Glymjack is preparing to ‘Light the Evening Fire’ at the St Neots Folk Club in January.

The band’s debut album ‘Light the Evening Fire’ has, according to the club, swept the folk world, receiving airplay across BBC radio. It features Phil Beer and Steve Knightley of Show of Hands fame, and Sam Kelly percussionist Evan Carson,

Led by singer-songwriter Greg McDonald, Glymjack will be playing with fiddle virtuoso Gemma Gayner and bassist Dickon Collinson, delivering hard-hitting original songs and English folk tunes.

The actual term “Glymjack” is Victorian criminal underworld slang for a street child who led strangers through the streets of London at night with a lantern. The band is no stranger to those who love their high-energy, harmony-rich set.

Glymjack’s music has been pitched somewhere between the gritty Americana of Nebraska-era Bruce Springsteen and the string-laden indie-folk of Blue Rose Code.

The band has been described as “a dynamic, fiddle driven force to be reckoned with” (Maverick), or simply “brilliant folk music” (fRoots). Tom Robinson of BBC6 Music said:“Greg McDonald reminds you why you got into music in the first place, while Folk Radio UK commented that the band’s music was “life affirming”.

When not appearing with Glymjack, Greg plays in The Phil Beer Band and has composed music for films including the Alan Partridge movies, with his songs having been described in the media as “genius”, “inspired” and “captivating”.

St Neots Folk Club has been running since 1966 with guest artists most weeks and a ‘Round the Room’ on the last Tuesday of each when anyone is welcome to come and play, sign or just listen. Entry is usually £3 on these evenings.

Membership of the club costs £20 for one year and there are also ‘Open Stage’ nights for performers wishing to show their talents who can book a spot of 20 minutes.

INFO: Glymjack will be playing at St Neots Folk Club, The Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St Neots, PE19 2BH, on Tuesday, January 8. £10 non-members, £8 members. Doors 8pm. Visit: www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk.