Martin Carthy at Village Folk, Chellaston, Derbyshire – April 2017
Village Folk – http://www.villagefolk.org/ In my past posts about Village Folk I have alluded to the venue (The Lawns Hotel) in Chellaston being very much like a fortress. On reconsideration, it may in fact be more like a castle. Whatever your mythological leanings and interests one thing for certain is that within English music Martin Carthy is […]
Hannah Martin & Phillip Henry – Music in the Dark – Derby Gaol 11th May 2017
As part of their “Out of the Ordinary Tour”, Hannah Martin and Phillip Henry are bringing their particular brand of folk to the unusual, historical and downright spooky buildings of the UK. At this leg of the tour I have managed to catch them as they arrive at Derby Gaol; a working, historical museum. From the […]
Folk Amongst the Mills and Stone – Hebden Bridge Folk Roots Festival 2017
Hello fellow folk enthusiast. It is true that everybody has heard of Cambridge Folk Festival, and Cropredy Festival, and why not? After all, they are big festivals with International renown and very good lineups. Certainly fun times are had (I would love to get myself to one of the ones in Ibiza/Portgual) but there still […]
Hebden Folk Roots Festival – 2017: 12-14 May
HEBDEN FOLK ROOTS FESTIVAL HEBDEN BRIDGE 12-14 MAY 2017 https://www.hebdenfolkroots.org/ How are things going with everyone? Things are going splendidly well here in Sheffield. The sun hasn’t fully retreated, life is certainly stirring and festival season is well and truly kicking off. I wanted to write something to make you aware of a festival, this weekend […]
Roving Crows – “Bury Me Naked” Album Review
It was a few years ago I saw the Roving Crows now. I remember in Bromsgrove. Not far from Ledbury (their home turf) andalso not far from where I spent my youngest years (in Kidderminster); it was an interesting experience when I was relatively new to folk. It was not just an introduction to the […]
Geoff Lakeman – After All The Years – A Review
Observational and considered, Lakeman collects a squad of influencing folk artists that bring his rich imagination and celebratory character to life Released 3rd February 2017 Geoff Lakeman, in a rather circular and interesting path has recorded his debut solo entitled “After All These Years.” What I mean of course is that Geoff is known to […]
Isembard’s Wheel “Common Ground” Album Launch @ Shakespeare’s – 1-04-17 Sheffield
Isembard’s Wheel sit between modern indie folk and more traditional folk fare that should properly interest the industry both as a great live band and one with crossover appeal. Introduction The Shakespeares Pub in Sheffield is hosting some great artists; some new and some established. I don’t want to gush too much, the pub gets […]
Andy Whitehouse & Guests at The Heeley Institute, Sheffield – Album Launch 24th March 2017
Some emotionally grey, but not dismal tones as Yorkshire local Andy Whitehouse launches his thoughtful solo piece in Sheffield. The Heeley Institute is a like a small crab, delicate yet intricate and versatile with a beauty in it’s design. It isn’t the largest space but it has hosted some of the biggest acts. Recent winners […]
Steamchicken @ The Bury Met – 11 Mar – Album Launch
Steamchicken is a universally fun and energetic band boasting shamelessly soulful vocals and a catchy, booming brass-line. Chocks away! Somewhere between a smoky jazz outfit and a blues brass extravaganza, “Steamchicken” are a group who set out to entertain, and do so in spades. Much like the wise, old traveller from a Western or the […]
Harp and a Monkey @ Village Folk – 25th February
Once again I was released from the steel gates of Sheffield and able to descend the long-winding roads to Derbyshire. There I went to see the latest artist “Harp and a Monkey” to perform for a throng of rapt Derbyshire people at the “Village Folk” session in the The Lawns Hotel, Chellaston. Continuing to draw crowds […]