The Committee
Ginger, Joh, Tiffany, Andy and (guest) Craig opened with Joan Baez's "Joe Hill", moving into the 60's with a song written by South Africa's own David Marks "Shiny shiny fairy gold"  that brought back memories of the Durban Persian Room in the heyday of an era sadly gone by. The stunning voice of the barefoot songstress – Tiffany – and Andy's mandolin, bubbled into Clapton's "Lay down Sally" and was a fitting start for the flavours to follow.

David Marks (3rd ear music) needs no introduction, and it was a privilege to have him share his talents in that unique 'talking' sing-song voice of his. His first song was taken from 45 years ago and was happy and carefree, flowing into Bob Dylan's "Don't think twice". This humble, Kris Kristofferson look-alike, with his crisp guitar play and unassuming manner, gave us his river song – written whilst homesick in Boston (1969) and rhythmically kept time with his boot thumping softly on the wooden stage. His ‘Rolling in our rocking chairs' intimates that he could be doing just that in his golden years.  He has oodles of charm, and buckets of knowledge, and we cannot wait for his music archiving book ‘The Hidden Years' to enrich our minds. Find out more on www.3rdearmusic.com.

Sporting a cheeky cap and acoustic guitar, the folk, blues, country rock Shannon Connolly took the stage, accompanied by her sister Siobhan (Shevvy) on vocals and tambourine.  Shannon (thanks to her dad) cut her teeth on the likes of Crosby Stills Nash + Young and their influence is evident in her songs.  They did a fine rendition of Cat Stevens "Where do the children play" and it was warmly received. Her sultry voice suited the Muddy Water's blues number, and with easy guitar work, she introduced us to her refreshingly different "Cheesy Song". Her strong voice inches in and out of range, and together they make really cool music.  My favourite was "The Fat Song" – lyrically clever and well delivered, and Bob Dylan's "It ain't me babe" was smooth and femininely fresh. Shannon has an endearingly shy way about her, glancing up towards her peak cap with smiling eyes and confident presence.  She is a very talented young lady with sincere songs that you can enjoy on her "Little Seed" cd and catch up on all her happenings on: facebook/www.myspace.com/shannysingstheblues or www.shannonconnollymusic.com. Nov 11 sees her at Vagabond Café in Salt Rock – well worth a visit!

Next up was Dennis Bronner on bass, Jeff Salt on drums and the Willie Nelson look-alike Peter Misselbrook on guitar. They are an energetic trio who deliver upbeat, flirty jazz/folk/rock and have fun. Their "Georgia on my mind" (official state song of Georgia written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael + Stuart Gorrell but formally introduced to country by Willie Nelson in 1978) was extremely well done, with Peter proving his vocal versatility. Drummers have not been part of the acoustic set on Northway Showcase, and Jeff was professionally aware of the small stage and subtly held his own without drowning out the others. They contemporised into Simply Red's "Stars" and although keeping true to the melody, they somehow make it their own and wowed us with it. The Deep South came to Northway with the story of Big Joe McKinney ‘St James Infirmary' (Louis Armstrong) and the Big Bill Brinsby number got fingers snapping and feet tapping with the bass  strong and true, a more elegant bass player I have yet to see!  They wrapped up their set with a Clapton number, quick, fluid and an instant crowd pleaser.  

Mim Erasmus
I am pretty sure most people know of this gentle, Sussex-born First Lady of Folk. Picture happy, gentle swaying trees sighing on the banks of a clear brook, water giggling with a sense of humour and you have the essence of Mim. She handles her guitar like a baby and it is masterful in her hands. She was so pleased to be with us this evening, making us all feel very special, and it sparkled through her dancing eyes that lit up the room. With crystal voice she sang a medieval song with deep dimples endearing her to all.  She has the uncanny ability to teach you her song without you realising it.  With flowing hair and floor length layered skirt, she took us to a garden in Sussex that she shared many happy times with her grandfather, and with amazingly accurate finger picking she gave us ‘The Carter' song written in 1912. It has many verses and she effortlessly sings them without looking at any music – a true professional in every way.

Her favourite singer/songwriter is John Martyn, who sadly passed away at the beginning of this year, and she soulfully sang his "Fairytale Lullaby" with even toned vocals and intricate guitar work.

She left the stage and bounced right back with her autoharp, accompanied by Craig Martens on vocals, and into the wonderfully soothing old time country music farewell song by Doc and Rosa Watson "Your long journey". I have recently had the pleasure of getting to know this song on the Raising Sand album (Robert Plant and Alison Krauss) and it was exquisitely done by Craig and Mim.  The unusual echo of the autoharp suited her and Craig's harmonies. Next was the claw-hammer strumming style of Mabel Carter's ‘Wildwood flower' and Mim had us chuckling at the American twang and off-key yodel-like vocals that Carter was famous for.

The 19th Century washboard song "Dashing away with a smoothing iron" went down well with most of the audience singing along and Mim A Capello, finger clicking and foot taping. A song that blossomed on the back of a bike whilst on a journey hard on the cheeks was her new song "Van Reenen" lovely, easy sing-a-long song.
                                                          ...."There let me lie with my face to the sky"....

She rounded off this special evening with a song written in her back garden called "I'm just sitting here sitting". It was sad to clap our last clap and say goodbye to such a gentle, beautiful lady who guides life's realities effortlessly into song. She has a new album to look out for collaborated with David Etheridge. Keep your eyes peeled.

For all the talent and years of experience shared on this magical evening, you would expect a diva-like attitude from these musicians. But it was not the case. They are unaffected and a precious credit to folk/rock music. Thank you for an inspiring evening.

For the next Northway Showcase Dec 2nd at Crusaders Durban North, contact Joh on 0823309652.
 
You can be assured of an extremely entertaining evening with perfect sound, lighting and warm atmosphere. Car-guarded parking, pub grub and reasonably priced frosties – what is stopping you? Get there, bring your friends and spread the aroma!