Reviews and Comments

"I'd travelled for five hours three trains, a bus, a taxi! Something I might do for a festival, but haven't done for a folk club in many years! My purpose? To meet up with a husband working in Dorset, but specifically timed to go and see Vin Garbutt at Wessex Accoustic Folk Club in the Farquharson Arms. He works away often, but much as I love him I wouldn't spend time and money to join up for just any old reason!

This is a jewel of a club. Beer good (cider good too for those of us that have a discerning appley palate!). VG has the ability to make everything sound as if he's only just thought of it, but passionately wants to tell you (especially when it comes to taking the mickey out of old mate Bob Fox.....and the dirty purple working shirt....you'll need to ask someone to elaborate if you don't already know!).

He can combine eye watering joyous humour in his audience interaction, with eye watering sadness in many of his songs. He's also a thoroughgoing good chap!

Well, what a night. I detected a few friends of the band in the audience, but that should not detract from the way the whole evening worked out. From a soft start ( an experiment that I think worked very well ) to a full band getting quickly into top gear. Gerry's communication with his audience provided interest, humour and a commitment to listen.

For those that have not experienced "Gerry", do not hesitate. Take a risk, and like the whole audience from the Wessex, go home happy, having been totally entertained.

Bob Kirkpatrick

October 22nd 2005 "A solo outing by Steve Knightley is rare these days, but it provides a chance to see yet another side of this talented songwriter. His gig at the intimate Wessex Acoustic venue at The Mount in Corfe Mullen was a unique opportunity not to be missed, and so it proved.

The evening rapidly took on an air of anticipation and excitement as Steve interspersed several brand new songs with alternative arrangements of usually familiar items from the Show Of Hands repertoire. In an atmosphere that was almost tangible, well-known songs such as ‘Cousin Jack’ and ‘Country Life’ took on fresh significance, with ‘Widecombe Fair’ being particularly eerie. Steve’s performance ranged well beyond his own material to include a Beatles tune and the Dire Straits classic ‘Romeo & Juliet’, which held the audience spellbound.

He moved rapidly from style to style, taking the audience on excursions to many locations in his beloved West Country. Given the opportunity to show off his skills on guitar and cello-mandolin, Steve’s playing was at times very subtle and at others impressively aggressive and confident. He revealed ‘hidden’ solos, which in a Show Of Hands context can become lost behind Phil Beer’s instrumental prowess.

But, as ever, it was Steve’s lyrics that really captivated the audience. It’s reassuring that he maintains his creativity and perception. ‘All I Ever Lost’, an impression of the artist’s attic collection, was being given its first public airing. Also particularly memorable was ‘The Bet’, a ghostly tale spoken against a strong rhythmic backing. Judging by the reaction of the knowledgeable audience these will be included in set lists for a long time to come. "

June 19th 2005 "On June 18^th Wimborne Acoustic welcomed the popular Canadian five-piece Tanglefoot on the hottest night of the year. The evening was kicked off in inimitable fashion by Bob Kirkpatrick followed by Rod Jenkins with a thoughtful choice of songs by American singer-songwriters which was well received.

The headline act started with a set of three songs on the bounce which demonstrated their effortless musicianship and fine singing voices. Highlights were the story of a Canadian feminine Paul Revere from the war of 1812, a song about the early days of the Canadian Pacific and the emotional story of three young Canadians at Vimy Ridge in World War 1.

April 25th 2005 "....thanks for the very friendly welcome received on Saturday night at The Mount. Needless to say we thoroughly enjoyed seeing Artisan but the hospitality offered was also greatly appreciated.

We have to comment on the sound during the concert as it's probably not the best venue for a sound engineer and I thought that Andy did a superb job under difficult circumstances - particularly as he was performing as well!"