Reflections on the Glass Age Album Tour for Dan
Award-winning singer songwriter Dan Whitehouse is just back from Japan, where he spends time with his young son, to presents a mellow new reworking of last year’s The Glass Age: Reflections On The Glass Age.
The album is out now, and Dan has a string of dates booked solo at some beautiful live venues from now until September.
“These new versions of the songs evolved so organically” says Dan. “They began life in hibernation, and were recorded and produced remotely. Now, stepping out from behind the glass, I’ve been able to breathe new life into them.”
Dan Whitehouse released his glacial, electro-minimal opus The Glass Age back in July 2022. Reflections On The Glass Age, is a mellow acoustic reworking of the same songs which Dan presents on this this tour (solo apart from an expanded line up at the Symphony Hall Birmingham). Almost all the songs are about glass. Much of the glass he talks about is in the shape of screens, the screens through which almost all our lives are now mediated. But he’s not here to denigrate screens. Screens are how we collaborate. Screens, moreover, are how he stays in touch with his young son, currently living in Japan.
The gigs also include a selection from Dan’s fine back catalogue of six solo albums, including the recent radio ballads style ‘Voices From The Cones’: real life stories of history and community of glassmaking in the Black Country.
Glass – such an artificial subject matter – is breathed sensationally into life via Dan’s sonorous Bowie-esque tenor, each tune interspersed with explanations leavened by his hearty Black Country delivery.
Instrumentally, Dan glides elegantly between propulsive guitar work and a refined pianistic sensibility that snatches intervals almost out of thin air, like glimpses of sunlight sparked off the fascias of distant skyscrapers. “For my money, the songs work better this way.” says journalist Andy Hill after the preview at Dartington in Devon. “What a privilege he has, possessing the skill to express this very modern manifestation of love through his art. An emotive reckoning with the magic of glass, tempered by the dull ache of longing – a music of pane.”
“He’s absolutely splendid” says Genevieve Tudor, BBC Radio Shropshire. “Takes huge subjects and makes them into songs”
Full tour dates and more information from www.dan-whitehouse.com
The album is out now, and Dan has a string of dates booked solo at some beautiful live venues from now until September.
“These new versions of the songs evolved so organically” says Dan. “They began life in hibernation, and were recorded and produced remotely. Now, stepping out from behind the glass, I’ve been able to breathe new life into them.”
Dan Whitehouse released his glacial, electro-minimal opus The Glass Age back in July 2022. Reflections On The Glass Age, is a mellow acoustic reworking of the same songs which Dan presents on this this tour (solo apart from an expanded line up at the Symphony Hall Birmingham). Almost all the songs are about glass. Much of the glass he talks about is in the shape of screens, the screens through which almost all our lives are now mediated. But he’s not here to denigrate screens. Screens are how we collaborate. Screens, moreover, are how he stays in touch with his young son, currently living in Japan.
The gigs also include a selection from Dan’s fine back catalogue of six solo albums, including the recent radio ballads style ‘Voices From The Cones’: real life stories of history and community of glassmaking in the Black Country.
Glass – such an artificial subject matter – is breathed sensationally into life via Dan’s sonorous Bowie-esque tenor, each tune interspersed with explanations leavened by his hearty Black Country delivery.
Instrumentally, Dan glides elegantly between propulsive guitar work and a refined pianistic sensibility that snatches intervals almost out of thin air, like glimpses of sunlight sparked off the fascias of distant skyscrapers. “For my money, the songs work better this way.” says journalist Andy Hill after the preview at Dartington in Devon. “What a privilege he has, possessing the skill to express this very modern manifestation of love through his art. An emotive reckoning with the magic of glass, tempered by the dull ache of longing – a music of pane.”
“He’s absolutely splendid” says Genevieve Tudor, BBC Radio Shropshire. “Takes huge subjects and makes them into songs”
Full tour dates and more information from www.dan-whitehouse.com
Mike Weaver celebrates his Greyest Bits
Cheltenham-born singer/songwriter Mike Weaver’s stop-start career has spanned six decades. His new album, The Greyest Bits, features fresh recordings of some of the most popular songs he has composed and performed over the years, all written between 1978 and 2022.
