Reviews
The Wooden Horse Folk Club - Risky Business
The Riskies” as they are more popularly known, were better than anyone could remember when they played to the Wooden Horse Folk Club Audience this week. Their programme was a sublime mix of old favourites and new songs and where better to start than with the fulsome sound of handmade instruments, subtle harmonies from Ken and Dave in support of Ruth’s lovely voice and HARBOUR IN THE STORM written for the group by Dave Walmisley - If we thought that this was the beginning of a trip down memory lane, the up to date CITY GIRL by Liz Simcock followed by VAGABOND RULES, a new song from Dave Walmisley, further convinced us we were looking into the future with this Band.
The Moorcock Inn Folk Club - Ruth & Ken Powell
On Wednesday evening at The Moorcock we had as our guests Ruth and Ken Powell, who came up from North West Wales to play for us.
Having waited two years to hear them (they are very busy!) we were not disappointed, Ruth & Ken gave us two great sets of songs, most of which we had never heard before. Some great self-written material, and lots of beautiful, and sometimes quite haunting songs from America written in the 1920's, 30;s and 40's.
Ruths lovely voice was expertly accompanied by Ken on two beautiful guitars and a banjo, all of which he had made himself. He also sang harmonies on a lot of the songs.
I am finding it difficult to express the "feel" of the night we had, you had to be there to experience it for yourself, a beautiful performance by two lovely and very unaffected musicians, not a "diva" in sight! - - - we had a pretty full house, and lots of people said afterwards that it was one of the best nights they have ever had at The Moorcock, purely for the sheer quality of the songs, the singing, and the music - - - can we have you guys back again before two years please?
THANK YOU KEN & RUTH
Wrexham Folk Club - Newspaper review - Ruth and ken Powell
Ruth and Ken Powell from Montgomeryshire, are a multi-talented duo who's diverse musical interests, make my job as a reviewer so much easier... read the full review
The Woodman Folk Club - Risky Business
How can I begin to describe tonight? It was like The Beatles had decided to reform to do another tour. Well almost. The Riskies have not performed together since about 2006 and not at the club since 8 July 2005. We have of course enjoyed the company of all three of them since then in their various forms but just not together. What a superb evening it was.
A selection of old favourites and new songs; excellent musicianship from Dave and Ken – guitar mandolin and banjo. Guitars and banjo also made by Ken; crafted harmonies and of course Ruth’s beautiful voice overlaying it all. What more could we ask?
It was great to see The Riskies back at the club because A Wonderful Time Was Had By All
The Woodman Folk Club - Review by Les Jones
I know it’s been a while but I’m not sure how long it has been since Ruth and Ken visited the club. However long it’s been it was certainly a pleasure to have them back. Read full review here
Gregson Lane Folk Club - club review
Risky Business (Ruth & Ken Powell + Dave Walmisley) are the consummate choice for the informal setting of a folk club. At Gregson Lane, our audience want to be entertained and we were not disappointed. The ‘Riskies’ have the perfect formula to appeal to any audience. click and Read the full review
Folk Roundabout - magazine review
Ruth Powell is blessed with a lovely voice and boy! does she use it well!
Ken Powell is a brilliant guitarist who tends to keep his light under a bushel but some excellent playing can be heard on their latest recordings.
Spenborough Guardian - 'Folk stars shine at CLeckheaton Folk festival'
Ruth and Ken Powell provided the perfect partnership, with Ruth's staggering vocal abilities enhanced by Ken's guitar playing, all making for a fine evening of folk.
Wirral Folk Festival - Festival news
Ruth remains one of most exceptional female vocalists in the UK. Her interpretation of the material they choose leaves one in no doubt of her abilities as a singer. Ken has been admired for his ability to enhance and strengthen the personal achievements of a singer and musician over the years with his competent, dedicated guitar playing... and if that's not enough, has now started to gain a huge reputation as a serious guitar maker. www.powellguitars.com
Kingswinford - club review
All these wonderful songs would mean nothing without a voice to sing them, and what a voice. The husky Ruth Fuga just oozes quality. Every word crystal clear. With a delivery as strong as "Pete Coe", that holds you from the first note to the last.