Folk live Review
Live Review / Gallery: Glen Hansard – London, Royal Festival Hall 9/2/18
It’s easy to see why Glen Hansard won an Oscar and a Grammy, after his performance at the Royal Festival Hall, where he moved smoothly between heartbreak and soul stirrer and proved to be an engaging and funny hist for a near on two hours. It also showcased Hansard as one of the best singers …
Live Review: Richard Thompson / Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker Sheffield City Hall, 25.10.2017
Opening for an act like Richard Thompson, a man who has been at the forefront of the folk rock movement for five decades now, could easily overwhelm the unprepared. Luckily, with five albums already under their belt, and a wealth of good (and bad!) touring experience, Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker know what they are …
Live Review: Trembling Bells, Regather Works, Sheffield 05.07.2017 plus Gallery
It’s been an odd and unsettling few months to be in this country. Through it all though the thought that the likes of the Trembling Bells couldn’t come from anywhere else has come as a comforting thought. that mix of folk, psychedelia, whimsy and a bit of a fighting edge speaks of much of the …
Mark Eitzel – The Greystones, Sheffield
It’s a terrific thing that one of the best songwriters and most heartfelt singers of the last four decades can come and play the back room of a local pub. Much as he’s sticking to the water this evening, it’s hardly an incongruous venue for Mark Eitzel though – so many of the characters in …
Live Review: Matt Berry and The Maypoles / Xylaroo – The Foundry, 26.10.2016
From the inside, The Foundry is a rather anonymous looking venue, tucked away in the bowels of Sheffield University. On the upside, the drinks are cheap (£2.25 for an orange J20 and a lime and soda), the sound is good and some great acts play there. Tonight, with my usual gig companion at home ill, …
Live Review: Woodburner at the Yoke
The ‘need to know’… Festival name: Woodburner at the Yoke Location: Yoke Farm, Upper Hill, Hereford. Setting: Rough woodland and soft fields. Transport: Train to Hereford/Leominster and then buses, taxis or lifts if you have a lovely friend and/or some surplus booze. But, I hear in the future there may be organised minibuses so watch …
Live: Hurray For The Riff Raff. Birmingham 29.06.16
The Rainbow is one of my favourite venues in Birmingham, a quirky pub has a discreet back door towards the toilets that opens into what appears to be a disused warehouse. The exposed beams (and wires) and brickwork providing a backdrop to a corner stage. Despite the shabby appearance, the sound is always good in the Rainbow. And even …
Live Review: Larkin Poe – Stereo Glasgow, 22 May 2016 Plus Gallery
Larkin Poe proved they are hot property as they rocked a sweat-soaked Stereo. On a night where you can feel the sweat trickling down your back into a pool at the bottom of your spine the Glasgow basement that is Stereo is packed and sweltering by the time Larkin Poe take to the stage. The …
Live Review: Patrick Wolf / Calpernia Addams at Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, 10/05/16
Patrick Wolf has been quiet for a long time. Not just in his hiatus from music, whilst he collates an anthology of poetry, notes and art to be published for his fans, but also on stage tonight at Nottingham’s Rescue Rooms. He is intently tuning and returning his guitar, methodically testing and retesting, searching intuitively …
Live Review: The Staves – The Roundhouse 9.11.15
School night out. Early start in the bar of the Roundhouse. Camden Brewery beer. Hot dogs and ale over the road at Joe’s. More beer back in the venue. Beautiful music from the Staveley-Taylors. Back into the bar for more beer. Urgh. And an über taxi home. Dirt. I think I’ve just about recovered and …