The Greyest Bits, released on Thursday 2nd February 2023, marks Mike’s 65th birthday. His material draws on family stories and life experiences: a rich personal tapestry that is often poignant, yet always relatable. Mike has never moved far from his roots, living in Gloucestershire and South Worcestershire since he was born in Charlton Kings in 1958. All of the songs were written in the region.
He first sang live in the late 1970s, but was always a reluctant performer, preferring to write and share his music with small groups and friends in more intimate surroundings. Working as an illustrator and journalist as his day job, Mike met and encouraged many musicians in those early days. He started his own marketing and publishing business in 1989, and largely withdrew from the music scene before quitting completely in 1997, when his twin daughters were born.
Sixteen years later he picked up his guitar and found his true voice. Encouraged by a few artists he’d supported through his newspaper columns and blogs, he began to write music again. Returning with a greater depth and sensitivity that comes with maturity, there were some thought-provoking new songs, and re-workings of earlier numbers to match life’s experience too. It took time. The hairline receded, the hair colour changed (naturally), the keys moved up and down.
There were several self-recorded albums between 2014 and 2019, released on digital platforms, with CDs largely being sold at gigs. Live performances increased as Mike grew in confidence, playing his original material at folk clubs, festivals and other happenings in the Midlands and South West. He also became a popular support act, opening for artists such as O’Hooley & Tidow, Ange Hardy, Steve Ashley, Tir na nOg, Edwina Hayes, Breton ‘power folk’ icon Dom Duff, Canadian indie-folk musician Sarah Jane Scouten, and Reg Meuross. Mike was also a founder member of the ‘Folk Treble’ events in his local area, working with musicians such as Daria Kulesh, Kim Lowings, Colin Pitts and Katie Grace Harris.
Ten years on from a return to the stage, The Greyest Bits is here. The album has laments for long-lost pubs, myths and legends, tales of wartime experiences, songs of faith and hope, memories of childhood, impending fatherhood, letting go and friendships rekindled. Two new songs and an instrumental sit comfortably with eight ‘classics.’
A full eleven track CD will be available from live shows. Digital downloads are available from Bandcamp, Apple Music, Amazon and the usual channels.
The pure voice of Katie Grace Harris is featured on ‘The Greyest Bits’ - along with the multi-instrumental talents of Lukas Drinkwater, who also recorded, engineered the album at Polyphonic Recordings in Stroud. It’s been over two years in the making - largely due to the Covid pandemic and the unpredictability of events which life throws at us.
Who knows what the next few years will hold? Mike finds solace through his own writing, playing and performing, and hopes the listener will find words of comfort, kindness, relaxation and peace through his music too. Feedback is always welcome through the contact form on the website www.mikeweavermusic.com
The Greyest Bits, released on Thursday 2nd February 2023, marks Mike’s 65th birthday. His material draws on family stories and life experiences: a rich personal tapestry that is often poignant, yet always relatable. Mike has never moved far from his roots, living in Gloucestershire and South Worcestershire since he was born in Charlton Kings in 1958. All of the songs were written in the region.
He first sang live in the late 1970s, but was always a reluctant performer, preferring to write and share his music with small groups and friends in more intimate surroundings. Working as an illustrator and journalist as his day job, Mike met and encouraged many musicians in those early days. He started his own marketing and publishing business in 1989, and largely withdrew from the music scene before quitting completely in 1997, when his twin daughters were born.
Sixteen years later he picked up his guitar and found his true voice. Encouraged by a few artists he’d supported through his newspaper columns and blogs, he began to write music again. Returning with a greater depth and sensitivity that comes with maturity, there were some thought-provoking new songs, and re-workings of earlier numbers to match life’s experience too. It took time. The hairline receded, the hair colour changed (naturally), the keys moved up and down.
