The London FolkFest

26 July 11

Posted at 5:37

Last night I went to Balham. It's not often I go to Balham on a Monday night, or any other night for that matter, but that may change in the future. The reason I ventured as far south as five stops from the end of the Northern Line was that The Travelling Band  were appearing at The Bedford . To my embarrassment I've never been to The Bedford before and had never heard (or at least remember hearing) of Tony Moore, the guy who runs free gigs at The Bedford. Tony is behind The London FolkFest and was an original member of Iron Maiden I believe. (I'm sure I have an album in the attic). Tony has been and is a great supporter and fan of The Travelling Band, so he's a top bloke in my book, add to that he was wearing red cuban heeled boots so I knew he must be someone special!

Tony Moore

This is Tony spotting me taking a photo of him while he was trying to photograph the crowd packed in The Bedford for the first night of this years London Folkfest. I spoke to Tony later and told him I would blog about last night today. Had I known his pedigree I may not have referred to the event as his 'little' festival - sorry Tone!

Well in actual fact it is quite little but from what I saw that just means a hell of a lot of people are missing out on seeing some fantastic up and coming talent for free in a close up and friendly atmosphere. I arrived just as the second set of the evening was finishing, I avoided the Northern Line by taking the car! So I just caught the last two numbers from Tom Copson. I'm a tog not a reviewer so I'll just say I wish I had been there to enjoy his full set. Check him out here

Next up were Felix Fables

Felix Fables Live at The Bedford

What a joy this four piece 'Folk 'n' Roll' band are. When I Googled Tony Moore  I found out that Tony's club had been a launchpad for many big names including Paulo Nutini. Felix Fables generate that same happy atmosphere that you get from Paulo, a least when he performs in more intimate venues. Michael Baker, lead vocal, seems to think his mission in life is for his audience to actively show they are enjoying his music as much as he is and he achieves his mission. The whole talented band ouse fun and jolifications through their music.

Felix Kicking

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Felix Fables

They have a single out next month. I suggest you try and catch them live.

As I said earlier I came to see The Travelling Band, I always try to catch them when they are in London. Last night just two of the band, Adam and Jo, were appearing to do an accoustic set. The band commence a tour of Devon and Cornwall later this week.

The Travelling Band - Acoustic Set

It was interesting to witness a stripped down Travelling Band, I did see the band do an acoustic set in Manchester last year, but last night with just Jo and Adam it was quite different. It served to show the depth of the songs they write, their superb harmonisation and the emotions they can conjure with their music, lyrics and the way they deliver them.

Adam Gorman - The Travelling Band

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The Travelling Band - Sundial

I can't wait until the next time I see The Travelling Band - at Cropredy in a couple of weeks

The only sad thing about last night was that there's an 1130 curfew so the music had to end.

Tony with support from the FAI (Folk Alliance International) has launched The London FolkFest this year, it continues for the next three nights. I suggest if you live south of the river you get along there, The Bedford, Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 and even if you live further afield it's worth a trip on the Northern Line or even a drive. I'm sure The London FolkFest will become a lot more than just a little festival in years to come.

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