The guest at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 16th April is in the ‘not-to-be-missed’ category. Anthony John Clarke is the name and make sure you are in the audience to hear this much acclaimed singer and songwriter.
The softly spoken, fast talking and very engaging Belfast born Anthony John Clarke has been on the folk circuit for a number of years having been hooked on music from an early age when he heard Barry McGuire singing ‘Eve of Destruction’ and Bob Dylan’s ‘Like A Rolling Stone ‘. As a young man, AJC heard Al Stewart, John Martyn, Claire Hamill and Christy Moore at Belfast University and that cemented his admiration of songwriters. Ray Davies of The Kinks is included in AJC’s favourite seven songwriters. Despite having 12 albums to his name, two songbooks and being held in high regard among his peers and fans, AJC reckons he is still very much an apprentice songwriter!
Starting off playing a second-hand Eko Ranger 6 as a youngster, AJC has become well known for his accomplished playing of a snazzy, red acoustic guitar. He plays songs that make you sit up and listen and ponder the story being told. Some of his songs like ‘Gloria’ have almost become standards. Whilst others like ‘Spray A Little Perfume’ and ‘Banjo Antarctica’ are much requested wherever he goes….and AJC has a very busy diary. Next month he is up and down the UK and then on to Denmark. June he is in the Netherlands and Germany, whilst February 2015 already has New Zealand dates.
AJC sees entertaining the audience as his first responsibility. And this he does so very, very well. Therefore, to hear terrific songs with a unique delivery sung by a singer and songwriter of great quality, get along to Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 16th April in Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road to hear Anthony John Clarke. The Club starts at 8pm and it’s BYOB.
And still in Irvine, The Sessions at The Ship started last week and got off to a great start. About a dozen musicians turned up including a young trio who played Small Pipes and Fiddle. It was so good that someone from Paisley missed her last train and had to get a lift home! Sessions at The Ship start at 8pm and they are on every Tuesday at The Ship Inn in Irvine’s Harbourside. Go along and hear for yourself.
And finally, folk musicians from all over Ayrshire will be playing at a concert in The Ayr Gaiety on Friday 11th April as part of 40th Anniversary celebrations of Girvan Folk Festival. Tickets available from The Gaiety. Go!