Folk club favourites

Club spokesman Kerry Manning said: “Mick Ryan is well known on the folk scene as a fine singer of traditional and original songs.

“Having written both comic and serious material for the very popular band Crows in the 1980s, he has since written for radio and a series of highly-successful folk musicals: A Tollpuddle Man; A Day’s Work; The Voyage; Tanks for the Memory and, recently, The Navvy’s Wife.

“In this new duo Mick is joined by the consummately-skilled and expressive Paul Downes. Paul has a sensitive, yet fun approach to live performances which puts him among the most respected artists on the British acoustic music scene today. He has been introduced (to his embarrassment) as one of the greatest acoustic guitarists in the world.

“It is easy to see why when you see the dazzling array of styles he performs with effortless brilliance, but, at the same time, considers himself a singer of songs rather than a guitar technician. Paul has a rich musical background that has progressed through working with Phil Beer, The Arizona Smoke Revue, Pete Seeger and, currently, The Joyce Gang.

“Nine albums with bands, four highly-acclaimed solo albums and over two hundred session credits have still left time for Paul to tour every concert venue, theatre and festival in Britain (including two appearances at the Royal Albert Hall with Show of Hands); plus many tours in the USA and Europe. Together, then, Mick and Paul provide singing, music and entertainment of the very highest quality.

“Both gents are great favourites at the club and we really look forward to hearing them again.”

Venue is the Skittle Alley of The Four Chesnuts, 234 Oving Road, Chichester. The evening starts at 8.30pm. Club members £2, non-members £4. For more details, see the folk club webpages at www.chifolksongclub.co.uk.