Firefly Burning launch their much-anticipated new album “Breath Shallow‘ at London’s iconic St Pancras Old Church venue. ‘Breathe Shallow’ is a full-hearted expression of the 5-piece band’s distinctive minimalist art-folk featuring nine new songs that map the terrain of what it is to love and lose.
Written and recorded amid the reed beds and salt marshes of coastal Suffolk, in residence at Snape Maltings, the album marks the band’s return to the studio after 2015’s acclaimed ‘Skeleton Hill’. Together with legendary producer Tim Friese-Greene (Talk Talk) and engineer Joe Peet, they devised a hybrid ‘almost-live’ recording process, enabling them to distil onto tape the crisp intricacy and crystalline energy of their live sound.
Drawing on avant-pop, alt-folk, classical minimalism and Javanese Gamelan, Firefly Burning’s sound is “fresh, original and often audacious” (The Times). For ‘Breathe Shallow’, the line-up has been augmented by bass synth and kick-drum, offsetting strings and vocal harmonies with a muscular momentum.
Borne out of a two year collaboration with Tim Friese-Greene ‘Skeleton Hill’ (2015), Firefly Burning’s second album, garnered critical success for its rich tapestry and originality. The band followed up the album launch with a UK tour supported by Arts Council England. In 2017 Firefly Burning developed a covers project with filmmaker Fred MacGregor, and in 2018 collaborated on a songwriting residency with emerging musicians at Brighter Sounds in Manchester.
“strange but soaring, dense but addictive… ideal for anybody who wishes Kate Bush were a bit more arty or Steve Reich were a lot more folky” – The Times
“fresh, original and often audacious…old and futuristic at the same time” – Mojo
“Flecks of Gentle Giant, Joni Mitchell and Fleet Foxes…a contemporary folk album with art-prog leanings: if Bjork got into ‘The Wicker Man’ it’d be almost as unintentionally spooky as this… Cleansing” – Prog
“vital and indefinable”- For Folks Sake
“utterly hypnotic… intoxicating, beautiful and affirming” – Matchbox
Great New Roots Gigs On The Way!! Fri 26 April to Fri 10 May – Tickets, Details, Videos…
Hi folks- we’ve got four great gigs on the way for you over the next two weeks. We kick off this Friday with a fantastic roots double-bill at The Harrison in Kings Cross featuring Ady Johnson (trio), with Nizlopi‘s John Parker on upright bass, & Matt Owens (duo), founder member of Indie giants Noah & The Whale, and we stay at The Harrison on Friday 3 May for an alt-folk showcase as Laura Frances unveils her new band, with support from Gus White. On Sunday 5th May we move to The Green Note in Camden for a Cajun, New Orleans, folk, soul-jazz gumbo, with a two set performance from the brilliant Dai & The Ramblers (‘a joyous romp’Americana UK, ‘gorgeous’Janice Long, BBC Radio 2). We finish up back at The Harrison on Friday 3 May for an alt-country treat, with Gem Andrews‘ full band show. All tickets and details are in the bulletin below, with lots more for May and June up now at the New Roots website. Dive in!
Fri 26 April: Ady Johnson (trio) / Matt Owens (duo)
The Harrison,
28 Harrison Street, Kings Cross, WC1H 8JF.
Ph: 020 7278 3966
8.50 adv BUY NOW/ 10.00 door
Nearest tube Kings Cross, 5 mins walk
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.15 pm sharp.
New Roots presents a superb double bill, Ady Johnson (trio) & Matt Owens (duo).
Ady Johnson has shared the stage with the likes of Willy Mason and Ben Howard and recently completed his third tour supporting Ivor Novello Award-winning Scott Matthews. His accomplished, finely crafted style filters the distinctly English tones of Ray Davies and Steve Marriot through a classic, soulful acoustic folk style. His recent release ‘London Songs‘, was recorded with Mercury nominated/BBC award-winning producer Gerry Diver (Lisa Knapp, Sam Lee, Tom Robinson) and brings together the soulful delivery and intimacy of Ady’s live performances. Ady will be joined by John Parker, double bassist in chart topping combo Nizlopi, and multi-instrumentalist stalwart Toby Bull.
