Christchurch Folk Music Club

The Muddy Mama Blues Band 26 August 2018

What a night we shared at the Folk Club on Sunday! From the moment the first few bars hit the air the audience was captivated by The Muddy Mama Blues Band. Lead singer Judi Smitheram showed great form, revelling in the mighty musicianship of her five-piece band, Mary Ruston on keys, Geoff Low on saxophone, Melanie Ross on bass, Lynden Jackson on drums and Ken Jenkins on harmonica. Together they explored the scope of the jazz/blues genre, injecting their original magic mix into what turned out to be an impressive collection of old and new classics. Drawing from Muddy Waters to Procol Harem, from Melody Gardot to Amy Winehouse, and the inimitable Aretha, the set list contained not only a favourite or two, or three, but also its fair share of funky surprises. Review by Eileen Reid

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Fingerpicking Delights VII 2022 6th November 2022

Fingerpicking Delights VII Reviewed by Sarah Maindonald In ancient near Eastern and Israelite culture and literature, the number Seven communicated a sense of ‘fullness’. Tony Hale’s seventh rendition of ‘Fingerpicking Delights’ continued his tradition of excellence...

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Fingerpicking Delights VI

Fingerpicking Delights VI, 7 November 2021 Reviewed by Russell Dann   Tony Hale’s sixth edition of Fingerpicking Delights began inauspiciously with a sound glitch which held up the start of the concert. Happily, all was soon well as the sound men expertly got...

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BottleLake Junction – 21st March 2021

Thank you to everyone who turned up and supported BotteLake Junction at the Christchurch Folk Music Club concert. A full house is a true recognition of the esteem these three consummate musicians are held in, a great audience and a hard-working band is always a good...

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The Lesser Bob Tits: Dames Do Dylan – 23 May 2021

This very special tribute concert, produced by Eileen Reid, brought tunes to commemorate and celebrate the 80th birthday of Bob Dylan. Bringing together a group of fabulous women from a range of musical backgrounds, Isabella Miller Bell, Susan Grant, Lynette Díaz,...

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Hillbilly Hoedown – Barndance/Ceilidh 11th July 2021

Brought to you by Gary Elford, supported by the Port Hillbillies and Andrew Redepenning. The music was cheerful and lively, jeans and plaid adorned the room, Appalachian and Bluegrass rhythms intertwined with jigs, reels, polkas and waltzes, and the packed room...

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Fingerpicking Delights V

Fingerpicking Delights V 8 November 2020 By Russell Dann The fifth edition in this concert series was a cracking good concert with great artists delivering superb music in a well-balanced programme. It was compered with engaging geniality by Izzy Miller Bell with...

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Adam McGrath and Esther Swift Friday 21st February 2020

Adam McGrath and Esther Swift a night of contrast and exceptional musicianship. Esther from the Northern hemisphere brought grace, exquisite techniques that highlight her talented compositions juxtaposing against the raw energy of the Southern hemisphere boy, who...

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