Reviews 2007

Woodman Folk Club - Reviews
Mike Silver
Paul & Sue Matthews 24 March 2007
Once again we see yet another superb 'WOODMAN' night's worth of entertainment with special guest Mike Silver. 

The evening kicked off with two songs from the 'Vowel' part of the Bica Band, with Ian and Anne singing 'Can't do right for doing wrong' and the 'Tithe Song'. Ian proudly showed us all a picture of his 1000cc New Motorbike, which unlike his old bike should stop his pupils from calling it a hair dryer.

Ian then introduced a club favourite Mr Bryn Phillips, who treated us to his bluesy 'Designs On You' and the excellent 'Silver & Gold' which got us all singing along. 

Nothing To Prove were the next act to hit the stage, and played 3 rousing songs starting off with a new number 'Blackleg Miner, Paul's new song 'Mary Rose' followed by a song which is fast becoming a club favourite 'Cursed Anna'. Trevor played his new electrified banjo, for the first two numbers, which worked well, adding a chunky rhythm to the sound not unlike that of Seth Lakeman.

The Crag Band then took over playing two numbers, one by Richard Thompson, and then a lovely Gaelic instrumental, whose song title nobody could pronounce right, but sounded like 'She Begs For More' . I have not seen a melodica played live for years, it sounded much better than I remembered.

Ian then asked the audience if we wanted a break to get a drink etc, but we all answered with a rousing "Get On With It" so Ian introduced Guest artist Mike Silver. 

Mike Silver was born on a farm in Uffington Berkshire, his first introduction to music was through his 3 elder brothers listening to the likes of Buddy Holly, Elvis and the Everly Brothers. He first picked up a guitar at the age of 9 and owned one at the age of 14. Mikes appreciation of music is and I quote "like having a Birthday everyday no matter what the size of the audience, It's an exchange of emotions". Mike's style of playing and song writing was rewarded by having his song 'Maybe It's Just Love' recorded by Justin Hayward of Moody Blues fame. 

Although I had not seen Mike for many years he was instantly recognisable, and so were his songs, his voice is clear and precise with a tone all of it's own, and some of his songs definitely have that 'James Taylor' feel about them. 

Mike played a variety of songs both new and old, with one he 'World Premiered' especially for The Woodman called 'No Good Times Gone'. Jackaroo got plenty of audience participation on the chorus, with us all singing along. Mike then proceeded to pick out the David Oddy built guitar, which was one of 4 guitars he had bought with him on the night. The others were Washburn, Robinson and Lowden guitars, and for aficionados the sound was thickened by T.C. Electronic parametric equaliser and chorus pedal. Why 4 guitars? Mikes words were "Why Not" if you have got 'em play 'em, he then told us a tale about his guitars having personalities and sulking if one has not been played for a while. I think this is true though, as I know somebody whose Yamaha guitar kept going out of tune, Japanese Guitar with American strings, he said " I think they must have remembered Pearl harbour".
 
When Pollyanna gets the blues was followed by the chicken tarka joke? He was going for a curry, a Chicken Tarka, it's like a chicken tika only 'Otter'. This went down well (Went down well) with the curry fans followed by 'Pretoria' and take your time another singalong song.

Shortly after this came the break and time for another pint and a J 20 for the driver. Ian introduced Mike back onto the stage where he performed another set of excellent songs, including 'Love Potion No 9', 'Fragile Peace', and 'Breaking The Silence'. His new Tsunami song 'When The Spirit Shakes The Tree' was quite moving, and how true was the '10 to 15 Year Old Festival Blues' song. 

Yet another great night at The Woodman.