“He’s damn good live!” Tom Robinson – BBC Radio 6 Music
“One of the UK’s most inventive songwriters” Stephen Foser – BBC Radio Suffolk.
***** “What a delight this album is!” RnR Magazine
“…might well be the first contender for album of the year…deserves to be massive.” 9/10 Press Association
British singer-songwriter and musician Matt Owens came to prominence as one of the founder members of indie-folk band Noah and the Whale, and went on to front rock’n’roll band Little Mammoths.
Matt’s Debut solo album, ‘Whiskey and Orchids,’ came out on January 11th, and was recorded by Nigel Stonier (Joan Baez/ Waterboys). Matt was joined on the record by Michael Blair (Tom Waits/ Elvis costello), Thea Gilmore, Carleigh Aikins (Bahamas), Adrian Gautrey, Boss Caine and Robert Vincent.
Sun 5 May: Dai & The Ramblers (two sets)
The Green Note
106 Parkway, Camden Town, NW1 7AN
Ph 020 7485 9899
10.00 adv BUY NOW/ 12.00 Door
Nearest tube Camden, 2 mins walk
Doors open 7.00 pm, music form 8.15 pm sharp.
Please note, the venue consists of both seated and standing areas. To ensure a seat, please arrive early.
New Roots presents a Cajun, New Orleans, folk-soul-jazz gumbo!
4-piece Dai & The Ramblers have recorded two critically acclaimed albums, Duw Duw and Bon Bon, crammed full of their rhythm & blues spiced brand of Cajun and New Orleans soaked soul, folk and jazz. The upright bass, guitar, piano and fiddle 4-piece have a serious pedigree- between them they’ve played with Paul McCartmey, Van Morrison, Jeff Beck, Richard Thompson, Bob Geldof, Loudon Wainwright and The Penguin Cafe Orchestra. Wonderful musicianship matched to superb songwriting from Dai Price makes for a set of songs that feel instantly familiar, like classics that have been around forever. Dai & The Rambers ooze class; brilliant musicians, brilliant songs, brilliantly played.
“I love his voice; I love the whole band.” Paul Heaton (The Beatiful South)
“Absolutely gorgeous… They make a beautiful sound.” Janice Long (BBC Radio 2)
“Righteous and loose… contagious and worth spreading” Alan Cackett (Maverick)
“A joyous romp… will raise your spirits and gladden your heart” Michael Farley (Americana UK)
Fri 10 May: Gem Andrews (full band show)
The Harrison,
28 Harrison Street, Kings Cross, WC1H 8JF.
Ph: 020 7278 3966
8.50 adv BUY NOW/ 10.00 door
Nearest tube Kings Cross, 5 mins walk
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.15 pm sharp.
Gem Andrews writes Americana and folk music with an honesty and rawness that cuts to the quick. Andrews’ superb songs are backed by lush harmonies, sweet fiddle, piano and accordion, and supported by a double bass and drums rhythm section. Deeply rooted in contemporary alt-country, her sound makes respectful nods to the giants of roots and country music, Patsy Cline, Lucinda Williams and Kate & Anna McGarrigle, all the while maintaining her own fiercely independent spirit.
In Andrews’ powerful new album ‘North’, released in January 2018, she employs a noir-country stye to tackle heavyweight themes of mental illness, poverty, community and destitution. Running through every song is the North East of England- as subect, backdrop and through tribute to local legends, including adaptations of poems by the late, great local poet and playwright Julia Darling. ‘North’ captures the energy and warmth of the people of the region, and the rage felt at a political class who have left them to waste.
Great New Roots Gigs On The Way!! Weds 17 April to Sun 3 May – Tickets, Details, Videos…
Hi folks- here’s what’s on the way over the next two weeks for New Roots. On Wed 17 this week we’re at the Green Note with HEARD Collective, a four-way feast of music featuring Daisy Chute, Cerian, Martha Paton & Elisabeth Flett, and we stay at the Green Note on the following day, Thurs 18th April, for the sublime Whiskey Moonface. On the 26 April we’re at The Harrison for a great double bill, Ady Johnson (featuring John Parker from Nizlopi) and Matt Owens (Noah & The Whale), and we return to The Harrison on Fri 3May for Laura L’Olive‘s full band show, with support from Gus White. We finished back at The Green Note on Sunday 5 May with the joyous, superbly soulful Dai & the Ramblers. All tickets and details below, with lots more gigs for April, May & June up at the new roots website, dive in!
