A warm summer’s night, and what better weather for an introduction to some of the next generation’s crop of folk artists that you are likely to see at this summer’s festivals. The venue? Why Cecil Sharp House of course, home to the English Folk Dance and Song Society. This was the third and last of a set of gigs supported by the Arts Council, EFDSS and The Magpie’s Nest.
To start off the night, a blistering set from Tyde, a young trio playing fiddle, guitar and accordian who met via Kathryn Tickell’s Folkestra. According to the writer of the setlist, it may not have been the perfect example of the breadth of their playing, but it certainly stunned the audience, and was a suitably lively start to a fantastic night.
Even the names of the tunesets are evocative - ’exploding set’, ’chair dance’. We had a Scottish border ballad (shake loose the border) sung by Heather Gessey, ably accompanied by Seth Tinsley on guitar and Andrew Waite on accordian. They finished off with a slower tuneset (Rogan’s march), so as not to leave us with an inaccurate representation of their repertoire. A lively band with a confidant and expressive stage presence.
Next up were a duo I’ve been eager to see ever since hearing one half of them at Oxford Folk Festival earlier this year, and they were everything I’d hoped and more. Will Pound (harmonica) and Dan Walsh (banjo and vocals).
They started off with a song (Hammer and Nails) that had a distinct bluegrass influence, and continued on with various traditional tune sets, self-penned songs (Two Lives lost), showcasing a wide variety of styles and influences, most of which I would never have thought would suit harmonica and banjo! Most impressive of all was a distinctly Arabic/Turkish influenced tune by Will called Turkish Delight. Simply astonishing. They definitely had the crowd on side!
A break, for a much-need perambulation in the cooler air of the gardens, and some liquid refreshment, and then we were back for the second half, started off by solo artist Ruth Theodore. It was a set of heartfelt, self-penned songs accompanied by really excellent use of guitar to punctuate appropriate moments in the songs, and also an instrumental tune.
Ruth is quirky. There’s no denying that, but she’s also fascinating - the subject of songs is wide ranging, from Worm Food (which is, not unsurprisingly, about death. No relation to the old poem about eating worms, although the thought was brought to mind!) to Taradiddle Scuttlebum, which, quite apart from having an excellent name, is about waiting for love. Definitely worth catching her if you get the chance.
Finally, to finish off the evening we had 4Square. Starting off with a song I know well from Dr Faustus (who indeed proved to be their source!) - The Trooper and the Maid (sung by pianist/accordianist Jim Molyneux), it was however, true to 4 Square’s form, quite a funky rendition of this traditional song.
Moving on through a couple of tunesets, which showcase their not inconsiderable musical talents rather well with a wide variety of influences clear in their playing. They seem to have settled down a bit since their last album, choosing their influences carefully, and it’s showing in the improved arrangements.
Next was Nicola Lyons with Pete Scrowther’s song Lily of Barbary. This was a particular highlight, and the audience were happy to join in on the well-known chorus! Nicola also entertained us with some clogging - this is a band with multi-talented members. They finished off with a nod to the current folk scene, singing a Chris Wood song in gorgeous 3 part harmony.
A wonderful end to a wonderful evening. I’m looking forward to discovering more exciting new artists at next year’s set of Folk Rising concerts.
