From The Bell to the Blues – Roger Parker

Few voices on the Wirral folk scene evoke as much fondness and respect as Roger

Few voices on the Wirral folk scene evoke as much fondness and respect as Roger Parker, a cherished resident singer whose warmth, wit and vast repertoire helped shape generations of local talent. From the packed nights at The Bell in Wallasey to countless charity gigs and singarounds, Roger’s influence runs deep – a testament to the spirit of community that has always kept folk music thriving.

FROM LOCAL STAGES

to a LASTING LEGACY

Roger Parker’s musical life began during the boom of the 1960s folk revival, when clubs flourished across Wallasey, New Brighton and Liverpool. While studying in Liverpool, he picked up the guitar and found himself drawn to the welcoming, communal spirit of folk clubs. Mentored by Bob Buckle, he soon became a resident singer and later helped to run several venues, including the Wellington in Liscard and the much-loved Bell in Wallasey. His easy manner, vast repertoire and instinct for reading a room made him the kind of resident every club needed – one who could set the tone for an evening and make first-timers feel at home.

As the years went on, Roger became both performer and teacher, encouraging countless others to pick up a guitar, learn the songs, and get up for a floor spot. Known for his relaxed blues and country influences – and for doing things “his way,” rather than copying American originals – he built a reputation rooted in authenticity and generosity. Even after stepping back from regular gigs, Roger continued to play at charity events and small singarounds, keeping alive the sense of friendship and shared joy that first drew him to folk music all those years ago.

FRIDAY round at

Roger’s

ALBUM REVIEW

by IAN CHESTERMAN

Most of the CD’s reviewed in this magazine are, naturally, from record labels who have invested time and money in their artistes with the aim of a financial return, in excess of that investment. In other words, they are produced purely as a commercial venture. However, there are a much smaller percentage of CD’s that can be termed a labour of love, a baring of the soul, a call to be recognised, or just a marker in time. They are almost a calling card to say, “I was here too, and this was me”! In my mind they warrant no less attention than the former and can sometimes offer a greater reward for the listener. One such is the simply packaged, but beautifully produced, “Friday round at Roger’s”, by one of the “unsung heroes” of the local folk scene, Roger Parker. (see feature elsewhere in the magazine). These may be a few tracks laid down for posterity, that “marker in time” I referred to, but with the expertise, love and attention of a man who has for several decades played the clubs and music venues around the Wirral and beyond. His performance reflects his affection for the songs he obviously learned during that iconic period of the folk revival. They are a well-worn road that he retraces and I, for one, welcome a chance to hear them again. He could not have chosen a better ally in his project than Wirral singer, musician and sometime recording producer, Brian Jones, most famously known as a founding member of the Tom Topping Band. Quietly, without fuss, yet industriously, they laid down the 12 tracks here presented, one bringing the best out of the other with an empathy that only long years of loving the same music could have engendered. The result is a selection of songs from those iconic folk club days of the 1960’s and 1970’s from Roger’s own substantial folk/acoustic/rag time and blues repertoire. Rodger’s guitar style is impeccable and resonant of early Ralph McTell and John Renbourn and that, believe me, is some compliment. His voice is one that is easy on the ear and his song choice is both varied and interesting. From, “I Am a Pilgrim”, to, “How Long Blues”, it may only be 35 minutes, but it is the best use of your time that I can think of. My favourite tracks are many, but I will pick out, “Let’s All Help the Cowboy Sing the Blues”, unashamedly country corn but so endearing, the classic “Blackleg Miner”, “How Long Blues”, “Buckets of Rain” and, “Just a Girl I used to Know”, another country classic. “Will the Circle be Unbroken“, reminds me of the legendary Carter Family and that last resort, shelter of all bluesmen, “My Old Friend the Blues”, brings this delightful reminisce to a fitting close. Enhanced by some great session playing from “friends” who dropped in, (or just happened to be passing) it is one of the most played albums on my car travels. It hits the spot for this old musician anyway and I think it might well do the same for a few of you. If I was being picky, and it is difficult, it would be nice if a one page sleeve listing the tracks had been included but, having said that, at the end of the day, it is all about the music and there is no faulting that. Roger can be found in club and singers’ sessions all over the Wirral and the album, well if you want to hear what it is like, “Friday round at Roger’s”, give him a shout on his Facebook page.

TAKE A listen

to all the songs

In this episode, Roger chats with host Brian Jones about the heyday of the Wirral folk scene – from running clubs at The Bell in Wallasey to booking guests like Martin Carthy and welcoming newcomers from the floor. Along the way, he reflects on the people who shaped those nights, the joy of singing with friends, and why he still believes that folk music’s heart lies in sharing songs, not showing off.