The Green Note
106 Parkway, Camden Town, NW1 7AN
Ph 020 7485 9899
10.00 adv BUY NOW/ 12.00 Door
Nearest tube Camden, 2 mins walk Doors open 7.00 pm
Music from 8.15 pm sharp.
Doors open 7.00 pm, music from 8.15 pm. The venue is comprised of both seated and standing areas- please arrive early to ensure a seat.
HEARD Collective promote and support women in music, putting on all-female line-ups as they try to redress the balance of under-representation. For this special event HC present a showcase of four brilliant female songwriters and artists: Daisy Chute, Martha Paton , Elisabeth Flett, and Cerian.
Award-winning artist Daisy Chute is a folk songstress, multi-instrumentalist and regular on the London music scene. Formerly of Decca’s platinum-selling classical group All Angels, she is currently working on her début album of original songs with producer and songwriter Tim Baxter (Andy Burrows, Editors, Nick Mulvey). She is mentored by songwriting rock royalty Ray Davies (The Kinks) and is one of Paul Sexton‘s ‘top music tips’ for 2018, with comparisons to Laura Marling, Simon and Garfunkel and Joni Mitchell’ (BBC Radio Kent).
London singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Cerian has been described as “the purest voice on radio” (BBC) and selected as one of Music Republic Magazine’s “ones to watch” in 2019. Across her career to date she has sung with U2, Radiohead, Thom Yorke, Sam Smith, Imogen Heap and Charlotte Church amongst others, and is now taking on the world with her own brand of contemporary, ethereal, folk-pop. Classically trained in voice, harp, piano and guitar, she has been described as a cross between Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell and London Grammar, weaving together soaring melodic vocals and rich harmony with poetic lyrics.
Martha Paton is a South London-based singer and writer of chocolate-box songs about the city, suburbia, and how doomed we all are. Born in Hampshire and raised on the pop excesses of the 90s and early 00s, she now specialises in folk and country-infused pop that takes its cues from Laura Marling, Regina Spektor, Margo Price and First Aid Kit.
Winner of the 2015 Cecil Sharp House Fiddle Championship, Elisabeth Flett is a Scottish multi-instrumentalist, theatre maker and writer. As well as performing as a solo artist, Elisabeth is currently a member of London-based folk trio Solasta, (Guardian Folk Album of the Month September 2018), folk duo Shamblestone (BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards Semi-Finalists 2017), and medieval folk ensemble Joglaresa.
Thurs 18 April: Whiskey Moonface
The Green Note
106 Parkway, Camden Town, NW1 7AN
Ph 020 7485 9899
10.00 adv BUY NOW/ 12.00 Door
Nearest tube Camden, 2 mins walk
Doors open 7.00 pm, music from 8.15 pm. The venue is comprised of both seated and standing areas- please arrive early to ensure a seat.
To describe Whiskey Moonface as an alternative folk group doesn’t even begin to do justice to the breadth of inspiration and style in their music.
Based around double bass (Dakota Jim), accordion (Louisa Jones) and clarinet (Ewan Bleach), they’re led by Jones’ superb vocals and hallucinatory lyrics. Capable of being both ear-to-ear-grinningly entertaining and profoundly moving, they combine elements of old-time New Orleans jazz, Eastern Europe folk music, the baroque/ chamber folk styles of the likes of Sufjan Stevens and Beirut, and the bacchanalian spirit of Tom Waits with their own unique take on contemporary roots music, to make for a superbly realised, truly beautiful, and utterly original sound.
There is simply no-one in the UK making music like Whiskey Moonface.
Fri 26 April: Ady Johnson (trio) / Matt Owens (duo)
The Harrison,
28 Harrison Street, Kings Cross, WC1H 8JF.
Ph: 020 7278 3966
8.50 adv BUY NOW/ 10.00 door
Nearest tube Kings Cross, 5 mins walk
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.15 pm sharp.