There were several self-recorded albums between 2014 and 2019, released on digital platforms, with CDs largely being sold at gigs. Live performances increased as Mike grew in confidence, playing his original material at folk clubs, festivals and other happenings in the Midlands and South West. He also became a popular support act, opening for artists such as O’Hooley & Tidow, Ange Hardy, Steve Ashley, Tir na nOg, Edwina Hayes, Breton ‘power folk’ icon Dom Duff, Canadian indie-folk musician Sarah Jane Scouten, and Reg Meuross. Mike was also a founder member of the ‘Folk Treble’ events in his local area, working with musicians such as Daria Kulesh, Kim Lowings, Colin Pitts and Katie Grace Harris.
Ten years on from a return to the stage, The Greyest Bits is here. The album has laments for long-lost pubs, myths and legends, tales of wartime experiences, songs of faith and hope, memories of childhood, impending fatherhood, letting go and friendships rekindled. Two new songs and an instrumental sit comfortably with eight ‘classics.’
A full eleven track CD will be available from live shows. Digital downloads are available from Bandcamp, Apple Music, Amazon and the usual channels.
The pure voice of Katie Grace Harris is featured on ‘The Greyest Bits’ - along with the multi-instrumental talents of Lukas Drinkwater, who also recorded, engineered the album at Polyphonic Recordings in Stroud. It’s been over two years in the making - largely due to the Covid pandemic and the unpredictability of events which life throws at us.
Who knows what the next few years will hold? Mike finds solace through his own writing, playing and performing, and hopes the listener will find words of comfort, kindness, relaxation and peace through his music too. Feedback is always welcome through the contact form on the website www.mikeweavermusic.com
Feminist theme for Daisy's latest EP
Daisy Chute is a folk and Americana singer/songwriter, often spotted at festivals and arts venues across the UK and beyond.
Following the release of acclaimed EPs Songs of Solace (2021) and Cradle Songs (2022), her next EP ‘Maiden, Mother Crone’ has a strong feminist theme and is set for release as singles during, and following ‘Women’s History Month’ in March.
Recorded at Grand Chapel Studios with an all-female band and producer, the EP covers personal themes of women’s safety, ageism, maternity, grief, inspiration and connection with our past and future selves, accompanied by full band, cello and violin.
The first single ‘Women’ was released on March 9th, following International Women’s Day.‘Women’ is a song about the safety of women walking home at night. It's about our victim-blaming culture and how we talk about violence against women. Second single ‘Mother’ came out for Mother’s Day on March 19th, and celebrates our mothers but also mourns the relationships some people never fully experience with theirs.
Third single ‘Spirit of the Singers’ came out on April 7th, following the end of Women’s History Month and celebrating female singers and writers that have inspired its co-writers Daisy Chute and Hannah Brine. Performed live with Daisy on lead vocals and guitar, Hannah on backing vocals and Midori Jaeger on cello and the live video premiered on FRUK this week!
Maiden, Mother, Crone EP features an all-female team of musicians and producer including Michele Stodart (Magic Numbers) on bass, Emma Holbrook on drums, Midori Jaeger on cello, Elisabeth Flett on violin, Holly Carter on pedal steel and producer Anneliese Shaw on backing vocals and percussion. The EP artwork is made with Daisy’s talented artist mum Alice Beberman Chute.
Daisy’s previous projects have garnered support from her songwriting mentor Sir Ray Davies who describes her as a ‘committed, professional and creative songwriter’ and from music journalist Paul Sexton who counts her among his ‘top music tips’. Daisy’s music has featured on international radio and television including BBC Radio London, Scotland, Ulster, BBC 1/2/3, ITV, C4, Sky and across global Caffe Nero and Tesco playlists. Her songs have been recognised with recent awards including FATEA EP of 2022 for Songs of Solace, Take the Stage (Lowden Guitar), RootsTech (Kawai pianos), Coffee Music Project, International Songwriting Award and Drake Yolanda.
For more information visit Daisy's website www.daisychute.com
Following the release of acclaimed EPs Songs of Solace (2021) and Cradle Songs (2022), her next EP ‘Maiden, Mother Crone’ has a strong feminist theme and is set for release as singles during, and following ‘Women’s History Month’ in March.
Recorded at Grand Chapel Studios with an all-female band and producer, the EP covers personal themes of women’s safety, ageism, maternity, grief, inspiration and connection with our past and future selves, accompanied by full band, cello and violin.
