7th April 2005

It's in the bag! That's what it says on our admission notice...  The introduction of a modest admission charge didn't dampen the enthusiasm shown by everyone who came along - performers and audience happily put their £1 in our collection bag. We had another great night - packed to the rafters!

1 Following a great Spotlight in March, Old English returned in Irish mood with 'Kelly from Killarn' and 'The Hot Asphalt'. Lots of chorus singing, and we were off to a great start.

2 Jack Hakin  sang two gospel songs to remind everyone of what Easter is really about. First was 'The Old Rugged Cross', and then Hank Williams' only gospel song, 'I Saw The Light'.

3  Next up, in fine singing voice, was Pat Yeowart who delighted us with 'Fever' and 'The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea'. Great stuff.

4 Northumbrian piper Alan Bailey is a regular performer at the club. Tonight he played two fine tunes -  'Rowan Tree Hill' (or was it Rowntree? or Round Tree?) followed by 'Newcastle Station'.

5 Tony Hamblin was next with a fine rendition of Martin Bailey's version of 'Blackleg Miner' which produced more swelling vocals from our appreciative audience. In complete contrast he then played  'Good Old Mountain Dew' in a Dukes of Hazzard style - it was hard work keeping track of those fingers!

6 Another regular visitor is Kevin Robinson who treated us to 'Looking For An Angel' and 'Easy Living, Easy Rock'. He was accompanied by Dave Donohoe with some smashing guitar playing.

7 John Campbell quipped 'Only diet coke can give you the blues' before sipping his drink and launching into two blues numbers, neither of which he told us the title! The second was a song covered by many artists under different titles, possibly 'Walking Blues' or 'Worried Blues'?	8 A welcome return by Ann Sessoms finished off the first half with 'The Curlew's Return' followed by 'Mrs. Jameson's Favourite', a slow air which she coupled with two slip jigs.
9 It was good to see Doug Wood at the club again. He started the second half with a bluegrass number, 'Rocky Road to Sindy', finishing his spot with 'Angelina Baker'.	10 Jim Wigfield was in fine humorous form tonight. He had been inspired to write 'Gap In the Market' following a visit to Boots! He followed this with 'Puerile Jokes' which had us all laughing. Smashing stuff, Jim.
11 Ben Yeowart and Tristan Sturgeon (two-thirds of Magick Circle) began with 'Born Again' with Tristan on mandolin. They then did 'Million Dollar Bash' a Dylan song from Basement Tapes - note... we won't charge a million dollars for 'bashing' the microphone during some animated playing!	12 Winner for the second year running of The Morpeth Gathering song writing competition Ray Derrick was in fine form with 'Home Town Mines' and then the winning song 'Leaving Harbour'.
13 Dave Anderson sang two Mike Silver songs 'Fragile Peace' and 'Not A Matter of Pride'. Magnificent arrangements - maybe even a tear or two was shed... we look forward to more from Dave.	14 What? No piano? So Zak gave a fine a capella rendition of 'Nothing Rhymed', the Gilbert O' Sullivan hit from way back. The smile says it all...
15 Rounding off another great evening, George Rosenthal finished the night with a Gordon Lightfoot song 'If You Could Read My Mind' and 'Rothbury Chardonnay Queen'. He promises to be early next time so he can be on first! We look forward to it.	16 And finally, a special mention for a forgotten 'hero' Jimmy who twiddles and turns the knobs of the PA to produce great sound for everyone. He does a great job.
15 acts, 28 songs, and tune sets  - another evening of great entertainment.  Come along and see what you've been missing - good live music in a warm and friendly environment. Singers, Musicians & Poets nights are held on the 1st Thursday of every month, and there's more of the same but with extended Spotlight sets on the 3rd Thursday.
Thanks for giving us another great night We enjoyed it - and suspect you did too!

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