New Roots presents a superb double bill, Ady Johnson (trio) & Matt Owens (duo).
Ady Johnson has shared the stage with the likes of Willy Mason and Ben Howard and recently completed his third tour supporting Ivor Novello Award-winning Scott Matthews. His accomplished, finely crafted style filters the distinctly English tones of Ray Davies and Steve Marriot through a classic, soulful acoustic folk style. His recent release ‘London Songs‘, was recorded with Mercury nominated/BBC award-winning producer Gerry Diver (Lisa Knapp, Sam Lee, Tom Robinson) and brings together the soulful delivery and intimacy of Ady’s live performances. Ady will be joined by John Parker, double bassist in chart topping combo Nizlopi, and multi-instrumentalist stalwart Toby Bull.
“He’s damn good live!” Tom Robinson – BBC Radio 6 Music
“One of the UK’s most inventive songwriters” Stephen Foser – BBC Radio Suffolk.
***** “What a delight this album is!” RnR Magazine
“…might well be the first contender for album of the year…deserves to be massive.” 9/10 Press Association
British singer-songwriter and musician Matt Owens came to prominence as one of the founder members of indie-folk band Noah and the Whale, and went on to front rock’n’roll band Little Mammoths.
Matt’s Debut solo album, ‘Whiskey and Orchids,’ came out on January 11th, and was recorded by Nigel Stonier (Joan Baez/ Waterboys). Matt was joined on the record by Michael Blair (Tom Waits/ Elvis costello), Thea Gilmore, Carleigh Aikins (Bahamas), Adrian Gautrey, Boss Caine and Robert Vincent.
Fri 3 May:Laura L’Olivewith support from Gus White
The Harrison,
28 Harrison Street, Kings Cross, WC1H 8JF.
Ph: 020 7278 3966
8.50 adv BUY NOW/ 10.00 door
Nearest tube Kings Cross, 5 mins walk
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.00 pm sharp.
New Roots presents Laura L’Olive (full band show), with support from Gus White.
Laura L’Olive is a striking new voice in UK alt-folk, with a startling depth and a richly intense tone that instantly marks her out as one to watch. The deep vulnerability in her lyrics and unique vocal style is juxtaposed by lush layers of dreamy guitar, captivating and transporting the listener. Laura’s debut album is set for release in the summer of 2020, and she plays its songs tonight with a new 4-piece band.
Growing up in a small village in Wiltshire, Gus White began his career as a choir boy, discovering his passion for music at an early age. He studied Sonic Arts at Queen’s University Belfast and Popular Music at Goldsmiths University of London. He has been greatly influenced by folk artists such as Joni Mitchell and Nick Drake, and by the countryside in which he grew up, contributing to his particularly English and pastoral sound.
Sun 5 May: Dai & The Ramblers (two sets)
The Green Note
106 Parkway, Camden Town, NW1 7AN
Ph 020 7485 9899
10.00 adv BUY NOW/ 12.00 Door
Nearest tube Camden, 2 mins walk
Doors open 7.00 pm, music form 8.15 pm sharp.
Please note, the venue consists of both seated and standing areas. To ensure a seat, please arrive early.
New Roots presents a Cajun, New Orleans, folk-soul-jazz gumbo!
4-piece Dai & The Ramblers have recorded two critically acclaimed albums, Duw Duw and Bon Bon, crammed full of their rhythm & blues spiced brand of Cajun and New Orleans soaked soul, folk and jazz. The upright bass, guitar, piano and fiddle 4-piece have a serious pedigree- between them they’ve played with Paul McCartmey, Van Morrison, Jeff Beck, Richard Thompson, Bob Geldof, Loudon Wainwright and The Penguin Cafe Orchestra. Wonderful musicianship matched to superb songwriting from Dai Price makes for a set of songs that feel instantly familiar, like classics that have been around forever. Dai & The Rambers ooze class; brilliant musicians, brilliant songs, brilliantly played.
