Of all the brilliant musicians that have played this wonderful place over the last ten years, there can’t be many who are as constantly, determinedly creative as Hannah James. From extraordinary vocal trio, Lady Maisery, to innovative new-folk with Sam Sweeney, from her Jigdoll Ensemble to an album of accordion and clog dancing with Swedish-Estonian musician TuuklikkiContinue reading “Hannah James and Toby Kuhn – Downend Folk & Roots – March”
Category Archives: Folk
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”
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”
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”
Kitty MacFarlane – Downend Folk & Roots – January
For much of this evening you’d swear that a river bubbled and burbled through Downend. A river over which fresh water drifted and pulsed, coursed and spun. A river where birds swooped, creatures slithered and folk tales were told. A river over which the sun shone. Both Kitty MacFarlane and Detta Kenzie are from the West CountryContinue reading “Kitty MacFarlane – Downend Folk & Roots – January”
Martin Green Lighting the Dark – Lantern Hall – December
It’s nearly Christmas. Just a few more days of anticipation, of last-minute dashes, of tinsel and baubles. That also means that it is very nearly the Solstice, the shortest day, the moment when the year turns. Both celebrations fall together – one of light, one of darkness. Martin Green, accordionist with Folk experimentalists Lau, knowsContinue reading “Martin Green Lighting the Dark – Lantern Hall – December”
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