LANTRISANT FOLK CLUB by Adrian the Rock

Cathryn and Brian went down a real treat here. By the end, people were saying they were the best who'd ever played there. Cathryn was in her usual fantastic voice, and Brian was sounding like a vintage wine. At the start of the second half, before doing his solo spot with Fingers Crossed, Brian also had the whole room in laughter with one of his sheep jokes - and this in Wales. It was all taken in the best possible spirit - the south Welsh have always been very friendly, warm-hearted people.

They finished with as stirring a rendition of I Will as I have ever heard. A first, then a second encore followed, and the crowd were still roaring for more. Someone shouted that no-one had been called for a third encore in Llantrisant before. So Brian and Cathryn finished, very appositely, with an extended version of Your Still Gonna Die, with the crowd joining in on the title line each time it came round. A great climax to a super night's singing and music.

May 9th - Ram Jam - Thames Ditton

In 2007, Radio 2 awarded the Ram Club in Claygate Best Folk Club of the Year. They held their meetings in a back room in a pub (Foley Arms) and attracted so many punters that the pub decided it needed to expand. They therefore took over the room and kicked the Ram Club out.

Undaunted, the Ram Club have found a new site in Thames Ditton at the Old Cranleighan Sports Club. The advantage of their new site is that the nearest local resident is a football pitch, so there is no-one to complain if the evening runs late. On Friday it was well past 11:30 when proceedings concluded, far later than they would have been permitted if they were still at the Foley Arms.

Maggie Wood, the MC, has a fabulous dry wit. She introduced the first act, her husband, by saying, "Bob Marley said then when music hits you, you feel no pain. Bob Marley was probably aware that there is an exception to every rule. Ladies and Gentlemen, Bob Wood."

Bob started with a song inspired by the commercial ships used for fighting during the Falklands' war. "You Can't Weld a Body". The ships can be repaired but lives that were lost can't be replaced. His second song "The Presence" was a touching story of someone who had had just one night of love, but that happiness was enough to last them a life-time.

Next up was Steve Poole and Sue Graves. You may know them as two thirds of a band called Soiree. They opened with one of my favorite Joan Baez songs, "Diamonds and Rust", followed by a cover of Julie Matthews' "Blue Songs on a Red Guitar". (Sue apologised for not having her red guitar with her). She has an amazing voice, more of which later.

Good as the floor spots were, everyone was there for the main act, Brian Willoughby and Cathryn Craig.
As well as being one of the best singer-songwriters, Cathryn is also a very skilled raconteuse. She introduces each song with witty and detailed insights that make the job of a reporter easy. You can sound quite knowledgeable, simply by being a parrot.

They opened with their signature song "That Ol' Guitar". Unlike most of their other material, this is unusual in that it was neither written by them, nor is it a traditional song arranged by them. Due to Cathryn's links with Nashville, it was written for Cathryn by Shel Silverstein, (he also wrote "Ballad of Lucy Jordan", and "A Boy Named Sue" amongst others).

The traditional songs they play (e.g. "Dixie", date back to Cathryn's childhood when her family would gather on the porch of an evening and sing (tantamount to child abuse). Singing is in her genes as testified by the fact that Cecil Sharp recorded her great grandfather during his travels through the Appalachian mountains.

One such song that Sharp recorded her great grandfather singing was "The Rejected Lover", a beautiful version of which appears on the new album, featuring a duet with Mary Hopkin. Happy to report that this was played during the first set, (though sadly without Mary).

As they have recently released their second album, "Calling All Angels", as you'd expected, most of the songs they played are from there, including the stunning "Acanoe", which ended the first set. This a song about the girl known as Pocahontas, who came from the area where Cathryn grew up.

Record sales seemed to be going well during the interval, which was followed by another floor spot, this time from a guy called Peter Whitehead. He played two songs, "Passing Through", and an acoustic version of Rihanna's hit "Umbrella". The latter he selected particularly to embarass his daughter, who was there with friends. Personally, although not a fan of the original, I loved his version.

Then, after the ubiquitous raffle, the second set opened with a solo performance from Brian, who demonstrated not only his guitar virtuosity, but also his skill as a raconteur as well. He played the instrumental "Fingers Crossed", title track on his recent solo album This was a piece of music he wrote when he was eighteen, and when Mary Hopkin heard it, Brian was offered the job as her guitarist.