“I love his voice; I love the whole band.” Paul Heaton (The Beatiful South)
“Absolutely gorgeous… They make a beautiful sound.” Janice Long (BBC Radio 2)
“Righteous and loose… contagious and worth spreading” Alan Cackett (Maverick)
“A joyous romp… will raise your spirits and gladden your heart” Michael Farley (Americana UK)
Coming up in May:
Fri 10 May: Gem Andrews plus support at The Harrison, Kings Cross.
“I love his voice; I love the whole band.” Paul Heaton (The Beatiful South) / “Absolutely gorgeous… They make a beautiful sound.” Janice Long (BBC Radio 2) / “Righteous and loose… contagious and worth spreading” Alan Cackett (Maverick)
The Green Note
106 Parkway, Camden Town, NW1 7AN
Ph 020 7485 9899
10.00 adv BUY NOW/ 12.00 Door
Doors open 7.00 pm, music from 8.30 pm.
Nearest tube Camden, 2 mins walk
Please note. the venue consists of both seated and standing areas. To ensure a seat please arrive early.
New Roots presents a Cajun, New Orleans, folk-soul-jazz gumbo!D&TR will play two 45 minute sets from 8.30 pm, with a thirty minute interval.
4-piece Dai & The Ramblers have recorded two critically acclaimed albums, Duw Duw and Bon Bon, crammed full of their rhythm & blues spiced brand of Cajun and New Orleans soaked soul, folk and jazz. The upright bass, guitar, piano and fiddle 4-piece have a serious pedigree- between them they’ve played with Paul McCartmey, Van Morrison, Jeff Beck, Richard Thompson, Bob Geldof, Loudon Wainwright and The Penguin Cafe Orchestra. Wonderful musicianship matched to superb songwriting from Dai Price makes for a set of songs that feel instantly familiar, like classics that have been around forever. Dai & The Rambers ooze class; brilliant musicians, brilliant songs, brilliantly played.
“I love his voice; I love the whole band.” Paul Heaton (The Beatiful South)
“Absolutely gorgeous… They make a beautiful sound.” Janice Long (BBC Radio 2)
“Righteous and loose… contagious and worth spreading” Alan Cackett (Maverick)
“A joyous romp… will raise your spirits and gladden your heart” Michael Farley (Americana UK)
★★★★★ fRoots Magazine / ★★★★ The Guardian / ★★★★ The Independent On Sunday / ★★★★The Telegraph / ★★★★ The Mail On Sunday / ★★★★ The Financial Times / ★★★★ The Irish Times / ★★★★ Songlines
The Slaughtered Lamb
34-35 Great Sutton St, Clerkenwell, EC1V 0DX
Ph: 020 7253 1516
10.00 adv BUY NOW / 12.00 door
Nearest tube Farringdon, 5 mins walk
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.15 pm sharp.
Please note, the venue consists of both seated and standing areas. To ensure a seat please arrive by 7.30 pm.
Three Cane Whale is a multi-instrumental acoustic chamber-folk trio based in Bristol, UK. As intricate as a team of watchmakers, as spare as a mountain stream, uplifting and elegiac in equal measure, their music encompasses both a cinematic sweep and an intimate delicacy, in which “the aroma of muddy leaves and old nettles is almost tangible” (The Observer).
Expect a stage strewn with upwards of 15 instruments (some familiar, such as trumpet, mandolin, & acoustic guitar; some beguilingly unusual, including the eerie bowed psaltery & a late-Victorian Scottish acoustic keyboard called the Dulcitone), allowing for some striking multiple instrumental combinations and an overall soundworld unlike any other.
The band’s eponymous debut album was recorded live in an eighteenth-century Bristol church, and chosen by Cerys Matthews as one of her ‘Top Five Modern Folk Albums’(Sunday Telegraph). Second album Holts and Hovers was recorded in 20 different locations, including churches, chapels, a greenwood barn, an allotment shed, the top of a Welsh waterfall, and the underside of a Bristol flyover. It was fRoots Editor’s Choice Album Of The Year 2013, one of the ‘Hidden Gems Of 2013’ in The Observer, and one of Acoustic Guitarist magazine’s ’20 Essential Folk Albums’.
