Musical Reflections: Part 2

Ian Haughey, Audlem Online's music correspondent, continues his review of the local music scene – see Part 1 yesterday if you missed it:

Lord C & Reubadubs

Thursday nights in Audlem, usually at the Lord Combermere, (nice pub, good ale and food, Landlord's a decent chap but the Landlady takes the votes), is one place where you will often find your vibrant local live music scene in full swing.

That's if you venture out from your abodes, as many do, but for those that give in to the warmth of central heating and the box, you're missing a great night out!

The Lord C venue has started to reach celeb status in outreaches like Manchester's Northern Quarter, where I've seen the posters! Indeed, folk are making their way to join in with the local music scene to see acts that vary from the likes of Inspiral Carpets' Tom Hingly with his Thames Valley Delta Blues to Folk and Country inspired, highly entertaining, Tap the Keg from near-by Shropshire.

Ruben Palin

One of the key factors in making this work, other than the Landlord's enthusiasm for live music and ultimate investment, was Reubadub promotions, Ruben Palin. However, in 2012 the call of the surf, and the beauty of the Pembrokeshire coastline with its beaches and rugged cliff tops, cosy hamlets and a pace of life that allows you to enjoy your surroundings enticed the Palins. Though still retaining a base here in Audlem, Reuben & Jane headed for their South Wales haven.

Manchester was the music scene that Reuben enjoyed and shared with us through Reubadub Promotions. Both Reuben and Jane were instrumental in fetching some of the best singer songwriters and bands to the Village.

Audlem Festival and Oxjam

Thursday nights at the Lord Combermere saw many of the acts, as did the Audlem Festival and Oxjam. The likes of Taylor and the Mason, Modern Alarms. The Travelling Band will forever be the band that Reub worked hard, indeed stalked, to get to play in Audlem. Jon Gomm, before Stephen Fry's 'WOW' twitter and the amazing Gideon Conn: The Rainband – one of the best bands I have witnessed – ever! Rook and the Ravens to name a few.

Throughout 2012 we witnessed week after week of some of the best talent around, featuring along with the likes of local legend Jim Kirkpatrick, ever present 'Gunners' Gunstone on keys, and Alisdair Grant MacKenzie who has played with everyone including Ocean Colour Scene.

The Folkwits – Dave Nettleton and Kel Brammer, the many variations of Heidi Peaches Browne along with the very talented Jack Marshall, who in his own right released his Blue Moon Video featuring Kirsty Marshall. The individual lyrical sound of Elly Kingdon now resident on the scene.

I recall even the Duffey Boys blowing the dust off their guitars, Blue Cafe, Alg Halliwell & Val Warner revamping the line up with local players that included Sevi G, Paul Taylor, Sally Keighley, inspiration and my fellow co-writer from the Rootless Vagabonds Mike Waldron and myself.

Young bands

We saw local young bands playing with the likes of Callum Palin, Ronan Haughey and Anna Vaughan in various guises, as well as established musicians Toby and Naomi Newman performing at the Methodist Production as well in line ups at the Lord C.

Vocalist Francis Hughes and Audlem Voices, local folk legends Dave Martin and John Hardy leading the way, including the local local Folk session that has now moved to the Bridge, and the evergreen Rose Constandine's Itchy Feet. I'm sure I will have sadly missed out some of the many local contributions to this vibrant music scene.

Thursdays at the Lord C are really special and your love of live music keeps it all going, along with music at the Shroppie Fly, The Bridge, the Chillinights, Blue Cafe nights, and one off events like the Party in the Park.

More reflections tomorrow.

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