Hove Folk Club

Mike Reinstein : Friday 20th May 2011
Report by Harry Bolter

Mike is well known at the Hove Folk Club; he has done some outstanding floor spots over the previous years. “Hitler’s Pinkie” has always been one of my favourites, and another with a Hebrew title about how a Jewish couple was chased across Europe by the fascists and always kept a bag in the hall ready to go away. Only one of these had made it on to the album so, as the title of the album says, “There is more to be revealed”.

A full room of friends, colleagues and regulars were kept entertained with songs from the album.

Mike was accompanied by his wife Reina and guitarist Mick O’Connor, who appear on the album. For those of us who have a very quiet and folksy impression of Mike’s songs, we really enjoyed the fuller versions on the album with drums, keyboards and electric guitars.

The album has had many great reviews and I can confirm that it is a splendid addition to my collection.

My favourite tracks which appear on the album and that were sung on the launch night are many, but I would pick out “Olga Wolonofsky”, the opening track, a song about a woman who comes into money;  and “Tungsten not Lead” which highlights the hypocrisy of big business - in this case B.A.E. in going green.

Many of Mike’s songs have humour and wit. I have already mentioned “Hitler’s Pinkie” but “The Last Box” always makes me smile as I tick the last box as well (listen to the album and you will understand the joke).

Mike plays terrific finger picking guitar.  Check out his web page http://www.mikereinstein.co.uk/music/revealed.html and make sure you come down to the club as he usually plays there.

Web site: www.mikereinstein.co.uk
Myspace: www.myspace.com/michaelhreinstein

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