2016’s “Palimpsest” album was recorded in Real World Studios in Wiltshire, with Adrian Utley from the band Portishead producing, and artwork by Dorset’s Little Toller press (best-known for their gorgeous editions of old and new nature writing classics). “Palimpsest” received 4-star reviews in The Guardian, The Independent On Sunday, The FT, The Irish Times, The Mail On Sunday, Songlines, and The Telegraph, and was a 5-star Playlist Choice in fRoots.
At the end of 2016, “Three Cane Whale: Live At The Old Barn, Kelston Roundhill” was chosen as the inaugural release on Kelston Records, and described as ” a fantastic release” on BBC Radio 3‘s Record Review. In 2017, the band collaborated with 13 filmmakers and visual artists on short films to accompany live performances, and toured the project throughout the UK.
Three Cane Whale are:
Alex Vann – mandolin, bowed psaltery, zither, bouzouki, tenor banjo, hammered dulcimer
Pete Judge – trumpet, cornet, tenor horn, harmonium, dulcitone, lyre, chimes, glockenspiels
Paul Bradley – acoustic guitar, miniature harp
Great New Roots Gigs On The Way!! Sat 13 April to Fri 26 April- Tickets, Details, Videos…
Hi folks- there are four great New Roots gigs for you on the way over the next fortnight! This Sat 13th we’re at the Harrison for Ned Roberts‘ first headline gig of the year (★★★★ The Guardian, ‘one to get really excited about’ Lauren Laverne), with support from the brilliant Our Man In The Field. On 17 AprilHEARD Collective take over the Green Note, with performances from four fantastic artists- Daisy Chute, Cerian, Martha Paton and Elisabeth Flett. We stay in the Green Note on Thursday 18th for the undefinable, incomparable, incredible Whiskey Moonface– tickets are almost gone for this one, don’t miss the perfect band in the perfect setting…Finally, we return to The Harrison on Friday 26 April for the splendid double bill that is Ady Johnson (trio) (★★★★★, RnR Magazine) and Noah & The Whale founding member Matt Owens (duo). All details and ticket links below- dive in!
Sat 13 April: Ned Roberts with support from Our Man In The Field
The Harrison,
28 Harrison Street, Kings Cross, WC1H 8JF.
Ph: 020 7278 3966
8.50 adv BUY NOW/ 10.00 door
Nearest tube Kings Cross, 5 mins walk
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.00 pm sharp.
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.15 pm sharp. Nearest tube Kings Cross, 6 mins walk.
Signed to the Green Note affiliated Aveline label (home to Ruth Theodoreand Ani Di Franco) Ned Roberts was discovered by producer Luther Russell (Sarabeth Tucek, Richmond Fontaine, Noah & The Whale) and brought to Los Angeles to record. The pair have since developed a close creative partnership.
The first single culled from these sessions was “Red Sun”, which featured frequently on BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 2, and BBC Radio Scotland. On the heels of this came the single “Blues #6”, featuring vocals by acclaimed songstress Sarabeth Tucek. The track was championed by Lauren Laverne, Jo Whiley, Gideon Coe, and Huey Morgan on BBC Radio. His debut self-titled album was released to great acclaim in 2014, garnering significant national press, notably from the Guardian and Uncut magazine. Live sessions for BBC Radio London and Bob Harris’ Radio 2 show soon followed.
No stranger to the road, Ned has toured the UK extensively. He attained a much sought after support tour with celebrated US songwriter Anais Mitchell,and has also supported the likes of Joe Pug, Micah P. Hinson, The Delinesand Sarabeth Tucek. He has also toured extensively in Europe and the West Coast of the US.
‘Absolutely gorgeous stuff…one to really get excited about’ – Lauren Laverne, BBC 6 Music
‘A warm treat…his melodies reminiscent of Leonard Cohen with lyrical nods to Bob Dylan, and his voice has echoes of Tim Hardin‘ ★★★★ The Guardian
‘…a beautiful record’ – Gideon Coe, BBC 6Music
‘so gifted, possessing a fine ear for a tune and a real knack for storytelling..stunning’. 8/10 – UNCUT
‘An understated gem’ – The Independent on Sunday
You could be forgiven for thinking you’ve heard Our Man The Field somewhere before. He records live with his band just like the best of his influences; Neil Young, Van Morrison, Credence Clearwater Revival, Ryan Adams and Wilco. His own sound is undefinable but familiar and has been compared to modern day artists such as Ray LaMontagne, Damien Rice, Foy Vance and Joe Purdy.
