Hove Folk Club

Dr Butler's Hatstand Medicine Band : Friday 1st October
Report by Harry Bolter

With the wind and rain lashing against the Poets Corner, it was a keen and elite group who braved the elements to see Dr Butler's Hatstand Medicine Band last week.  But the locals' journey was as nothing compared to the nine-hour slog from Manchester that the duo had to endure.

So after a pint, Dr Butler's Hatstand Medicine Band took centre stage (actually at the front of the room in the middle) and entertained us most royally. I really enjoyed some songs I had not heard since childhood, "Goodnight Irene" and "Midnight Special" to name but two.  But Dr Butlers repertoire is much wider, including some self-penned songs in a music hall style, "Penny Farthing" and "No Good Woman" had us all smiling and singing along.

Dr Andrew Butler and Papa John McKay were the individual parts of the band and played a variety of instruments.  In fact it was a night for different instruments as John, a visitor from Liverpool, entered the club carrying a harmonium which he played to dazzling effect. Host Robb has often been heard to mutter about our club having to many "blokes with guitars" but tonight the instrument count was impressive:

Harmonium
Jews Harp
Violin
Washboard with hip flask cymbal
Kazoo
Harmonica (in several keys)
Mouth Organ
Banjo
Melodeon
Guitar
Banjolele

And of course Robb's favourite instrument, the ukulele. Most of these instruments were played by the band, but the Bandanna collective helped to swell the count. The collective featured a new song called "Awkward" written by member Jon - a first and I hope not a last outing for the song.

Other floor singers were our very own Mike Reinstein and becoming our very own Trevor.

Altogether, a terrific night.

Web site: www.drbutlershatstandmedicineband.co.uk

MySpace: www.myspace.com/drbutlershatstandmedicineband

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