tallfolk

WOMAD (Saturday) – July

Saturday at WOMAD, the sun is out, Angus Watt’s lovely flags flutter in a gentle breeze, small (and some not-so-small) children dash around with glitter-y wings and things are deliciously, gloriously eclectic. As the crowds rearrange themselves after last night’s wonders, find coffees and stake their patch on the parched grass, The London Bulgarian ChoirContinue reading “WOMAD (Saturday) – July”

Topette!! – The Jam Jar – June

To celebrate their tenth anniversary, Anglo-French, Bristol-based, Folk supergroup Topette!! did the only sensible thing that they could. They threw a party. In their favourite place. With dancing. The magical space that is The Jam Jar swirled and grinned, stepped and laughed as five wonderful musicians provided a soundtrack to Bourrées, Gavottes and Waltzes. Andy Cutting’sContinue reading “Topette!! – The Jam Jar – June”

Nancy Kerr & James Fagan – Downend Folk & Roots – June

Nancy Kerr and James Fagan have been doing this for a while. Next year will be their thirtieth anniversary as both a musical and personal partnership and, over that time, they have become, probably, the best folk duo in the country. This evening, they are extraordinary. As late evening sunlight floods through the church windows and theContinue reading “Nancy Kerr & James Fagan – Downend Folk & Roots – June”

Richard Hawley – Bristol Beacon – June

All the best pubs have brilliant jukeboxes. Punch in a number for a huge, indie heart-pumper. Punch another for a scratchy rockabilly 45 with its tail on fire. Punch another for a slow-dance croon. Richard Hawley, and his band, are like a 6 headed Wurlitzer, a many-armed Rock-ola. You feel you could drop in a Quarter,Continue reading “Richard Hawley – Bristol Beacon – June”

Lambchop – St George’s – June

For the last 30-odd years Kurt Wagner has acted as the central creative core of Alt-Americana heroes, Lambchop. Over that time their wonderfully eclectic albums have taken in Country, Jazz, post-rock, Soul and almost everything in-between. Their live shows have often featured strings, an orchestra and a grand, lush sweep that fit Wagner’s intricate, carefullyContinue reading “Lambchop – St George’s – June”

Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand – Folk House – June

There’s something lovely about watching friends singing, swapping stories, and having fun. At one stage this evening, prolific singer-songwriter Kathryn Williams dissolves into a fit of giggles and Dan Willson (aka Withered Hand) looks on with mock bemusement. They’ve just been telling a story about their friendship, just been singing harmonies that are so jigsaw-puzzle perfect, justContinue reading “Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand – Folk House – June”

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard – Bristol Beacon – May

Sometimes it’s just best to let music take you wherever it fancies. Six-piece, Australian psych adventurers, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, seem to have a passport that allows them to venture to all parts and, if tonight at Bristol Beacon is anything to go by, they intend to take as many as they possibly can with them.Continue reading “King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard – Bristol Beacon – May”

Good Habits – Downend Folk & Roots – May

Sometimes folk music can take itself a bit seriously. There are a lot of drowned sisters and poisoned knights, lots of murder and longing. It’s a bit of a relief, then, when a duo like Good Habits come along. They are full of sunshine and stories, full of friendliness and fun. They blossom like Sunflowers.Continue reading “Good Habits – Downend Folk & Roots – May”

Hurray for the Riff Raff – Trinity – May

Over the past fifteen years Alynda Segarra has traded under the name Hurray for the Riff Raff, adventuring around the world, penning curb-side poetry and giving Roots music a damn good shake. They land in Bristol, acoustic guitar in hand, backed by an impressive trio and a burning heart full of raw truths. The setContinue reading “Hurray for the Riff Raff – Trinity – May”

Lady Maisery – Bristol Beacon – May

Bristol loves folk trio Lady Maisery and they love us right back. Having played here countless times over the last 14 years, Hannah James, Rowan Rheingans and Hazel Askew always seem to enjoy their Bristolian outings. They often describe this city “the Sheffield of the South West” and they treat it as a home from home. AsContinue reading “Lady Maisery – Bristol Beacon – May”