The Green Note
106 Parkway, Camden Town, NW1 7AN
Ph 020 7485 9899
10.00 adv BUY NOW/ 12.00 Door
Nearest tube Camden, 2 mins walk Doors open 7.00 pm
Music from 8.15 pm sharp.
Doors open 7.00 pm, music from 8.15 pm. The venue is comprised of both seated and standing areas- please arrive early to ensure a seat.
HEARD Collective promote and support women in music, putting on all-female line-ups as they try to redress the balance of under-representation. For this special event HC present a showcase of four brilliant female songwriters and artists: Daisy Chute, Martha Paton , Elisabeth Flett, and Cerian.
Award-winning artist Daisy Chute is a folk songstress, multi-instrumentalist and regular on the London music scene. Formerly of Decca’s platinum-selling classical group All Angels, she is currently working on her début album of original songs with producer and songwriter Tim Baxter (Andy Burrows, Editors, Nick Mulvey). She is mentored by songwriting rock royalty Ray Davies (The Kinks) and is one of Paul Sexton‘s ‘top music tips’ for 2018, with comparisons to Laura Marling, Simon and Garfunkel and Joni Mitchell’ (BBC Radio Kent).
London singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Cerian has been described as “the purest voice on radio” (BBC) and selected as one of Music Republic Magazine’s “ones to watch” in 2019. Across her career to date she has sung with U2, Radiohead, Thom Yorke, Sam Smith, Imogen Heap and Charlotte Church amongst others, and is now taking on the world with her own brand of contemporary, ethereal, folk-pop. Classically trained in voice, harp, piano and guitar, she has been described as a cross between Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell and London Grammar, weaving together soaring melodic vocals and rich harmony with poetic lyrics.
Martha Paton is a South London-based singer and writer of chocolate-box songs about the city, suburbia, and how doomed we all are. Born in Hampshire and raised on the pop excesses of the 90s and early 00s, she now specialises in folk and country-infused pop that takes its cues from Laura Marling, Regina Spektor, Margo Price and First Aid Kit.
Winner of the 2015 Cecil Sharp House Fiddle Championship, Elisabeth Flett is a Scottish multi-instrumentalist, theatre maker and writer. As well as performing as a solo artist, Elisabeth is currently a member of London-based folk trio Solasta, (Guardian Folk Album of the Month September 2018), folk duo Shamblestone (BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards Semi-Finalists 2017), and medieval folk ensemble Joglaresa.
Thurs 18 April:Whiskey Moonface
The Green Note
106 Parkway, Camden Town, NW1 7AN
Ph 020 7485 9899
10.00 adv BUY NOW/ 12.00 Door
Nearest tube Camden, 2 mins walk
To describe Whiskey Moonface as an alternative folk group doesn’t even begin to do justice to the breadth of inspiration and style in their music.
Based around double bass (Dakota Jim), accordion (Louisa Jones) and clarinet (Ewan Bleach), they’re led by Jones’ superb vocals and hallucinatory lyrics. Capable of being both ear-to-ear-grinningly entertaining and profoundly moving, they combine elements of old-time New Orleans jazz, Eastern Europe folk music, the baroque/ chamber folk styles of the likes of Sufjan Stevens and Beirut, and the bacchanalian spirit of Tom Waits with their own unique take on contemporary roots music, to make for a superbly realised, truly beautiful, and utterly original sound.
There is simply no-one in the UK making music like Whiskey Moonface.
Fri 26 April: Ady Johnson (trio) / Matt Owens (duo)
The Harrison,
28 Harrison Street, Kings Cross, WC1H 8JF.
Ph: 020 7278 3966
8.50 adv BUY NOW/ 10.00 door
Nearest tube Kings Cross, 5 mins walk
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.15 pm sharp.
