This was our second support slot of April and our second visit to the excellent Ely Folk Club. Last time we were there, we supported Mawkin: Causley (15th October, 2008). This time we were supporting the mighty Tannahill Weavers.
I have known of the Tannahills for many many years but had never seen them play – so I was very much looking forward to the evening. We were also looking forward to seeing one of the club organisers, Ruth Bramley again. Ruth has always been very friendly towards us and supportive of what we do and it is always good fun to meet up with her.
The turnout for the evening was a bit on the low side, which was a surprise to all concerned – but there was a suggestion that a crucial football game (Tottenham vs Real Madrid?) was on TV and that had taken some people away. With Spurs 4-0 down from the first leg? – there are miracles and miracles – oh, the faith of the football fan!
Rob and I played well and were warmly received. The Tannahill Weavers then did two very lively sessions of Scottish music and songs, driven forward by some truly excellent bagpipe playing that, in a confined space, has quite an effect.
It was very nice to chat with the Tannahill band members. Here are some of the most experienced travelling musicians on the circuit today and it is to their credit that they all, to a man, remain so warm and friendly to those supporting them. In chatting, I discovered a few things in common with at least one member of the band, who has a studio over in Tayport, on the south of the Firth of Tay. I was a student in that area many moons ago and we had a nice chat about the virtues of glorious little fishing villages in the area such as Crail, Anstruther and Pittenweem. The Tannahills are heading north and will be doing a concert in Crail in Fife soon and I would love to be there to see that.
The evening ended, we all said our fond farewells and then we made the long journey home to St. Albans which was fine – we put the new compilation album of Pete Bellamy songs on the ‘in flight entertainment’ system and listened to Oak Ash and Thorn. Getting up at 6.00am the next morning for work was a bit of a struggle, however.