Callaghan - Dingwalls (07/11/18)

The LONDON ROOTS FESTIVAL 2018

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• Line-up: Callaghan with special guest Danni Nicholls

• Date: 7th November, 2018

• Location: Dingwalls, Camden, London

• Review By: Gary Smith (LCM)

• Photo Credit: Mark Banks

When you have two of the finest fast rising UK female singer-songwriters on the same bill, you know you are in for a great night of music. The excellent 2018 London Roots Festival hosted this wonderful high quality event at the famous Dingwalls in Camden Lock.

Opening the evening was the very talented Americana singer-songwriter Danni Nicholls. It was very fitting that Danni returned to Dingwalls, as it was the location of the recording of her Vintage TV live album which was released last year. Nominated for both album and artist of the year at the recent AMA UK awards, Danni’s star is definitely on the rise. Her excellent third album has recently been recorded in Nashville and it’s set for release in the spring. From what I’ve already heard, it’s going to be very special..

A wonderful selection of songs followed including those from Danni’s award nominated studio album ‘Mockingbird Lane’ including ‘Long Road Home’ inspired by her home town of Bedford and the wonderful breakup song which is a personal favourite of mine ‘Beautifully Broken’. It wasn’t long before we had a taster of the new album with lovely ‘Losing It’ and a song which Danni described as a love song to herself ‘Ancient Embers’, showcasing this highly anticipated new release.

Audience participation was the order of the day next as Danni played the catchy ‘Back To Memphis’ with its very infectious singalong chorus. Ending the set perfectly with ‘A Little Redemption’ based on a poem found in a book at the Women’s Institute, complete with its ‘humming’ audience backing.

After a short break the very impressive Lincolnshire born but now LA based Callaghan and her three piece band took the stage. They started with the simply beautiful ‘Surrender’, setting the tone perfectly for the rest of the set. Moving seamlessly into the super ‘Solid Ground’. Callaghan’s recently released self titled album has an overall bigger cinematic feel which translates and works very well live. Her back catalogue also includes some very catchy pop tracks including ‘Crazy Beautiful Life’, which describes her often unpredictable but ultimately fulfilling life as a touring musician.

Always a crowd favourite is her cover of "Stand by Me", originally released in 1960 by Ben E. King and written by King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller. The audience didn’t need much encouragement to join in. A lovely version can also be found on Callaghan’s Acoustic Coffee House live album released in 2016.

Often Callaghan’s music is inspired by her life on the road and the people she meets on her musical journey. ‘When You Loved Me’ taken from her 2015 ‘A History Of Now’ is based on a the story of the grandmother of the family she was staying with in New York. Although 85 year old this lady could clearly remember her life in the 40’s and 50’s, including vividly her first love as teenager. Exploring the idea that people are alive as long as someone remembers them, the tender and reflective ‘If You Miss Me (When I’m Gone) was another beautifully written and performed song with the attentive audience ‘pin drop’ quiet.

The mood was lifted with another cover, this time Steve Wonder’s classic Motown ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours). This blended perfectly into the mega catchy reggae infused ‘We Don’t Have To Change The World’, a song about worrying less and having more fun, with another great audience singalong in the chorus.

In a world where a lot of communication is often through the internet or social media ‘Skin On Skin’ explores the importance of ‘face to face’ personal contact. The song was co-written with Grammy award winning Jeff Silbar, who also famously wrote ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ among many other hit songs. ‘Who Would I Be’ is another highly crafted beautiful piano led track, full of personal reflection and feeling. Callaghan has a wonderful talent for penning songs with very memorable hooks and melodies. With it’s whistling introduction the relationship track ‘Better Together’ is another perfect example.

Written for her nephew ‘Noah’s Song’ provides much sage guidance and encouragement for a young person growing up in the world. “Try to touch the sky……I hope you will be alright……as you learn to fly”. Recorded with Louis Price (ex lead singer of The Temptations and The Drifters) and a gospel choir ‘The End Of The World’ was a thought provoking and beautiful uplifting piece of gospel soul-pop.

‘Broken’ could quite easily be the next James Bond theme, with it’s super string section provided by 30-piece orchestra. It’s big, it’s sweeping and very cinematic. Callaghan’s producers on her new album include husband and wife team Starr Parodi and Jeff Eden Fair who also composed the updated 2005 James Bond Theme, ‘Golden Eye’ and ‘Die Another Day’ among may other themes including Mission Impossible 2 and Harry Potter.

