Reviews and Recommendations: folk

The venue was like a sauna but CSN were note perfect. However much we know of each of their individual talents and their collective greatness they are still a revelation live.
The pre interval set was largely chilled out and melodic including many great covers (highlight for me Tim Hardin's... [more]

Event Date: July 1, 2009
Event Venue: Royal Albert Hall

The venue was like a sauna but CSN were note perfect. However much we know of each of their individual talents and their collective greatness they are still a revelation live.
The pre interval set was largely chilled out and melodic including many great covers (highlight for me Tim Hardin's Reason To Believe). In the second half they really rocked out with some inspired guitar from Stephen Stills and with Crosby showing he can still belt it out vocally.
A very long standing ovation may have been from a partisan crowd but it was very well deserved nontheless. [less]

Oh wow - where to start with this pair - absolute virtuosity on guitar and harp, with no really defined style - think bluegrass meets traditional meets jazz meets,,, - well, you get the picture.

Mr Newman is one of the finest pickers on the planet and his playing is melodic... [more]

Oh wow - where to start with this pair - absolute virtuosity on guitar and harp, with no really defined style - think bluegrass meets traditional meets jazz meets,,, - well, you get the picture.

Mr Newman is one of the finest pickers on the planet and his playing is melodic and accessible - but we guitarists can work out what is going on - it is jaws on the floor time.

Ms Ní Chathasaigh is nothing short of a genius on the Irish harp, and is no mean singer either with a lovely clear and slightly melancholy voice - whether singing in English and Gaelic.

Their live shows are nothing like their recorded repertoire (which is more of a produced affair - again thanks to the studio skills of Mr Newman) but are still totally credible - and when they are on stage, what you see and hear is what you get.  

If you miss their gigs, you will be missing a great experience - their appeal is totally cross genre and not only for the folkies out there.

Highly recommended. [less]

Jeff from Gateshead

Saw the mighty Stackridge at The Cluny in April - the second time the West Country wonders have played this intimate Newcastle venue. It was just as good as the first had been the previous year, and was just as well received by the Geordie faithful. Mixing old... [more]

Event Date: April 23, 2009
Event Venue: The Cluny, Newcastle

Jeff from Gateshead

Saw the mighty Stackridge at The Cluny in April - the second time the West Country wonders have played this intimate Newcastle venue. It was just as good as the first had been the previous year, and was just as well received by the Geordie faithful. Mixing old favourites from the 1970s with new tracks from the forthcoming 'A Victory for Common sense' album it was another blistering set from the eight piece band. Stackridge are a quintissentially English band that cannot be pigeon holed - and they are all the better for that. If they are in your neck of the woods miss them at your peril ! [less]

Last night was first time we'd seen her live - not even on TV. But heard one song on radio, bought CD and had to see her! Wow, what an original sound today (well admit her excellent compositions are mainly based on early 50s RnR, Rockabilly, Skiffle, C&W) and it's... [more]

Event Date: May 20, 2009
Event Venue: Wavendon, The Stables

Last night was first time we'd seen her live - not even on TV. But heard one song on radio, bought CD and had to see her! Wow, what an original sound today (well admit her excellent compositions are mainly based on early 50s RnR, Rockabilly, Skiffle, C&W) and it's a great show - yes totally agree with all said by 2 previous reviewers.
This is great perfect small venue which I've reviewd about 30 times and audiences are usually very reserved, but it was full (450?) and when all give immediate standing ovation, that is very rare, which tells its own story; she was visibly moved, never left the stage (and had to be called back like most acts) so she could cram in an extra song - she then sang an incredible version of Tainted Love (please put on her album!). Lets not forget the great 4-pce band who gave us a memorable performance, with authentic classic instruments.
If I'm going to be picky I'd say have a pianist so she can perform her 3-4 slower 'french cafe' style songs (like Madeline Peyroux). I thought the vocal was a bit lost in sound mix (possibly cos I was deafened by the support act who started loud then got louder). I'd like to see her do some move dance moves with the band members. But heh - just please come back soon and play 2 nights! Please don't make her too famous so she only plays arenas!! [less]