SAM KELLY & JAMIE FRANCIS
November 2023
Sam Kelly and Jamie Francis made a welcome return to Mottram St Andrew after a five year absence and delivered a stunning evening of music and song.
Opening with a rousing Tinkers Potcheen they followed it up with Angeline the Baker before Jamie took centre stage with a banjo tune Kitchen Girl, taken from his excellent solo album The Patient Neighbour. If I were a blackbird, Tom Hickerthrift and The Bonny Lass of Fyve followed, before a rousing version of the blues classic Crossroads brought the first half to a close with some amazing guitar work from Jamie,
Having regained our breath and charged our glasses the second half began with Six Miners before Jamie came to the fore again with the stunning Burning Thread/Slip Through your fingers. Little Sadie and brand new song Til Sleep Comes Calling, making it's live premier, were followed by Bluebird, and then a real highlight in Gwrello Glaw ( translation being Let it Rain) sung entirely in Cornish and totally engrossing. A real workout for the lungs followed as the set came to an end with a storming version of Greenland Whale, before they returned to the stage for one last song, the exquisite and spellbinding I'll Give you my Voice.
So a stunning evening of music by two supremely talented and young musicians and a tremendous way to finish 2023. Let's hope it's not another five years before we see them again!
PHIL BEER
October 2023
Phil Beer's first performance at Mottram was a wonderful evening of music, musicianship and reminiscences and proved a splendid start to our Autumn season.
Moving deftly throughout his set from guitars, mandolin and fiddle he played a superb selection of songs that captured his influences, and heroes and drew on his extensive musical career, spanning more than five decaides and still counting.
He opened with Fire and Wine, before the first of a number of songs from his beloved West Country, the Cyril Tawney penned Sally Free and Easy. Cold Frontiers followed, then Weathercock with Phil slipping effortlessly into mandolin mode and reminiscing over purchases made from the famous Sears Roebuck catalogue. Watertown, Blow the Man Down, Ain't Nobody's Business, featuring excellent blues guitar playing, and When the Volcano Blows finished the first half in style.
The second half began with an tremendous version of the Band's Arcadian Driftwood, dedicated to the late Robbie Robertson, followed by Seven Gypsies, the Blind Fiddler, A Roving, Paper Round, Holy Brook, Cornish Farewell Shanty, Spanish Ladies and, finally, No Transportation Down under.
A great night of music by a hugely talented musician.
Phil Beer: plays guitar, fiddle, mandolin, sings more than a bit, terrific raconteur and lover of the West Country…
and provider of a fabulous night of music. Thanks Phil.