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”
Category Archives: Folk
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”
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”
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”
TallFolk 