The Hat Club: Zervas and Pepper: June 18th

It has to be said:
We had one club member attend out most recent Hat Club.
Thankfully there were a few guests there to flesh out the audience and witness a fabulous set from Findlay Napier.
Fin had ventured down from Edinburgh to play for us...
Di and I run these musical evenings primarily for the club members.
We don't have a social secretary and therefore, beyond squash related activities, the Hat Club offerings alongside the occasional Quiz Nights and Wrist Band shows are what is offered up in an effort to galvanize the social side of the club.
Of course we don't want to pressure folk in to doing something that they'd rather not do but... we're a bit bewildered by the general antipathy towards such a well meaning venture.
Our next Hat Club is on June 18th.
Zervas & Pepper are coming up from South Wales to play for our members.
They have quite a pedigree; the critics love them:


If you like the West Coast sound of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young you are in for a treat.
If you haven't yet attended a Hat Club then why not give it a go?
You don't know what you've been missing.
It's good to support musicians.
It's a tough time for them.
Why not take a listen to the song below and then... get your name on the club clip board.

Findlay Napier : The Hat Club : March 19 2016

On A Storyteller’s Night – Findlay Napier In Concert

Paul Woodgate writes:

The last night of a short UK tour, Findlay Napier’s arrival at The Hat Club coincides with England’s attempt to win a first Grand Slam for 13 years. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to wrestle a series of metaphors involving the heat of an international sporting contest with the nuanced, warmly inviting performance of an artist who delivers small song gems with the confidence of a Hatton Garden jeweller. So I’m not going to try. Suffice to say, those who chose the Big Brother soporific of TV to the intimate wood-panelled surroundings of Beaconsfield’s best may live to regret it; the Six Nations will roll around again, but will Findlay?

Those of us cosied up to the bar are treated to an evening of old-fashioned storytelling of a kind you rarely see in 2016. Think campfires and tradition, past voices being handed down, characters that spring up from the soil of childhood and a curiosity-bone last seen holding up a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Napier clearly revels in the back-story work, the research required to bring these songs to life, whether it’s the personality parade from the recent VIP – Very Interesting Persons, local and infamous tales from previous albums or conjured from fertile imaginations, his and those of his collaborators, including Boo Hewerdine and wife Gillian Frame. It’s not often an evening will take in the first woman in space, the dead voices of World War One soldiers, dodgy tenement dealers, pugilists, baseball players and Hollywood actresses. And did I mention drunk siblings, student bedsits, marriages (to porn stars and midgets; not in the same song, mind) and con men straight out of a Dashiel Hammett novel (but real)? All human life is here, given a beating heart via Napier’s warm handshake of a voice and memorable melodies.

What a way with words. In the sublime Valentina, the imagery provoked by ‘...

she’s seen so much / We’ll look hand-made‘ neatly summarises both the loneliness generated by spinning around the Earth in a metal bucket and the humbling magnitude of being able to look down on said planet from such a lofty place. 52 Des is laced with an uncomfortable social message; the twist in Camerory takes your breath away, and the sweet hints of pathos and regret in the beautiful Hedy Lamarr are lump-in-throat stuff. Coupled with this, the ability to make people laugh is an oft-forgotten skill in the world of acoustic songwriting, but Napier has it in spades. Two songs in particular marry the craft of a well turned tale with the increased risk of sending your beer flying in the wrong direction; Heels Over Head (contender for best song title in the Half Man Half Biscuit category) has the protagonist explaining life as the spouse of a porn star, and the barely concealed vitriol of He’s Such A Sweetie is comedy par excellence with a 70% cocoa rating – dark and bitter.

An Idol In Decline is the highlight – a carefully produced portrait of legendary baseball player Mickey Mantle, his rollercoaster life is wonderfully evoked in the delicately picked guitar and emphasised in the middle-eight with the keening ‘Twilight..‘ lines speaking directly to that indistinct, blurred image of a man, a sport and a country settling into a greyer time. To follow it, a balladic cover of Wheatus’ Teenage Dirtbag, showcasing Napier’s range and sense of mischief (and dating his teenage years with some accuracy). He closes with another cover, a favourite from those same years, Rab Noakes’ Open All Night, sang lustily and with heart.

