03/06/2026
With the rain hammering down outside and umbrellas arriving almost horizontally at one point, it would have been understandable if folk had stayed at home with a cup of tea and the television. But never underestimate the pulling power of a BIG NAME! No disrespect whatsoever to Sarah Yeo, but the words “Joan Baez” on the poster certainly seemed to flush out the more mature music-lovers of Baldock and surrounding villages. By 7.30 the best little folk club around was packed with over 28 reservations and a real buzz in the room.
As ever there were three acts and, as ever, all different and all talented.
First up were Raga Minster bringing something entirely new to the club. Hemant and Tanaya, two scientists from Letchworth united by a love of music, delivered a delightful set of Indian folk songs which immediately captured the audience’s attention. Tanaya’s confident guitar playing and clear, soaring vocals blended beautifully with Hemant’s bamboo flute and gentler harmonies. Hemant also produced a sweet-sounding tenor ukulele which sat perfectly alongside the acoustic guitar.
Few in the room would have understood the lyrics, but each song was carefully introduced and explained, many celebrating the seasons, rivers and countryside. The final song, inspired by a firefly, featured some particularly lovely flute playing and brought a genuinely warm response from the audience. A novel and highly enjoyable opening set which proved that folk music truly is a universal language.
Next came Elsie Franklin and from Tony’s enthusiastic introduction you sensed this was going to be something special! Originally from Yorkshire but now based in London, Elsie brought a rich blend of blues, country and Americana to the Orange Tree.
Opening with two songs by Memphis Minnie, Elsie immediately impressed with strong, expressive vocals and excellent dobro playing. Her delivery captured all the flavour and character of classic Southern blues and the audience were quickly won over. Memphis Minnie is a towering figure in blues music and Elsie certainly did her justice.
The first of her original songs, Punctuality Rag, had a wonderfully jaunty, almost Joplin-esque feel to it. “I’m never late, I’m just in time!” proved a memorable refrain and showcased her sharp songwriting and wit. A second original continued in a traditional blues vein, though perhaps without quite the same impact.
What really shone through was Elsie’s warmth and obvious passion for the music she performs. Her introductions were engaging and informative and helped draw the audience into the stories behind the songs. Saturday Night in Jail was a particular highlight, combining excellent musicianship with powerful vocals and earning one of the biggest responses of the evening.
Elsie’s final number, One Too Many, a cautionary tale on the perils of over-indulgence, rounded off an excellent set. Judging by the applause she received, there were many in the room who would happily have listened for another half hour or more.
And so to the main course of the evening. Sarah Yeo brought us the music of Joan Baez and from the opening notes it was clear why so many people had reserved seats for this particular night. The beautiful Silver Dagger featured early on and immediately drew the audience in. Sarah’s warm and engaging stage presence quickly established a rapport with the room and before long many were singing along to Banks of the Ohio.
What followed was far more than simply a tribute act. Sarah’s superb vocals, accomplished guitar playing and extensive knowledge of Joan Baez’s life and music combined to create a performance that both entertained and educated. Between songs came fascinating stories about Joan’s career, her activism, her successes and struggles, all delivered with obvious affection and respect.
House of the Rising Sun soon had the audience contributing a hearty chorus and by this stage the packed room was fully immersed in the music. The enthusiasm generated throughout the evening certainly justified the clamour for tickets. Interestingly there were quite a few faces present who don’t normally fall into the “silver pound” category, including local favourites Elizabeth and Jameson, proving that great songs transcend generations.
The highest compliment one can pay Sarah is that at times, if you closed your eyes, you could almost imagine Joan Baez herself standing before you. Not because Sarah was simply copying her, but because she captured the spirit, sincerity and beauty that made Joan such an icon of folk music and the civil rights movement. That is no small achievement.
Classic song followed classic song and before anyone realised it the hour had flown by. Sometimes evenings devoted to a single artist can feel a little restrictive, but when approached with this level of skill, knowledge and passion they become something rather special. Sarah managed that difficult balance of interpretation and authenticity perfectly.
So well done Sarah. We very much hope to welcome you back from Devon before too long and wish you every success in continuing to spread the music of one of folk’s true legends.
It was also wonderful to see so many new faces in the audience. Hopefully some of them will return in a fortnight’s time when another excellent line-up awaits, featuring Pat Crilly and Red Velvet.
Once again Baldock Folk Club delivered three quality acts, plenty of variety and a room full of appreciative music lovers. Our thanks go to all the performers, to Greg on sound, and of course to everyone who braved the weather to come along. We look forward to seeing you all again next time at the Orange Tree.
BB
