Ok. It can all begin now. The halls can be decked, the Holly boughs bought in, the fa-la-las can be sung. The Trees can be trimmed, the lights can be turned on, stockings can be hung. A Winter Union are touring so the world can be made festive. This is the seventh Christmas that BenContinue reading “A Winter Union – Folk House – December 2022”
Category Archives: Folk
Matt Deighton – Folk House – December 2022
On November 25th 1974 Nick Drake died aged just 26. On November 25th 2022 two remarkable singer-songwriters reminded us the power of gentle things and beautiful songs. Izzie Yardley presented little vignettes of life with a delightfully Denny-esque voice. A cover of Fotheringay’s The Sea was all that you’d hope an English Folk song toContinue reading “Matt Deighton – Folk House – December 2022”
Skerryvore – The Fleece – November 2022
Way back, in the 16th century, bagpipes echo-ed around battlefields. They accompanied Highland regiments, replaced the trumpet and were regarded as the sound of the battle. Infact they are the only musical instrument classed as a weapon of war. There is a very real possibility that Skerryvore know all of these things because, for hugeContinue reading “Skerryvore – The Fleece – November 2022”
Bellowhead – The Forum, Bath – November 2022
There’s a little dance move that Sam Sweeney makes. He does it again and again. His feet shoot out, rocking back on his heels, shoulders thrown back, still playing his violin. You’d almost think that he’d been electrocuted. Or electrified. Either way, music courses through him, energizing him, charging his batteries. He needs fully chargedContinue reading “Bellowhead – The Forum, Bath – November 2022”
India Electric Co – The Jam Jar – November 2022
There is something quintessentially English about tonight. Not only is it absolutely slinging it down outside but the two acts that sit (Jack Cookson) or strut (India Electric Co.) across the Jam Jar’s foliage strewn stage perfectly showcase where English Folk music is right now. Cookson finds his guitar, takes a seat, strums a chordContinue reading “India Electric Co – The Jam Jar – November 2022”
Anais Mitchell – The Fleece – November 2022
Mondays are rubbish. Too far from the next weekend, a day for an early night and a desperate hope that tomorrow will be better. Except, of course, that makes Mondays tailor made for an evening of hushed, gentle, beautiful alt-folk. Memorial are a Simon and Garfunkle-y two piece, clutching acoustic guitars and harmonies to meltContinue reading “Anais Mitchell – The Fleece – November 2022”
Aoife Nessa Frances – Rough Trade – November 2022
There’s something magical about a Sunday evening gig at Rough Trade. It feels as though you’ve slipped into a different world – one that’s a little bit hushed, a little bit dreamy, a little bit strange. Dreamy and strange would certainly fit as a way to describe Ora Cogan. Her three-piece, Canadian band are otherworldly,Continue reading “Aoife Nessa Frances – Rough Trade – November 2022”
Jacob & Drinkwater – Downend Folk & Roots – October 2022
Tonight was a night for duos, for friends, for partnerships. Tobias Ben Jacob and Lukas Drinkwater have been ’round these parts before but Filkin’s Drift – Chris Roberts and Seth Bye – are all new to most. Filkin’s Drift are as traditional a Folk duo as you can imagine. Two intense looking young men, clutchingContinue reading “Jacob & Drinkwater – Downend Folk & Roots – October 2022”
Lady Nade – The Church of St Thomas the Martyr – October 2022
Some of us must have walked past St Thomas the Martyr about a million times and never really noticed it. Tucked into the square just before The Fleece it’s an anonymous looking place. Even though it’s a little church it doesn’t really look like a safe space, a place for friends and love. The wonderfulContinue reading “Lady Nade – The Church of St Thomas the Martyr – October 2022”
Slocan Ramblers – Folk House – September 2022
If the very best authors can conjure a sense of place with a beautifully descriptive turn of phrase so the very best bands can do it too. The Slocan Ramblers are a Canadian Bluegrass band and with the merest pick of a banjo string or pluck of a double bass they lift you up, whizzContinue reading “Slocan Ramblers – Folk House – September 2022”
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