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.
When Josienne Clarke signed to the illustrious independent music champions Rough Trade Records, its founder Geoff Travis told The Guardian that she writes, ‘songs that rearrange your internal emotional landscape… reinventing the popular song structure’. With a rare gift for poetic melancholy, Josienne’s songs have also been described as ‘extraordinary’ (Mojo),‘gently exquisite’(The Observer) and ‘full of depth’(The Telegraph), while the world music bible Songlines said, ’Clarke’s dark, complex imagery in the lyrics pushes the songs into rich metaphorical territory, one of the heart and of self-enquiry’. American Songwriter magazine named Josienne one of the best songwriters of 2016.
With an elegant, nuanced and emotionally affecting singing style (Cerys Matthews described her as having a voice that can ‘trickle back over centuries’) Josienne has frequently been compared to the great Sandy Denny, but present too are elements of Nina Simone and Gillian Welch; all three are important influences on her work. With several new records and theatrical productions to look forward to in 2019, Josienne Clarke remains one of the most impressive, accomplished and downright heart-breaking singers, lyricists and composers we’ve got.
Benedict Benjamin is Ben Rubinstein, formerly of The Mariner’s Children and Peggy Sue (Wichita Records). Benjamin is first and foremost a songwriter versed in the classical traditions of the form, capable of crafting both operatic crescendo and lullaby-like stillness, shot through with the heartbreaking swoon of Roy Orbison, the soothing harmonies of the Everly Brothers and the honesty of Jeff Tweedy. His songs undercut the dream-like beauty of early 60s pop music with lyrics both frank and poetic.
A rising star on the London folk scene, American singer-songwriter Robert Chaney counts Townes Van Zandt, Hank Williams and Judee Sill as influences. A remarkable songwriter with a voice to send shivers down your spine, sown deep into his songs are threads of the dusty shellac blues of the 20s and 30s, pulp noir tales of the 40s, the cable-knit folk revival of the 50s, and the French celluloid new wave of the 60s. His debut album ‘Cracked Picture Frames’ garnered high praise in the music press, with Folk Radio UK making it their featured album of the month. With his guitar as the barest of accompaniments, Chaney propels the listener through time, space, and story with a dexterity that truly sets him apart from worthy contemporaries.
‘Sharp, intelligent, thoughtful and moving’ (Folk Radio UK)
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New Roots is committed to promoting events that shine a light on up and coming talent in the UK alt-folk scene. It’s committed to providing artists with an environment that is sympathetic to what they do, giving musicians the respect they and their music deserves – for this reason we ask for no talking and no use of mobile phones while artists are performing. Our music policy comes from the kitchen table, the roots of public performance- intimate, acoustic based, high quality musicianship with as little interference between performer and listener as possible.
£10.00 adv BUY NOW / £12.00 Door
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.15 pm sharp.
Singer-songwriter Genevieve Dawson is originally from Edinburgh, now based in South-East London. Growing up on Joni Mitchell and Ella Fitzgerald, she went on to study music, playing and singing in jazz and folk bands across Europe and the UK. After a period spent living in Cairo and Morocco she returned to London, completing her studies at the iconic Goldsmiths University. Bringing together a frank lyrical style with a wonderfully rich and soulful tone, Genevieve Dawson’s sophisticated sound, supported by a superbly accomplished four piece band of keys, horns, bass and drums, pulls influence from jazz and folk in equal measure.
‘ [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 and her band at any opportunity you get’. Bittersweet Symphonies.
‘Lewin’ is the fresh musical leaf that has been turned by songwriter and musician Jara Holdert, formerly known as ‘JARA’. Her debut album, recorded in Haarlem and Berlin and scheduled for release in 2019, is full of the indie-pop warmth of the sixties and seventies, ranging from full-band arrangements to stripped down, intimate solo recordings. The first first single from the album, ‘Leather Jackets’, was released on The Toucan & The Elephant Records in February 2019.
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New Roots is committed to promoting events that shine a light on up and coming talent in the UK alt-folk scene. It’s committed to providing artists with an environment that is sympathetic to what they do, giving musicians the respect they and their music deserves – for this reason we ask for no talking and no use of mobile phones while artists are performing. Our music policy comes from the kitchen table, the roots of public performance- intimate, acoustic based, high quality musicianship with as little interference between performer and listener as possible.