The first single ‘Women’ was released on March 9th, following International Women’s Day.‘Women’ is a song about the safety of women walking home at night. It's about our victim-blaming culture and how we talk about violence against women. Second single ‘Mother’ came out for Mother’s Day on March 19th, and celebrates our mothers but also mourns the relationships some people never fully experience with theirs.
Third single ‘Spirit of the Singers’ came out on April 7th, following the end of Women’s History Month and celebrating female singers and writers that have inspired its co-writers Daisy Chute and Hannah Brine. Performed live with Daisy on lead vocals and guitar, Hannah on backing vocals and Midori Jaeger on cello and the live video premiered on FRUK this week!
Maiden, Mother, Crone EP features an all-female team of musicians and producer including Michele Stodart (Magic Numbers) on bass, Emma Holbrook on drums, Midori Jaeger on cello, Elisabeth Flett on violin, Holly Carter on pedal steel and producer Anneliese Shaw on backing vocals and percussion. The EP artwork is made with Daisy’s talented artist mum Alice Beberman Chute.
Daisy’s previous projects have garnered support from her songwriting mentor Sir Ray Davies who describes her as a ‘committed, professional and creative songwriter’ and from music journalist Paul Sexton who counts her among his ‘top music tips’. Daisy’s music has featured on international radio and television including BBC Radio London, Scotland, Ulster, BBC 1/2/3, ITV, C4, Sky and across global Caffe Nero and Tesco playlists. Her songs have been recognised with recent awards including FATEA EP of 2022 for Songs of Solace, Take the Stage (Lowden Guitar), RootsTech (Kawai pianos), Coffee Music Project, International Songwriting Award and Drake Yolanda.
For more information visit Daisy's website www.daisychute.com
New project and single for British-Uruguayan musician
British-Uruguayan Alex Etchart (they/them) grew up in London and Montevideo, Uruguay. Raised in the ‘cono sur’ folk tradition, this southern South American canon brings together melancholy melodies with rich, heady timbres, expansive Andean harmonies and continent-wide rhythmic cross-pollination.
Alex trained in jazz instruments and voice and went on to use these songwriting and improvisation skills to write musicals with marginalised communities, selling out shows in twelve countries to standing ovations every night.
Coming late to the British Isles and Irish tradition, Alex got lost in the works of folk legends Anne Briggs and Dick Gaughan while singing for social movements up and down the UK. Drawing on the legacy of Victor Jara, Alex spent years connecting brave communities through new folk.
In electronic music production Alex found a way to bring together the genres and messages in their heritage with the London drum and bass, trip-hop and dubstep they grew up raving to. Synthesis carves space for euphoric pads and neo-soul riffs, while sampling unleashes glute-busting humanised percussion, drawing on years of bilingual choir leading and New Orleans bounce music.
Alex’s new project,Vientos, is a musical journey across genres and hemispheres, in Spanish and English. Rich South American ballads mutate through fat subbass wobbles. British and Irish folk songs sail through soulful electronica and hidden histories. On 4th May Vientos launch their first single and music video in London, with a cinematic live concert and guest performances from DJ Ivicore, Sumaq Ayullu (‘The Sacred Family’) and Pepa Duarte.
Alex’ first single, Johnny Barnes, which will be released on the day of the show, is a forgotten Irish folk song about love between two men, which takes us on a voyage across genders and generations towards a utopian pantheon of queer heroes.
The ten minute short is Alex’s first foray into the film world, and is part of an education project for teachers and young people around non-binary history and experiences through storytelling, supported by Arts Council England.
It was shot in six locations – including a rustic hall, a sailing ship, catacombs, a temple and rolling hills – by a stellar team of expert filmmakers and straddles the old world & the new, featuring 'goddexes' designed by genderqueer performers channeling their highest selves.
Tickets and more information available from www.comono.co.uk/live/alex-etchart
Alex trained in jazz instruments and voice and went on to use these songwriting and improvisation skills to write musicals with marginalised communities, selling out shows in twelve countries to standing ovations every night.
