Last night I made my first visit to Oxford Folk Club. Pete Ward took his guitar and large repertoire of folk tunes while I took my Stagg electric upright and a small amp to back him up. There were lots of performers so each act was given two songs but, along with the warm welcome, we had the privilege of being invited back up to close the night as well.
We did some rehearsal earlier in the week but my experience of busking stood me in good measure. The first three songs we performed, we had practised before, which gave me a head start on figuring out how to approach them but the fourth was new. That gives a health balance though; careful preparation is invaluable but I thrive on the opportunity to improvise as well, turning even familiar songs into something fitted to the occasion.
When will be the next outing for this due (tentatively named “Peter and the Wulf”!)? Possibly this Thursday at the Catweazle Club and definitely on Sunday 5 July at the festival taking place in South Park. I’ll try to get details up on here in time for any locals who fancy coming along.
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