Great New Roots Gigs On The Way!! Tues 14 May to Weds 22 May – Tickets, Details, Videos…
Hi folks- we’ve got a choc-a-bloc 10 days coming up for you, with some amazing gigs on the way. On Tues 14 Dublin rocker Stefan Murphy comes to the Slaughtered Lamb, with support from Rob Corcoran and Ciaran Dwyer. Weds 15 May sees New Roots at Servant Jazz Quarters in Dalston for a sold-out Sam Brookes show, and on Thursday 16th we’re at The Green Note in Camden for James Riley and his 4 piece band, with support from Our Man In The Field. We de-camp to The Harrison on the 17th & 18th for a Valeria Pozzo (trio) and Hugo M Hardy (trio) double-bill on Friday night 17th, followed by a brilliant New Roots Sessions triple-bill on Sat 18th with Samantha Whates, MG Boulter and Genevieve Dawson. On Monday 20th we’re at The Slaughtered Lamb for TURYA‘s ‘Echo’ EP launch, with support from Gus White, and we round off an incredible ten days on Weds 22 with the sublime Firefly Burning, as they launch their brilliant new ‘Breathe Shallow’ album at the beautiful St Pancras Old Church in Kings Cross. All details in the bulletin below, with lots more fantastic New Roots gigs for June & July up now on the website. Dive in!
Tues 14 May: Stefan Murphy & The Athletes of Soul with support from Rob Corcoran / Ciaran Dwyer
The Slaughtered Lamb,
34-35 Great Sutton St, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 0DX Ph: 020 7253 1516 10.00 adv BUY NOW/ 12.00 door
Nearest tube Farringdon, 8 mins walk DIRECTIONS
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.15 pm sharp.
Stefan Murphy & The Athletes Of Soul is a collaborative concept from long-time, much respected Dublin rocker Stefan Murphy (The Might Stef, Count Vaseline). To date Athletes of Soul have included members of Black Angels, The Germs, Ariel Pink, The Pogues, Reigning Sound, Ash, Altered Images, One Dove, Fontaines DC, Badlands and The Republic Of Loose. Across his career Stevan Murphy has shared bills and tours with Jonathan Richman, The Fall, Black Lips, King Khan, Happy Mondays, Television Personalities, Jeffrey Lewis, Dead Boys, Alice Cooper, The Boomtown Rats, Rancid, The Stooges, Queens Of The Stoneage, Arcade Fire, and the Libertines to name but a few….Expect soulful roots-rock and garage-soul shot through with pure punk attitude.
Weds 15 May: Sold Out! Sam Brookes with support from Genevieve Dawson
Servant Jazz Quarters
10A Bradbury St, Dalston, London N16 8JN Ph: 020 7684 8411 10.00 advBUY NOW/ 12.00 door Nearest train station Dalston Kingsland, 2 mins walk DIRECTIONS Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.15 pm sharp.
Sam Brookes is reminiscent of Tim Buckley as he glides between the lower and upper registers of his four-octave range. His pure voice, evocative lyrics and soaring melodies have made him a rising figure in the alt-folk scene.
Inspired by the British and American folk revivalists of the 60’s, a sixteen-year-old Brookes began to write and perform while training as a gilder in his late father’s workshop. By his mid-twenties, Brookes had begun to receive serious critical recognition, his self-released album, Kairos, being acclaimed by The Independent as one of the stand-out records of 2014. Now in demand as a vocalist and collaborator, the long list of artists Brookes has worked with includes Scott Matthews, Lucy Rose, Newton Faulkner and Basement Jaxx.
Tempus, released 3rd May, sees Sam rework Kairos’s most arresting, intimate songs into richly layered acoustic versions with the help of producer Laurence Love Greed and some of the UK’s finest session players. This Tempus tour will see Sam performing a very special set of intimate duo shows with voice, guitar and piano.
