The celebrated ’60s folk/blues revolution is an era that still lingers in our collective memory, an epoch where legends like John Renbourn created a whole new style of guitar playing that became known as ‘blues baroque’.
Dave Bull, a profound devotee and collaborator, is set to honour this legacy with a recital-cum-workshop at Ventnor Fringe Festival that serves as an intriguing narration of Renbourn’s impactful influence during this period.
An unexpected call for collaboration
The genesis of this captivating event lies in a rather unexpected phone conversation with the legendary John Renbourn. Dave recounts the palpable agitation in John’s voice, his characteristically tongue-in-cheek humour tinging with an uncharacteristic hint of genuine concern.
“Dave y’gotta help me, man. That lecture I told you I was doing in the States which I said was money for old rope is next week and I’ve just discovered everybody who is anybody is going to be there. Chet Atkins will be in the front row for Christ’s sake.”
The request was centred around a lecture focusing on how the British fingerpicking guitar style emerged during the ’60s folk/blues boom – a lecture to be attended by the who’s who of the industry. A task daunting enough to rattle even the stoic Renbourn.
Eureka moment: Rediscovering the lost art
The ensuing brainstorming session led to a flash of inspiration. A conversation from a Derby folk club floated to the surface, where someone had asked Dave after a Big Bill Broonzy song if anyone could ever replicate the ‘Guitar Shuffle’ live again. Dave had then thought it was a lost art. Yet, a mere six months later, he was playing it.
Upon hearing this, John whooped with glee, the excitement palpable even over the phone. This crucial conversation marked the advent of this upcoming recital/workshop. As the story goes, this conversation marked the loss of Dave’s cherished Hollerin’ Big Bill Broonzy EP, sacrificed in the name of sharing the revered technique.
The impact of John Renbourn: An undeniable reality
The answer to John’s original question, ‘what happened?’ to many, was simply that John Renbourn happened. A phenomenon that touched numerous lives, the impact of his guitar workshops, his unique technique and, of course, his songs, can be felt even today.
This event, in essence, is a tribute to the man, to his craft, and to the memories Dave Bull shared with him over the course of nearly five decades.
The show must go on: A tribute like no other
Conducted in the style of one of Renbourn’s guitar workshops, this event promises to be an immersive dive into the era. Expect songs and tunes from John’s first two albums, punctuated with humorous and touching anecdotes from their shared times.
The audience is invited to participate in the conversation – anecdotes, questions, all are welcome. While Dave may not have all the answers to complex theoretical queries, he is more than equipped to demonstrate some of Renbourn’s techniques and share handy hints from the workshop sessions.
Additionally, attendees can look forward to a couple of John’s favourite songs of Dave’s, taken from hit musical comedy reviews he performed at festivals from Edinburgh to Adelaide. These are the same songs Dave would play when opening for John on tour.
Where and when
Remembering John Renbourn takes place at Ventnor Arts Club on 25th and 26th July 2023 at 9.30pm.
Tickets are priced at £10 each, £5 for Under 25s , Children are free, and 2for1 for Culture / Unlimited Pass holders (Thursday only).
Book via the Ventnor Exchange Box Office, by calling (01983) 716767 or by popping into Ventnor Exchange, 11 Church Street, Ventnor PO38 1SW.
Our thanks to Dave Bull for sponsoring for this feature. They and other businesses and organisations taking paid promotion enables you to continue reading OnTheWight for free.
