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”
Category Archives: Country/Folk
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”
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”
The Wandering Hearts – The Fleece – April
Bristol loves a bit of Americana, especially when it comes complete with brilliant songs, beautifully sung. UK Country stars, The Wandering Hearts, and Californian Pearl Charles give a packed Fleece plenty to hold to our hearts. Initially Charles is everything you’d expect a 70s influenced hippy to be. There’s a battered acoustic guitar, a wonderfullyContinue reading “The Wandering Hearts – The Fleece – April”
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”
The Black Feathers – Downend Folk & Roots – September
“I love it here”, says extroda-vocalist Sian Chandler, “it combines two of my favourite things – playing at Downend and drinking alcohol in church”. There’s a chuckle and the tell-tale fsst of a can opening. You might think that this makes the wonderful Black Feathers a hard drinking, good time rock n roll band. They areContinue reading “The Black Feathers – Downend Folk & Roots – September”
Tommy Prine – The Louisiana – August
Tommy Prine is on a journey. Not just the one that has taken him from his Nashville home, around the UK, and into Bristol. This journey is a little more profound. Tommy Prine is a man trying to work out who he is. His biography is easy to find but that’s only a part ofContinue reading “Tommy Prine – The Louisiana – August”
Jake Xerxes Fussell – Strange Brew – August
There are days when you just need the world to stop. To cease the endless whirring, the endless babble. There are days when you need to find a sanctuary, a small hideaway, somewhere to be still and quiet. There are days when you need, really need, Jake Xerxes Fussell. Fussell is from North Carolina, heContinue reading “Jake Xerxes Fussell – Strange Brew – August”
Karen Jonas – Hen & Chicken, Bristol – August
Towards the end of her brilliant set in Bristol, Virginia resident Karen Jonas sings an astonishing version of the Gordon Lightfoot classic If You Could Read My Mind. It is hushed and heartbreaking, vulnerable but with just enough warmth to reassure. It is flecked with nostalgia, is wordy, intelligent and opens up your heart withContinue reading “Karen Jonas – Hen & Chicken, Bristol – August”
Amanda Shires – The Exchange – June
Despite Black Deer festival, despite Taylor and Kacey, Country music gets a bit of a bad rap in the UK. In the public perception, it’s either nasty, misogynist bro-country or sugar-y sweet tweeness. It’s either big-hat or big-hair. It’s a shame really because, as Amanda Shires and Jarrod Dickenson effortlessly prove, country music is great.Continue reading “Amanda Shires – The Exchange – June”
TallFolk 