It’s probably about time that some dues were paid. Way back at the end of the 1990s English Folk music was in a dreadful state. The Fast Show lampooned it, the image was of tankards of ale and fingers in ears, the only people interested were earnest, bearded, old men. Almost no one cared. ThoseContinue reading “Jim Moray – Folk House – May 2023”
Author Archives: tallfolk
The Langan Band – The Jam Jar – May 2023
For most bands the pandemic was a nightmare. It stopped tours, drained possibilities, put plans on hold for two years but seemed like much longer. Two years, though, is nothing to festival favourites, The Langan Band. Their debut album came out in 2013. Their second came out two weeks ago. Various personal difficulties delayed recordingsContinue reading “The Langan Band – The Jam Jar – May 2023”
Jon Wilks – Downend Folk & Roots – May 2023
There’s something so wonderful about listening to someone who just knows stuff. Just hanging out while they spin stories, digress, mine fact-y nuggets. While they find truths in the everyday and fashion magic from mere words. It’s just the greatest thing. Jon Wilks knows stuff and hanging out with him brings you more stories thanContinue reading “Jon Wilks – Downend Folk & Roots – May 2023”
Talisk – The Mount Without – May 2023
The Mount Without is an old, repurposed church in Bristol, bits of which date back to the 12th century; other bits are practically brand new and reach back to merely the 18th century. Somehow it feels like the right venue for a bit of folk music. It’s beautifully decorated and still has a wonderfully vibrantContinue reading “Talisk – The Mount Without – May 2023”
Belinda O’Hooley – St George’s – May 2023
Do you think that you can see ghosts of the living when they’re not here? Do they send their spirits to us, to stay near when we need them? This evening should have been an O’Hooley and Tidow show, instead Belinda O’Hooley is up there, alone on the stage. Just her and the lovely StContinue reading “Belinda O’Hooley – St George’s – May 2023”
Laura Cortese – Folk House – May 2023
“This is a lovely idea”, says Nick Hart, about three songs into Laura Cortese & Friends at the Folk House. The idea, as all the best ones are, is a simple one – choose a musician from the town in which you’re touring and collaborate with them throughout the evening. Laura Cortese is a fiddleContinue reading “Laura Cortese – Folk House – May 2023”
Bristol Folk Festival – The Trinity, Bristol Cathedral – May 2023
The really great thing about Folk music is that some things are different but some things stay the same. The new is made from the old. Some things are new but others feel warm and comfortable. For the Bristol Folk Festival this year some things are different but some things stay the same. The venuesContinue reading “Bristol Folk Festival – The Trinity, Bristol Cathedral – May 2023”
Pokey LaFarge – The Fleece – April 2023
Talk about a gathering of the tribes. There are Rockabilly quiffs mixing with dreads, polka dot dresses with biker boots, Motorhead tee shirts with old fellas in anoraks. This is eclectic stuff, but why are this lot in the same room at the same time? Simple. They are all here to worship at the altarContinue reading “Pokey LaFarge – The Fleece – April 2023”
Kassi Valazza – The Louisiana – April 2023
Clearly, when you are on your first proper UK tour, driving around this country is a bit scary. Portland, Oregon singer songwriter Kassi Valazza mutters “you’re all crazy” and tells us about driving on the wrong side of the road. She, very obviously, wants to create a little bubble around herself, one that keeps herContinue reading “Kassi Valazza – The Louisiana – April 2023”
Caitlin Rose – The Fleece – April 2023
About ten years ago Nashville singer songwriter, Caitlin Rose, looked as though she was destined to be the Country-Star-Most-Likely-To. She had all of those weighty magazines that take music very seriously indeed in a right old froth. She released The Stand In and was hailed as “the future of country music”. Acres of column inchesContinue reading “Caitlin Rose – The Fleece – April 2023”
TallFolk 