Concert Reviews
Saltburn Golf Club Saturday 30th September 2023
John Dunleavy Ed Mitchell Henwen
​
John Dunleavy
​
John began with the wonderful opener, Pete Davies’ powerful number ‘Hasn’t Got You’. A fab start to the set. He showed his versatility in the covers he sang. These ranged from Joni Mitchell to traditional folk and local singers like Vin Garbutt, Martin Nesbit and of course Pete. Vin was known the world over but I still like to think of him as local. It was great to hear John play a set. A stalwart of the local folk scene, it’s hard to believe he has been only playing out for the last seven years. He played with a calm assurance that was showcased in the traditional song ‘Long Lankin’. John handled the many changes in tempo with ease. Other highlights included the late Martin Nesbit’s hilarious ‘ASBO Song’. Martin was a Saltburn musician who had a knack for writing fine and funny comedic songs. John finished on the sublime ‘Fell Off The Back Of A Boat’ by the late Vin Garbutt. One of Vin’s best songs, based on a true event from our coast. Told, of course, with that particular Vin sparkle of wit and humour.
​
Ed Mitchell
Ed is a recent singer at Saltburn Folk Club. He has brought a refreshing turn with unusual covers. He often picks interestingly obscure songs by luminaries like Elvis Costello. ‘God’s Comic’ had a bluesy feel and hooks that wouldn’t let go. Surprisingly, it’s only been two years since Ed first played at the club. However, it was pleasing to hear so many of Ed’s own compositions in the set. A stand out song was ‘Do You Believe’. With its passion and driving rhythm, the lyric tells of the Falklands War. Although the initial inspiration, Ed said, came from the recent Ukraine conflict. It’s a side of Ed that I’ve not often seen at the regular folk club nights. ‘The Man Who Came From the Stars’ was inspired by the mid 1960’s novel ‘The Magus’ by John Fowles. His songs are lively, with attractive hooks and a deal of passion. ‘Storm Outside’ followed and was another great number. I, for one, hope to hear a lot more of Ed’s original material at the folk club.
Henwen
​
I have to admit to being slightly perturbed by the idea of a four-part a Capella group. I needn’t have been. They opened with the original ‘Shimmering Sea’. Written by the band’s own Magda Phillips, the voices blended together in beautiful soaring harmonies. The effect was quite magical. Henwen, the name taken after a Celtic goddess, sang an eclectic variety of styles. They have been singing together for thirty years. Sadly Gillian, Rowena, Magda and Fay announced that they were ‘winding up’ with a final concert in Robin Hoods Bay later in October. Their repertoire ranged from jazz to traditional folk and covers of songs from K T Tunstall to Bjork. The effect was a really fun mix.
The second set took the audience into more jazzy realms. The Vashti Bunyan song , ‘Travellin North’ had an uplifting blues theme with a catchy refrain. ‘On Track’ by Magda and ‘Cloudsong’ by Rowena, continued the splendid self-penned songs. The Hens finished on the superb Loudon Wainwright III’s ‘Swimming’.
​
​
Reviews and photos by Mark Hadlett