Month: April 2013

Kent DuChaine the nomadic Bluesman from Minnesota is back at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 1^st May. His abundant energy and enthusiasm means there is no chance of nodding off when he is playing.  Kent’s guitar playing is exceptional and combined with the power of his voice and his passion for the Blues means it’s a night not to be missed at the Irvine Club.

Kent’s potted history is: born in Wayzata, Minnesota; formed a garage band at 13; reading Eric Clapton album notes led him to check out a Robert Johnson album at his local library.  So taken aback by the album, he almost wore it out listening to it ….the music of the Mississippi Delta had captured him.

In 1969 Kent learned to play slide guitar and ten years later he found his beloved Leadbessie – ‘a beat-up 1934 National Steel Guitar’ as he describes her. It’s kitted out with extra heavy strings to cope with his ferocious style and there is now a whole lot of gaffer tape on Leadbessie as well!  The name Leadbessie is an affectionate amalgam of Blues legends Leadbelly and Bessie Smith.

Kent lives to spread the Blues and has clocked up countless thousands of miles and close on 100 overseas tours from his South Georgia base in the USA.  Songs about Kent’s youth, his adventures, family and friends are linked by frank anecdotes in true troubadour style.

He always brings something of his own interpretation to covers of standards such as Little Red Rooster, St James Infirmary, I’ll Be True To You or Trouble in Mind. His set is a far cry from ‘ well I woke up this morning’!!  He will also likely include some of his own compositions. His intricate, finger-picking slide-guitar and use of his hand as a handhammer beat, all contribute to the sheer intensity of a Kent DuChaine performance.

Wednesday 1^st May is a night for Blues fans to enjoy a masterclass at Irvine Folk Club when Kent DuChaine tops the bill.

The Club meets in Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road, starts at 8pm and it’s BYOB.

Described by some as the North East’s secret weapon, Jed Grimes is the special guest at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 17^th April. His name, though familiar to many, is probably difficult to place. That’s probably because he is a seasoned veteran having played in a number of line-ups.

Jed Grimes hails from the North East of England and is a singer, guitarist and arranger of some quality….mhe also likes to paint and does printmaking too!  He was part of the renowned Hedgehog Pie which developed as part of the flourishing folk scene in the North East in the ‘70s. Jed then moved on to be a member of the successful Doonan Family – a band that played at Marymass all those years ago.

Jed then formed a six-piece band called The Hush which went on to be nominated for a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award with their acclaimed album Dark To The Sky. In more recent times, Jed plays solo and also as part of a duo with Bob Thomas.  Jed’s recent solo CD Head On has received rave reviews.

On 17^th April at Irvine, expect to hear traditional songs and tunes from the UK, country blues and some contemporary material.  His ready wit and easy rapport with audiences are illustrated in his favourite quote – ‘Was anything ok?’!

For versatile and exciting musicianship from this assured performer, get along to Irvine Folk Club in Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road on Wednesday 17^th April.

The Club starts at 8pm and it’s BYOB…and there’s a cafe.

Out and about ….

Elsewhere, Glenfarg Folk Festival takes place from 12^th – 14^th April. Karine Polwart closes the annual celebration in lovely Glenfarg.  What’s described as ‘a feast of authentic Scottish culture’ starts in Edinburgh (where else!!) on 24^th April and continues until 6^th May.  The headquarters of this event is in The Storytelling Centre in the High Street and includes song, music, dance, crafts and of course storytelling.  So much to do, so little time!