Cathryn then joined him for the remainder of the set, which continued with their song "Two Hearts". Audience participation is often encouraged at folk clubs, and Brian and Cathryn have played at the Ram Club several times before, so many of their songs are well known. Several members of the audience sung along during Two Hearts, but most remarkable was Sue Graves (Soiree) who could be heard singing harmonies.

The main surprise of the evening came for the encore. Cathryn announced that Benny Gallagher was in the audience and invited both him and Sue Graves up on the stage to sing with them. Back in the 70's Gallagher and Lyle wrote several of Mary Hopkin's songs, so when Benny found that Brian was playing at the Ram Club he came along to see him. I don't think he expected to have to sing. The audience loved it.

First Set
That Ol' Guitar
Alice's Song
Calling All Angels
The Rejected Lover
Mr. Jefferson
Acanoe

Second Set
Fingers Crossed
Two Hearts
These Dreams
Dixie
I Will
River Deep, Mountain High/Cotton Fields/My Window Faces South

Encore
Will The Circle Be Unbroken

27th March 2009 - Carlisle United Football Ground
I just wanted to say thank you for your fantastic gig last friday it was brilliant! I was just blown over by how beautiful your music was. Hopefuly i will see you on the 6th in Maidstone with my parents; because i know they will enjoy it as much as I did.

R Keogh

24th March 2009 - Dartford Folk Club

This is a review of Brian & Cathryns appearance at the Radio 2 Folk Club of the Year 2008 - namely Dartford. … I sat on the front row watching Brian's playing and a non-guitarist like me just can't convey in words the skill of the guy. He makes it look effortless …5 tracks from their excellent new album (get it!! Best production yet. Playing as I type) and 3 other songs new to me made for a very very pleasant and entertaining evening. Brian seems to have grown in stature. Once he was the 'quiet man' now he's cracking gags in his own spot. In fact he spent longer cracking gags and telling stories than actually playing.

They remain an accomplished, professional, entertaining but also very personable duo … Cathryn does does dozens of gigs, meets loads of people and yet when I say hello does she struggle to remember me - no, she greets me like an old friend. I never fail to be touched by that. I know I'm not but I go away thinking I could be. Makes you want to another gig just to experience it all again. They've got it all, musical talent, great songs, great singing and great P.R.!!

Steve Pritchards

21st March - Queens Hall, Halstead

Hi Brian & Cathryn. Thank you both for a great evening at Hungry Horse and for your kind words for my little part in opening for both.

Andy Eades

Dave (Hume) is the current Mayor of Halstead, and with the help of Phil (Carr) , their partners, and others it had been decided that a Brian and Cathryn gig would prove a nice fund-raiser to benefit three chosen charities, not to mention providing a very pleasant evening for the residents of Halstead and several who had travelled from much further afield.

Brian played his different guitars with great sensitivity as ever, creating some stunningly beautiful sounds which instinctively complemented Cathryn's vocals. Cathryn, meanwhile, sang throughout with her customary passion and conviction, bringing the lyrics of the songs to life. So many of Brian and Cathryn's compositions tell interesting tales, and Cathryn's introductions are always captivating. Needless to say, Brian and Cathryn played several tracks from their new album, "Calling all Angels", and the audience was spellbound. Highlights for me included "Alice's Song", "Genevieve", "Accanoe" and the title track of the new album.

Amusingly, in the interval,I had been admiring Pete B.'s shirt (very nice Pete!) when Brian wandered over, unaware of our conversation. The first thing Brian asked was whether I liked his shirt! Apparently he had realised half way to the gig that he'd forgotten to bring anything to change into, so had gone on a quick shopping expedition in Halstead. It was indeed another very nice shirt (Tommy Hilfiger, no less, and a real bargain by the sound of it, but that's a secret. Woops!).

Following the interval Brian took to the microphone and had the audience doubled up with several very amusing tales before Cathryn took over once again with yet more fascinating and entertaining stories to introduce the songs. Great applause from the audience confirmed that a very good night was being had by all. To finish Dave (resplendent in his Mayoral Chain) took to the stage and thanked Brian and Cathryn for the lovely evening we had all enjoyed. Somehow or other Cathryn christened Dave "Boris Johnson" during the proceedings, a tag which I have an inkling may stick around for a while!