One my favourite Callaghan tracks, the very positive up-tempo and mega catchy ‘Best Year’ was the first in a very well deserved encore. It was one of the first tracks I heard back in 2015 and it still brings a smile to my face every time it’s played. Quite simply it’s bright summer sunshine and broad open horizon’s in musical form. With the band leaving the stage it was time for Callaghan to perform a stunning solo version of the classic ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ on keys. Although often covered, there was something very special, intimate and fresh about this version.

A very well deserved standing ovation followed, bringing to a close another fantastic night at the festival. I really hope that 2019 will prove to be the breakout year for these two very talented and classy UK singer-songwriters.

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Music Makers Festival - The Half Moon, Putney (6th - 7th Oct 2018)

• Event: Music Makers Festival

• Date: 6th - 7th October, 2018

• Location: The Half Moon, Putney, London

• Website: www.musicmakersfestival.com

• Review By: Gary Smith (LCM)

The Music Makers festival in just it’s second year is rapidly becoming one of the premier events on the London music calendar. It wonderfully showcases the ‘songwriter and the song’, with original music the main focus. But with the occasional cover song added for good measure.

With 14 acts performing over two days the festival had an excellent new home at the historic music venue The Half Moon in Putney. The festival also highlighted the great talent and high quality music we currently have in the independent music world. Albert and Manoja even managed to add a few surprise guests into the already fantastic line-up.

Saturday

The festival opened with a fantastic young St. Albans based singer-songwriter Hope, with her beautifully crafted reflective piano ballads and pure vocals. Playing a mix of original material and a Nora Jones cover, Hope created the perfect opener with her very compelling performance. She mentioned that her father used to drink in The Half Moon in his university days, so it was very fitting that she had the opportunity to perform at the venue. Hope will also be supporting Brian McFadden at The Boisdale in Canary Wharf in early November.

Travelling over from Cork was one of Ireland’s most prolific singer-songwriters Jack O’Rouke. Dramatic and powerful piano ballads were the order of the day. A great mix of contemporary folk, blues, jazz and Americana, including an anthem for the recent marriage referendum in Ireland and a wonderful cover of Bowie’s ‘Life On Mars’ to finish.

Next up were the fast rising London based Country Pop and Americana band Two Ways Home. This time the band was playing in trio format with Lewis, Isi and Michael, which I thought worked very well. Gaining a lot of experience from running their own London Nashville style ‘Songwriter In The Round’ show ‘The Round Up’, they were perfectly at home on the Half Moon stage. Performing a mix of new and older songs they explained the origins their compositions, including some recent co-writes in Nashville including ‘Hope & Glory’ and ‘Vegas Wheel’. Their set ended with the the audience singing along to the very catchy ‘Push & Pull’.

Travelling up from Brighton was Jacko Hooper who has supported both James Bay and James Blunt on tour. Jacko had not performed in London for over a year, so it was a rare opportunity to catch him live. His songs reminded me of Damien Rice and Glen Hansard. One of the highlight of his set was the duet ‘Runaway With Me’ with special guest Rebecca Wrangler.

It was only fitting that one of the wonderful key organisers of the MM festival the award winning Albert Man took to the stage next. Joined by Dan on bass and Joe on drums Albert played a selection of new songs including ‘Chasing Rainbows’, ‘Blink’ and some old favourites ‘Shotgun’, ‘Say Out Loud’ and ‘Groundhog Day’.

One of my favourite bands of the day were the Treetop Flyers, a Folk-Rock/Americana band from London. Playing a rocky bluesy stripped set with just two members and one sitting in the audience. Super songs, guitar playing and vocals. They are supporting Israel Nash at the Scala soon and I would highly recommend booking a ticket. Also please check out their recently released self titled album.

The evening concluded with an excellent set by London based four-piece AKA George. Full of catchy songs, driving rhythms and a electrifying stage presence, they reminded me of the sadly missed INXS. Hailed as a ‘genius’ by Pharell Williams, AKA George is current gaining a lot of recognition with 30 million YouTube views, a headline performance one one of the stages at Glastonbury and one of the band singles ‘Stone Cold Classic’ used on a recent Skoda advert. Definitely one to watch for the future.

