1965: Folk Clubs appearances (continued)

Taken form Mudcat.org here are some other memories of Paul Simon playing in folk clubs in the UK during 1964/1965:

Dave – NOT Jack , but Dick Frost who is still in good voice despite being even older than ME !
The Folk Chamber was in an old half timbered pub (Coach and Horses) when I joined . That was demolished and the and for club moved around a lot . When I left the RAF in 1972 the club was in Nags Head for the second time, and I was invited onto The Committee.
It was the first period at the Nags when Paul Simon did a floor spot and would have done a booking but the club wouldnt raise their offer.
Didnt you go to Amersham more than Wycombe Dave ? I DO remember a Dave Hill who played a bit of Washboard on occasions.

In my dotage am I imagining it but did I used to go to a folk club in RAOB rooms above a pub on London Rd/Wycombe Marsh in the early 60’s? Did I pay 2/6d to see Paul Simon, did we have a “Philarmonias Jug Band” with members from the USAF High Wycombe? They sang/played “Ukelele Lady” I seem to remember. the only name I remeber is “Jack” Frost. Did we have all night bashes after the films had finshed at Beaconsfield Cinema? Did we have Dis Disley? Noone will remeber me, I was very modest, had a lot to be modest about!

Much enjoyed The Leesiders Club – Sunday Night in Birkenhead. Missed The Watersons and I think Paul Simon but much enjoyed Leon Rosselson and Pete Stanley & Brian Golbey/Wizz Jones amongst many others.

Saw Paul Simon in The Packhorse (or The Bridge) on Bridge Street in Manchester. An American girl was with him that night, she wore a beret, polo neck sweater, a full skirt and a pair of boots. She sang songs like “Mr Frog would a courtin’ ride” and the like. She was excellent, I can’t remember her name, would love to know who she was. There was only a handful of us in the room that night.
Also saw Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup at one of the blues night’s at MSG and Stephan Grossman in the folk club upstairs.

I remember seeing Derroll Adams at the Lyon’s Den Folk Club in Stevenage in the early 60’s. He was a great mate of Derek Brimstone’s. I also saw Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, Tom Paxton, Paul Simon, Bill Clifton,(with the Echo Mountain Boys) and Rick Norcross(Canadian but close enough?)

For what it’s worth, here is my contribution. Friday was my night to go to Bunjies, because I had my wage packet in my back pocket. I worked nearby and was already strumming and singing folk songs. My first night coincided with Al Stewarts first gig as resident, which he shared with Peter Bellamy. Al’s first song was “Pretty Golden Hair”
and his guitar playing was excellent. Peter sang his Norfolk inspired songs, I loved his “German Musicianer Ballad.(all full of double meaning lyrics!) Peter also strummed an old guitar back then, played concertina and tin whistle. Meg came in to sing when the cinema queues had disappeared, Theo Johnson sang. Mox on harmonica. Sandy Denny, Shirley Abacaire, Noel Murphy with his Irish Ballads.`Jackson Frank singing “You never wanted me babe” and many other self penned songs. (He was brilliant!) Gordon Giltrap guitar wizard,Lovely songs from Doris Henderson. Hratch who first began by singing “Deportees”
Al took a room in Lyall Street, Soho for 5 pounds a week, and we used to go back there for coffee and he’d try out new songs.
Paul Simon arrived unexpectedly one friday night (Summer 65) and sang nearly all the songs from (Paul Simon Songbook) his first solo folk album)He was playing a fine Guild guitar and at the last song he called out to Art Garfunkle, who was standing at the back wearing a long cream raincoat…”Hey Art…Come a sing this with me”…And they both sang together, “Sounds of Silence!” That was a very special Magic night. Afterwards, we sat in the coffee bar section and Lou served up coffee…and paul Simon told us what his favourite book was. (Ulysses by James Joyce) Many magic memories come back to me of those friday nights between Early 65 ’till about 69. So many fine singers,and friendships made. (I’m still strumming at 66yrs.Check out utube) Best Wishes to all you Bunjies fans from Cliff Wedgbury.(Cork, Ireland)

I used to work behind the bar in the pub near the Town Hall run by one Joe Hartles This pub also used to run a folk club where Paul Simon appeared before penning his famous song on Widnes station in 1965 I think

Robin Gray and I used to run the folk club in the early 70`s in “The Green Man” at the top of Blackheath Hill. I`ve still got the poster for the Paul Simon night. The place closed during that decade and some poncy flats are now on the site. I hope they didn`t blame us!

– if you have more please keep it coming –