Debra Cowan : 2nd April 2010
Report by Simon B. Sayers
Our first overseas guest was eagerly awaited at Hove Folk Club and a healthy turnout ensued, with our newly-refurbished room again full.
Previous guests as floor singers were in evidence, with a welcome appearance by the exuberant Graham Larkbey who sang a mixture of his own songs and elusive punk covers. Mike Reinstein was also around and wowed the audience with his new song “Who Says”. Mike goes from strength to strength, and singing with his wife Reina the bar was raised very high indeed.
Our host Robb Johnson sang his monthly new song, before being joined by young son Arvin for his debut spot at the club. They sung a song written by Arvin called “The People Will Win” with Robb on guitar and Arvin on harmonica. Arvin played brilliantly and it’s clear to see that he will be better than his dad. You can catch Arvin and Robb in Shoreham on 24th April at the Duke of Wellington, when Arvin will drum with his group, the Transmitters.
Debra Cowan soon had the audience singing along to her mix of traditional and modern songs, “American audiences don’t sing much,” said Debra; she seemed to enjoy the fact that the Hove audience loves to join in even when it’s not invited!!
Debra hails from Massachusetts, but chooses songs from writers from England, Scotland and Ireland as well as her native country. Her voice sounds as pure and accurate as Joan Baez or Maddy Prior; she sings unaccompanied as well as accompanying herself on guitar. She opened with the appropriate “Easter”, and I particularly enjoyed “Tired o' Working” and the timeless “Gonna Rise Again” which was last sung at the club by Roy Bailey.
Rounding off the evening with a final half in the bar, we sent Debra off on the rest of her tour with I hope fond memories of the Hove Folk Club.
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