What a terrific way to spend an evening, in the company of someone who oozes class, so much so it barely looks like he breaks a sweat. He didn’t have to try hard to convert us; when you can sing about hookers and not give a ruck, you’re onto a sure fire winner. Oh, see what you made me do?

Photo courtesy of Di Holmes Photography.

---

The Hat Club. Tonight. Findlay Napier.

The Daily Telegraph's 'Best Folk Albums of 2015'.
Findlay Napier at Number 2.
And he's playing at The Hat Club in Beaconsfield tonight.
In the flesh.
Rugby?
Really?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/best-folk-music-albums-of-2015/

The Hat Club: Saturday March 19th: Findlay Napier

Findlay Napier will be traveling down from Edinburgh on Saturday to play The Hat Club. 

Findlay's VIPs album was produced by Boo Hewerdine and was voted number 2 in the Daily Telegraph's 'Folk Albums of the Year' for 2015. Boo himself came in at a canter at number 5.

As ever, guests are welcome.

So, now you know what to do...

The Hat Club: Kathryn Williams Show Cancelled.

I'm sorry to report that we've just heard that Kathryn Williams has unfortunately been double booked for the night of April 23. 
As the other venue is bigger and better for Kathryn we happily stepped aside. If you are in the area that night I suggest that you get on down to The Convent near Stroud. It's a fabulous venue and will be a perfect opportunity to see Kathryn up close in a unique environment.
Meanwhile, we do still have Findlay Napier on March, Zervas Pepper on June 18 and Blue Rose Code on October 1st. 
There might be a replacement for Kathryn in the pipeline and that will be posted here and the Hat Club Facebook if it comes to light.

The Hat Club: Future Presentations

Please remember that these shows are put on to support your club as well as touring musicians.
It would be great to see some support from members in recognition of the time and energy that's put in to providing these opportunities for you.
You can't beat live music in an intimate environment.
March 19: Findlay Napier​
April 23: Kathryn Williams​ (with Polly Paulusma)
June 18: Zervas and Pepper​
October 1: Blue Rose Code

The Hat Club: January 16th 2016: Alex Cornish

Saturday, January 16th.
The first Hat Club of the year.
We are excited to welcome Alex Cornish.
I've been a fan of his for years so it's a personal pleasure that he's coming to play for us.
It always helps to be sure of healthy numbers so please, get your name on the club clip board asap.
Guests are more than welcome.
If you are a member or a non member you can PayPal me at: mm@lisacottage.demon.co.uk.
£10 will get you on a prepaid guest list.
Alex's band is fabulous but he's fantastic in an intimate setting too. 
Here he is in his bedroom:

And in a slightly bigger room.
This time with strings attached:

The Hat Club Presents: Christmas Special: Charlie Dore: Saturday 12th December

                                            ~  THE HAT CLUB PRESENTS ~

                      CHARLIE DORE…Left to her own devices…

                                ~ Saturday 12th December ~ 8 ’til late ~

Charlie Dore returns with a rare solo show that spotlights personal favourites from her last five albums as well as unique takes on songs she has written for platinum-selling artists, some never before performed live in their original form. 

The evening promises a multi-layered show as Charlie swaps between guitar, piano, ukulele and harmonium, her background in folk & roots music very much in evidence, as are her years of experience as an actor and improviser. The stories in between the songs are often dark and funny, the rapport with her audience always instant and relaxed.   

 Known for her often quietly subversive lyrics delivered via classic melodies, this multi-award-winner is one of only a handful of contemporary writers to have had success across so many different genres. Tina Turner, George Harrison, Celine Dion, Paul Carrack and Jimmy Nail have all covered Charlie’s songs. 