“he excels at propulsive, narratively rich folk, delivered in a soaring, clear-as-a-bell singing voice” – The Sunday Times
“there are vast emotional reserves at work” – The Independent
“a stunning work on so many levels” – Folk Radio
Thurs 16 May: James Riley (Full Band Show) / Our Man In The Field
The Green Note
106 Parkway, Camden Town, NW1 7AN
Ph 020 7485 9899
10.00 advBUY NOW/ 12.00 Door
Nearest tube Camden, 2 mins walk DIRECTIONS
Doors open 7.00 pm, music form 8.15 pm sharp.
Anglo-American and raised in London, singer-songwriter James Riley followed his roots back to Nashville in 2015, where he met Grammy-winning producer Matthew Odmark. The result is the brilliant debut album Transatlantica, brimming with urgent, unguarded honesty.
Rileys distinctive contemporary roots music walks a fine line between timeless songcraft and soulful, modern vibrancy, all delivered with a strikingly candid folk voice. Since returning to the UK, James has been building towards the release of the Transatlantica album; putting out teaser singles, creating cinematic music videos, and performing at a slew of live shows and festivals. Highlights include Glastonbury, Wilderness, Shrewsbury Folk Festival and Maverick – and heads have begun turning. The past 18 months have seen James nominated for 4 UK music awards, national TV and radio coverage, and international tours on both sides of the Atlantic. The start of 2019 marks the threshold of an exciting new chapter for this transatlantic songsmith, and a long-awaited opportunity to share with the world the fruits of a hard-won musical journey. James Riley is an artist ready to hit his stride over the next twelve months.
‘[James Riley is] awesome….. like the Allman Brothers meets the Seeger Sessions’ Laura Marling
‘One of my highlights of the year’ Verity Sharp, Late Junction, BBC Radio 3
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.
Fri 17 May: Valeria Pozzo (trio) / Hugo M. Hardy (trio)
The Harrison,
28 Harrison Street, Kings Cross, WC1H 8JF.
Ph: 020 7278 3966
7.00 advBUY NOW/ 8.50 door
Nearest tube Kings Cross, 5 mins walkDIRECTIONS
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.00 pm sharp.
After years of playing in various bands, working on records with David Gray, Caro and more, and sharing studios with members of Elbow, Hugo M. Hardy’slatest musical incarnation is an exploration to the core of his evocative songwriting. After losing loved ones and moving away from a familiar home, Hugo locked himself away in the French Alps with nothing but a guitar, a laptop, and music from Kanye, Sufjan Stevens and James Blake. By the time he brought himself back to the UK, he realised that he had written and recorded his debut album. A combination of off kilter, acoustic and electronic production alongside thought-provoking, introspective lyrics create an atmosphere that has been likened to Elliott Smith, Bon Iver and The Microphones.
Italian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Valeria Pozzo grew up surrounded by music. Classically trained in violin at the Venice Conservatory “Benedetto Marcello”, Valeria has been playing the professionally since a young age. In 2011 she relocated to London, going on to work with The Neil Cowley Trio, Antonio Forcione, ESKA, Nick Zinner, Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker, Rhys Lewis & The Relics, and Your Correspondent, with live performances at The Barbican, The Royal Festival Hall, The Purcell Room and on BBC Introducing. In February 2014 she released her debut EP ‘Here I live and Breathe’ collaborating with the Italian producer Marco Anzovino and songwriter Samantha Jones. Since the release of her album, she has been gigging regularly in the UK, in Italy, in Belgium and Spain.
Sat 18 May: THE NEW ROOTS SESSIONS Samantha Whates / MG Boulter / Genevieve Dawson
The Harrison,
28 Harrison Street, Kings Cross, WC1H 8JF.
Ph: 020 7278 3966
8.50 advBUY NOW/ 10.00 door
Nearest tube Kings Cross, 5 mins walkDIRECTIONS
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.00 pm sharp
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.
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.
Mon 20 May: TURYA ‘Echo’ EP Launch with support from Gus White
The Slaughtered Lamb,
34-35 Great Sutton St, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 0DX Ph: 020 7253 1516 10.00 adv BUY NOW/ 12.00 door
Nearest tube Farringdon, 8 mins walk DIRECTIONS
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.15 pm sharp.