Coming late to the British Isles and Irish tradition, Alex got lost in the works of folk legends Anne Briggs and Dick Gaughan while singing for social movements up and down the UK. Drawing on the legacy of Victor Jara, Alex spent years connecting brave communities through new folk.
In electronic music production Alex found a way to bring together the genres and messages in their heritage with the London drum and bass, trip-hop and dubstep they grew up raving to. Synthesis carves space for euphoric pads and neo-soul riffs, while sampling unleashes glute-busting humanised percussion, drawing on years of bilingual choir leading and New Orleans bounce music.
Alex’s new project,Vientos, is a musical journey across genres and hemispheres, in Spanish and English. Rich South American ballads mutate through fat subbass wobbles. British and Irish folk songs sail through soulful electronica and hidden histories. On 4th May Vientos launch their first single and music video in London, with a cinematic live concert and guest performances from DJ Ivicore, Sumaq Ayullu (‘The Sacred Family’) and Pepa Duarte.
Alex’ first single, Johnny Barnes, which will be released on the day of the show, is a forgotten Irish folk song about love between two men, which takes us on a voyage across genders and generations towards a utopian pantheon of queer heroes.
The ten minute short is Alex’s first foray into the film world, and is part of an education project for teachers and young people around non-binary history and experiences through storytelling, supported by Arts Council England.
It was shot in six locations – including a rustic hall, a sailing ship, catacombs, a temple and rolling hills – by a stellar team of expert filmmakers and straddles the old world & the new, featuring 'goddexes' designed by genderqueer performers channeling their highest selves.
Tickets and more information available from www.comono.co.uk/live/alex-etchart
Green to Gold - fifth album and tour from Moonrakers
Moonrakers perform sparkling and unique arrangements of traditional UK folk songs and tunes as well as their own compositions. Green to Gold is their fifth album, and though the line-up has changed over the years the new offering retains the trademark warm muti- instrumental sound and sophisticated arrangements that make this band special.
With many years’ experience playing at community centres, festivals, arts centres, churches and private functions, the band’s prolific output has received glowing reviews from the music press (“The real deal”, The Living Tradition; “Uplifting, sensitively crafted songs and tunes” FATEA magazine, "Multi-instrumental and vocal delights played with skill and verve" Shire Folk magazine, "There is a sparkling upbeat positive feel to this band" Rock&Reel).
Green to Gold is a sumptuous mix of traditional and self-penned songs and tunes, opening with a full-voiced arrangement of Grimsby Fisher Lads, a song written by band member Jon Bennett about the exploitation of teenage boys during the fishing industry boom of the late 19th century. Two traditional songs, The Turtle Dove and The Unquiet Grave, showcase the Sarah Fell’s warm vocals. The album also demonstrates the versatility and exacting musicianship of Jacqui Johnson on cello and Becki Luff on harp as they weave their exquisite arrangements around Jon’s instrumental compositions, Sydlings Copse, Shotover, Bourbon Reel and Chilswell Valley.
There are two longer ballads, also from Jon – Green to Gold, orchestrated by cellist Jacqui Johnson, and Blasket Island – the latter being a reimagined tale of a curse that ultimately drove the human population off the Irish island in the mid-1950s. Ot Moor is a new tune from Moonrakers woven around an anonymous poem protesting against land enclosures in the later 19th century and the riots this induced in an area just outside of Oxford. To lighten the mood, the traditional song Let Your Back and Sides Go Bare has an infectious chorus and Jon’s composition, Kiss Me Quick, dips its toes into lounge jazz. The band is not afraid to explore new avenues for old tunes; Picardy and As I Roved Out each have appended instrumental parts to compliment the original traditional melodies.
Moonrakers’ current line-up was created in 2020. Becki Luff (Celtic harp, harmonium) has played at prestigious venues such as The Wigmore Hall and The Sage and has toured in Hong Kong. Jacqui Johnson (cello, accordion) comes from a classical background where she’s played as a soloist with orchestras both in the UK and Australia, was a member of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and has toured in China and Europe. Jon (bouzouki, guitar, whistles, bodhran) founded Moonrakers 20 years ago and is a published composer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Sarah Fell has run community choirs and has for 6 years been the lead vocalist with Moonrakers.