SUNDAY

The Sunday programme began in a similar way to Saturday with an excellent opening set from a young singer-songwriter, this time the very talented Lucy May Walker. Lucy is based in London but is originally from Redditch. You will often find Lucy busking around London including at the famous Southbank. Armed with her trusty acoustic guitar and thoughtful catchy songs she charmed the audience. One of the highlights of her set was her song about London living ‘You’re Not Alone', which she entered into a London song competition. Lucy will be having a live session and interview with Jeremy Vine on his BBC Radio 2 show on the 31st October. Also please check out her latest EP ‘Heartbreak Songs’

Also joining us from the Emerald Isle was Irish singer-songwriter Declan Greene. With great craic and a rich powerful vocal Declan was a charming and engaging showman. Opening his set with a powerful unaccompanied song and then picking up his acoustic guitar for the rest of the set. Songs included ‘River’, ‘Clean Break’ and a cover of the Moody Blues ‘Nights In White Satin’. The last song saw Declan play his song ‘Stay’ unplugged in the middle of the audience, exiting the packed room with the audience still singing along to the chorus.

London based singer-songwriter Mide and his band provided a change of style with their combination of smooth Soul, R&B and Rock, joined my fellow band members Joseph and Michael. Mide played a great set including ‘Name’ which he said was great for weddings, the rocky uptempo toe-tapper ‘The Way You Move’, a tribute to his father ‘Wind Chimes’ and two lovely songs about love ‘Wonder’ and ‘Falling For You’.

As a surprise the very talented Dublin born Gavin James performed a great two song mini-set. First with his song ‘Always’ on acoustic guitar, which he described as the ‘saddest song ever’ and then a lively duet with Declan on the Bruce Springsteen classic ‘Dancing In The Dark’.

The very classy Danni Nicholls always makes in impression with her great brand of UK Americana. She was nominated as ‘Artist of The Year’ at the recent AMA UK awards and it isn’t to difficult to understand why. Danni is currently working on her third studio album and from what I’ve already heard it is going to be very special. Her set included songs from the new album ‘Loosing It’ and ‘Ancient Embers’ as well as a few older favourites ‘Hey There Sunshine’, ‘Beautifully Broken’, ‘Back To Memphis’, ‘Long Road Home’. To finish ‘A Little Redemption’ which is based on a hymn, had all the audience joining in on the humming section.

Continuing the high quality music was London based Howard Rose with his brand of Soul and Country Rock n Roll. Howard was joined on stage by band members Joe Cartwright (bass) and Damon Claridge (drums). An excellent set including songs from his latest EP ‘Changes’ and a great cover of Harry Nilsson’s ‘Without You’

Mercury nominated Michele Stodart of The Magic Numbers is always a class act. With her 1964 Gibson Hummingbird in hand she treated the audience to new songs and songs from her solo album. She was joined by band members CJ James on drums and Andy Bruce on keys/bass. Listening to her set was a perfect way to spend a chilled Sunday night.

Closing the festival was another Irish singer-songwriter Kim Hayden from Wicklow and her band. Kim was a semi-finalist on the TV series ‘The Voice Of Ireland’ and see mentioned that it was her first time performing in London. Joining her on stage were Gus Crawford Collins, Geoff Warner-Clayton and brothers Ben and Ian Cully. Kim said that her drummer is from Putney, so he was playing on home turf. Often sharing the lead vocals with Ben, Kim played a lovely and entertaining set of her songs including her new single ‘Trouble’.

A special thank you to MMF founders Albert Mann and Manoja Ullmann for arranging, organising and hosting such a great festival. To Ross Macintyre (Play That Country Music) who did a a great job MCing and interviewing the artists and to all the hard-working MMF team. A special thanks also to Nina Jackson and her team at The Half Moon including sound engineer Linnea Kempe, who I thought did a fantastic job all weekend.

I can’t wait until the next one, a definite date for your 2019 diary.