Nicki Wells, the exceptionally gifted singer and songwriter behind TURYA,takes inspiration from Indian classical music, which she studied throughout her teenage years in India. The name comes from Turiya, a Sanskrit word, meaning a state of pure consciousness, the silence experienced after sound. This influence is evident throughout her Nitin Sawhney produced debut album ‘Ocean’, and her brand new ‘Echo’ EP. TURYA’s uniquely original sound fuses elements of Western folk, roots and pop with classical Indian foundations.
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.
Weds 22 May: Firefly Burning ‘Breathe Shallow’ Album Launch with support from Samantha Whates
St Pancras Old Church,
Pancras Rd, Kings Cross NW1 1UL 12.00 adv BUY NOW / 15.00 door
Nearest tube Kings Cross 7 mins walk DIRECTIONS
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.15 pm sharp.
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” (Mojo). 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…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
‘a rich-voiced master songwriter’ ★★★★★ The Guardian / “Set’s the benchmark for gorgeous troubadour folk” MOJO / “A kaleidoscopic, nostalgic vision.” Interview Magazine
TheGreen 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 DIRECTIONS
Doors open 7.00 pm, music form 8.15 pm sharp.
Acclaimed British singer-songwriter Findlay Brown‘s 11 year career began with his 2007 single Come Home’ from debut album ‘Separated By The Sea’ rooting him firmly in the nation’s consciousness, it’s chart placing landing him an appearance on the legendary Top of the Pops. Reviewing his debut, The Guardian referred to ‘Separated By The Sea’ as ‘..brilliantly melancholic, the most unlikely classic of the year’.
Brown’s sophomore release was the Bernard Butler (Suede, Duffy) produced album ”Love Will Find You’ for the iconic Verve Records, leading to a U.S. tour and and a performance of his single ‘How Long’, with orchestra, on The Late Show with David Letterman.
Since moving to Copenhagen in 2013 Brown has released the 2015 collection ‘Slow Light’, and on May 18th releases ‘Not Everything Beautiful Is Good’. The disparate sounds of folk troubadours Nick Drake and Jackson C. Frank, heavyweight songwriters Harry Nilsson and Paul Simon, and avant-garde trailblazers Terry Riley and Arthur Russell float in and out of the new album’s musical landscape like ghosts.
A superb songwriter of depth and complexity, with a unique ability to combine the classic and the leftfield, Findlay Brown has a pioneering musical spirit, his career to this point taking him from his home town of York to London, on to Brooklyn in New York, and now settled in Denmark.To date he has toured and collaborated with, amongst many others, Bert Jansch, Fionn Regan, John Renbourn, Paul Weller, Brendan Benson, Bat For Lashes and Johnny Flynn.
‘a rich-voiced master songwriter’ The Guardian
“Set’s the benchmark for gorgeous troubadour folk” MOJO
‘Following in the footsteps of the likes of Joni Mitchell or Sarah McQuaid, Findlay Brown’s “When the Lights Go Out” is a modern folk wonder set to Celtic tuning’. PopMatters
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NEW ROOTS is committed to promoting events that shine a light on up and coming talent in the UK alt-folk scene. Its committed to providing artists with an environment that is sympathetic to what they do, giving musicians the respect they and their music deserves – for this reason we ask for no talking and no use of mobile phones while artists are performing. Our music policy comes from the kitchen table, the roots of public performance- intimate, acoustic based, high quality musicianship with as little interference between performer and listener as possible.
New Roots presents a superb alt-folk double bill, Catherine Rudie & the Kisses & Sephine Llo.
The Harrison,
28 Harrison Street, Kings Cross, WC1H 8JF.
Ph: 020 7278 3966
Nearest tube Kings Cross, 5 mins walk DIRECTIONS
£7.00 adv BUY NOW / £8.50 door
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.00 pm sharp.
