Last Friday was the long awaited visit from Banjo Des. When I arrived at the club Des was sitting down the front of the club surrounded by all his instruments and hats. This was a man at ease with himself and his art, for sure.

It was a shame that his visit coincided with the Southwell Folk Festival and lots of regulars missed him.

There were only two club singers were at the club that night - a duo - Brian and Dee and also myself to support him in the first half.

We were treated to a varied first half of songs, stories and anecdotes - a veritable social history of his songs and instruments as he swapped hats to suit the songs. He also stopped to answer questions.

In the second half Eildiegh Grant, a folk singer from Scotland, and Pete Cooke, her accompanist, performed for us as they were in the area to sing at a wedding. They gave us four songs. This lady has a voice like a crystal bell and performed with such passion and conviction that one member of the audience was moved to tears. Pete was very good too.

Banjo Des completed the evening with a spirited set of about 40 mins. Well done Des, you gave us more than our money's worth. Thank You.

Review by : Jim Hollands