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*N.B The Kalamazoo Klub now have an official website - see and bookmark www.kalamazooklub.co.ukTen years of live acoustic music
Ten years ago local musicians Paul Alcantara and Guy Simpson decided that North London needed a music venue that would bring top quality live acoustic artists to the area and that would also give local musicians a chance to play. And so the Kalamazoo Klub was born. From the start it was decided that the Klub would book not only well established artists but would also support new and local talent. A venue was found - the King's Head which already hosted popular comedy nights.
The first night was a nail biting evening - would anyone turn up?
Paul and Guy's dreams were realised when, at 8.30 that evening, there was a queue right through the bar of the pub, upstairs and around the block!
They had turned up to see 60's folk legend Bert Jansch who has inspired a host of guitarists including Jimmy Page and Bernard Butler. Jansch has since played at the club on several occasions, most notably for Christmas 2001 when he played for free and all the profits went to Save The Children's fund for child victims of war in Afghanistan. The following year Bert was joined by Crouch Ender Bernard Butler (former guitarist in Suede) when the donations were given to a charity helping disabled children.Over the last ten years the Klub has played host to many outstanding artists, predominately in the folk and acoustic music traditions and has become well known not just in the area but around the country. This is our tenth Anniversary year and we have booked a great list of gigs already with a few more to be announced (see enclosed). Paul and Guy play each month as the house band with a couple of friends and other local musicians often play support too.
The Kalamazoo Klub
Confirmed programme of Artistes 2006!
January 13th - Martin Stephenson
February 10th - Davy Graham
Martin takes his influences from an eclectic range of musical styles, from Rockabilly, show tunes, through to straight ahead rock and full-tilt Punk. Founder of Martin Stephenson and the Daintees in the early 1980's the debut single, "Roll On Summertime" was a hit that announced a considerable new talent. It was one track on the marvellous debut album, "Boat To Bolivia" (1985).
³Excellent, rootsy pop songs.² said that great organ, Time Out.March 10th - Martin Carthy
"The immense impact Davy Graham had on the guitarists emerging form the British folk scene in the early days has long been acknowledged and is fairly well documented. Back in the sixties he was so far ahead of just about any would-be picker that it was practically miraculous. I can't think of any of my contemporaries from those days who weren't completely knocked over by his playing, and we all owe him a huge debt. If it wasn't for Davy I'd still be working in the kitchens, had I'd been lucky enough to last that long". John Renbourn. April 14th - Andy Irvine
"For more than 40 years Martin Carthy has been one of folk music's greatest innovators, one of its best loved, most enthusiastic and, at times, most quietly controversial of figures. Partnerships with, amongst others, Steeleye Span, Dave Swarbrick and his award-winning wife (Norma Waterson) and daughter Eliza Carthy have resulted in more than 40 albums, but Martin has only recorded 10 solo albums, of which the much anticipated Waiting for Angels (Topic TSCD527) is the latest. He's a ballad singer, a ground-breaking guitarist. Martin Carthy was awarded the MBE for services to English Music and won Singer of the Year and Best Traditional Track at the BBC Radio 2 Awards 2005." June 9th - Dick Gaughan
"Folk musician, singer, and songwriter, and former member of the popular band Planxty, Irvine is an accomplished player of the mandolin, bouzouki, mandola, guitar, cittern, and harmonica. Influenced by Lonnie Donegan and the Skiffle boom of the 50s, and later Woody Guthrie, he formed Sweeney's Men in 1966 with Ewan MacColl and Joe Dolan. He later formed Planxty with Donal Lunny , Christy Moore, and Liam O'Flynn. The group was a huge success, signing a six record contract and touring throughout Europe, playing traditional songs and Irvineıs compositions. After a period apart, Planxty reformed in 1978. In the 1980s Irvine recorded seven albums with fiddler Kevin Burke , guitarist/vocalist Gerry O'Beirne and accordionist Jackie Daly. Andy often plays solo, accompanying himself on his various instruments."
"Dick has been a professional musician and singer since the 1970s. Though Dick focuses on Folk and Celtic music he has played everything from free jazz and rock to country music and has recorded extensively. He plays most stringed instruments but is happiest with an acoustic guitar. "
Further dates to be confirmed soon.
