Postcards & Pocketbooks: a unique record of Bella
With unflinching courage, Bella Hardy has explored and blurred musical boundaries in her search for meaning, releasing her first nine records in the space of just ten years.
Postcards & Pocketbooks (October 2019) is a double CD of Bella Hardy's most highly treasured works, with re-recordings of classic material, and some never heard before songs.
There is also a beautifully produced casebound book, available either with the CD or separately, which features lyrics to every song written or adapted from traditional music and recorded by Bella from 2007 - 2019.
BBC Folk Singer of the Year Bella Hardy found her first home in folk music through a childhood love for ballad books. A self-taught ‘fiddle singer’, she began performing at Cambridge and Sidmouth festivals from the age of thirteen.
Her debut album Night Visiting established her reputation as a talented songwriter when her first original composition Three Black Feathers earned a BBC Folk Award nomination. Since then, Bella has sung unaccompanied ballads at a sold-out Royal Albert Hall, taken a band of drums, brass and electronics to the National Concert Hall of Budapest, and learnt the songs of Chinese farmers during her time as British Council Musician in Residence in Yunnan Province.
She’s sat on the moors of her beloved Peak District with only her fiddle for company. She spent a year in Tennessee as a ranch hand, looking after horses, fiddle-singing in the diners, and immersing herself in the music culture of Nashville. With her mesmerising voice and ability to conjure and twist stories that call straight to the heart, Bella has beguiled audiences from Canada to Japan, from Spanish bars, to Castles, to Concert Halls.
From Bella's mastery of traditional music and the stripped back strings and concertina of her early days more than a decade ago, to the electric guitar and drums in the self-penned humanist hymns and feminist battle cries of Hey Sammy (2017), via the Derbyshire ballads of The Dark Peak & The White and ancient Chinese poetry of Eternal Spring, (an album of songs and poetry recorded in China), it's been a spellbinding journey. Her themes of displacement and home, lost and found love, heartache and joy, are delivered with her unique, disarming honesty, and, of course, the acclaimed crystalline voice that won her BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Singer of the Year.
Postcards & Pockebooks reflects and records each moment of Bella's career, and is a must for all who appreciate skillful interpretations of traditional music, as well as the relevance of contemporary folk in the modern world. For more information, visit www.bellahardy.com
Postcards & Pocketbooks (October 2019) is a double CD of Bella Hardy's most highly treasured works, with re-recordings of classic material, and some never heard before songs.
There is also a beautifully produced casebound book, available either with the CD or separately, which features lyrics to every song written or adapted from traditional music and recorded by Bella from 2007 - 2019.
BBC Folk Singer of the Year Bella Hardy found her first home in folk music through a childhood love for ballad books. A self-taught ‘fiddle singer’, she began performing at Cambridge and Sidmouth festivals from the age of thirteen.
Her debut album Night Visiting established her reputation as a talented songwriter when her first original composition Three Black Feathers earned a BBC Folk Award nomination. Since then, Bella has sung unaccompanied ballads at a sold-out Royal Albert Hall, taken a band of drums, brass and electronics to the National Concert Hall of Budapest, and learnt the songs of Chinese farmers during her time as British Council Musician in Residence in Yunnan Province.
She’s sat on the moors of her beloved Peak District with only her fiddle for company. She spent a year in Tennessee as a ranch hand, looking after horses, fiddle-singing in the diners, and immersing herself in the music culture of Nashville. With her mesmerising voice and ability to conjure and twist stories that call straight to the heart, Bella has beguiled audiences from Canada to Japan, from Spanish bars, to Castles, to Concert Halls.
From Bella's mastery of traditional music and the stripped back strings and concertina of her early days more than a decade ago, to the electric guitar and drums in the self-penned humanist hymns and feminist battle cries of Hey Sammy (2017), via the Derbyshire ballads of The Dark Peak & The White and ancient Chinese poetry of Eternal Spring, (an album of songs and poetry recorded in China), it's been a spellbinding journey. Her themes of displacement and home, lost and found love, heartache and joy, are delivered with her unique, disarming honesty, and, of course, the acclaimed crystalline voice that won her BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Singer of the Year.
Postcards & Pockebooks reflects and records each moment of Bella's career, and is a must for all who appreciate skillful interpretations of traditional music, as well as the relevance of contemporary folk in the modern world. For more information, visit www.bellahardy.com
Sarah McQuaid returns to Tewkesbury in November
Award-winning singer-songwriter Sarah McQuaid returns to play the beautifully restored Old Baptist Chapel in the historic town of Tewkesbury on Friday 29th November.
The intimate venue, which was converted into a chapel during the 18th century, will provide a perfect setting for Sarah's relaxed and informal performance style. She is looking forward to returning following a sell-out performance at the chapel in 2018.
Honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Ards International Guitar Festival in Northern Ireland (2017), Sarah has also drawn critical praise for her voice and her engaging rapport with audience.