Her own worldwide hit, Pilot of The Airwaves is still a staple of UK And US radio playlists… yet her contemporary songs still favour her more eclectic, acoustic roots, winning her two Ascap awards, an Ivor Novello nomination, both the Overall Grand and the Folk Prize from the International Acoustic Music Awards and in 2012 Best Album Lyrics from the Indy Acoustic Project for her album Cheapskate Lullabyes.

“ A gift for melody…brave, poignant.. entertaining and original”Guardian****

“Beautific of voice, fragrant of melody and lyrically fearless” Mojo ****

“Personal and imaginative…still stretching boundaries’’ The Telegraph’s Best Albums of 2014 . ****

48 Shepherds Lane • Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire • HP9 2DT • 

   Tkts ~ £10  Tel: 01494 671307 email: angela@beaconsfieldsquashclub.co.uk

Web  : http://ballsinyourcourt.blogspot.com

The Hat Club: Tonight: October 10th: Boo Hewerdine

The Hat Club: Saturday October 10: Boo Hewerdine

Boo Hewerdine will be on @ 8.30pm.
Please come early to charge your glass and bag a ring side seat.
Boo's new album 'Open' has just been rated as a 'Folk Album of the Year' by The Daily Telegraph.
Have a look at the full article here or just read the review below.

BOO HEWERDINE: OPEN (REVEAL RECORDS)
Open is a collection of 13 unreleased recordings made in 2003 and it is a captivating album. Hewerdine has a lovely voice, plays sweet, simple guitar melodies and writes deft, wonderful songs. The superb Microfilm (only just over a minute long) delivers a funny and bleak punchline with terrific timing. Muddy Water and Geography feature lovely harmony vocals from Rosalie Deighton. If you don't know Hewerdine, this will make you a fan. If you are a fan, then Open is a fine addition to his work. ★★★★★

The Hat Club: October 10th: Boo Hewerdine

Marcus "Boo" Hewerdine is an English singer-songwriter and record producer.  His work includes lead singer and creative force behind The Bible, formed in the 1980s, and reformed in 1994, as well as solo recordings and work for film. He has also produced records by several artists, including a long association with Eddi Reader. He has been described as "one of Britain's most consistently accomplished songwriters".

So says Wikipedia.

I say that Boo's one of my favorite songwriters; sensitive, intelligent, funny and always engaging. 

His songs are sad and uplifting. 

There's always hope with Boo.

This'll be a return visit. 

You probably missed his first performance at the Hat Club. 

Most of our members did.

Why was that then?

Answers on a postcard to: thedogatemycarkeyswhilstIwaswashingmyhair.co.uk

I strongly suggest that you come on down to the club on Saturday, October 10th.

Boo really is unmissable.

The rugby and 'Strictly...' you could tape...

There's even a surprise guest...

8pm start.

£10 in.

Guests are welcome.

All proceeds go to the musician.

You will not dance, but you might just shed a tear or two...

The Hat Club: Saturday September 19

The Hat Club welcomes the brilliant Chris Wood this Saturday.
Chris is the winner of the BBC's 'Folk Award'.
I've been a fan of his for years.
So have these lofty critics, talking about his latest album 'None the Wiser":

Andy Gill – INDEPENDENT ★★★★★
“Wood is one of our finest songwriters, a brilliant exponent of the topical troubadour form, and rarely on better form than he is with None the Wiser. The title track alone is a masterpiece”

Martin Townsend – EXPRESS ★★★★★
“Wood has honed his songwriting to perfection here… Each sung phrase is weighed with care… heartbreaking purity.”
Siobhan Long – THE IRISH TIMES ★★★★★
“Nobody comes even close to equaling his bird’s-eye-view… a distilled and intimate collection of snapshots chronicling the sweetness of love, the fragility of sanity, the glories of ageing and so much more.”

Robin Denselow – THE GUARDIAN ★★★★
“... one of Britain’s most uncompromising and original singer-songwriters… his latest album is remarkable for the settings as much as the lyrics.”

Colin Irwin – MOJO Album of the Month ★★★★
“…such a rarefied talent, both as writer and interpreter.”

