Phoenix FM

PhoenixFM is a local community radio station that covers the Brentwood and Billericy areas. Whilst they are on the Internet the whole time, they also broadcast what's on the air to the rest of the world. If you live in the area you can hear them on 98FM.

Yours truly, Dave, has his own show on PhoenxFM playing progressive rock. Not quite folk, but still great stuff.

Horndon Live 2005

This will be the second Horndon Live to take place, following on from last year's success. With loads of live music, it is set to be another great event.

The Sail Loft is proud to associated with it.

Essex Folk News

EFN is a "not for profit" magazine about folk / roots music and the traditional arts in the Essex and East London area. The magazine is published quarterly by the Essex Folk Association and is produced by an independent voluntary team. The link here will take you to the events and clubs guide within EFN.

seriouskitchen

have been carving out a unique musical direction since 1995 with hundreds of appearances in pubs, folk clubs and festivals across the UK. With the release of the latest album, tig, seriouskitchen invite you to a feast of music cooked up their way. They also put on a great show at the Sail Loft so, if they're on, don't miss them!

Roy Mette

Roy takes time and care with his compositions and those who have seen him live will testify to the intensity of his performances and the way in which he holds an audience in his grasp. Roy is never happier than when 'making a racket' for the discerning lug 'ole. He invests each song with feeling and depth, telling stories through his music - think 'acoustic' rather than 'folk' (although having said that there are some songs…). Every time he plays at the Sail Loft it may be an acoustic set but the whole place is electric!

Bridget Metcalfe

After moving to London from where she was born in the north east of England, Bridget Metcalfe has become a successful singer songwriter. Her song writing crosses many different styles and Bridget is an artist who always seems to bring an element of surprise every time she reveals her next move. From several consecutive nights of her own sell-out concerts at top venues in London, to recent Productions at London Theatres which featured her music as an integral part of the drama, no one has been able to ignore the creativity of this inspired singer songwriter. When Bridget sings at the Sail Loft the whole pub stops and listens.

Mark Cunningham

Through his experience as a studio musician in the 1980s, Mark Cunningham became a producer for many recording projects by a diverse range of artists. Over the years, he has also composed and produced commercials, radio jingles and soundtracks for corporate AV presentations. Mark has worked in various ways with musicians and artists including Gordon Giltrap, Steve Marriott, Mari Wilson, Carol Kaye, 10CC, Lindisfarne, Bronski Beat, The Maisonettes, Expressos, Billy Ocean and Suzi Quatro. Bass samples recorded by him at Battery Studios in the early '80s were also used by a number of hit producers. In fact, one of those bass samples was used as the pumping E bass pulse on Frankie’s Relax (the 2nd biggest selling hit of the 1980s after Band Aid!).A regular at the Sail Loft, Mark adds wit and ability to all his performances. He is also currently working on three TV music documentaries/DVDs, one of which will celebrate Pink Floyd’s 40th anniversary as a recording band in 2007.

In case you're interested, Mark says that there are some dusty old audio tracks from The Tall Tailor (1984), Organization (1982, featuring Pete Belsham), The Marshmen and Cunningham/Hobbs (The Marsh Suite!!!) are now available to hear at www.markcunningham.net [I've been and listened - great stuff, Mark. Dave]

HOBGOBLIN MUSIC

Now in their 28th year, Hobgoblin Music is a family business run by Pete and Mannie McClelland which promotes the playing of traditional music from the British Isles. All their team are actively involved in performing folk music. The link we have put here will take you to the Hobgoblin Music Online Shop, offering around 2000 Traditional, Folk and Celtic Music items, with full colour illustrations of many instruments. As Phil and Dave from the Sail Loft have found them to be a great help in the past we thought you'd like to know about them as well.

Bob Woodley

Bob is an old friend of the Sail Loft and goes back probably more years then he will admit to in company when sober. An accomplished melodeon player and guitarist, Bob's off-the-rail humour and skill has earned him many friends and admirers over the years. His party trick of picking up and dropping a pound coin into a pint pot using only his buttocks, whilst playing the Banks of the Seine on melodeon, enthralled the whole Sail Loft audience - nice one Bob. Kathy says you can keep the pound coin you borrowed as long as you take her through the last part of the Banks of the Seine ...

To find out what he's doing as he's off sailing around the States, click on the picture of Bob to visit his site.

Chris Wylde

Chris joined the British jazz-rock band Take5 as their keyboard player. Demo sessions they recorded were enough to get them on the road supporting a host of small and not so small household names from the British pop charts. From Georgie Fame through to The Cool Notes and Level 42, Take5 allowed Wylde to get a feel for the professional and business side of music. During this time Chris also spent time helping out at Nemo Studios, which was the private studio of the Oscar winning composer Vangelis, who remains to this day one of Wylde's major influences. Every time Chris appears at the Sail Loft his extravagant and unique talent can be wonderfully heard.

Adrian Nation

Anyone who has seen Adrian Nation perform live will know why an ever increasing following just keeps coming back for more! Adrian is rapidly establishing a reputation for himself as a talented acoustic guitarist and singer songwriter. A magnetic quality, both in the man and in his songs, sincere melodies, insightful lyrics and an intricate playing style, have a universal appeal that transcends musical tastes and genres.

Adrian has held the rapt attention of the Sail Loft audience on more than one occasion, and no doubt will do so again. And, we have just learned, he's been signed up for a recording deal. Nice one, Adrian!

Click the picture to visit his website.

Southend Irish Association

The Southend Irish Association has been in existence for almost 50 years and was born out of a need by the Irish community in Southend to meet regularly in an atmosphere of common interest bonded by a common Irish heritage. With them came their culture and their love of Irish music, song and dance.

So, it's no suprise that we've jigged the night away to them at the Sail Loft!!

Drumming Up Hope 2

Following the success of the first Drumming Up Hope fund raising concert in May 2004, they have decided to repeat the event on an annual basis. This year's Drumming Up Hope has been increased to TWO nights with artists playing longer sets. Some BIG surprises will also be in store, such as the addition of a second stage for an acoustic set! The Sail Loft has been asked to run this stage and considers it an honour to do so. Keep checking their website for regular updates.

Kundalini Drive

Ian's style of playing in R'n'B bands all over England and Europe - supporting artists like Dr Feelgood, Status Quo and Albert Lee - coupled with Sheena's moving lyrics and vocals; make Kundalini Drive a unique act.

Over the last couple of years they have been building a following through playing local pubs and clubs on a regular basis. Hearing them play at the Sail Loft it's no wonder that they're so popular.

Creative Rehearsal Studios and Teaching Academy

Any musician will tell you that rehearsing is one of the key elements in helping to perfect their performance. But what do you do if there's a group of you and you need to rehearse? Keep the other members of the house awake while you practice? Annoy the neighbours as you run through that twiddly bit for the twentieth time? Luckily, that's where these guys can save the day.

Not only do they provide a place to rehearse, they also provide tuition to really hone those skills. In fact, when Dean and Mike come down to the Sail Loft and play for us, they certainly show us how it should be done! Great stuff.