Review - Cathy Barclay & Sarah Yarwood
31/01/25

An enthralling and delightful evening in the company of Cathy Barclay & Sarah Yarwood at the Everyman Folk Club yesterday. When singing separately, each has a distinctive voice, but the harmony singing of this mother and daughter duo has a magical quality. We enjoyed a glorious assortment of songs; the blend of traditional and newly written material being as terrific as the fusion of their voices – and their commentary on the sources of their music was both fascinating and moving. Their renditions of Ay Waukin’ O and Linden Lea were exquisite, and we were all touched by Sarah’s Mother, Maiden, Crone. Dave Webber’s My Lady of Autumn was the perfect encore.

We were also treated to songs, poems, tunes, and monologues from the evenings floor performers - Tracey Wisdom, Sammy Holland, Steve Danby (with his guitar making its debut), Alan Day, and Keith & Mary-Jane Tyrrell. Brava tutti! We are very grateful to Shirley Harry for her seamless emceeing, together with Jackie & Dave Tricker and everyone who helped ensure the evening ran smoothly.

Thanks as well to our fantastic and supportive audience, who ventured out on a very wet and cold evening, overcoming disruption on the roads to be with us. It is always a pleasure to witness your superb chorus singing, and we can’t wait to hear you again next time, when Chris Green & Sophie Matthews – Green Matthews – are our guests on Friday 28 February 2025.