MARK the New Year with some musical magic next week.

Ruthin AllStyles Music Club returns after the Christmas break with its first singers' night of 2019 on Thursday, January 3.

"We are in the process of finalising dates for some great concert nights", said Chris Birchall, who runs the club with his wife Jayne.

"These will include Gary Edward Jones, John Williams and Phil Chisnel, Merry Hell's Bob Kettle and Anthony John Clarke."

A wordsmith of the highest order, along with an onstage presence that encapsulates the energy, joy and sense of purpose that sets this band apart, Bob Kettle is in many ways the dynamic, beating heart of Merry Hell.

Besides contributing songs destined to be recognised as classics within and beyond the folk / rock genre, his enthusiasm for making music remains as strong today as it ever did through his four album career with the Tansads, providing an inspirational presence that is recognised and reflected by Merry Hell fans wherever they may be.

Gary Edward Jones is a half-Maltese, half-Scouse, singer-songwriter and producer from Liverpool.

With a passion for wood carving, his love of guitars and curiosity about the universe and ‘the little revolving ball we live on,’ he lovingly crafts heart-achingly beautiful songs inspired by early Motown, blues and folk.

After stealing his brother’s guitar at the age of 11, Gary began writing songs imitating those of his idols, Lennon & McCartney, Tim and Neil Finn and the legends that are Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.

Now, Gary's original songs cross styles and genres with versatility and accomplishment.

His sound is a warm, heart-achingly beautiful acoustic blend with lyrics that are both intelligent and relevant.

Whilst studying woodcarving and cabinet making at college, Gary joined the band Day Without Rain, performing at the iconic Mean Fiddler and The Rock Garden in Covent Garden.

On relocating to London, the capital became an important part of Gary's life during a time that was the catalyst for personal growth and songwriting.

In the years that followed, Gary returned to his roots in the North West and found success playing on both sides of the Atlantic to great critical acclaim, including the Palms Hotel Acoustic Asylum in Las Vegas, the Folk 21 West Midlands Showcase and the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Gary's debut album The Cabinet Maker was launched to a sell-out audience at St George's Hall, Liverpool, and reached number one on Radio Caroline's Album Countdown Chart.

The Cabinet Maker received regular airplay on BBC Radio Merseyside, championed by Billy Butler, Spencer Leigh and BBC Introducing’s Dave Monks, as well as a whole host of regional and internet radio stations.

He has shared stages with Lucy Ward, Speirs and Boden, Amy Wadge, Connie Lush, Tom Baxter and Toby Walker.

Gary has worked with producers Ronnie Stone and Mike Cave, drummer Steve Barney, singer-songwriter Thea Gilmour, and has co-written with Craig Gannon.

He co-produced Elfin Bow’s self-titled debut album, which also charted at number five in the Radio Caroline Countdown Chart.

Details of Ruthin AllStyles Music Club concerts will be posted on the club's website www.ruthinallstyles.co.uk.

The music nights are held every Thursday at 8pm in the function room of The Feathers Inn, Ruthin.

All are welcome.