From the North Coast of Scotland, Catherine Rudie was originally a bagpipe player and traditional Gaelic singer before switching to writing in English, developing a uniquely experimental approach to songwriting and arrangements. Recently she’s been picked by BBC3‘s The Late Junction as ‘One to Watch’ for 2019. Her debut album The Mobius Kiss combines contemporary digital instruments such as the Roli Seaboard with unorthodox harmonies and traditional folk-style melodies. A special edition of the album in vinyl is available to pre-order now (https://qrates.com/projects/167399) and physical copies will be available to buy (for the first time!) on the night itself. Catherine will play with accompaniment from Barbara Bartz on violin and Chris Brambley on guitar.
‘We’re predicting big things in the year to come’. The Late Junction, BBC Radio 3 ‘Ones to Watch’ Edition
‘Really very good…’ Roddy Hart, BBC Radio Scotland.
‘It takes some self-confidence for any artist to lay her voice so bear on a recorded track. It is dynamic, distinct and really really impressive. One to watch? You bet.‘ Neil March, freshonthenet.co.uk
“The Phoenix and The Olive Tree” is Sephine Llo‘s powerful new single, raising money for Kidscan Children’s Cancer Research. The music video shows her emotional head shave, in aid of the same charity. The song and fundraising are in memory of her husband Robert, who died in 2016 when she was 8 weeks pregnant with their son. This evocative single, telling a story of rebirth from grief, also celebrates the news that she is carrying their second child, a daughter. She will be accompanied by soprano/violinist Imogen Rennert, percussionist/guitarist Tom Finigan, and pianist Jessie Rodger.
Sephine Llo’s debut album “I, Your Moon” is a unique, rich tapestry of multi-instrumentation; an ethereal sound, with soaring and sonically explosive crescendos, and a glitchy heart that pumps an electronic warmth throughout.
“Steeped in both folk and modern classical, the fluttering electronics are reminiscent of Bjork’s more opaque compositions.” – CLASH
“Ethereal, ghostly soundscapes that draw quick comparisons to Florence Welch or Kate Bush.” – WONDERLAND
“I’m sure she’s the only artist that we’ve played this week who has also featured on Radio 3’s Late Junction!” – Steve Lamacq, BBC 6 MUSIC
The Harrison,
28 Harrison Street, Kings Cross, WC1H 8JF.
Ph: 020 7278 3966
Nearest tube Kings Cross, 5 mins walk DIRECTIONS
£7.00 adv BUY NOW / £8.50 door
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.00 pm sharp.
After years of playing in different bands, working on records with David Gray, Caro and more, sharing studios with members of Elbow,Hugo M. Hardy’s latest musical incarnation is an exploration to the core of his evocative songwriting. After losing loved ones, and moving away from a familiar home, Hugo locked himself away in the French Alps with nothing but a guitar, a laptop, and music from Kanye, Sufjan Stevens and James Blake. By the time he brought himself back to the UK, he realised that he had written and recorded his debut album. A combination of off kilter, acoustic and electronic production alongside thought-provoking, introspective lyrics create an atmosphere that has been likened to Elliott Smith, Bon Iver and The Microphones.
Italian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Valeria Pozzo grew up surrounded by music. Classically trained in Violin at the Venice Conservatory “Benedetto Marcello”, Valeria has been playing the professionally with several orchestras since a young age. In 2011 she relocated to London, going on to work with The Neil Cowley Trio, Antonio Forcione, ESKA, Nick Zinner, Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker, Rhys Lewis & The Relics, and Your Correspondent), radio appearances on BBC Introducing, and live performances at The Barbican, The Royal Festival Hall and The Purcell Room. In February 2014 she released her debut EP ‘Here I live and Breathe’ collaborating with the Italian producer Marco Anzovino and songwriter Samantha Jones. Since the release of her album, she has been gigging regularly in the UK, in Italy, in Belgium and Spain.
Great New Roots Gigs On The Way!! Fri 03 May to Fri 15 May – Tickets, Details, Videos…
Hi folks- lots of fantastic gigs on the way over the next fortnight! This Friday we’re at The Harrison with Laura Frances and her full band, with support from Ned Roberts. On SundayDai & The Ramblers bring their deliciously rootsy folk-soul-jazz Cajun New Orleans gumbo to the Green Note for two sets, and on Fri 10 May we’re back at The Harrison for Gem Andrews and her alt-country band. On Tues 14 May Dublin rocker Stefan Murphy brings his Athletes of Soul to the Slaughtered Lamb for a rock’n’roll-garage-soul revue, with support from Rob Corcoran & Ciaran Dwyer, on the 15 May beautiful folk duo Solasta are at The Harrison, and on the same night Sam Brookes will be at the sold-out Servant Jazz Quarters– see you there if you’ve got a ticket. All details in the bulletin below, and lots more gigs for May & June up on the website….Dive in!
