Rare gem as Dave goes live

He is the meeting place between folk and pop, the sort of person who made people sit up and take notice of traditional tunes.

Long before Kate Rusby (who has lately been rightly praised for persuading people who 'don't like folk music' to spend whole evenings in her company listening to it), Dave was luring people into appreciating folk music by sprinkling his set with wonderfully arranged and perfectly sung new songs.

And to this day he is able to mix and match his material to spring surprises.

His 1971 album Dalesman's Litany was one of the defining albums of the folk revival. It perfectly captured his relaxed vocals and guitar style set against a stunning set of songs.

This was followed by a string of much treasured vinyl visits. And in the digital age, he continues to turn out marvellous albums. Benchmark, in particular, was a classic collection of the songs which helped to anchor Dave's love of traditional music. They were his, well...benchmark!

He is proud to announce that he has retired twice. The first time was in 1968 when he left the police force to pursue a career in folk music. That lasted until 1998, when he took a 'proper job'. He worked in the court service - but continued to make occasional apearances.

During his 30 years on the road as a folkie, he toured the world and, as well as his own albums, appeared on a string of other offerings from the stars of the folk world, including Kate Rusby, Nic Jones, Richard Thompson, Mike Harding, Tony Rose and Bob Pegg.

His second retirement came last year when he reached the landmark age of 65. That means he has more time now to concentrate on his music. It is hoped that next Friday's show will be herald many more chances to catch him in action.

Dave Burland performs ate the Rock@Maltby, Blyth Road, Maltby, on Friday, September 7.

THE music club at the Regent Hotel, Doncaster, is entering its fourth year.

During its time, the club has brought amazing folk, blues and jazz musicians for the first time and regular attenders have witnessed some wonderful shows.

Acts from the USA, Europe and the UK have performed weekly, while home grown talent has been allowed to flourish with support slots on guest nights and the chance to perform and flourish on monthly club nights where everyone gets a chance to play.

After a summer break, the club is back on Monday (Sep 3) with West Yorkshire's Roger Davies. He served his musical apprenticeship by mixing with the likes of Snow Patrol and picking up a couple of influential fans in former Squeeze man Chris Difford and ex-Sleeper guitarist Jon Stewart.

The following week, Monday, Sep 10, welcomes Patsy Matheson and Becky Mills, who represent half of the award winning, four-piece female band, Waking the Witch.