FinishMySong Blog

March 8 - Grace Notes

Superb quality three-part female vocal harmony from the best in the business. Sometimes a capella, sometimes accompanied by flute, bodhran, recorders or keyboard; sometimes traditional, sometimes more contemporary. They having been singing together for a decade, but the individual careers of Maggie Boyle, Lynda Hardcastle and Helen Hockenhull go back even further. “Nothing short of stunning” is one of many rapturous reviews. Featured Support will come from Simon Alexander, one of the Topic’s best technical guitarists, with a selection of distinctive original songs and worthy covers from his favourite songwriters. Tickets £6 / £7.

Mar 15 A Double Header evening:

two acts for the price of one. Mulberry Blue is an exciting and energetic band from Leeds, playing a variety of instruments, and presenting a selection of their own songs and standards, with excellent harmonies led by the stunning vocals of Beth. Laura Hockenhull is a traditional singer with a beautiful voice and mature delivery. No doubt her famous mother (see above) has encouraged her from the start, but this self-assured performer is very much her own person. Tickets £4 / £5.

Mar 22 - John Wright

A real delight. John is one of the best interpreters of song on the circuit; a finely balanced, authoritative and husky-smoky voice putting over quality songs by writers such as Allan Taylor, Pete Abbott and Brian Bedford. He is always accompanied by quality musicians: this evening it is the self-same Pete Abbott on guitar, and Gregor Borland on fiddle and mandolin. No Featured Support tonight, but another opportunity for quality floor singers to strut their stuff. Tickets £5 / £6.

Mar 29 - Mark Newman

Guitarists all, come and weep. Rarely does one see a practitioner of such delicate, effortless fretwork, such lightly skipping fingering, such effortlessly timed melodies. Mark is a consummate professional, mixing his beautiful tunes with traditional and contemporary songs. Featured Support comes from four stalwarts of the local scene: the rich a capella harmonies and musical humour of Whitney Gin. This really will be an evening to remember. Tickets £4 / £5.

April 5 - Martin Carthy

The big one. Martin was a one-time annual fixture at the Topic, but astonishingly this is his first visit in 14 years. The doyen of traditional folk music, Martin has done it all, and many a club owes its continued existence to his faithful support of the club scene when he could have retired to much bigger venues. No Featured Support tonight, but another opportunity for quality floor singers to stuff their strut at the feet of the master. Tickets £6 / £8 are available in advance: either at clubnights, or email guy.killingbeck@orange-ftgroup.com (Don’t just “reply” to this Newsletter: I’ll be away.)

April 12 - Steve Tilston

Another big one. Songwriter and guitarist of many many years experience, Steve has played with the greats, and the greats still cover his songs. A performer of flair and massive ability, it is great to welcome him again. Featured Support comes from the tender and thoughtful duo of Siobhan and Chris Nelson. Tickets £4 / £5.