The Alps are alive with the sounds from the Bard of Brighouse

The Yorkshire songwriter is well known in these parts for his music which remains true to his roots, with the majority of his tunes taking their inspiration from the people and places of Brighouse, Halifax, Huddersfield and Bradford.

Roger journeyed to the beautifully picturesque Wildschonau Valley in the Tyrolean Alps in Austria to entertain the Spen Valley Ski Club at their winter base, the Hotel Staffler in Niederau.

His Saturday evening concert in the hotel’s underground ‘Cave Bar’ was the off piste highlight for the SVSC’s annual ski trip, now in its fifth year.

“Having previously visited Austria on holiday, I was delighted to return to entertain Paul and his pals at the Spen Valley Ski Club,” said Roger.

“They were in high spirits after watching the world famous Hahnenkahm race in Kitzbuhel in the afternoon.

“Initially it was a bit surreal as all 50 were dressed for dinner as me with flat cap and glasses but they created a great atmosphere in my first international gig, and most certainly my first gig in a cave! After the release of my new album in March I hope to pen a song about this memorable Austrian gig.”

Paul has been sales manager at the Heckmondwike headquarters of outdoor clothing, leisure and skiwear company Tog 24 for almost two decades and has organised an annual ski trip for friends for a number of years.

“Initially there were just half a dozen of us but it has grown to 50 lads this year so I thought we’d try to put on a bit of a show,” said Paul.

“Roger is always a great performer and he didn’t let us down. Percy Shaw’s great nephew and renowned local rugby player Phil Horton was with us and he particularly enjoyed Roger’s rendition about his great uncle, the inventor of cat’s eyes.

“The fact there were four encores of ‘Brighouse on a Saturday Night’ to conclude the evening shows just how well Roger was received by all who saw the gig, and not just SVSC members.”

Roger Davies’ brand new album ‘Local Radio’ is due to be released in March 2015 and one of the confirmed launch concerts is on Saturday 28th March 2015 at Square Chapel Centre for the Arts in Halifax. For more information and further details of all Roger’ Davies’ gigs check out his website at www.rogerdaviesmusic.com