Emily Mae Winters - Cecil Sharp House, London (03/10/18)

‘HIGH ROMANCE’ PRE-RELEASE UK TOUR

• Line-Up: Emily Mae Winter Trio

• Location: Trefusis Hall, Cecil Sharp House, Camden

• Date: 3rd October, 2018

• Review By: Gary Smith (LCM)

• Photo Credit: Tony Birch (FATEA)

The hallowed halls of the home of English folk music Cecil Sharp House provided the backdrop to a wonderful headline gig from fast rising star Emily Mae Winter and her superb band. Emily was joined on the night by the very much in demand John Parker (Nizlopi) on double bass and the very talented Jamie Leemings (Solasta) on electric guitar. The combination works perfectly adding a perfect complimentary backing for Emily’s rich soaring vocals and high quality songwriting. The gig was the very first one for Emily as a full time musician, having recently given up her teaching job.

After a short introduction by EFDSS’s new creative director Zoe Nicholls of the Worry Dolls, the first set was opened with the atmospheric ‘This Land’. Powerful vocals from Emily’s coupled with her new mint green Gretsch, bowed double bass from John and Pink Floyd like guitar break and slide guitar from Jamie. Emily concentrated on some of her newer songs in the first half and the next one in the set was the lovely ‘Lately’. Although currently based in Cambridge, Emily previously lived in London for seven years….and might be returning in the new year. ‘Lately’ with it’s rich feel is Emily’s tribute to the capital. Emily said that she wrote the next song ‘How To Fix A Broken Sun’ while shadow hopping in the hot summer sun. It made her wonder what would happen if it suddenly stopped shining. The sun is also often used as a metaphor for happiness and new beginnings. Continuing the London theme the next song ‘Until The Light’ was written on the Southbank. After a switch to her Tanglewood guitar due to a misbehaving Gretsch, this one was played solo. Gentle finger-picking really complimented the song’s content. It was a return to the Gretsch after some quick maintenance by John. ‘Would The World Stop Turning’ is a beautifully song and I was so glad to see it included in the set. Returning to an older song Emily played an acoustic version of the excellent ‘Miles To Go’. To further enhance the set Emily played ‘Across The Wire’ a reflective Piano song about receiving love letters in the modern era. About the problem of getting things across and of being in love.

Emily then spoke about her current Pledge campaign and pre-sale for the album (link below) and that title ‘High Romance’ carries the idea of escapism

https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/high-romance

Up next was the title track of her debut album ‘Siren Seranade’. which she wrote at Lake Balatar in Hungary after sadly being dumped. Emily conducted the audience in two sections to provide the underlying humming two-part harmonies. The award winning ‘Anchor’ provided a fitting end to the first half. A song written by Emily at 17 years ago when she was living in Conakilty in West Cork, Ireland. A song themed on a sense of home and place based on people and your roots.

After a short break the second half began with a new piano ballad ‘One Of These Days’. Emily used the metaphor of children washing up on a beach like treasure and trying to explain the world to them. A perfect seasonal song was the autumnal ‘Blackberry Lane’ about blackberry picking in Cambridge. Written in Ireland another excellent song ‘Foreign Waters’ was the title track of Emily’s debut EP. We had a special guest Elisabeth Flett, Jamie’s band mate from Solasta, who joined Emily on fiddle for the next traditional song ‘Down By The Sally Gardens’. Solasta will be performing next in London on the 11th October at The Goose Is Out! Ivy House in Peckham.

We shifted up a gear for the up-tempo Americana and Western flavoured song about gin and whiskey ‘Gin Tingles and Whiskey Shivers’. Which is sure to be a popular live track on new album. With a powerful County Rock feel another new track ‘Wildfire’ was next and worked very well with the previous track. Another highlight was ‘Come Live In My Heart And Pay No Rent’, a song which Emily has recently adapted from an Irish poem. A fitting encore was a solo acoustic cover of the Goffin/King classic ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’ with the audience joining in on the harmonies.

Emily is one of the fast rising young stars of the UK Americana and Folk world. We see a very bright future ahead.

Paul Mosley - Green Note, London (16/11/17)

WINTERTIDE EP LAUNCH

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• Line-up: Paul Mosley with special guests Robin Elliott, Jack Harris, Esther Dee, Raevennan Husbandes, Anna Unwin, Darren Allford and Catherine Earnshaw
• Location: Green Note, London
• Date: 16th November, 2017
• Website: https://www.paulmosley.com/
• Website: http://jackharrismusic.com/
• Website: http://www.robinelliottmusic.co.uk/
• Review By: Gary Smith (LCM)
• Photos by: Mike Watts

An evening spent in the company of the excellent singer-songwriter Paul Mosley is always a special and very worthwhile experience. After releasing his fantastic critically acclaimed and epic folk opera 'The Butcher' last year, Paul returns with a number of new projects including this his new seasonal five-track EP 'Wintertide' which is released on the 17th November.

