tallfolk

Sam Sweeney – Lantern Hall – March

Traditionally, Mothering Sunday was the time to visit your “mother” church. The place where you belonged, the place where your spirit was happiest. There’s something incredibly fitting, therefore, that Sam Sweeney should spend Mothers’ Day at the Bristol Beacon. If there’s a place that he seems to love, then it’s here. His last album, EscapeContinue reading “Sam Sweeney – Lantern Hall – March”

Carrivick Sisters – Downend Folk & Root – March

About two songs into The Carrivick Sisters set, on the first of Downend Folk & Roots Saturday lunch time shows, a tiny pair of feet storms forward, dashing headlong towards the stage. They are caught. Scooped up. Returned to safety. For about 30 seconds. Ant Miles, head honcho at Downend, is determined to broaden the scopeContinue reading “Carrivick Sisters – Downend Folk & Root – March”

Martha Tilston – The Jam Jar – March

Stepping out onto the stage, supporting the sublime, Bristol-born, Martha Tilston, Nathan Ball surveys the odd, rag-tag seating arrangements at the front of the Jam Jar and hopes that “you’re sitting comfortably”. The chairs have just appeared, people getting cosy, ready to luxuriate as two wonderful artists apply musical balm for the troubled soul. Ball is aContinue reading “Martha Tilston – The Jam Jar – March”

Emily Breeze – The Fleece – February

There’s a tee-shirt for sale at the merch stand that reads “Second Rodeo”, a knowing, wry comment (and reference to her forthcoming EP) that probably makes Emily Breeze laugh. There is no sense that this current tour is Breeze’s first go ‘round the block and she seems damn proud of that fact. Her latest album, Rapture, is a defiant,Continue reading “Emily Breeze – The Fleece – February”

SykesMartin – Downend Folk & Roots – February

“This is the first gig we’ve done in ages”, says Hannah Martin, “please be kind”. Martin (of Edgelarks) and Miranda Sykes (of Show of Hands) have been away for ages. There was Covid, having children, illness, all of which conspired against touring. Tonight, though, is the start of a new tour in support of a brilliant new album, Unquenching Fire.Continue reading “SykesMartin – Downend Folk & Roots – February”

Transatlantic Sessions – Bristol Beacon – Feburary

It’s been a little while since Bristol has seen The Transatlantic Sessions, that celebration of the interweaving of Americana, Bluegrass and the folk traditions of Ireland and Scotland. A little while since some of the greatest traditional musicians have arrayed themselves across this stage. It is so good to see them again, so good to be enfoldedContinue reading “Transatlantic Sessions – Bristol Beacon – Feburary”

Ye Vagabonds – The Mount Without – February

As the last notes of the last song gently rose to the cloud dappled roof of The Mount Without a lone voice from the packed audience simply said “wow”. It was a neat summation of this delayed Ye Vagabonds show and the perfect review. Ye Vagabonds form part of the new wave of Irish folk bands (along with Lankum, JohnContinue reading “Ye Vagabonds – The Mount Without – February”

John Francis Flynn – The Exchange – January

To know someone’s culture, you just have to sing a song. Or listen to one”. So says John Francis Flynn, Dublin’s next Folk star. He’s a huge man with a voice seemingly dragged from under-ground. Tonight, he is thoughtful, gentle, experimental, intense and fierce. He is, also, determined to display the depth and colour ofContinue reading “John Francis Flynn – The Exchange – January”

Hedera – St Anne’s – January

What a joy. What a joy to be invited into this incredible, inclusive space. What a joy to see a community, fully formed, chatting and hugging, hugging and chatting. What a joy to be immersed into the glorious sound-world that Hedera create. Hedera formed over lock-down, connecting via computer screen, embarking on what they called Moon Jams. TheyContinue reading “Hedera – St Anne’s – January”

Darlingside – The Exchange – January

Harris Paseltiner is smiling. He’s been smiling for ages. Just looking out into a ridiculously packed Exchange, delighted at the way Bristol has fallen in love with the five-piece from Boston. It’s been years since they were here, but Darlingside are welcomed like favourite children. Pasteliner plays acoustic guitar and cello, sings some of the most gorgeousContinue reading “Darlingside – The Exchange – January”