Led by the renowned RICHARD EXALL (The Glen Miller Orchestra UK, The Pasadena Roof Orchestra) on tenor sax and clarinet, in collaboration with Musical Director, DOM BARNETT on piano, our performance has been arranged to feature some of the classic songs by the singer dubbed ‘The Mother of The Blues’ – Ma Rainey – whilst capturing the true jazz essence of the music from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. The established rhythm section featuring drum legend, SAM KELLY (Chaka Khan, Ben E King, Ruby Turner) combines with Parliamentary Jazz Awards winner, double-bassist, MARIANNE WINDHAM (Jazz Promoter and Chair of both Guildford Jazz and Fleet Jazz Clubs). Complimenting this swinging ensemble are the powerful, captivating vocals of Chrissie Myles (multi-Platinum selling band, Bastille) together with jazz singer, actress and show narrator, Emily Windham, whose voices will transport you to the jazz clubs of yesteryears….
The power of Triple Trawler Disaster song cycle 12 Silk Handkerchiefs comes to Barton
The powerful story of a fishing community united to campaign for far greater safety stands on trawlers will be re-told at Barton upon Humber’s Ropery Hall later this month.
Singer/songwriter Reg Meuross’s song cycle 12 Silk Handkerchiefs tells the story of Hull’s Hessle Road community were devastated in January 1968 when three Hull trawlers, the St Romanus, the Kingston Peridot and the Ross Cleveland perished and 58 men died in what became known as the Dark Winter.
First performed in Hull Minster late last year Reg is now taking the show on a national tour this Autumn supported by public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
The music which tells of fighting fishwife Lillian Bilocca, who led a battle for better trawler safety following the Triple Trawler Disaster and the songs were inspired by the book, The Headscarf Revolutionaries by Brian W Lavery.
Joined on stage by stalwarts of the Hull folk scene, musicians Mick McGarry and Sam Martyn, Reg’s powerful songs are interwoven with narration from the author and an audio/visual show that includes rarely-seen archive footage, photos and audio from the time of the disaster. Three Hull trawlers, the St Romanus, the Kingston Peridot and the Ross Cleveland perished and 58 men died in what became known as the Dark Winter.
“Brian’s book, The Headscarf Revolutionaries, is now shorthand for the four women Lillian Bilocca, Mary Denness, Yvonne Blenkinsop and Christine Jensen who fought the trawler bosses in a campaign which ended in Westminster,” said Liz Bennet of The Ropewalk.
The show also covered a fourth tragedy, from which the show gets its name, telling how Lillian Bilocca was ostracised by her community and overlooked by history, ending her days in obscurity. Her last action in 1988 as she lay dying, which was to send her daughter Virginia to buy a dozen handkerchiefs to give as gifts to those who had cared for her in hospital.
“Fans of Reg’s music, so accustomed to seeing his intimate solo performances at folk clubs and festivals across the land, will be stunned by the power of this show, and those new to him will find it impossible not to be moved by this emotional and humbling tribute to the many, many lives lost to what was once the most dangerous industry in the world,” Liz went on.
Twelve ilk Handkerchiefs, Songs & Storytelling will be performed on Saturday, September 21, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £13 in advance or £15 on the door. Advance tickets can be bought online at www.roperyhall.co.uk, by telephoning 01652 660380 or in person from The Ropewalk’s Craft Gallery/
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VIEW ALL NEWSGatehouse
Gatehouse is a distinguished Irish traditional band known for their thoughtful interpretations, rich musicality, and deep respect for the tradition. Featuring Rachel Garvey on vocals, Jacinta McEvoy on guitar and concertina, John McEvoy on fiddle and mandola, and John Wynne on flute and whistles, the group brings together some of Ireland’s most respected musicians.
Their music blends refined instrumental interplay with compelling vocal performances, offering a sound that is both rooted and refreshing. From evocative ballads to lively dance tunes, Gatehouse strikes a delicate balance between tradition and innovation.
Their debut album, Tús Nua, received critical acclaim for its subtlety and elegance, followed by the well-received Heather Down the Moor, which further established their signature style. Their live performances have been praised for their warmth, precision, and ability to connect with audiences.
Described by Folk Radio as having an “undeniable warmth and spirit,” Gatehouse continues to build on their reputation as a group that brings both heart and craft to the Irish tradition.
Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell
Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell are a two-man trad tornado tearing through the folk world with foot percussion, fiddle, guitar, vocals and groove to spare Mixing Scottish and English roots with modern air they deliver
Foot-stomping tunes rich harmonies and cheek and charm Whether in a village hall or a festival eld their shows radiate connection and joy Winners of the Robinson Emerging Artist Showcase at Canadas Goderich Celtic Roots Festival they re fast becoming one of the scenes most talked-about acts Their upcoming album Controlled Burn turns tradition sideways – storytelling with soul and grooves that smoulder spark and occasionally catch re
Musically they straddle tradition and invention bridging the folk archive with a fearless modern edge Some tracks glisten with clean lines and elegant harmonies – crystalline structures that shimmer in the light of contemporary trad Others veer gleefully o course hopping on the blues train for a whistle-stop tour of the Québécois folk line One moment its reels and foot taps the next its jazz chords pop turns and grooves that could jump the track and land somewhere between Vulfpeck and Le Vent du Nord Arthur a fiddler raised in Aberdeenshire builds rolling ri -heavy tunes grounded in his family’s musical traditions and shaped further by studies with Jonny Hardie (Old Blind Dogs) Kerran a melodic schemer from Cumbria draws on pop and choral training to weave in crisp harmonies and satisfying twists
Svavar Knútur
A native of the rugged north of Iceland, troubadour and storyteller Svavar Knútur has dedicated his life to exploring the human condition through the lens of his country’s dark and often tragic history and unique melodies and narrative style.
Channelling the angst ridden serenity of long dark winters and the insomnia of the 24 hour glaring summer sun, this eclectic musician has in recent years blossomed into a sublime singer and songwriter. Svavar Knútur’s songs of misery and redemption deliver a healthy dose of hope in the midst of despair. A humoristic storyteller and avid diver into the murky waters of the human condition, Svavar Knútur sows and reaps a unique mixture of art and entertainment.
Drawing upon a wide range of influences, three of Svavar Knútur’s most governing ones are without doubt Nick Drake, Will Oldham (Bonnie Prince Billy) and Kris Kristofferson, although such artists as Leonard Cohen, Cat Stevens, Joni Mitchell, Nick Cave and many more singer/songwriters have contributed to the Icelandic troubadour’s development.
Alex Hamilton Band
Alex Hamilton (formerly Lewis Hamilton) has become an established part of the British Blues/Rock scene . Gaining notoriety on the back of being a talented young guitarist with skills beyond his age, he has since matured and developed a tasteful and subtle guitar technique that has been compared to Robben Ford and Matt Scofield. His debut album at the age of 18 won the Scottish New Music Award in 2011 and his subsequent albums have all been nominated for awards including the British Blues Awards, several years running.
Having toured in dozens of venus all across Britain and extensively in Europe with his trio ‘The Alex Hamilton Band’, he has regularly sold out theatres and music clubs across the globe, gaining a following of musicians and music fans alike. In the last ten years Alex has been fortunate enough to share stages with some of the best musicians in his genre including Carl Verheyen, Anysley Lister, Henrik Freishlader and King King.
With multiple award winning albums, a strong fanbase, growing online presence, endorsements form some notable manufactures and continuous radio play across the world Alex Hamilton’s music is starting to be heard.