The 2023 Moonrakers tour comprises 26 dates including an exciting collaboration with the OXUS Quartet covering the music and folk song collections of Ralph Vaughan Williams. This was commissioned by the Vaughan Williams Festival and performed there in October 2022. Moonrakers have been described as “startlingly talented” (Oxford Times), with five albums of "exquisite music "(BBC) and "truly wonderful" performances (Broadstairs and Wycombe Festivals).
For more information and tour dates, visit the website moonrakers.net
With many years’ experience playing at community centres, festivals, arts centres, churches and private functions, the band’s prolific output has received glowing reviews from the music press (“The real deal”, The Living Tradition; “Uplifting, sensitively crafted songs and tunes” FATEA magazine, "Multi-instrumental and vocal delights played with skill and verve" Shire Folk magazine, "There is a sparkling upbeat positive feel to this band" Rock&Reel).
Green to Gold is a sumptuous mix of traditional and self-penned songs and tunes, opening with a full-voiced arrangement of Grimsby Fisher Lads, a song written by band member Jon Bennett about the exploitation of teenage boys during the fishing industry boom of the late 19th century. Two traditional songs, The Turtle Dove and The Unquiet Grave, showcase the Sarah Fell’s warm vocals. The album also demonstrates the versatility and exacting musicianship of Jacqui Johnson on cello and Becki Luff on harp as they weave their exquisite arrangements around Jon’s instrumental compositions, Sydlings Copse, Shotover, Bourbon Reel and Chilswell Valley.
There are two longer ballads, also from Jon – Green to Gold, orchestrated by cellist Jacqui Johnson, and Blasket Island – the latter being a reimagined tale of a curse that ultimately drove the human population off the Irish island in the mid-1950s. Ot Moor is a new tune from Moonrakers woven around an anonymous poem protesting against land enclosures in the later 19th century and the riots this induced in an area just outside of Oxford. To lighten the mood, the traditional song Let Your Back and Sides Go Bare has an infectious chorus and Jon’s composition, Kiss Me Quick, dips its toes into lounge jazz. The band is not afraid to explore new avenues for old tunes; Picardy and As I Roved Out each have appended instrumental parts to compliment the original traditional melodies.
Moonrakers’ current line-up was created in 2020. Becki Luff (Celtic harp, harmonium) has played at prestigious venues such as The Wigmore Hall and The Sage and has toured in Hong Kong. Jacqui Johnson (cello, accordion) comes from a classical background where she’s played as a soloist with orchestras both in the UK and Australia, was a member of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and has toured in China and Europe. Jon (bouzouki, guitar, whistles, bodhran) founded Moonrakers 20 years ago and is a published composer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Sarah Fell has run community choirs and has for 6 years been the lead vocalist with Moonrakers.
The 2023 Moonrakers tour comprises 26 dates including an exciting collaboration with the OXUS Quartet covering the music and folk song collections of Ralph Vaughan Williams. This was commissioned by the Vaughan Williams Festival and performed there in October 2022. Moonrakers have been described as “startlingly talented” (Oxford Times), with five albums of "exquisite music "(BBC) and "truly wonderful" performances (Broadstairs and Wycombe Festivals).
For more information and tour dates, visit the website moonrakers.net
New Ciderhouse Rebellion Album Due in June
Over a winter’s week in the heart of the Yorkshire Moors, Adam, Kirsty and Murray devised and recorded an album of brand new music.
Between stories of wreckers and smugglers, midwives and hedge-witches, snake-catchers and nightmen, the new trio Cider With Kirsty reveal the hidden lives that were the historic heartbeat of the country. Originally meeting through folk legends Show Of Hands, The Ciderhouse Rebellion found that their create seascapes and laments, prayers and evocations danced perfectly with Merryn’s poignant and angelic vocals. Their prolific original songwriting led to an incredible album The Devil’s On The Mast - out June 2nd 2023.
