Up The Junction (Part One)

Unusually for us, we were out late on a school night this week.  Tuesday, after work, saw us heading back to Barton.


From a previous blog, you'll see that last month we were in a foggy Barton on Humber for a long weekend, to visit Far Ings and Waters Edge.  We also went to Ropery Hall to see The Wiyos.  I came across the venue and the band by sheer chance, the sort of happy circumstance that encourages you to take more risks.


Just before Christmas I was channel surfing between programs, as you do.  Something with Seasick Steve sat at the side of a stage caught my eye and I stopped to watch.  The band that played next were in a category of their own.  Part blues, part country, part 30's vaudeville, wholely enjoyable.  Searching for them on Google, I found The Wiyos were playing in Barton.  We went, we liked.  Give them a listen.


Ropery Hall also suited us.  Part of the long, long Ropewalk building next to Waters Edge Visitor Centre, it's like a youth club for the over forties.  Run by an enthusiastic couple, the atmosphere is comfortable, friendly, intimate.  The sound excellent, the performers in touch with the audience and with a packed crowd of about 150 you get wrapped up in the music.  They even serve coffee, tea, beer and wine to be drunk whilst the band plays.  In your seats.  The alcohol is in real glasses.  They treat you like an adult!!!


We liked it so much we immediately booked to go back.  So on Tuesday, as I said, we were out late, seeing one of my heroes - Glenn Tilbrook.  Sounding even better than he does on record, Glenn sung all the Squeeze hits, lots of his solo stuff and some of the latest songs he's done with the Fluffers.  First half was just him and a guitar.  And can he play!  Second half he was joined by the Fluffers drummer, Simon Hanson.  If you get a chance, go see.


The only down side was that we didn't get home until nearly one.  We get up at six for work.  So Wednesday was murder.  But worth it.


As long as the weather holds, its Up The Junction (Part Two) tomorrow.