The duo from Northern Ireland Fil Campbell & Tom McFarland fill the guest spot at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 25th November. Fil is a singer and songwriter, her husband Tom is a very fine percussionist and both are well known and respected musicians on the folk circuit.
They have just released a new CD. It’s called Back There and it has 11 tracks. The album was produced by husband Tom in his Ballyneddan Studio.
Fil & Tom’s links with Irvine Folk Club go back to Redburn Hotel days. For those who have not heard them, prepare for a wide range of material from blues, folk and country to contemporary as well as self-penned compositions. Fil was born in Belleek. She does not have the classic modern female ‘folk’ voice. It is much softer and less hard-edged. She has been involved in the music industry one way or another all her life. As a music promoter and publicist in her early days, Fil was the first promoter to book U2 in the North of Ireland!
Belfast born Tom is a very talented multi-instrumentalist, backing vocalist and supplies sensitive accompaniment. His interest in percussion stretches to instruments from all over the world and his instruments include bodhran, congas, bongos and the African djembe. If something can be hit or shaken then Tom can play it! He is also a studio recording engineer, video editor and he does voice-overs. Both Fil & Tom are also involved with teaching music.
Be prepared to be entertained by the easy on the ear Fil Campbell & Tom McFarland at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 25th November with some understated and subtle arrangements plus sensitive vocals. The Club meets in Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road, starts at 8pm and it’s BYOB.
And finally, Hands up for Trad – the 13th MF ALBA Scots Traditional Music Awards take place on 5th December in Dundee’s Caird Hall and Irvine Folk Club has been nominated in the Folk Club of the Year category. The Irvine Club is approaching its 50th anniversary and this is the first time that it has been nominated for national recognition. On 5th December there will be the Awards and a Gala Concert and a contingent from Irvine Folk Club will be there. The Award is decided by public vote online and you can add your vote by going to www.irvinfolkclub.ord.uk/voting
This is the last day for voting so if you haven’t already done so please cast your vote today!!!