TIME OUT
“Quite simply our best writer of contemporary English folk songs… What other BBC Folk Award-winning singer writes like this? There’s no competition as far as we’re concerned.”

Try keeping a dry eye to this:

The Hat Club

Saturday's Hat Club was a cracker.

Dean Owens provided a great night's entertainment.
Paul Woodgate has written a fabulous review of the evening here:

Please note that the next Hat Club is just around the corner:

Saturday 1st August - Paul McClure & Pete Gow

Thereafter, some more dates for your diaries:


Saturday 19th September - Chris Wood

'One of our finest songwriters.' ***** Independent

'A gorgeous, lilting voice. So moving.' Mojo Magazine


Saturday 10th October - Boo Hewerdine

"One of the best songwriters we have".

The Independent on Sunday

Saturday 14th November - Dan Whitehouse

“Really, really gorgeous songs” Janice Long BBC Radio 2
Music Week “Lyrics which involuntarily swerve your gaze to the sky”

Guitarist “A serene and nuanced debut”

Musician “Not scared of exposing human weakness, & captures the essence of being a songwriter right now…heir of Jeff Buckley”

Maverick “Reminiscent of Donovan, at his mid 1960s best, likely to achieve the higher profile his talents deserve”

R2 “You can hear the ghost of Nick Drake”

Jeremy Vine BBC Radio 2 “Fresh and exciting” 

A REMINDER: The Hat Club: Saturday 4th July: Dean Owens

Ok Folks.

This could be the final Hat Club.

Not a threat or grumble; just an inevitable reaction to the perceived apathy from members towards these wonderful opportunities to hear live music, up close and in an intimate and familiar environment.

Also a chance to meet unfamiliar members, make new friends AND support your club.

All of the money in the hat quite rightly goes to the artist, but all bar proceeds go towards the upkeep of YOUR club.

Every Hat Club needs your support; your commitment: names on the clipboard and your £10 in the hat means that we can comfortably reassure our guests in advance that all is well.

Dean has committed to us and is traveling down from Scotland.

Currently the process is that Di and I would ask Val how many folk have committed?

Val would usually respond 'we have 3 names Trev, shall I cancel?'

This'll be the Wednesday before the show...

At that point Di and I usually resort to 'phone a friend' which almost feels as though we are pressuring folk, our mates, into supporting the event that's there for their benefit.

It's wearying for the both of us and, frankly, our efforts deserve a better return. We are always out of pocket and anxious and not a little demoralized by the apparent lack of interest.

We work at this because we love music and want to offer a platform for emerging and established artists; artists who need support now more than ever.

If you think that the club is a bad idea perhaps you could email me as to why.

Please don't tell me that we are doing 'too many'. People who have previously done that are invariably folk who haven't been to one.

So, come on.

4th of July.

Dean Owens.

He's really good.

Kick off your slippers and give The Hat Club a go.

And then make it a habit.

You'll love it.

Dean Owens is our next guest at The Hat Club.

Please put your name on that club clip board early.

It's good to be confident of numbers.

“SCOTLAND’S MOST ENGAGING AND HAUNTING SINGER-SONGWRITER” 

IRVINE WELSH

Rocks like the E-Street Band… Uncut

Fantastic stuff….Bob Harris BBC Radio 2

For God’s sake buy this album…! Russell Brand

Velvet-voiced Dean Owens is one of Scotland’s most acclaimed and established singer songwriters, with fans including Bob Harris, Irvine Welsh and Russell Brand.

2015 promises to be a great year starting with a date at the prestigious Celtic Connections Festival, single release, and a new Nashville-recorded album – Into the Sea – coming out on April 27th on Drumfire Records.