With the release of her latest album, If We Dig Any Deeper It Could Get Dangerous, the Madrid-born, Chicago-raised, Cornwall-based singer/songwriter has expanded her battery of instruments
to include piano, electric guitar and drum, and it’s drawn critical raves internationally.
Dutch music magazine Heaven hailed it as “an early contender for folk album of 2018,” the UK’s fRoots said it was “a collection to savour” and the USA’s PopMatters called it “a gateway into a true innovator’s soul," and FolkWords called it “A work of formidable passion.”
The concert will begin at 8.00pm on Friday 29th November 2019, with doors open at 7.30pm. The Old Baptist Chapel is situated in a medieval alleyway off Church Street, opposite the Royal British Legion. Nearest car park is Abbey Lawns, a short distance away, free after 6pm. Other public car parks are nearby.
Please note there is no bar at the venue, but audience members may bring their own alcoholic drinks if they wish. Tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the door (if available). Tickets available online from www.wegottickets.com/event/479651. For more information visit www.sarahmcquaid.com
The intimate venue, which was converted into a chapel during the 18th century, will provide a perfect setting for Sarah's relaxed and informal performance style. She is looking forward to returning following a sell-out performance at the chapel in 2018.
Honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Ards International Guitar Festival in Northern Ireland (2017), Sarah has also drawn critical praise for her voice and her engaging rapport with audience.
With the release of her latest album, If We Dig Any Deeper It Could Get Dangerous, the Madrid-born, Chicago-raised, Cornwall-based singer/songwriter has expanded her battery of instruments
to include piano, electric guitar and drum, and it’s drawn critical raves internationally.
Dutch music magazine Heaven hailed it as “an early contender for folk album of 2018,” the UK’s fRoots said it was “a collection to savour” and the USA’s PopMatters called it “a gateway into a true innovator’s soul," and FolkWords called it “A work of formidable passion.”
The concert will begin at 8.00pm on Friday 29th November 2019, with doors open at 7.30pm. The Old Baptist Chapel is situated in a medieval alleyway off Church Street, opposite the Royal British Legion. Nearest car park is Abbey Lawns, a short distance away, free after 6pm. Other public car parks are nearby.
Please note there is no bar at the venue, but audience members may bring their own alcoholic drinks if they wish. Tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the door (if available). Tickets available online from www.wegottickets.com/event/479651. For more information visit www.sarahmcquaid.com
Downend Folk Club's programme to Spring 2020
Bristol's ever-popular Downend Folk Club has announced its programme through to Spring 2020.
Headinling on Friday 17th January is Odette Michel. Odette is a British folk singer-songwriter, guitarist and bouzouki player with a bold new take on the acoustic tradition and a voice capable of demonstrating the finer points of both folk and traditional song with genuine craftsmanship. In May, Odette released her enchanting debut album The Wildest Rose. The album gained widespread positive acclaim and featured notable musical contributions from Phil Beer (one-half of multi-award-winning acoustic folk band Show of Hands) who plays fiddle on two of the tracks and sings backing vocals on one other track; and Toby Shaer (Cara Dillon, Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys). The club's own Ant Miles will open the evening's entertainment with a short solo set.
The February event, on Friday 21st, sees a welcome return for contemporary folk/acoustic Gilmore & Roberts. Nominated three times at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Katriona Gilmore (fiddle, mandolin) and Jamie Roberts (guitar) met while studying at Leeds College of Music. Their 2018 album A Problem Of Our Kind is the fifth studio album from the duo, who combine award-winning songwriting with astounding musicianship and their trademark harmonies to create a powerful wall of sound. Supporting them will be Matt Quinn and Owen Woods.
Described as “a gentle, lulling delight” by The Guardian, Scottish Salt House are headline guests on Friday 20th March, as part of their tour to launch their new album, Huam. Songs are central to Salt House. New songs that sound as if they’ve always been here. Ancient ballads woken up. Poems given the tunes they’ve long deserved. Songs about place, politics, landscape and birds. Kicking off the evening's music will be the impressive John Wilks.
Rounding off the Spring programme, on Friday 17th April, will be the first act ever to sell out a DFC concert... and one that regulars demand that the club has back every three years or so. Sometimes folk, sometimes not, India Electric Co. traditional instruments in contemporary styles to explore diverse themes from Eastern Europe, Irish traditions and modern urban alienation to end up with something “quirky and glittery - a veritable musical magpie’s nest” according to BBC Radio 3. They're back at Downend with a new album in hand, and will be supported by Bristol-based French singer-songwriter Jane B.
Each concert will be held at Frenchay Village Hall and starts at 8.00pm (doors open at 7.30pm).
For any further information, visit www.downendfolkclub.co.uk
Headinling on Friday 17th January is Odette Michel. Odette is a British folk singer-songwriter, guitarist and bouzouki player with a bold new take on the acoustic tradition and a voice capable of demonstrating the finer points of both folk and traditional song with genuine craftsmanship. In May, Odette released her enchanting debut album The Wildest Rose. The album gained widespread positive acclaim and featured notable musical contributions from Phil Beer (one-half of multi-award-winning acoustic folk band Show of Hands) who plays fiddle on two of the tracks and sings backing vocals on one other track; and Toby Shaer (Cara Dillon, Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys). The club's own Ant Miles will open the evening's entertainment with a short solo set.