Ady Johnson has shared the stage with the likes of Willy Mason and Ben Howard and recently completed his third tour supporting Ivor Novello Award-winning Scott Matthews. His accomplished, finely crafted style filters the distinctly English tones of Ray Davies and Steve Marriot through a classic, soulful acoustic folk style. His recent release ‘London Songs‘, was recorded with Mercury nominated/BBC award-winning producer Gerry Diver (Lisa Knapp, Sam Lee, Tom Robinson) and brings together the soulful delivery and intimacy of Ady’s live performances. Ady will be joined by John Parker, double bassist in chart topping combo Nizlopi, and multi-instrumentalist stalwart Toby Bull.
“He’s damn good live!” Tom Robinson – BBC Radio 6 Music
“One of the UK’s most inventive songwriters” Stephen Foser – BBC Radio Suffolk.
***** “What a delight this album is!” RnR Magazine
“…might well be the first contender for album of the year…deserves to be massive.” 9/10 Press Association
British singer-songwriter and musician Matt Owens came to prominence as one of the founder members of indie-folk band Noah and the Whale, and went on to front rock’n’roll band Little Mammoths.
Matt’s Debut solo album, ‘Whiskey and Orchids,’ came out on January 11th, and was recorded by Nigel Stonier (Joan Baez/ Waterboys). Matt was joined on the record by Michael Blair (Tom Waits/ Elvis costello), Thea Gilmore, Carleigh Aikins (Bahamas), Adrian Gautrey, Boss Caine and Robert Vincent.
That’s all from New Roots for now– if there’s anything more you’d like to know please drop me an email to newrootsevents@gmail.com. Cheers! Rory.
New Roots presents THE NEW ROOTS SESSIONS, a series of Friday and Saturday night events at the Harrison in Kings Cross featuring three superb headline solo artists on a triple-bill. Fully seated, tickets limited to 40 only- advance purchase advised.
The Harrison,
28 Harrison Street, Kings Cross, WC1H 8JF.
Ph: 020 7278 3966
Nearest tube Kings Cross, 5 mins walk
£8.50 adv BUY NOW / £10.00
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.00 pm sharp.
Scottish singer-songwriter and Rough Trade Records recording artist Samantha Whates is a hugely respected figure on the London roots scene. Her beautifully crafted, poetic songs retain a strong affinity with her Scottish roots, cultivating a sound that is thoroughly contemporary, rooted in tradition, yet uniquely her own. She recently formed new Rough Trade Records signings Picapica with her long time friend and collaborator Josienne Clarke, winner of the prestigious Radio 2 Folk Awards 2015. Her debut album Dark Nights Make For Brighter Days has been enjoyed both critical acclaim and extensive radio play (BBC 6 Music, KCRW, Resonance FM).
M G Boulter is a singer and songwriter living on the coast of the Thames Estuary, England. Releasing his debut album in Spring 2012 under the name The Whispering Pines, Boulter has been an integral member of leading UK Americana band The Lucky Strikes since 2007, starting out on bass before switching to guitar and vocals, as well as penning much of their material. Since accompanying Simone Felice (The Felice Brothers) on various dates including a prestigious Green Man Festival headline set in 2011, Boulter has become a full member of The Simone Felice Band, touring the US and UK, also opening shows as solo performer. As a much sought after pedal steel and guitar player he has also worked with Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes), Mumford & Sons, Emily Portman’s Coracle Band and Blue Rose Code.
“Gorgeous, in a word” ★★★★Uncut
“Highly recommended” ★★★★★Independent on Sunday
“Lovely.. ” ★★★★Mojo
“Brings freshness to songwriting” ★★★★Telegraph
“The best of 2016, no contest” ★★★★The Morning Star
Genevieve Dawson is a singer-songwriter originally from Edinburgh, now based in South-East London. Bringing together a frank lyrical style with a wonderfully rich and soulful tone, her sophisticated sound pulls influence from jazz and folk in equal measure. She has recently completed studies in composition at Goldsmiths University of London, following in the footsteps of James Blake and Rosie Lowe, amongst many other esteemed alumni.
‘ [She] blends folk-roots with spicy infusions of off-kilter improvisation and ambitiously ambiguous harmony. Genevieve’s take is not unlike that of Hejira-era Joni Mitchell- her songwriting knows no upper bounds…see her at any opportunity you get’ Bittersweet Symphonies.
New Roots 