His new album 'Into the Sea' was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee with producer Neilson Hubbard and a whole host of amazing US musicians, including award winning guitarist Will Kimbrough and renowned singer-songwriters Kim Richey and Suzy Bogguss. It is out now on Drumfire Records!!
The first single from the album – 'Valentine’s Day in New York' – was released on 14 Feb and was followed by 'Evergreen'. To hear tracks from Into The Sea and tracks from previous records visit Dean’s Soundcloud page – https://soundcloud.com/dean-owens

Dean’s music has been described as Celtic Americana with a rocky pop edge, and draws as much from his Scottish roots, especially his home town of Leith (referenced and loved by the Proclaimers) as from his US heroes. The emotional honesty in his songs shines through as he sings about people and places, love and regrets, drawing favourable comparisons with the likes of Springsteen. A gritty yet lyrical Scottish sensibility, delivered with a searingly soulful voice.

Dean’s solo career has seen him tour far and wide, including in Europe, USA and Australia. Dean is also highly regarded among other musicians and has played shows and toured with Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Joan As Policewoman, Eddi Reader, John Hiatt and Nanci Griffith, to name but a few.

In his early career Dean was the front-man of the much loved and lauded Americana band The Felsons. Since launching his solo career he has produced 5 albums, including the highly regarded Whisky Hearts (also recorded in Nashville), New York Hummingbird (recorded in the Big Apple with some exceptional New York-based musicians) and Cash Back (Songs I Learned From Johnny) album, inspired by one of his lifelong idols, Johnny Cash.

Dean Owens is a compelling live performer and his Celtic Connections gig with his 5 piece Whisky Hearts Band – a double bill with the acclaimed Chastity Brown (seen recently on Jools Holland) – was a highlight of the festival. He is a regular performer at Celtic Connections (the world’s largest winter music festival), and his song Raining in Glasgow was used to promote the festival by BBC Radio Scotland.

The Hat Club: Saturday 18th April: Brooke Sharkey and Adam Beattie

We are really hoping that members will make an attempt to get behind The Hat Club.
Please remember that bar profits help the club and that all of your £10 entry fee goes to the Artist.
Musicians are having a hard time of it at the moment.
Why not support your club AND live music?
Why not make The Hat Club a habit?
It really helps Di and I (and the artists) if folk can commit early, pay their tenner and get their names on the club clip board. This gives us the confidence of a decent turn out for the evening.
So, come on. 
Get the date in your diary.
Bring the family.
Bring a friend or two.
Spread the word.
Musicians are an endangered species.
Live music is a good thing.
The Hat Club is worthy of your support.

Future presentations:

Saturday 18th April - Brooke Sharkey/Adam Beattie
Saturday 4th July - Dean Owens
Saturday 1st August - Paul McClure & Pete Gow
Saturday 19th September - Chris Wood
Saturday 10th October - Boo Hewerdine
Saturday 14th November - Dan Whitehouse

The next Hat Club presentation should be something special.
Brooke Sharkey and Adam Beattie are up and coming and quite seductive.
Di and I first heard their delicate strains at The Union Chapel in Islington where they enthralled a pack house. We knew immediately that they'd be perfect for The Hat Club.
London based singer-songwriter Brooke Sharkey was raised between France and England.
At the age of 16, her musician Father gave Brooke the best piece of advice, which was go out on the street and start busking the first few songs she’d written.
Since then brooke has released 2 Eps and her Debut album ‘One Dress’ released in December 2012 recorded at Livingston studios in London. She went on tour the UK, France and Italy with her backing band.
Brooke has lured a considerable audience with her intense and expressive style, drawing the listener into her ever more narrative songs with a spacious backdrop of chanson, blues, folk and Latin music.
Her current band consists of Adam Beattie on electric guitar and backing vocals, a singer/ songwriter in his own right who will share the bill with Brooke.
Her new EP ‘I Crossed the Line’ was released on the 28th May at Wilton’s Music Hall, London.
Brooke is currently working on her new album and is planning a Uk tour in April 2015 and play the UK festival circuit. There are also plans to be in Spain and Italy in July.

http://brookesharkey.co.uk/homepage/

www.adambeattie.com

https://www.facebook.com/www.thehatclub.co.uk?fref=ts