Review - Paul Downes
31/05/24

A joyful and uplifting evening enjoying the incredible musical talents of our guest, Paul Downes, at the Everyman Folk Club last night. Paul has been a frequent performer at the club – visiting previously with Maggie Boyle, Mick Ryan, and Crows - and we all welcomed the opportunity to hear this consummately skilled craftsman perform solo.

Paul gave us an impressive selection of songs and tunes in a variety of styles, telling serious and frivolous stories in a perfect balance of traditional, contemporary, and self-penned songs. His strong, rich voice was never overshadowed by his dazzling and impeccable accompaniments on both guitar and banjo, and his atmospheric arrangements of tunes were stunningly beautiful and meticulous. The pairing of Paul’s own tune, The Streams of Bawdeen, with 17th century Irish tune, Tabhair dom do Lámh was inspired – and his rendition of Cyril Tawny’s The Oggie Man was exceptional. Each song was introduced with a combination of wisdom and wit, and Paul’s sense of fun led to an immediate rapport with everyone in the room.

Great floors spots from Steve Danby (our MC for the evening), Ruth Gitsham (first time performing), Terence Blacker, Sammy Holland, Philip Lyons, and Bill Johnston & Sheila Darling, with the inclusion of some wonderful self-penned songs and poems. Bravi!

So ends another terrific season at the club and, as ever, we wish to give sincere thanks to all our amazing Members for incredible support, awesome chorus singing, superb floor spots, and overwhelming enthusiasm. We hope everyone has a glorious Summer, and we look forward to seeing you again on Friday 27 September 2024 when we’re delighted to welcome Dan Walsh to the Everyman.