'Walsh and Pound at the BAA Club' photo by Neil Denham

On Thursday 26th January a packed house at Bellingham All Acoustic Music Club were treated to a fantastic evening of top quality live music. Banjo man Dan Walsh together with harmonica virtuoso Will Pound really did provide us with a jaw-dropping performance of songs and tunes spanning the folk, blues, ska and bluegrass genres. It was mainly high energy all the way but there was some brilliant solo instrumental work from both.

The pair who first met on the Folk Degree in Newcastle have each become highly respected musicians in their own right whilst Will, is soon to find out whether he has won 'Best Musician' in the 2012 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards!

Now as a duo, Walsh and Pound are one of the most exciting and talked about acts on the acoustic music circuit today playing at major venues and festivals across the UK and beyond.

It wasn't really surprising that the gig in the Riverdale Hall Hotel sold out, as both have connections with the Tyne Valley. Dan first played at the BAA club in 2008 with local singer Kat Davidson whilst Will, although not originally from the area is a member of Hexham Morris. This resulted in the team cancelling their weekly practise in Hexham to come upon mass! (Fortunately they didn't bring their bells...but unfortunately the hotel bar ran out of real ale before the gig actually started!)

Finally the evening was made extra special with an impressive opening set performed by fiddlers Beth Chamberlain and Grace Smith accompanied by Will Chamberlain on piano. A magical evening and a terrific start to the year for BAA! Thanks to all involved.

If you missed the Walsh and Pound...there is another opportunity to catch them at BAAFest coming up in May. Tickets are now on sale from www.baafest.co.uk

Our next evening is on February 23rd with legend guitarist Michael Chapman.