The Bard of Brighouse, Roger Davies, is now officially an international musician.
The singer songwriter has just returned from his first gig abroad – entertaining 50 members of the Spen Valley Ski Club at their winter base, The Hotel Staffler in Niederau, Austria.
It was, he says, “a bit surreal”, as the audience each brought a little piece of Yorkshire with them to the concert – donning flat caps for the show.
Roger, who takes inspiration from the people and places of Brighouse, Halifax, Huddersfield and Bradford, is now hoping to pen a song about his continental trip.
He was invited to Austria by ski club organiser Paul Ramsden and performed in the hotel Cave Bar.
Roger explained: “Having previously visited Austria on holiday I was delighted to return to entertain Paul and his pals. They were in high spirits after watching the world-famous Hahnenkahm race in Kitzbuhel in the afternoon. Initially it was all a bit surreal as all 50 were dressed for dinner as me, with flat cap and glasses, but they created a great atmosphere for my first international gig, and most certainly my first gig in a cave.”
Paul says Roger’s gig was well received and not just by members of the ski club, which he founded nearly two decades ago with a group of friends. He added: “Roger is always a great performer and he didn’t let us down. Percy Shaw’s great nephew and renowned local rugby player Phil Horton was with us and he particularly enjoyed Roger’s rendition about his great uncle, the inventor of cat’s eyes. The fact there were four encores of Brighouse on a Saturday Night to conclude the evening shows just how well Roger was received by all who saw the gig.
“People love Roger’s songs because they are about people and places they know.” Brighouse on a Saturday Night, which has become one of his best-known songs, was recorded with the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band for his The Busker album. He has recorded six albums to date.
Hot on the heels of his Austrian success, Roger is due to launch a new album, Local Radio, next month and will be playing his newly-composed songs at the Community Centre, Victoria Road, Bailiff Bridge, Brighouse, on Friday, February 20, from 7.30pm. The concert will support the Clifton and Lightcliffe Band, which is planning a concert trip to Italy this summer. Tickets for the concert, at £8, are available from Fawcetts Gifts and Cards in Brighouse, Print-It in Bailiff Bridge or by calling 01422 200650.
Roger will also be playing at the Square Chapel Centre for the Arts on Saturday, March 28.
For details of Roger’s gigs visit www.rogerdaviesmusic.com To book a ticket for the square chapel visit www.squarechapel.co.uk or call 01422 349422.
