Rack and Ruin get the Humber hopping

Going out to your local pub and hearing good live music isn’t as easy to do as it once was. Happily, Coventry’s Humber pub, in Humber Road, off Binley Road, is doing something about it. Those who headed there on a wet Friday night in July were rewarded by a rumbustious set from local folk-rock band Rack and Ruin, whose Celtic-tinged, fiddle-driven music had a bar full of punters singing and capering by closing time, with even the smokers outside jigging on the wet pavement. At the heart of the band is stalwart of the Coventry folk scene Nigel Ward, whose scintillating fiddle-playing is irresistible to toes and feet, with Mick Bisiker providing accomplished guitar accompaniment and vocals.

They are ably supported by drums, bass and occasional saxophone, as they showcase many familiar Irish favourites, interspersed with fiery jigs and reels. Variety is provided by original material and classic English folk, all performed with no less intensity. Sounds good? Well, the band have an end of month residency at the Humber through the autumn months, playing the last Fridays in September, October and November.

And even better, the gigs are free.

Pictured: Rack and Ruin playing up a storm at the Humber pub.