The Performers (continued).
Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies
Jez
Lowe has built an enviable reputation as a songwriter and performer in the world
of acoustic music, and as a recognised musical ambassador for his native North
East England, with more than a dozen albums and countless live performances
around the world over the last twenty years or so. Hundreds of artists have
recorded their own versions of Jez’s songs, some of which are now classics in
their own right. He has made a important contribution to the BBC Radio Ballads
and is nominated for the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2008, 'Folksinger of the Year'
Jez is accompanied by The Bad Pennies, whose melodic, contrapuntal and skilful
arrangements enhance his worthy lyrics set to infectious tunes.
‘One of the hottest acts around’
‘the best songwriter to come out of England in a long time’
‘the work of a songwriter at the top of his game’
Rachel Unthank & The Winterset
Rachel
Unthank & The Winterset play hauntingly beautiful renditions of traditional
songs, self-penned compositions and intriguing cover versions. The female
Northumbrian quartet, sing in their own lilting Geordie accents and together
with piano, fiddle and cello, create a beautiful blend of tradition and musical
adventure.
They’ve been nominated in 4 of the 9 categories in the 2008 BBC Radio 2 Folk
Awards and their latest album, “The Bairns” has been voted best folk album of
2007 by many.
Fearless, peerless and wholeheartedly brave, they do the North-East proud with
the honesty and imagination they bring to its traditions.
"Just beautiful, beautiful music.”
"Simply gripping..their ambition knows no bounds"
"simultaneously graceful and unflinching..spellbinding
"joyous..refreshingly forthright and in-yer-face"
Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman
CANCELLED! Replaced by
Last Night's Fun
The
brilliant, innovative harping of Máire Ní Chathasaigh, Irish Traditional
Musician of the Year 2001, and the astonishing virtuosity and versatility of
English guitar wizard Chris Newman, has been heard all over the world. Now they
come to The Gate to Southwell Folk Festival for the first time with their
addictive and stylish cocktail of powerhouse Irish dance-music, gorgeous airs,
evocative old songs and striking new compositions; plus shots of hot jazz and
bluegrass thrown in. Their blazing guitar and dancing harp, coupled with Chris's
"subversively witty introductions", guarantee a unique and captivating time.
"An eclecticism and spirit of adventure that is quite thrilling”.
“Virtuoso playing, bewitching string fantasies and a wonderfully clear and
expressive voice"
"Dazzling virtuosity: the speed and complexity is to be marvelled "
Six Hands in Tempo
Following
their reunion exclusively for last year’s Festival, Six Hands in Tempo have
decided to do the occasional further performance and are delighted to be invited
back to this year. Six Hands have revived another selection of their
exhilarating blend of 20s and 30s songs and novelty numbers which are played
niftily on 3 guitars, together with 3 part vocal arrangements and some
silliness. Six Hands in Tempo performed extensively from 1976 to 1988 around
Folk Clubs and Festivals, travelled to Canada and Europe and appeared many times
on Radio 2. Many of their recordings are available on their website. Dave
Proctor, Steve Bailey & Al Harris are all still busy playing individually in a
number of popular bands.