Master improvisers, the Ciderhouse Rebellion works differently to most artists — rather than engaging in a process of rehearsing and refining, Adam Summerhayes (fiddle) and Murray Grainger (accordion) create music in the moment, through improvisation and instinct, honed over years of working together, two lifetimes of musical study and a rare, magical connection. Kirsty Merryn has been working for many years as a solo performer and songwriter, and brought her own skills and experience to the project.
The creative process: Adam and Kirsty wrote the lyrics for all of the tracks, bar two with older words, and then, in separate rooms, connected by headphones and the freezing silence of the moors, the trio just ... made music. The songs you hear are almost all first takes — not only the first time that they were recorded, but the first time they were played ... something captured in the moment of its creation. This dynamic, challenging and — for Kirsty — entirely new way of working takes a remarkable amount of trust, but the end result is something organic and beautiful that couldn’t be captured in any other way.
The Ciderhouse Rebellion have cooked up a bit of a storm in just three years with five albums, multiple FATEA awards and sensational live sets across the country - including at The Manchester Folk Festival. Known for creating music through improvisation and instinct, honed over years of working at the highest level and a lifetime of musical study, they continue to produce prolifically and keep audiences enthralled and fully engaged. Meanwhile, the huge talent of Kirsty Merryn - celebrated for many years as a solo performer and songwriter (‘her voice a treat for the soul’ - The Guardian ☆☆☆☆), brought her own virtuoso skills and experience to the project. The end result is a dynamic, enrapturing set of uniquely magical songs.
The album will be launched at The Greystones in Sheffield on June 8th and The Finnish Church, London on June 9th.
For more information visit www.theciderhouserebellion.com
Between stories of wreckers and smugglers, midwives and hedge-witches, snake-catchers and nightmen, the new trio Cider With Kirsty reveal the hidden lives that were the historic heartbeat of the country. Originally meeting through folk legends Show Of Hands, The Ciderhouse Rebellion found that their create seascapes and laments, prayers and evocations danced perfectly with Merryn’s poignant and angelic vocals. Their prolific original songwriting led to an incredible album The Devil’s On The Mast - out June 2nd 2023.
Master improvisers, the Ciderhouse Rebellion works differently to most artists — rather than engaging in a process of rehearsing and refining, Adam Summerhayes (fiddle) and Murray Grainger (accordion) create music in the moment, through improvisation and instinct, honed over years of working together, two lifetimes of musical study and a rare, magical connection. Kirsty Merryn has been working for many years as a solo performer and songwriter, and brought her own skills and experience to the project.
The creative process: Adam and Kirsty wrote the lyrics for all of the tracks, bar two with older words, and then, in separate rooms, connected by headphones and the freezing silence of the moors, the trio just ... made music. The songs you hear are almost all first takes — not only the first time that they were recorded, but the first time they were played ... something captured in the moment of its creation. This dynamic, challenging and — for Kirsty — entirely new way of working takes a remarkable amount of trust, but the end result is something organic and beautiful that couldn’t be captured in any other way.
The Ciderhouse Rebellion have cooked up a bit of a storm in just three years with five albums, multiple FATEA awards and sensational live sets across the country - including at The Manchester Folk Festival. Known for creating music through improvisation and instinct, honed over years of working at the highest level and a lifetime of musical study, they continue to produce prolifically and keep audiences enthralled and fully engaged. Meanwhile, the huge talent of Kirsty Merryn - celebrated for many years as a solo performer and songwriter (‘her voice a treat for the soul’ - The Guardian ☆☆☆☆), brought her own virtuoso skills and experience to the project. The end result is a dynamic, enrapturing set of uniquely magical songs.
The album will be launched at The Greystones in Sheffield on June 8th and The Finnish Church, London on June 9th.
For more information visit www.theciderhouserebellion.com
Global Sounds at Gate to Southwell 2023
This summer’s Gate To Southwell Festival (June 29-July 2) looks certain to be the most international, entertaining and musically diverse event yet.
The highly-acclaimed and immensely danceable London Afrobeat Collective have joined the festival headliners; eight musicians who create politically-charged funk inspired by late Nigerian superstar Fela Kuti with his perfect blend of soulful jazz horns, hi-life and mighty Yoruban rhythms. There’s also a strong African influence to the music of the Stone Jets, uniting the distinctive voice of Given Nkanyane with the guitar skills of Manfred Klose.