The February event, on Friday 21st, sees a welcome return for contemporary folk/acoustic Gilmore & Roberts. Nominated three times at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Katriona Gilmore (fiddle, mandolin) and Jamie Roberts (guitar) met while studying at Leeds College of Music. Their 2018 album A Problem Of Our Kind is the fifth studio album from the duo, who combine award-winning songwriting with astounding musicianship and their trademark harmonies to create a powerful wall of sound. Supporting them will be Matt Quinn and Owen Woods.
Described as “a gentle, lulling delight” by The Guardian, Scottish Salt House are headline guests on Friday 20th March, as part of their tour to launch their new album, Huam. Songs are central to Salt House. New songs that sound as if they’ve always been here. Ancient ballads woken up. Poems given the tunes they’ve long deserved. Songs about place, politics, landscape and birds. Kicking off the evening's music will be the impressive John Wilks.
Rounding off the Spring programme, on Friday 17th April, will be the first act ever to sell out a DFC concert... and one that regulars demand that the club has back every three years or so. Sometimes folk, sometimes not, India Electric Co. traditional instruments in contemporary styles to explore diverse themes from Eastern Europe, Irish traditions and modern urban alienation to end up with something “quirky and glittery - a veritable musical magpie’s nest” according to BBC Radio 3. They're back at Downend with a new album in hand, and will be supported by Bristol-based French singer-songwriter Jane B.
Each concert will be held at Frenchay Village Hall and starts at 8.00pm (doors open at 7.30pm).
For any further information, visit www.downendfolkclub.co.uk
New album for 'spellbinding' musician and dancer
Described as 'a true original' by the Guardian, spellbindingly innovative musician and dancer Hannah James and her most recent project The JigDoll Ensemble, announce the release of their impressive new album The Woman and Her Words on Friday 4th October.
One of the key figures in the revival of English percussive dance, Hannah is renowned as one of the best accordionists of the British Folk scene, her musicianship extends far beyond the tradition and flawlessly incorporates beautiful vocal-stylings with both classic and contemporary applications of English clog dance.
The new release is a celebration of ageing, gaining wisdom, and of the many women who have delivered essential truths along the way. Artist and puppeteer Katarina Cakova, based on Hannah's stories, created the physical form of 'the woman’, which appears on the album cover.
A previous collaborative project, Songs Of Separation, won the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Album in 2017; while Hannah's vocal trio Lady Maisery produced three critically acclaimed albums and was nominated for the Horizon Award at the BBC Folk Awards.
Her most recent project began solo before becoming the JigDoll Ensemble, was acclaimed as 'the highlight of the festival' at the Folk Expo Manchester in late 2017, debuting to a standing ovation from professional delegates from across the world.
Recorded in Hungary, at the prestigious music venue/studio Budapest Music Centre, the album hosts an international line-up of musicians - András Dés (Hungary – Percussion); Marti Tärn (Estonia – Bass Guitar); Kate Young (Scotland – Fiddle / Vocals); Toby Kuhn (France – Cello).
"I deliberately put together this band of extraordinary musicians because, at this time, I feel it's so important to keep international friendships strong. I have always felt European, not English, and this band is a celebration of that and an example of the great things that can emerge when people from different countries and backgrounds have the freedom to meet and work together," said Hannah.
For more information and tour dates, visit hannahjamesmusic.com
One of the key figures in the revival of English percussive dance, Hannah is renowned as one of the best accordionists of the British Folk scene, her musicianship extends far beyond the tradition and flawlessly incorporates beautiful vocal-stylings with both classic and contemporary applications of English clog dance.
The new release is a celebration of ageing, gaining wisdom, and of the many women who have delivered essential truths along the way. Artist and puppeteer Katarina Cakova, based on Hannah's stories, created the physical form of 'the woman’, which appears on the album cover.
A previous collaborative project, Songs Of Separation, won the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Album in 2017; while Hannah's vocal trio Lady Maisery produced three critically acclaimed albums and was nominated for the Horizon Award at the BBC Folk Awards.
Her most recent project began solo before becoming the JigDoll Ensemble, was acclaimed as 'the highlight of the festival' at the Folk Expo Manchester in late 2017, debuting to a standing ovation from professional delegates from across the world.
Recorded in Hungary, at the prestigious music venue/studio Budapest Music Centre, the album hosts an international line-up of musicians - András Dés (Hungary – Percussion); Marti Tärn (Estonia – Bass Guitar); Kate Young (Scotland – Fiddle / Vocals); Toby Kuhn (France – Cello).
"I deliberately put together this band of extraordinary musicians because, at this time, I feel it's so important to keep international friendships strong. I have always felt European, not English, and this band is a celebration of that and an example of the great things that can emerge when people from different countries and backgrounds have the freedom to meet and work together," said Hannah.
For more information and tour dates, visit hannahjamesmusic.com
