Sunday 11 September I went to see Roy Bailey at the Green Note in Camden. This was a suggestion of friends in London. I was not familiar with Roy's music, but have since learned that he is a legendary folk singer; a kind of English equivalent to Pete Seeger no less. A protest singer, a socialist, half of an award-winning duo with the late Tony Benn and an academic. And all I knew was that he was Martin Simpson's father-in-law, although I am now sure Martin would say that the other way around.
The Green Note is a lovely venue. It is so small that you can see well from anywhere inside. The place filled up early with a dedicated listening audience. I drank organic draught beer; surprisingly good. I was in London on my way back from the Netherlands, where I am from but which long ago stopped feeling like home. I had a very happy night in the Green Note, sitting in this dark, atmospheric café among like-minded music fans. Audience participation was very much encouraged, as Roy said he wanted the show to be a communal experience, rather than just him doing his thing and us listening.
Roy is 80 years of age and walks with a stick. His voice is strong though and this was not a short gig either. Roy was accompanied by Marc Block, whom he credited with enabling him to continue to do gigs, as Marc drives him around. Marc contributed guitar, harmonica, bodhrán and vocals. They were also joined by Ian Brown, who added guitar and vocals to the songs he knew, and stayed out of the ones he didn't. I liked this, as guests outstaying their welcome can sometimes mar a gig.
Highlight for me was a song called 'Everything possible', written by Fred Small, an American songwriter. The song had a lovely message, as had Sunday's show in general. Roy very much came across as a man with his heart in the right place. He is not a songwriter but a collector of songs, and a well-travelled one. Storytelling and anecdotes were an important part of the gig.
Roy has only recently released his first ever live CD 'Live at Towersey 2015', featuring the aforementioned Marc and Ian, as well as Martin Simpson and Andy Cutting.
Helen.
