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 Links
There is little point in replicating links to hundreds of artists and folk clubs whose details are already listed on countless other web pages.
I've therefore limited this section to a few local clubs and performers that I particularly enjoy as well as some guitar-related sites.
Venues
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Topic Folk Club
The longest running folk club in the country - rumoured that Bob Dylan played there and did a floor spot and the audience were not impressed. My “local” club.lovely venue with good quality guests and an attentive audience.
- Otley Folk Club
A good club with good guests on alternate weeks - usually well attended. The singers nights are always busy and it is a god idea to get down early if you want to perform.
- BACCApipes
A very lively club with an audience that loves to sing. The club has some excellent guests and singers nights are always well attended.
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Performers
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Allan Taylor
The songwriter's singer songwriter - nothing more needs to be said. He is the consummate professional and is a superb guitar player never allowing the accompaniment to overshadow the words and delivery of the songs.
- Tom McConville
The best violin player on the scene today - check him out playing on Richard Thompson's song "Beeswing". He has a great album produced by Ron Angus and a new CD is due for release in 2008. In the past he had been thought of principally as a fiddle player but his fine singing and choice of material is gaining much greater recognition.
- Chris Newman
Quite easily the best flatpicking guitar player in the land - a guitarist's guitarist! Check out his website which is a mine of useful information on all things guitar related. It also has a link to Mark Challinor, the best guitar repairer and technician in the business.
- Gerry Cooper
Stalwart of the Topic and Otley folk clubs. A man in whose veins the mud of the delta still flows (the Aire valley delta that is!). A player who played blues when it wasn’t popular and who was one of the first people who welcomed me and supported me when I started performing again.
- jiva
Contemporary acoustic duo from the north east who are carving out a reputation for their songwriting and gentle blend of acoustic guitars and vocal harmony. They are also web designers, specialising in music related sites (mine included).
- Steve Tilston
Master guitarist and songwriter and now living down the road from me in Hebden Bridge. Check out his website for details of his gigs and his new album, recorded by Ron Angus at Studio One.
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Guitar Hints & Tips
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Vintage Guitars
Based in Norwich and run by Seamus Brady - Seamus is probably the most knowledgeable person on acoustic guitars in the country. Check out his website first if you want to order a Lowden or a Collings. His shop has some of the most beautiful and interesting guitars around.
- Maple Leaf Music
Based in Vermont - suppliers of high quality American guitars. They will export and, with the exchange rate at such a favourable level, it is well worth contacting Kathy (the owner) to bring in a new or used instrument.
- Strings Direct
Massive range of strings and guitar bits at sensible prices - I usually use Newtone strings on my instruments. If you place an order on-line delivery is usually within 48 hours.
- Busker Guitars
If you want a resonator don’t do anything until you have spoken to Robin. He is a real enthusiast and his guitars are fantastic. You will get a first class instrument with better tone than a National which will arrive in immaculate condition properly set up with Newtone Michael Messer strings and a very high quality cone. Do not even think of buying a cheap Chinese resonator or spending a fortune on a national until you have spoken to Busker Guitars.There is a photo of my resonator, bought from Robin, on my Gallery page.
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Miscellaneous
- jiva design
In addition to their musical activities as jiva, Jimmy and Val undertake various design commissions - websites (including this one), CD artwork, publicity flyers, book design, etc.
- Studio One
Ron Angus is the complete acoustic music enthusiast and an absolute master when it comes to mixing, recording and mastering. He is able to encourage and tease out the best performance from the musician in front of his microphones. Recording with him is a wonderful experience and I cannot recommend him too highly.
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