PETE DAVIES + HARRY GALLAGHER + ALISTAIR RUSSELL

Of course, Pete Davies needs no introduction to Toft House regulars or anyone on the local folk season. However, I will let him introduce this gig in his own words.

“When Leigh asked me if I would like to do a night at Toft House entitled, “An Evening with Pete Davies and Special Guests”, giving me carte blanche on who I could choose, I jumped at the chance. Having been performing for over 50 years I wanted one of the guests to be someone who I’ve known and respected from way back in the 70s. Alistair Russell and I first met in 1972/73 when we were both students in Bradford. Our paths have crossed frequently since then with Alistair performing solo or with other musicians – most notably, The Battlefield Band.

My other guest is poet extraordinary, and occasional gig partner, Harry Gallagher – no stranger to Toft House. Harry will be performing thought provoking material, on a range of topics, from his vast repertoire.

I’m genuinely excited to be able to share a stage with such exceptional talents. Check out more about Alistair and Harry.

Alistair Russell

Alistair Russell is a singer and acoustic guitarist from North-East England of Scottish parentage - his formative years in music were spent in the thriving Stockton and Middlesbrough folk club scene. For over 50 years he has been playing chiefly Scottish and Irish music and his own songs, including 13 years of world touring with Scotland's legendary Battlefield Band - a band whose last live performance in Teesside was, coincidentally, at Middlesbrough Little Theatre over 30 years ago!

He takes a simple and direct approach to his material - if it doesn’t strike a chord within him emotionally, politically or humorously, how can it come across to an audience? Expect to hear songs about real people, sometimes traditional and folky, sometimes energetic and rocky, sometimes unashamedly sentimental, sometimes his own compositions and sometimes from uncool but undeniably populist writers, all done with an upfront yet relaxed delivery. With 18 album and video/DVD releases, his career includes performance, live sound, recording, and management. His humorous autobiography recently sold very well indeed.

Harry Gallagher

"Harry Gallagher has performed the length and breadth of the UK. He has written for the BBC and the Stockton & Darlington Railway 200 Project among others and is a poetry editor for a UK national newspaper. He's been endorsed by John Hegley ("There are gems here"), Henry Normal ("Dry Northern wit") and the Northern Poetry Library ("a filthy Trot!").

Pete Davies

"Pete Davies is a great singer-songwriter!” The late, great, Vin Garbutt, Teesside Troubadour

Long Way Home “……..disguises the iron fist of its messages in a velvet glove….” FolkWords

“The combination of care, and discipline shows in the quality of his songs and performance……. Pete writes and performs songs on many contemporary themes, with moving thought provoking verses and great singalong choruses. ” Stainsby Festival

“Pete Davies is a first-rate performer who has backed many big names in concerts over the years. He is a forthright and energetic performer with a compelling stage presence and something important to say.” The Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar

“What a great night at the folk club - Pete Davies you were brilliant!” Judith Haswell mc The Black Swan Folk Club, York

“Pete Davies celebrates and commemorates the lives of the underdog. With marvellous guitar playing and memorable songs, he has much in common with his old mentor and mucker, Vin Garbutt.” Rob Nichols, “Off The Beat”