Support: Ken Cross
Support: Mike Hughes

A great night at the Comrades – our guests were the three and only Pegleg Ferret – Benny, Keith and Geoff, with their amazing voices, and even more amazing harmonies. Several regulars missing, but this was made up for by quite a few first time visitors. We hope we see them again.

Ken, started the night off well with 'Ramblin Boy', followed by 'Glencoe', and got the room going well with the choruses.

Then an unexpected guest, Mike (a friend of Benny) gave us a great performance on the jew’s harp – starting with a combined song and instrumental, 'My Uncle Bill', followed by a set of Northumbrian tunes: 'Lady’s Well', 'Snowy Monday', and 'Something Else' (yes, that’s the name of the tune!). An amazing performance!

The other Mike (that’s me) sang a couple of chorus songs – 'Hard Times' followed by Pete Coe’s 'Recruiting Sergeant', but without the Appalachian clog dancing. They went down very well, so I’m told (can’t say it myself, can I?).

Next came the guests’ first set, beginning with 'Hair Turned Grey'. As ever, mostly a combination of regional songs and maritime themes – 'Just One Spark', 'The Hexhamshire Lass' and 'The Bus To Morpeth'. From the sea tradition came 'Old Admirals' and 'The Battle of Boulogne', our not so proud moment in sea history!

These folks continue to amaze – not least by their singing range. Just when you think you know what they’re doing, they swap around – Benny, who claims not to be able to sing low, drops down to the bottom, Geoff varies from baritone to tenor, and Keith moves upward from tenor virtually to counter-tenor. A great first half!

Ken led off the second half with Dylan’s 'Don’t Think Twice' and 'Dublin In The Rare Old Times'. The second one especially had the whole room going well. Still in Ireland, Mike gave us 'The Troubles Of Erin', and ended with Jez Lowe’s 'Big Meeting Day'. (Everybody did 'let their hair down' to sing along!)

Pegleg Ferret gave a strong start to their second set with Alex Glasgow’s 'All In A Day' – their harmonies on this one are amazing and strong. This was followed by Dave Mountford’s 'Big Hewer', and Eddie Pickford’s 'What A Strange Lover Is A Coal Mine'. Next they gave us 'Open The Door Softly', and they’re still arguing over who wrote it, but perhaps it was Archie Fisher. Back to the pit theme for Jim Garland’s 'Harry Simms', and then a complete change of focus with Flanders and Swann’s 'Rockall'. I should say that each of these is peppered with anecdotes, explanations, and jokes – well-told and taking everyone along with them.

Another change of focus with the Kate and Anna McGarrigle song 'Only Love' – a powerful performance. They ended the set with their 'Catch' – I’ve heard it many times, and still can’t keep track of who’s doing what and when and at what speed.

For an encore they gave us 'Down In The Valley To Pray'. As ever, the night ended too soon. We hope to see them again before too long. Thanks to them, to Ken, Mike (x 2), and Dave on the desk.