Some of The People You’re Likely to See Performing in Some Form or Other…
Malcolm Robinson
For better or worse the editor of this website and purveyor of videos who you’ll most likely see running the evenings when sometimes he gets a chance to pick up his whistles, mandolin and banjo (separately). What he’ll do then is anybody’s guess – him included. Previous band member of Tragopan, Mitre’s Well, Stephen ‘n’ Robinson Band & The Anker Valley Boys. Currently in duo, MW2, with Stephen Edkins. Website cprcounts.com
Stephen Edkins
“I’ve been involved with Folk Music since I bought my first guitar: an £8 Kimbara from George Clay in 1969. I was there at the beginning setting up Tamworth Folk Club and have enjoyed singing there ever since. Over the years I’ve played in a few Line Ups, Bands, Ceilidh Bands and for Pennyroyal Garland Dancers. If I have a style it’s Traditional, traditional songs or contemporary songs written in the traditional style (with a pen!)”
(Chris) Joe Beard
A veteran acoustic performer, formerly of Stockport and the legendary jug band The Purple Gang, who were known for their seminal 1967 single “Granny Takes A Trip” (which Joe still performs). Joe plays old USA jug band country blues, novelties and his originals. Once partnered the late Trevor Crozier as “Crozier and Beard” and still performs songs and instrumentals from his acclaimed folk gothic suite, “Legends of The Edge” ( solo and with various musicians, when available). Likes the eclectic policy of the club and the friendly atmosphere. Attended folk clubs as far back as 1963 and ran several of his own. in the 1970/80`s. Still gigging and recording and still “flying the purple flag”. Recent book and new CD (Album of The Year 2020 on Radio Tamworth`s “Soundscapes” program) more info/ news on FACEBOOK
Phil Warrington
“I sing and play ukulele and enjoy doing so with other performers as well as on my own. I love all sorts of music – even folk! – and try to subvert people’s ideas of what to expect from a ukulele player; so no George Formby!”
John Johnson
Hi. I’m J.J. (John Johnson). I play the piano accordion. I love all sorts of music (particularly “Country” ) and enjoy playing either as an individual or as part of a duo or group.I have been a member of Tamworth Folk club since 2006 in the Bolehall Manor days.
Phil England
&
Nigel Bullock
are passionate and committed music professionals, with the experience and drive to succeed. They play mainly instrumental jazz standards, bit of Django, Peter Green, Garry Moore, Hank Marvin, vocals like Cry Me a River, Harry’s Bar, one or two of Nigel’s country vocal tunes and also some guitar/mandolin stuff like Petit Fleur, Vie en Rose etc
Explore their music portfolio on their website and feel free to get in touch with any comments or questions.
Tel: PHIL 07710 168290, or
phil-england@hotmail.co.uk
Derek Bo Ridley
I help to run The Old Pokey Hole / Mummies Blues Club in Lichfield and usually the only one playing the Blues at the Tap….
Ron Thomas
Ron started playing the guitar at the age of 14, developing a lifetime passion for the classical guitar. A strong believer in the healing power of music, Ron’s repertoire consists of everything from classical pieces to popular songs from the 60’s, or jazz, or folk…or even a good old singalong with the ukulele. In recent years, Ron has arranged very successful ‘Ron Thomas and Friends’ concerts, raising money for local manor house Middleton Hall, and the mental health charity MIND.
Bob Blake
Being interested in all sorts of music and eager to have a go at all sorts of instruments, expect the unexpected from Bob!
Having been born and bred in Wales, there are occasional forays into traditional Welsh folk music, as well as fun songs, serious folk, nostalgia, songs of the sea, even opera (if he’s in the mood!), ….
Andy Smith
I play classical guitar in classical style. My repertoire includes some classical instrumental pieces, a selection of golden oldie songs and tunes and I enjoy doing duets
John Phillips
I got my first guitar for my 13th birthday. My big brother Richard, who was 10 years older than me (and playing in a skiffle band and a Shadows band) taught me to play.
Then at the age of 15 I joined my other brother Robert’s band, The Futurists, and we stormed the local church halls and youth clubs. Sadly Brian Epstein missed a trick and didn’t spot us, so we fizzled out after 12 months.
Henceforth, as life took over, I dabbled about with different styles of playing until 1990 when I stumbled across Tamworth Folk Club at the Gamecock pub in Birchmoor which revived my enthusiasm for playing again.
I consider myself as a jack-of-all-trades but master of none having got familiar with many different styles. Apart from playing the guitar, banjo and ukulele my latest passion is playing the double bass and I love backing musicians.
After all these years I still go back to my teenage roots playing the Beatles songs at every opportunity.
John is also an accomplished artist, painting in various mediums. You can see his work on his web-site www.jrp-art.com
Three Blokes
(L to R)
Graham Hewitt, Richard Radek, Dave Standen
Literally three blokes who just wanted to sing! After singing and playing in various solo projects and together in the popular Shanty group, Band on the Rum, Richard, Dave and Graham soon realized that they shared the same sense of humour and love of folk songs. Although shanties still feature highly they also sing songs to make you smile from around the world, local, sea, and countryside.
They can be seen at Tamworth Folk Club performing singly, as duos or as
The Three Blokes.
Liz Wall
I grew up around folk music as my parents both loved folk music. I was around 8 or 9 when I started singing and playing the guitar. After not having performed for a while, I got back in to playing again in early 2022 having spent time during the various lockdowns playing music, writing songs and entering song writing competitions.
Geoff Wassall
Seeing as you think I’m worthy to be entered into TFC Hall of Fame!
The Jug of Punch in the 60s was the first time I regularly went to a Folk Club.
When I moved to Tamworth in the 80s I got to know of the The Well Folk Club at the Queen’s Head before it joined up with the Gamecock Folk Club at Birchmoor
I thought Mike Hadley’s monologues were just the ticket to round off the first half of the evening.
At the ‘Tap’ I thought I would give it a go, it seems to cause a laf.
Terry Brooks
I first picked up a guitar in one of the Covid lockdowns and taught myself how to play. So I have started a new journey, in my later years, of performing mainly Country, Contemporary Folk and Pop Music. I was drawn to Tamworth Folk Club and enjoyed the eclectic mix of music and the appreciative audience.
Tamworth Folk Club - Folk At The Tap 