Review - Pagoda Project
30/01/26

Spectacular musicianship from Pagoda Project at the Everyman Folk Club on Friday night. Paul Hutchinson, Karen Wimhurst, and Hannah Cumming provided a delicious performance, and we relished the exotic piquancy that resulted from their fusion of traditional folk and improvised jazz. Their songs and tunes were dynamic and rhythmical; lyrical and sensitive; moving and contemplative. We will treasure their rendition of Paul’s Promised Land; a poignant and tender composition with an underlying rhythm reflecting the footsteps of migrants trudging across Europe in search of safety only to be met by guards and fortifications. These incredibly talented musicians displayed their love of traditional music and appreciation of jazz and classical genres in an exuberant evening filled with joy and banter.

Great floor spots from Dave Tricker, Matthew Robertson, Keith & Mary-Jane Tyrrell, Anne & Ian Clarke (In Tandem), and Colin & Karen Cater with John & Sue Cubbin (Mr Walsh’s Wonders). Thank you to all our performers, and our entertaining MC, Charlie Haylock, too.

Our wonderful audience battled their way through yet more ridiculous local roadworks and appalling weather, and we very much appreciate all your support. Hannah, in particular, was in awe of your chorus singing, describing The Grey Funnel Line as ‘THE MOST incredible experience … like having a full rehearsed choir there’. We’re looking forward to seeing and hearing you again next time, when Steve Turner is our guest on Friday 27 February 2026.