Hove Folk Club

Claude Bourbon: Friday 3rd February 2012

The unique Monsieur Bourbon is a formidable performer. He may have his roots in the blues, but he is inspired by music and song from all around the world, taking these sounds and weaving them into a performance of blues, rock, jazz, songs and melodies that defy a label, all delivered with a gravelly voice.

This finger picking guitarist has performed and studied all over the world; he has crafted an unbelievable fusion of classical and jazz, with ethereal Eastern influences, Spanish and Latin elements with strains of Western folk.

Claude’s inimitable style incorporates all five digits on each hand dancing independently but in unison, plucking, picking and strumming at such speed and precision that his fingers often seem to melt into a blur. Thousands of people in the UK, Europe and USA have enjoyed listening to this virtuoso and for the majority of his audience it is an experience that compels them to return again and again to hear and watch him play, as his fingers lightly dance over the strings of his guitar and create a unique sound that is ‘Claude’.

Web site: www.claudebourbon.org

Myspace: www.myspace.com/claudebourbon

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O'Hooley & Tidow : Friday 2nd March 2012

Belinda O'Hooley (The Unthanks) and Heidi Tidow are the dapper gentlewomen behind the groundbreaking "Silent June", one of MOJO Magazine's Top 10 Folk Albums of 2010. Hailed as pioneers of innovative chamber-folk, their music defies easy description, crossing folk and classical boundaries with a hint of burlesque theatricality. Their beautifully unusual songs touch on everything from dark folk tales, cross-dressing historical figures, through to the invisibility of the elderly and the global economy, yet are always sure to tug on your heart-strings. Their new album "The Fragile", released in February 2012, sees them touring the country with their irresistible blend of striking arrangements, sublime harmonies and cheeky Northern banter.

Web site: www.ohooleyandtidow.com

Myspace: www.myspace.com/belindaohooleymusic

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Liz Simcock : Friday 6th April 2012

Liz Simcock writes songs and performs them in folk and acoustic clubs in and around the Southeast, ably assisted by regular cohorts Ian Newman and Warwick Jones on bass and guitar. The musical maturity that comes from entertaining such a notoriously difficult-to-please audience is certainly evident. But Simcock is not some twiddly, finger-in-the-ear folkster — her palette is much broader than that. Apparent influences include Joni Mitchell and Mary Chapin Carpenter; and there are nods in the direction of some of the last century’s greatest songwriters, from Paul Simon to Cole Porter and various points in between.

Her voice is beautiful. Blending a mellow richness with clarity and genuine emotion, she produces a beautiful tone that perfectly complements the songs. And she is no slouch on the acoustic guitar either, with some excellent finger picking and riffing. But don't take our word for it - come along and listen!

Web site: www.lizsimcock.com

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Grace Petrie : Friday 4th May 2012

Grace Petrie may only look 14 years old, but she is actually 24 and a very mature musician. She writes indie folk rock songs (a couple with an acoustic punk twist), plays the guitar and sings with a voice that has been described by listeners as similar to Laura Marling, Kate Nash and nothing you’ve ever heard before.

From the humble beginnings of small gigs in her hometown of Leicester in 2006 and a home-recorded debut album, Grace quickly acquired a reputation as one of the best artists on the flourishing Leicester music scene, and a following of dedicated listeners. In 2010, folk legend (and Grace’s personal hero) Billy Bragg heard her music and invited her to play at Glastonbury on the Leftfield stage, sharing a stage with Bragg and Frank Turner. At Leftfield she went down a storm and, in Bragg’s own words, “stole the f@!#ing show, sister!”, leading to more shows sharing a stage with the likes of Bragg and Emmy the Great.

Since then the buzz of excitement around her music has inspired her to write, record and release a third album, Tell Me A Story, which has roused national interest. Make sure you come along and find our why for yourselves!

Web site: www.gracepetrie.com

Myspace: www.myspace.com/gracepetrie

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Pete Atkin: Friday 6th July 2012

When Pete Atkin last came to Hove Folk Club, it was unsurprising that the evening was totally sold out. Pete is perhaps best known as Clive James's songwriting partner, but is also a superb solo artist.

First coming to public notice in the 1970s, his work both with Clive and with others was widely acclaimed. However, in the 1980s he became a BBC radio producer, responsible for many highly popular programmes, including the highly-regarded "This Scepter'd Isle". As the 21st century arrived, Pete moved back into performing, including tours with Clive James. His solo performances are not as frequent as his admirers would like, so make sure that you don't miss this one - and come early, or you may not get in.

Web site: www.peteatkin.com

Wikipedia entry: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Atkin

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