The Most Ugly Child - Photo by Ralph Barklam
The ‘Bagthorpe Delta’ as it is affectionately known, has become the inspiration for a host of local musicians who draw upon the rich tapestry of folklore that exists within the region. A veritable hub of activity has grown up around the eighteenth century traditional pub, the Dixies Arms run by purveyors of fine ale and music supporters Tony & Vicky. So much so, that some folk have labeled this hidden valley the ‘New Nashville’.
Local troubadours mix with musicians from far and wide to attend the legendary Dixies Open Mic. That and the Spontaneous Acoustic Sundays loosely assembled by the ‘Bagthorpe Cowshed Collective‘, have spawned a musical community that is buzzing with the sound of folk, Americana, skiffle and country music, played to a back beat of a magical babbling brook.
A host of acts have emerged from this musical community, from solo artists and duos to bands who have been making a mark both locally, Nationally and Internationally. Big hitters on the Country Music scene The Most Ugly Child have just been confirmed for Belgium’s Muddy Roots Festival and go from strength to strength in their song writing and live performances.
Solo artist Luke Whittemore has just been signed to American Label Gold Ship Records (Tennessee) and harmony trio Flint ‘More & Byrne (who incidentally incorporate Luke’s Father Mick Whittemore, into their lineup) are constantly in demand for their sublime live performances. Luke incidentally play a Flint guitar, designed and hand crafted in the Bagthorpe Delta.
The appropriately named DH Lawrence & The Vaudeville Skiffle Show have just released their second album, Son & Lovers, of gritty Americana and folk to critical acclaim and have a host of summer gigs and festivals coming up.
That’s not to mention regular visitors to the delta such as the King of Rome (named after a local racing pigeon), original jazz cats – Cats Charis, dark folksters – Hagg Farm Conspiracy, Country singer and all round entertainer – Cowboy Steve Chase and folk journeyman legend – Andy ‘Pink’ White, to name but a few.
Many of these artists act as the musical storytellers of our time. Writing and performing songs that incorporate local folk-lore - tales of DH Lawrence country, ghosts, moonshine stills, fairs, coal mines, brook baptisms, lovers and sinners. You name it and they’ve probably written or sung about it.
Simone Felice outside the Dixies Arms.
photo: Alan J Taylor
News of this musical revolution has spread far and wide. It seems that Catskill Mountains (New York) based writer and Americana artist Simone Felice (formerly of the Felice Brothers) was recently photographed outside the Dixies Arms after a stroll in the valley during a tour break. Indeed, Felice apparently suggested that Lower Bagthorpe was the ideal place to recuperate during his hectic schedule and that he could literally ‘feel the soul of the place’.
USA troubadour Jesse Terry from the coastal village of Stonington, Connecticut, is a regular visitor and sampler of fine ales. Nationally acclaimed UK folk singer Matt Boulter of The Lucky Strikes is no stranger to the area – The ‘Strikes will headline at the forthcoming Beauvale Priory Beer Festival – Folk In The Barn (Sunday 29 May). It’s not just folk n’ Americana either, Alderney born bluesman Robert J Hunter recently paid a flying visit to the shores of the sacred brook, as well as protest singer Quiet Loner AKA Matt Hill.
The monthly Dixies Acoustic Music (DAM) open mic (last Thursday in the month) hosted by Andy ‘Pink’ White and held at the Dixies Arms pub has been always been a reference point for the good folk of NG16’s ‘new Nashville’. It’s the sort of place where you can soak up the moonshine … and the spirit of song writing camaraderie. It’s a lot of fun and well worth a visit to the hidden valley.
Those who wish to hear the very best in Country, Alt-Country, Folk n’ Americana music, should tune in to Random Country Radio Show, hosted by the venerable Lucas Jackson (he’s the one with the hat). You’ll find many of these artists already on Roots Acoustic Evening Radio and as word gets out there’ll be more to come … it’s catching folks, watch this space, Notts is buzzing!
Matt Boulter & the Lucky Strikes appear at the Beauvale Priory Beer Festival (Folk In The Barn) 29 May 2016, full lineup TBA.
Beauvale Priory website
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