New band announced, The Adages, AM with Jen Conquer (bassoon) and Marion Kent (accordion). Debut concert Sunday 27 July 2025 at St Leonard’s, Hythe Hill, Colchester 2pm.
THE ADAGES ORIGINS
Jen Conquer and Adrian May first met in the late 70s at folk clubs in Hertfordshire. Jen was in a duo and Adrian was a solo singer/ songwriter, with a mixture of comic and serious songs. When they met again, as Friends of St Leonard’s (Hythe, Colchester), Adrian heard that Jen, as well as being a guitar player/ vocalist, also played bassoon. He asked her to play on one song, Don’t Forget St George, a kind of left-wing view of England’s patron saint. This she did. Meanwhile, Adrian met Marion Kent, a friend of Jen’s, at a folk musicians’ event and heard that she played accordion. Telling her that she could be his second choice after John Kirkpatrick, folk music’s top accordionist, he asked her to play too, on Shaky George Day (Shakespeare’s birthday and St George’s Day) 2025.
He wasn’t entirely joking, as John K. had recently discussed producing some recordings by Adrian. Marion, Jen and Adrian did two songs, including a Shakespeare sonnet, at the gig and felt they had both gone well. So, The Adadges were born, with the ambition to do a small concert at St Leonard’s, which took place on 27th July 2025 at 2pm. Jen played a solo set, followed by the trio’s first full gig performance, of English folk style original songs and a few surprises, like a sudden blast of the church organ.
Jen and Marion are Morris musicians, and Jen also plays and sings solo. Adrian has a track record as a songwriter and author. Their sound feels different and is rooted in English traditions and influences like music hall. They have been described as ‘The coolest band in their age-group!’
As to the name, Adrian explained it at the concert: ‘An adage is an old common truth. I’m old and common and Marion and Jen say that’s the truth!’
UPCOMING GIGS
New themed show coming soon and next year February 14th Thaxted, details TBC.
CONTACT
See CONTACT page for, er, contact.
First Concert at St Leonard’s Church, Hythe Hill, Colchester.