The launch was an great opportunity not only to showcase Paul's new EP, but also to celebrate some of the wonderful songs from Paul's long and distinguished musically career and finally to look to the future with a taster of his forthcoming 2018 releases. The night also included a host of special and very talented guests including two great support sets from Robin Elliott and Jack Harris. Plus members of Paul's ensemble The Red Meat Orchestra.

The evening was opened by London based singer-songwriter Robin Elliott, who originally hails from the North West of England. The always busy Robin has written material performed by Ben Walker, Samantha Whates and Sophie Jamieson amongst others and his music and songs have featured on the soundtrack of the feature film 'A Very British Gangster' and on Channel 4's 'Cutting Edge'.

His set included songs from his latest release 'At Sunset' as well as his 2015 EP release 'Green Ginger Wine'. Wearing a red smock coat and carrying his Gibson acoustic guitar, Robin's opening words to the audience were 'I don't have much time, so I'm going to smash out the hits'. He duly followed with atmospheric 'William V' with it's strong narrative themed on the early 1980's London riots. Vocally and stylistically it reminded me a little of Sting. The retrospective and gentle 'Par Avion' showed off Robin's lovely vocal style and soft finger-picking, with a equally fine arrangement. Post party blues and the effects of a big night out where discussed next in 'Gentle Chunks', with it's vivid and poetic imaginary. After a brief interlude describing why Kolo Toure's face superimposed over the Milky Way would be his favourite stage backdrop. Robin then played one of my favourites from his back catalogue 'Lean Times', a song about daily suffering and hardship, accepting that things won’t be getting better any time soon. It came complete with a mouth trumpet solo. Hot off the 'musical' press was a new song 'Mute The Button' recorded a few weeks ago in Brighton. Robin described it as like 'Metropolis - The Musical'. "Everything is modern and big" he said. He played a backing track to the song from his trusty laptop, complete with metronome clicks and female harmony vocals. He was 'The Singer at The End Of The Song'.

Following Robin was another LCM favourite, the very talented Jack Harris. The craftsman songwriter, vocalist and guitar player, who has been described by Anais Mitchell as "a priest of song" and we would agree. Jack has perfect comic timing and provided a masterclass in stagecraft including sharing with the audience that it's a trade secret to always mention your name three times in a set. This all too short section of the evening started with the wonderful 'Medicine Bow' followed by a new song 'What Am I Gonna Do About You? getting an early outing. Jack then contemplated on how he would like to be remembered. What would be his musical legacy and inheritance? Originally he said he liked the idea of building an adventure playground, but now after much thought Jack has finally set his heart on a memorial library. Time will tell if that dream will come true.....but for now his songs are becoming his rich legacy.

One of my favourite songs from Jack's previous back catalogue is the beautiful written, reflective and gentle 'Donegal', so I was extremely pleased to see in included in his set. Jack then raises the mood for a toe-tapping, bluesy and Irish Americana favoured Andalusian song about 'good time girl' 'Molly Bloom'. "Hey Molly Bloom you mountain flower....They're wild about your loving, you'll have your fun and it might as well be me as anyone". Just like a true pro that he is, after breaking a guitar string tuning just before his final song, Jack put his guitar down and launched into a unaccompanied song. It was his version of the Dave Sudbury classic about the very famous racing pigeon 'The King Of Rome', which was first made famous by June Tabor......the song that is....not the pigeon!

Not only was Paul celebrating the launch of his Wintertide EP, but also it was ten years since the release of his debut solo album 'Fear' in 2007. It has also been fifteen years since the release of 'The Swimming Zoo' in 2002 with his previous group indie folk cult band Moses. It was fitting then that Paul's first song was '100 Swans', his first solo song in Moses. 'Wintersun' followed the first track from his 'Wintertide' EP. It has a real 'Laurel Canyon' late 60's retro feel about it with catchy hooks and dream like melody. It would sit very happily on a CSNY album. 

