Songwriters Circle

A performance by three of the UK's most respected and original songwriters and musicians.

What is the Circle Tour 2020?
In Spring 2020, award winning and highly respected singer-songwriters and guitarists Greg Hancock and Alex Seel are touring the UK - and meeting up with some of the leading names in contemporary UK songwriting - to present a series of concerts in the Songwriters Circle format. The idea of doing a whole tour like this developed after the very positive audience response Greg and Alex got in 2019 to some concerts they gave in this format. For the Concert at CICCIC in Taunton on 25th September, Greg and Alex will be joined by one of the most exciting rising stars of the UK acoustic scene, Odette Michell.

What happens at a songwriters circle?
This increasingly popular style of performance allows the audience to not only enjoy the work of three individual performers, but encourages comparison and contrast of style, technique and general approach to songwriting. The performers take the stage simultaneously, and then take turns to introduce and perform their songs. This allows for musical and verbal interaction between the artists. It is an intimate and informal format that offers a richer variety and is a really engaging experience for the audience.

Greg Hancock only began performing a few years ago after many years living overseas but has quickly built up a solid reputation as one of the UK's most original songwriters and skillful guitarists. He makes observations on the human condition that can be serious, but are always imbued with a wry sense of humour and an unexpected turn of phrase. There are echoes of influences such as Nic Jones, John Martyn and Joni Mitchell in his work... but the overall sound is completely his own.

Alex Seel's songs go right to the heart of the matter. Whether he's exploring themes of love, life or modern society, he weaves his deceptively gentle lyrics around subtle and sophisticated melodies and song structures. More Americana and blues influenced than Greg, his virtuoso guitar playing ranges from the sweetly melodic to a crisp punchy rhythmic style that is entirely unique.

Odette Michell
Things have been moving at something of a pace for Odette ever since she released her debut EP 'By Way of Night' in 2018. The EP showcased a bold and emerging talent within the British folk and acoustic music scene and garnered high praise, earning Odette her first national and international radio plays on both BBC and Folk Radio stations.
In January 2020 Odette won Female Artist Of The Year at the 2019 FATEA Awards.