| Once
more traversing the field it was time for Mundy Turner. They are: Catherine
Mundy and Jay Turner, an acoustic, original song-writing duo based in
Brisbane, Australia. With influences across the board from pop to blues,
they were my favourite turn of the evening. The impression of a Kookaburra
that Cath treated us to was something to behold. I'm not quite sure if
you'd class it as acappella or Gospel but it nearly made my dictaphone
explode. They have a web-site which can be found at www.mundy-turner.com
and it’s well worth a look because it’s where I was able to
check out their work in the week leading up to the Folk Festival. The
downloadable tracks serve as a good introduction to their music. Particular
favourite of mine is ‘Naked’, written and sung by Jay. This
is more of a pop ballad than finger in yer ear folk and if George Michael
recorded a version of this song it’d get to number one. I ain’t
joking. So, George (who is a regular reader of Ely On Line), stop shaving
your bleedin' chin into geometric shapes and cover ‘Naked’.
There, that told him.
Another change
of style followed with Mick Ryan and Pete Harris. Singing without accompaniment
they held the audience spellbound with their combination of traditional,
original, comic and blues material, showing just how powerful the naked
voice can be.
 |
Handy musicians to have around during a power cut. Since their formation
as a duo in 1993, Mick and Pete have played at folk clubs and festivals
throughout England and have released four albums which you can find
more information on by clicking on www.jacaranda-music.com/ryanharris.html#anchor777252.
Next up: Malinky. I’m ashamed to say that we missed them.
During their set the Folk Boy Three were eating Beef Chili, Cheese
Burgers and arguing about doughnut holes. Karl is a keen advocate
of the theory that doughnuts are made as complete circles and the
middles are then pushed out and then sold as doughnut holes. ‘Piffle’
I cried as the beer took hold and shredded his theory as he devoured
three (3) bags of sugary goodness. Like the Ely Folk Festival, Karl
is growing bigger (and more popular) every year. However, through
the magic of the internet I can still enjoy their music at www.malinky.com.
|
As night fell and with our stomachs full of the best of the food stalls
we waddled back for another slice of music in the shape of the previously
mentioned e2K. They have a fine singer in Kellie While, who is one of
the most respected singers on the live music scene in the UK. Sharing
duties as 'front-person' was Neil Yates who plays trumpet and whistles.
His loves are jazz and folk and is a hard working session player, having
worked with some diverse acts from outside the folk world. E2K also can
be found on the net at www.iconicmusic.com/e2start.htm
where you can listen to a selection of their material. Live, the band
kick up a fine storm and had the tent a'rockin in a fine style to finish
the evening in the Main Tent.
Saturday was sweltering as Ely burst into Colour and Music with Mr Morris
& Mrs Molly dancing in the streets. On every corner there was something
to see and lots of people were there to see it. Down at the Festival site
Musicians played, Workshops taught and Drinkers drank culminating in the
Folk cult that is The Oyster Band.
Sunday was much the same but with a slightly less hectic feel as Musicians
& Festival goers relaxed after the previous days & nights revellings.
Down the Festival site an early morning YOGA session brought the fitness
freaks out of their tents while Jan bagged the kids up in a back to the
womb. "rebirth" experience.! Up town the Dancers Danced till
they were beat , drummers beat their Drums as the sweltering Sun God beat
down on the humble Ely Folk...
CONTINUE
TO LAST PAGE >>
|