With it's lullaby like melody the 'The Romantic' is the super title track from the Paul's 2011 'The Romantic album. For this one Paul was joined on stage by the very talented Anna on cello. Tackling a more serious and timely issue was 'Sumberland' written for a very close friend who took his own life. Paul said that 'International Men's Day' which sounded like a Richard Herring punchline was a very important event' Especially discussing on the subjects of mental heath and the problems with modern toxic masculinity. The album version of the song has a beautiful harp section by Tom Moth.

Paul then explained how after recording 'Sumberland', Florence from Florence & The Machine stole his harpist Tom. "I wouldn't have minded" said Paul "But I had to learn the 'bloody' ukulele!!". He cheekily included a section in the next song 'This Way For Fun' of Florence's 'You've Got The Love'.......adding the line "Yes....You've got the love........and you've got my harp player too!"

One of the lead tracks from Paul's highly acclaimed epic folk opera 'The Butcher' followed the lovely 'Satellites' where Paul was joined on vocals by Jack. The atmospheric and haunting duet with Esther on 'Ghosts Ships' is one of my favourites from Paul's 2011 'The Romantic' album. I love the beautiful operatic solo from Esther and the poignant last line "Just like ghost ships, we both refuse to die". Paul explained that Esther, who was in the super group The Medieval Baebes, shared the same management for a while. "She was the best one in the group so I pinched her". Paul joked "If it's not nailed down, I'll have it!" 

Raevannan and Anna then joined Paul for a song from his excellent 2013 'A Chattering of Birds' album with the very special 'Skylark Above Me'. Paul then apologised and said that "I don't normally talk too much between songs......it all gets a bit panto". "Oh no it doesn't!" came the reply from the audience

A glimpse into the future next as Paul performed four tracks from his forthcoming 2018 project 'The Loneliest Whale in The World" #TheWhaleProject. It was based on an story of a unidentified whale with a call at 52 Hertz, which is much higher and at a completely different frequency from any other known whale. So sadly no other whale can hear it and answer its call. It is now thought that the whale might be a very rare Blue Whale/Fin Whale hybrid or even deaf. The first song of the #Whale set was super 'Shadowboxing' followed by 'We All Sing The Same Song' with it's harmony singing intro. Paul said that it was inspired by child tourists all with same clothes, hats and backpacks moving around London like shoals of fish. This was followed by the lovely 'Silence Said The Whale' and finally the title track 'The Loneliest Whale in the World', written from the viewpoint of the 52 Hz whale.

As it was the Wintertide EP launch it was fittting that the last song of the main set was its title track. Paul's new single is based on the famous Christmas carol 'I saw three ships go sailing by...''  Paul described it as “an epic journey through the eyes of three captains and the ominous dangers that come with the seas.” Check out below the great new innovative 'Wintertide' video with Jack Harris, Esther Dee and Josienne Clarke guesting as the three captains.

For the encore, Paul returned with a heartfelt and reflective song about unrequited love 'Mama's Boy' with it's powerful refrain "Please don't turn away from me now".

It was another excellent evening in the the company of Paul and his very talented ensemble The Red Meat Orchestra, wonderfully supported by Jack and Robin and special guests Esther and Rae. A brilliant set of songs from Paul's outstanding musical career and a preview of the new music to come......I can't wait to hear the studio version of the next EP....I'm going to have a #whale of a time!

Sadie Jemmett - Green Note, London (5th July, 2017)

LCM LIVE REVIEW

• Line-up: Sadie Jemmett with special guests Ed & Ollie Goodale
• Location: Green Note, Camden
• Date: 5th July, 2017
• Website: http://www.sadiejemmett.com/
• Website: http://edgoodale.com/
• Review by: Gary Smith

The Green Note in Camden has long been regarded as the best small music venue in London. With it's super sound, listening audience and warm atmosphere, it is the favourite of many acoustic artists. Hosting some of the best musicians and singer-songwriters over the years, it has also been used to record live sessions and concerts. Famously The Shires recorded their first EP at the venue. Tonight was a another special occasion as East Sussex based singer-songwriter Sadie Jemmett had chosen the Green Note to record her new live album for release later in the year. 

