It's a rainy Sunday night in Bolton and on I'm on my way to Write Out Loud hosted by Salford's Allan Gray, aka Gordon Zola, and his partner in rhyme Jeff Dawson, aka Jeffarama!. It's spoken word night that has been running for many years and has moved between venues all over the region.
I head along the Wood Street cobbles to Bolton Socialist Club and I'm greeted warmly by Gordon, one of Salford's finest poets. It's only a pound to get in and there is a raffle with tickets a pound a piece, too. It has a pleasant old-school, working men's club feel.
Gordon Zola starts proceedings with a poem of his own and MCs the opening half. He has an unmistakable Salford twang and an entertaining laconic delivery. He's a lyrically rhythmic poet, and has been known to rap. Amongst the humour is genuine satirical bite... "I believe that the pun is mightier than the sword" he smiles.
Hailing from Lower Broughton, Gordon describes school life at North Grecian Street Primary School as the place where he, "rose from oblivion to obscurity as school goalie". When asked about his influences, he cites a selection of songwriters, comics and poets, Auden, Spike Milligan, Roger McGough, John Cooper Clarke, John Hegley, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, John Lennon, Billy Bragg and Joni Mitchell, to name a few.
Tonight, there are ten open mic poets and they are offered the challenge of performing a Valentine's Day themed piece. It isn't a strict guideline and it's just as well: the topics range from sex in a Tesco Express, Death, and Leonard Cohen. Somewhat unexpectedly Paul Blackburn discusses Moon-men whilst being backed by a drum machine.
It's a good atmosphere, with the regulars openly heckling each other. Some of the performers pause mid-line and have a go back or join in the conversation. After a poet in his eighties delivers a piece entitled The Grim Reaper, one of the members of the audience chips in with, 'You'll be seeing him soon'. Thankfully, he finds it amusing and returns to his seat chuckling.
After a short break Jeffarama! takes on hosting duties and performs a piece from his new book Bolton Calling. Like Gordon Zola, he's a seasoned pro; his style is relaxed and effortless. He's been performing poetry for nine years, but hit the ground running...
"Fairly soon after I started writing and performing, we started our promotions outfit, 333 Half Evil" he recalls "I used to compere and do poetry, and Jools sang and played guitar. With the help of my mates Bob and Jools, we started organising gigs and inviting guests to perform."
It was at these events that I first encountered Jeffarama! and discovered some great local bands like Paris Riots and Salford's Death to the Strange... "After that I got asked to run Bolton WriteOutLoud" he explains.
Jeff has strong links with the Wigan Diggers Festival, Rebellion Punk Festival and last year did a Hope Not Hate gig in Manchester with Joe Solo and the legendary Billy Bragg. He has also supported Peter Hook and Dave Sharp from Welsh punk heroes The Alarm.
In the second half, Jeff asks all of the performers if they would like to get up again. Gordon Zola re-emerges with a poem that is simultaneously about Armageddon and Strictly Come Dancing (in waltz time). There is also an ode to the condom. Michael J. Holme is a fan of form and recites a sonnet from his new book, while John (who is retired and volunteers behind the bar) performs a poem that focuses on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Don Parry, who performed a beat generation inspired piece in the first half, closes the evening by playing one of his own original songs on guitar. It's a fitting finale for a perfectly random evening.
WRITE OUT LOUD returns to Bolton Socialist Club, Wood Street, Bolton next month 19th March 7:30pm and the third Sunday of every month. For more details see the Bolton Socialist Club website - click here
Or catch Gordon Zola and Jeffarama! at...
CUCKOO CALLING, Cuckoo Cafe Bar, Bury New Road, Prestwich (last Wednesday of every month).
Bolton Calling by Jeff Dawson is available now £5
Take a look at Gordon Zola online for upcoming events...
www.gordonzola.me.uk
Next gigs for Jeffarama...
Friday 17th March, MC at the Snug Cafe, Atherton for a fundraiser
Bolton WriteOutLoud Sunday 19 March
1st April Chester Live Rooms, MC for Fibromyalgia fundraiser with Dave Sharp and punk folk rockers Headsticks
Words by Ian Leslie
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
(3).jpeg)
.png)
(1).JPG)