The Kalamazoo Klub
Every 2nd Friday of the month
Downstairs at The King's Head
2 Crouch End Hill
London
N8
Tel: 0208 341 0716 (note: not venue address but for artist info)
Email: sallyjaynehall@btinternet.com
Past dates:
2005:
April 8th - Eleanor McEvoy
A star in Ireland, her song "Only A Woman's Heart" inspired the title for and appeared on, the "A Woman's Heart" anthology album, the best selling album in Irish history which stayed in the Top 10 for over a year. May 13th - Michael Roach
Singing the Blues is what this man does best. From Chicago, Michael has been a frequent visitor to the Klub over the past few years and has an appreciative local audience for his authentic and witty Blues renditions. A Gentleman and a consummate entertainer. June 10th - Michael Chapman
This self-styled ³old white blues guy² from Yorkshire is one of the most under-rated heroes of our time. First known on the Cornish Folk Circuit in the 1960s, he established a reputation for intensity and innovation. The album 'Fully Qualified Survivor', featuring the guitar of Mick Ronson and Rick (Steeleye Span) Kemp's bass, was John Peel's favourite album of 1970. Through the succeeding decades he has changed his instrumentation and styles to include elements of rock, pop and jazz whilst remaining true to his roots and influences. An elder statesman growing more acid, rather than mellower with age. August 12th - Summer Party Night at The Kalamazoo Klub, Crouch End, London
"House Band plus a few special guests on this hottest night."
Special guests including Chris Smyth, Liz Simcock and Ginny CleeChris Smyth is an acoustic singer/songwriter based in south east England. He is fast gaining a reputation as an exciting new songwriter and musician with flair and subtlety. Recently, Chris has been focussed on writing new songs for his forthcoming album, as well as playing gigs with Chris and Kellie While, John Tams and Barry Coope and Johnny Dickinson. He recorded Amber Lights in 2004 which has been played on a number of radio stations around the country. He has also had a live gig recorded by BBC4 for use in the 2005 BBC Folk Awards Show.
Liz Simcock writes songs and performs them in folk and acoustic clubs in and around the Southeast. In 1999 she featured on the Playpen Album of New Acoustic Music alongside Eliza Carthy, Billy Bragg, Eddi Reader and Kathryn Williams. Since then she has trodden an independent path, recording two albums and gaining a growing reputation as a performer and songwriter.
Ginny released her first solo album, Hold On Tight in the spring. Formerly one half of the Dear Janes, she has spent the last few years working the album, a collection of witty, wry, melancholic songs written with her partner Pete Smith. It features her cover of Blind Willie Johnsonıs God Donıt Never Change. Ginny has played with Billy Bragg, Robyn Hitchcock and Ian McLagan and Emmylou Harris has covered her songs.November 11th - Hans Theessink
Theessink is a Blues player with a big international reputation across Europe and the USA. Influenced in the early 1960?s with a love of the Blues , Hans has been described by no less than Bo Diddley as "one helluva guitar player". Above all, country blues with its earthy and heartfelt sound impressed Hans Theessink and played a major role in his development as a musician. Hans is one of the busiest people on the international blues-circuit today. He plays around 200 concerts a year - and has recently released his 15th CD, "Lifeline". December 9th - Michael Roach
2004
Singing the Blues is what this man does best. From Chicago, Michael has been a frequent visitor to the Klub over the past few years and has an appreciative local audience for his authentic and witty Blues renditions. A Gentleman and a consummate entertainer.
Programme of Artistes 2004!January 9th - Steve Tilston
A celebrated artist both in Britain and abroad, Steve has toured in the past as guitarist with Ballet Rambert, as a member of Ship of Fools and with John Renbourn. February 13th - Martin Stephenson
Founder of The Daintees in the early 80's the debut single, "Roll On Summertime" was a hit that announced a considerable new talent. Excellent, rootsy pop songs. March 12th - Eleanor McEvoy
A star in Ireland, her song "Only A Woman's Heart" inspired the title for and appeared on, the "A Woman's Heart" anthology album, the best selling album in Irish history which stayed in the Top 10 for over a year. Supported by Marj McDaid, a fine solo singer of traditional Irish tunes. April 9th - Female Singers Night
An evening of female artists including Liz Simcock and Alisha Sufitt. Formerly with psychedelic band Magic Carpet, Alsiha is a singer songwriter who blends a variety of styles. Joining her is Liz Simcock who has been performing around London for the last 6 years. In 1999 she featured on the Playpen Album of New Acoustic Music alongside Eliza Carthy, Billy Bragg, Eddi Reader and Kathryn Williams. May 14th - Clive Gregson
Accomplished singer, musician and record producer, Gregson has toured with Christine Collister, Boo Hewerdine, and Eddi Reader of Fairground Attraction. He has a world-wide reputation as an innovative leader in the world of British folk-rock. June 11th - Dick Gaughan
A professional musician and singer since the 1970s. Though Dick focuses on Folk and Celtic music he has played everything from free jazz and rock to country music and has recorded extensively. He plays most stringed instruments but is happiest with an acoustic guitar.
July 9th - Julie Felix
Although a native of the USA, Julie has been dubbed Britain's First Lady of Folk. She appeared on 60s show 'The Frost Report' and was given her own TV series on which Leonard Cohen, Dusty Springfield, Donovan, and Jimmy Page guested. Her passionately-held political and humanitarian views chimed with the "peace and love" ethos of the 60s and are still obvious in her music. October 8th - Christine Collister
"..can sing the birds down off the trees and send them back with a tiny flick of her vocal chords." (MOJO ) November 12th - John Renbourn & Jacqui McShee
