I’m not going to write those long reviews any more of precisely who did what in the strictest order of happenage. Gets a bit samey. Or perhaps we can rota the thing.

Nat Clare was the top of the bill and performed absolutely brilliantly a mixture of poetry and songs, some old some new but all memorable. I particularly enjoyed his G6 in one of his country songs but then I might as well say H12. Sorry for the anorakism.

This was an extremely full evening with a big crowd (which of course reflects Nat’s popularity), and with some of the stars not even getting on due to lack of time or perhaps a disrespect of it – it might help if acts timed themselves in advance or if they were given more specific instructions like ‘Do two and then shut up and sit down’ but King Gonzo is aware of this and was seen late last night recruiting heavies off the main drag to ensure His Will Be Done in future.

An innovation was an excellent projection of images and footage during the evening as a backdrop to the acts, ably organised by Peter Crompton. Tony Walsh’s new stuff was quality spoke large.

With the apparent demise of another local musical event recently, it may be time to think about setting up something for all the musicians around: there are a lot of people who play but don’t at the moment. Collaborations. The eternally consistent duo of Bill and Don provide a regular rhythm to most evenings. Dave did one particular song, possibly called You’re my Train, I think, that had a good blocky three chord riff and went down especially well. It was good to see the folks from Brum turn up and give us a different sound with some open tuned John Martinesque stuff and good poetry to match.

Sorry I haven’t mentioned all the names - perhaps Gonzo will fill in and hopefully he’ll put the pix up as well. To quote the Plume, a mint night.

Hi James, Nice review.

I agree with the lack of respect for time.
I spent, and spend, a lot of time practising, chopping, cutting and editing work in order that it fits particualr time slots. I am acutely aware of running over time. Its especially prudent in slams (more of this on another thread). My set was approx 8 mins with one minute intro. However not everyone is this respectful to other artists and seem to get carried away.

This is a tempered response as I am throttled by the necessity to survive.

suffice to say, I never got on, good job as I would have missed the train!

Hi James,
Good review of 'Riders' on a talent packed evening. With Nat Clare on fine song with both guitar and harmonica, and entertaining poetry, a worthy guest artist.
I did miss Peter Crompton and Alabaster de Plume due to bad timekeeping, "Lessons to be learned". However I really enjoyed seeing and hearing the collaboration between music and poetry Gordonzola and James Hartnell was excellent, (Gordonzola firing on all cylinders) and James Hartnell's solo instrumental and vocal performance was a big contribution to the night.
Also Louise and Andy the guitarist from Brum gave excellent perfomances of both poetry and music. I enjoyed the visual projections. Well done 'Riders on the Storm'.
Don Parry
Sunday 8th July

Thanks friends for turning up and making the night a memorable one with your warm and enthusiastic response and support. The vibe was great. Hope to see you soon. peace and love. Nat x

Due to technical difficulties (shall we say I never got to see Nat perform, which was a gutter as that is why I came - but I enjoyed what I did see and would like to offer high praise for the musicians who took part - it was lovely to be rewarded with your rhythmic renditions.