Reviews

The 1980’s saw the emergence of what became described as ‘world music’ and ignited debate about whether this was just folk music from different countries. Thirty or so years on, the term seems less useful with the blurring of genres occurring everywhere we turn our ears whether that’s the mixing of instruments like the Welsh… Read more »

On taking to the stage at Bath’s Chapel Arts Centre Damien O’Kane immediately established himself as a genial and engaging presence. The Northern Irish singer and musician spoke warmly of the venerable Roman city while diplomatically avoiding any suggestion that he was less enamoured of Basingstoke, where he had appeared with his accomplished band the… Read more »

Sometimes an album happens along which takes its time in persuading you of its charms and subtleties, there is nothing up front or anything which hits you smack between the eyes, rather its warmth washes over you in waves. In the end you wonder why the allure avoided you on initial hearing. Such a creation… Read more »

A dear friend of mine once bumped into a bewildered looking Peter Bellamy at Preston Bus Station and directed him to The Unicorn pub where he was engaged to perform. Many years later, on this 2018 night, I found myself near to the very same bus station but, this time, I was at Preston Charter… Read more »

There was a time in the 70’s and 80’s when those who were frustrated by the commercialism of Nashville were marginalised in what some called ‘outlaw country’. Whilst it didn’t necessarily do any harm to the careers of so-called ‘outlaws’ such as Waylon Jennings or Johnny Cash, their kind tended to get less of the… Read more »

Pushing the boundaries of folk music has become something of a regular occurrence as a folk artist’s career matures. Whilst this has, sometimes, puzzled audiences and confused the critics steeped in folk tradition, we really must salute the likes of Jon Boden, Lau and Jim Moray for their frequently inspiring work. Joining this flock of… Read more »

Recently, Jim White described his music making as creating a musical bonsai tree in reverse by throwing the leaves he collects into the air to create an interesting form before building the supporting trunk. Without even hearing the music, that pretty much tells you that we’re dealing with one very creative person here. For me,… Read more »

Almost precisely seven years have passed since Show of Hands last appeared before an audience at Wells Cathedral; an interval of time that many would sadly conclude has seen the world become an ever-more uncertain and unpredictable place. In these days when the news amounts to a cavalcade of increasingly unsettling events it’s reassuring that… Read more »

The maturation of Galley Beggar from tentative electric trad to wigged out psych folk rock has been a joy, named after an old English entity with Puckish intention. Heathen Hymns their fourth album builds on earlier promise and delivers a gothic, atmospheric offering full of musical shape shifting and melodic ambiances. Additionally they’ve scored a direct hit… Read more »