In total contrast, heading for Southwell from Wales, there’s the raving steampunk-style nu-metal-meets-traditional Welsh music of NoGood Boyo (appropriately taking their name from the bad boy character in Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood!). And last but far from least of the recent festival recruits…Martyn Joseph, unquestionably one of Britain’s finest singer-songwriters, will also be appearing. Martyn’s a jaw-dropping guitar player with a unique percussive style who's even been branded “The Welsh Springsteen”. “One of the most charismatic and electrifying performers in Britain today”, according to Tom Robinson on BBC 6 Music.
They join an already global sounding line-up featuring The Raghu Dixit Project from India, The Dog Show Sessions, pictured, (combining English roots stars Show of Hands with Madrid-based Irish-American quartet Track Dogs), American singer-songwriter Tom Russell, bluegrass boys The Hoth Brothers from New Mexico, Italian ragtime and old time from Max & Veronica and Irish traditional music stars Gatehouse. Plus there’s top quality rhythm & blues from Nine Below Zero, English folk from Tarren and one of the UK’s finest singer-songwriter guitarists in John Smith, whose songs such as ‘Save My Life’ and ‘Far Too Good’ have been streamed many millions of times.
With more artists soon to be announced, there’ll also be great camping and glamping facilities, excellent family entertainment, dance, spoken word & comedy, pub gigs, workshops, Camp Fire, craft stalls and top-quality food and drink. Tier One discounted tickets are running out but Tier Two tickets will soon be on sale for https://www.gtsf.uk which will again take place at the beautiful lakeside setting in Kirklington near Southwell, Nottinghamshire (NG22 8NX). The festival received great reviews last year including RnR Magazine’s verdict: "excellent cast list...too many good performances to mention. It has become a great favourite and if you haven't been already, try it.”
The highly-acclaimed and immensely danceable London Afrobeat Collective have joined the festival headliners; eight musicians who create politically-charged funk inspired by late Nigerian superstar Fela Kuti with his perfect blend of soulful jazz horns, hi-life and mighty Yoruban rhythms. There’s also a strong African influence to the music of the Stone Jets, uniting the distinctive voice of Given Nkanyane with the guitar skills of Manfred Klose.
In total contrast, heading for Southwell from Wales, there’s the raving steampunk-style nu-metal-meets-traditional Welsh music of NoGood Boyo (appropriately taking their name from the bad boy character in Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood!). And last but far from least of the recent festival recruits…Martyn Joseph, unquestionably one of Britain’s finest singer-songwriters, will also be appearing. Martyn’s a jaw-dropping guitar player with a unique percussive style who's even been branded “The Welsh Springsteen”. “One of the most charismatic and electrifying performers in Britain today”, according to Tom Robinson on BBC 6 Music.
They join an already global sounding line-up featuring The Raghu Dixit Project from India, The Dog Show Sessions, pictured, (combining English roots stars Show of Hands with Madrid-based Irish-American quartet Track Dogs), American singer-songwriter Tom Russell, bluegrass boys The Hoth Brothers from New Mexico, Italian ragtime and old time from Max & Veronica and Irish traditional music stars Gatehouse. Plus there’s top quality rhythm & blues from Nine Below Zero, English folk from Tarren and one of the UK’s finest singer-songwriter guitarists in John Smith, whose songs such as ‘Save My Life’ and ‘Far Too Good’ have been streamed many millions of times.
With more artists soon to be announced, there’ll also be great camping and glamping facilities, excellent family entertainment, dance, spoken word & comedy, pub gigs, workshops, Camp Fire, craft stalls and top-quality food and drink. Tier One discounted tickets are running out but Tier Two tickets will soon be on sale for https://www.gtsf.uk which will again take place at the beautiful lakeside setting in Kirklington near Southwell, Nottinghamshire (NG22 8NX). The festival received great reviews last year including RnR Magazine’s verdict: "excellent cast list...too many good performances to mention. It has become a great favourite and if you haven't been already, try it.”
