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”
Tag 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”
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”
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”
TallFolk 