Good to know that a healthy sum was raised for the chosen charities through everyone's efforts too.

If you fancy a relaxed evening with plenty of beautiful music and a good sprinkling of humour, be sure to catch Brian and Cathryn on their current tour.

Lindsay Sorrell

12th March 2009- Hungry Horse Folk Club

Many thanks for an absolutely brilliant night last Thursday at our wonderful Hungry Horse Folk Club.  
Best regards,
John & Angie Owen

11th March 2009 - BBC Club London

On Wednesday 11th March at the BBC Club Brian and Cathryn, in front of various production teams from the corporation and the gathered throng well wishers, showcased a short set of songs, most of which feature on their recent album Calling All Angels.

It's fair to say that the set was extremely well received and what had I thought originally had been planned as a 3 song set, expanded merrily to 5 plus a much demanded encore of Cotton Fields / Window faces South which rounded off the afternoon session in energetic fashion as Brian demonstrated his virtuousity, whilst the audience participated themselves by joining in very enthusiastically on the chorus.

The afternoon had started with the Craig / Foster penned Two Hearts One Love, a particular favourite in their set list with Cathryn's vocal range demonstrated in a fine fashion. The song finished with yet another of those stunning guitar flourishes from Brian.

Next up the duo were joined by Antonia Pagulatos on the much heralded "Alice's song", which has certainly had a bit of a makeover and now includes Antonia's skilful mood filled playing which enhances the emotions within the song.

Antonia continued on the next two numbers; the title track from their new album and Genevieve. Each song holds attention for the very best of reasons, strong story line driven lyrics and sheer musicianship. Those in attendance certainly let their feelings be known by showing their appreciation.

Accanoe is a song driven by the ethenicity of early American history and the percussive nature of the song stood out well alongside the melodies of earlier songs. The end of the song brought rousing applause and calls for an encore. Is this sort of thing allowed at the BBC I wondered ?

Well we certainly got one …an unaccompanied "River Deep …Mountain High" brought further audience vocal participation, before Cotton Fields and Window Faces South interspersed with some more stunning guitar playing brought an end to proceedings.



One final thought …. Calling All Angels is a disc that has the "feel" of absolute class. Why not have a listen.
Nigel Bennett

…a special lunchtime event in London at the BBC Club…. we were delighted to discover that we were among a specially invited small audience which made the event even more special as many were B & C fans with whom we were already good friends.

The performance was supposed to be 3 numbers, but finally ran to 6 - everyone was totally captivated by the pure emotion of Cathryn's voice as she sang a selection their songs from Calling All Angels their latest CD, most of which have incredibly personal lyrics and draw you in, leaving you with the feeling that you know the people in the songs. Despite having heard the words many times before this has to rate as one of the best performances by the duo that I've seen. Was that a tear in my eye ? No, of course not..... well......maybe...... ok.... I confess. Brian, as usual, said very little, prefering to let his guitar do the talking which it did to great effect.

I'm slightly ashamed to say that I don't yet own a copy of Calling All Angels - especially as I understand that Brian and Cathryn chose much to my delight, to use one of my photographs in the artwork - however this situation will be rectified shortly and I do have an excuse ! For those of you who can't get to a date on the current tour, why wait ? Buy one now, direct from their website
Sue Holton

The BBC Club… Really hope that someone was there to spot Brian and Cathryn, because they played brilliantly…One recognisable face was Antonia Pagulatos, a really talented violinist who played on a couple of tracks on "Calling All Angels", Brian and Cathryn's new album. Happily, she was there to play as well for three songs. Saw her play with Brian and Cathryn last year at Brent in what I think must have been one of the most beautiful concerts that I've seen to date, so really pleased that everyone else there finally got a chance to see her play.
The intention, I believe was that they would only play three songs - - but they were so well recieved that we actually got six songs. Seven if you coun't Cathryn's a capella version of "River Deep, Mountan High". Eight if you count their encore of "Cotton Fields" and "My Window Faces South" as two seperate songs. Possibly, nine, if you count the opening bars of "Part of The Union" that Brian used to close the encore. (Very appropriate as Richard Hudson, also an ex Strawb) was there amongst the audience.
If just one BBC director or producer happened to have seen them and can get them some TV coverage, or more Radio airplays, then it will have been a fantastic concert.
Pete Bradley