitar work is always a complete performance. As ever they
delivered a set that raises the heart and lifts the soul. |
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Why Not Why Not are an accomplished duo from Hertford who have
been performing for many years in various groups and combos. They have
recently released a belting album which really lives up to expectations. Sue
and Verna always have something to say and perform in an unassuming and
compelling style that is very definitely their own. |
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Mike Johnson Mike Johnson has a tremendous history of musical
accomplishment. He is well known as the front man of the soft rock band JONO
but as a solo performer he is able to explore other genres and writers. A
meticulous performer mike has the vocal range for almost any song but he is
very selective in his solo performances choosing often little known
songs from great sources and giving them the MJ once over. As ever a delightful set |
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Clark and Johnson Tony and Karen are staples of the Stortford Music
Scene. With the widest repertoire and a mastery of their craft they are
always well received by any audience. Karen’s vocals are clear and precise
and Tony’s guitar and bouzouki backing is so well attuned to Karens vocals it
is always a delight to hear them. They combine so many styles and genres you are never
sure what will come next, but you know it will be worthwhile and impeccably
delivered. |
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The Paul Booth Trio This trio is the natural extension of Pauls musical
journey. Over the years Paul has collaborated with others but recently his
trio including Si on bass and Verna as backing vocals and harmonies is at a
new and brilliant level. We have been delighted to welcome the Trio on a
couple of occasions previously and their development as the expand their
music is superb. This time they included two new songs from Paul and it is
always a delight to hear new original music so masterfully delivered. |
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Grateful thanks go to
Greg who acted as M/C with his usual panache and thanks are due to the staff
at the South Mill Arts Centre for their great work on the mixing desk
ensuring all players had the very best of sound as well as making sure the
SMAC is a welcoming and friendly environment. |
9th
January 2025
RUNAWAY
JUKEBOX
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Last time at the Acoustic
Club we were delighted to open the new year at with Runaway Jukebox who
entranced the full house audience. |
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Runaway
Jukebox Runaway Jukebox are a
band who mix popular classics with the self-penned original songs. They are
is a great example of what can be achieved if three people put their mind to
providing top quality entertainment in the form of non-stop music. They are a
stunning trio. Stubbsy's driving guitar and James's jangling electro-acoustic
sit either side of Andrew's pulsing percussion, often with full-on three-part
vocal harmonies, which makes up the unique Runaway Jukebox sound. They created
such a great feeling around the large audience and induced foot tapping with
their smile inducing music. They are a great Good Time Band and let us hope
we see them again soon. |
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Many thanks to
everyone who supported us with support spots. It is always a please to
welcome and listen to Greg Camburn - Host and M/C, Richard Holder, The Maystones, Mike
Johnson and Colin Frid. |
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Many thanks are due to
the staff at the South Mill Arts Centre for their great work on the mixing
desk ensuring all players had the very best of sound as well as making sure
the SMAC is a welcoming and friendly environment. |
