tallfolk

Bellowhead – Bristol Beacon – November

Life’s a bit rubbish really, isn’t it? It’s cold, for starters. And America has lost its mind (again). And the criminals that have run our country for the best part of fifteen years are still not behind bars. It’s just as well we have music to cheer us up. It’s just as well Bellowhead are touring again.Continue reading “Bellowhead – Bristol Beacon – November”

Afro Celt Sound System – SWX – October

Slightly more than a year ago, the world of music lost Simon Emmerson. The guitarist was the founder of both Weekend and Working Week but is, probably, best known for his pioneering work with two of the greatest Folk-y fusion bands of all time. If Imagined Village have their feet in English Folk music then Afro Celt SoundContinue reading “Afro Celt Sound System – SWX – October”

Fairground Attraction – Bristol Beacon – October

Just a few days ago, 80s popstrel, Rick Astley, was on the radio talking about “nostalgia shows”. Presumably to make himself feel a bit better, he said something like “every band that’s released more than about three singles plays nostalgia shows”. Thirty-five years after their acrimonious split, Fairground Attraction are back and happy to celebrate the oldContinue reading “Fairground Attraction – Bristol Beacon – October”

Tarren/Maddie Morris – St George’s – October

Part of the way through Maddie Morris’ brilliant co-headline set, they said that the reason they love the Folk world is that the old stories continue to resonate now. Morris could just have easily talked of the inclusivity, community and acceptance that was so obviously part of this warm celebration in this gorgeous place. ThisContinue reading “Tarren/Maddie Morris – St George’s – October”

Sam Carter – St George’s – October

One of the many things that makes live Folk music such a delight is its variation. From the big bands, with loads of instruments, to solo glitch-folkers, from traditional fiddle led trios to stomping party starters, it is a thrilling, dizzying place to be. There is, however, almost nothing better than when things are keptContinue reading “Sam Carter – St George’s – October”

Oysterband & June Tabor – Bristol Beacon – October

After forty-five years of touring, folk-rockers Oysterband have decided that the time is right to retire. They are, of course, taking a long, long time to say goodbye with a huge tour that spills well into 2025 and they’re bringing along a special guest too. The three albums that they have made with June Tabor are absoluteContinue reading “Oysterband & June Tabor – Bristol Beacon – October”

Little Big Town – Bristol Beacon – September

Now, this is the sort of show that Bristol has been missing out on whilst The Beacon has been closed. Country superstars with massive cross generational appeal don’t mosey through these parts too often so it’s no surprise that Alabama’s Little Big Town were welcomed like a sparkly pink Stetson at a Taylor Swift show.Continue reading “Little Big Town – Bristol Beacon – September”

Filklin’s Drift – Downend Folk & Roots – September

After a fantastic tenth birthday party in July, Downend Folk & Roots took a well-deserved summer off. Last night they returned to remind us, once again, just how important it is to be a part of something bigger, part of a community. Both Filkin’s Drift and, jaw dropping support act, Michelle Holloway form a small partContinue reading “Filklin’s Drift – Downend Folk & Roots – September”

India Electric Co. – Folk House – September

Watching a band change and grow is a fascinating thing. Over the course of ten years and three albums, India Electric Co have gone from a quirky, off-beat folk duo to a band capable of writing some of the finest alt-pop you’ll ever hear. They’ve gone from acoustic tunes flecked with European influences to multi-layered, complex, clever, soulful,Continue reading “India Electric Co. – Folk House – September”

Downend Folk & Roots 10th Anniversary – July

In a time when live music venues are struggling, when any number of festivals have packed it all in, when musicians are finding it hard to make a living, this is something to celebrate. Downend Folk & Roots (formerly Downend Folk Club) is ten years old and they’re throwing a party. Three days of wonderfulContinue reading “Downend Folk & Roots 10th Anniversary – July”