Fri 3 May: Laura Franceswith support from Ned Roberts
The Harrison,
28 Harrison Street, Kings Cross, WC1H 8JF.
Ph: 020 7278 3966
8.50 advBUY NOW/ 10.00 door
Nearest tube Kings Cross, 5 mins walk DIRECTIONS
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.00 pm sharp.
New Roots presents Laura Frances (full band show), with support from Ned Roberts.
Laura Frances 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.
Singer-songwrter Ned Roberts has played the UK, Europe and the West Coast of America extensively, touring with Anais Mitchell, and sharing bills with Joe Pug, Micah P. Hinson, The Delines and Sarabeth Tucek amongst many more. Signed to the Green Note affiliated Aveline label (home to Ruth Theodore and Ani Di Franco), his three-album career to date has brought him critical radio and press acclaim.
‘Absolutely gorgeous stuff…one to really get excited about’ – Lauren Laverne, BBC 6 Music
‘An understated gem’ – The Independent on Sunday
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 DIRECTIONS
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 DIRECTIONS
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.
Tues 14 May: Stevan Murphy & The Athletes of Soul with support from Rob Corcoran / Ciaran Dwyer
The Slaughtered Lamb,
34-35 Great Sutton St, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 0DX Ph: 020 7253 1516 10.00 adv BUY NOW/ 12.00 door
Nearest tube Farringdon, 8 mins walk DIRECTIONS
Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.15 pm sharp.
Stefan Murphy & The Athletes Of Soul is a collaborative concept from long-time, much respected Dublin rocker Stefan Murphy (The Might Stef, Count Vaseline). To date Athletes of Soul have included members of Black Angels, The Germs, Ariel Pink, The Pogues, Reigning Sound, Ash, Altered Images, One Dove, Fontaines DC, Badlands and The Republic Of Loose. Across his career Stevan Murphy has shared bills and tours with Jonathan Richman, The Fall, Black Lips, King Khan, Happy Mondays, Television Personalities, Jeffrey Lewis, Dead Boys, Alice Cooper, The Boomtown Rats, Rancid, The Stooges, Queens Of The Stoneage, Arcade Fire, and the Libertines to name but a few….Expect soulful roots-rock and garage-soul shot through with pure punk attitude.
Weds 15 May: Sold Out! Sam Brookes with support from Genevieve Dawson
Servant Jazz Quarters
10A Bradbury St, Dalston, London N16 8JN Ph: 020 7684 8411 Nearest train station Dalston Kingsland, 2 mins walk DIRECTIONS Doors open 7.30 pm. Music from 8.15 pm sharp.
Inspired by the British and American folk revivalists of the 60’s, a sixteen-year-old Brookes began to write and perform while training as a gilder in his late father’s workshop. By his mid-twenties, Brookes had begun to receive serious critical recognition, his self-released album, Kairos, being acclaimed by The Independent as one of the stand-out records of 2014. Now in demand as a vocalist and collaborator, the long list of artists Brookes has worked with includes Scott Matthews, Lucy Rose, Newton Faulkner and Basement Jaxx.
Tempus, released 3rd May, sees Sam rework Kairos’s most arresting, intimate songs into richly layered acoustic versions with the help of producer Laurence Love Greed and some of the UK’s finest session players. This Tempus tour will see Sam performing a very special set of intimate duo shows with voice, guitar and piano.
“he excels at propulsive, narratively rich folk, delivered in a soaring, clear-as-a-bell singing voice” – The Sunday Times
“there are vast emotional reserves at work” – The Independent
“a stunning work on so many levels” – Folk Radio
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, supported by a superbly accomplished five piece band of keys, horns, bass and drums, 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 and her band at any opportunity you get’ Bittersweet Symphonies.
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 