Hove Folk Club

Alun Parry : 2nd October 2009
Report by Harry Bolter.

Approaching the Eclipse for the club night, you could see that autumn was upon us, the light evenings of summer having been replaced by the dark evenings of winter and autumn - and you know that is always better for a club like Hove, as the atmosphere seemed to return to the room in anticipation of another enjoyable evening. In fact the hubbub of the regulars and visitors made our host Robb have to get out one of his louder songs, “I am not at war” to gain order.

The floor singers then took over and, although I don’t like to pick out individuals, a special mention must be made of Marimba, a four piece all female unaccompanied group, who were on top form with their international and traditional songs.

Guest Alun Parry from Liverpool then took central stage. Starting with a football song pleased me, but the traditional followers had to swallow hard;  but were won round as Alun followed up this song with more of his self-penned songs. I particularly liked “You are my addiction” a song which obviously struck a chord with some in the audience, as when it was introduced as “a song about loving someone you don’t much like” there was a huge laugh from some in the audience.

Alun's work is a fine mix of political songs from history, like “The Limerick Soviet” and “Take the Mother's Name”;  current social comment - “I Want Rosa to Stay” - about an asylum seeker;  and love songs such as “Together”. Many have catchy choruses and the audience was kept busy singing along not just with hearty voice but also in character when we were asked to sing the NA NA NA chorus of "The Ship Song" as six year olds.

Another full and high-quality night at the folk club and with Ann Lister next month followed by Swill from The Men They Couldn’t Hang in December, the winter programme looks set to provide some fine entertainment.

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