First up were the special guests for the evening, two young brothers Ed and Ollie Goodale from West Sussex. Despite his young age, Ed has played extensively at gigs, clubs and festivals throughout the UK and Europe, gaining him a strong following on the modern folk scene. Ed's songs are inspired by his 'gift' of Asperger's. With Ed on vocals and acoustic guitar & brother Ollie on cajon, it was a mature performance and strong set of songs based on Ed's life and experiences. Vocally Ed reminded me of Andrew Jones from Journey Home.  The seven song set included songs about 'going with the flow', relaxing and contemplating life in 'I'm alright', 'I'm feeling fine' and 'I want to stay' to the subject of relationships and his daughter in 'Through it all'. There was the optimistic and inspirational 'Don't take no for an answer' about following your dreams as a singer-songwriter. It was also the title track of Ed's 2015 album 'The Same But Different'. The set was concluded with a moving song about their older brother serving in Afghanistan called 'Far Away'. 

Sadie Jemmett comes originally from Cambridge but spent most of her life in North London. She even ran a stall in Camden market selling fruit and juices. Sadie's music is inspired by London life and her personal experiences. It is autobiographical bohemian indie-folk, strongly influenced by the classic Greenwich Village folk music of the 1970's.

With just Sadie on stage with her finger-picked acoustic guitar, she began her set with the emotive, personal and dream-like 'I'm glad your back' taken from her 2011 album 'The Blacksmith's Girl'. Next was her ode to North London, the americana flavoured 'Up on the heath' which was dedicated to Immy, who had asked Sadie for the chords of the song so she could play them on her ukelele. The song reminded me a little of Billy Bragg.

Sadie lived in a one-bed flat with her young daughter and worked in Camden for many years. The next song was another personal take on North London life 'Five things I noticed while I walked to Camden Square'. Following perfectly was the emotive 'Stay' a love song from her 2014 EP 'London Love Songs'. Many singer-songwriters find it difficult to write a 'happy' song. The beautiful and touching 'Fighting chance' was Sadie's latest song to try and crack this elusive subject.

Very topical and timely was another new song 'Rescue street', about the perils of internet dating and the difficulty of modern relationships. Sadie said while writing the song she thought of a place where all these people were waiting to be rescued and saved. Sadie mentioned that the next song 'Another Way To Be' was written after the worse jetlag ever after flying to the US to record her debut album. After four sleepless night this was written for her young daughter. 

Sadie also lived near Dalston and the next song was another slice of London life the title track from her EP 'London Love Songs'. With an Americana feel and tackling the subject of addiction ''Adventures in Sobriety' was written for a friend who had trouble stopping drinking. He would often talk about a 'beast sat on his shoulder'. Written on a very rainy London summer's day 'These days' is a personal account of difficulties of being a single mum.

The very well deserved encore was the up-tempo country infused title track from her 'The Blacksmith's Girl' album, about a girl who goes out at night to seek her fortune. 

It was another special night at the Green Note, I wait with eager anticipation to hear the forthcoming live album.

Darlingside - Union Chapel, London (3rd July, 2017)

LCM LIVE REVIEW

• Line-up: Darlingside with special guest Caitlin Canty
• Location: Union Chapel, Islington. 
• Date: 3rd July, 2017
• Website: http://www.darlingside.com
• Website: http://caitlincanty.com/
• Review by: Gary Smith

Concerts at the the multi-award winning Union Chapel are always special events. This gothic styled working church is often named as one of London's best and favourite live music venues. Last night was very special indeed, with headliners Darlingside alongside their special guest Caitlin Canty producing a stunning performance. Although both are based in the US, Caitlyn in Nashville, Tennessee and Darlingside in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this had all the feeling of a 'homecoming' gig. A packed Union Chapel audience (and their biggest worldwide (non-festival) audience to date) witnessed something quite extraordinary, culminating in a very well deserved double standing ovation

Special guest Nashville based based US singer-songwriter Caitlin Canty (originally from Vermont) opened the evening. Darlingside describe her as a 'big sister' and close fiend who they first met in Williams College in Western Massachusetts. Darlingside also produced Caitlin's first EP and they also played in a wedding band together. This was Caitlin's first London gig and her first trip to the UK. I'm sure that it will be the first of many to come. With a beautiful acapella introduction Caitlyn opened with the lovely 'The Brightest Day', one of the many songs in her extended set from her latest album 'Reckless Skyline' which was released in 2015.

With it's soft picked acoustic guitar slowly building into a rocky finish 'Love For You Will Not Fade' was a firm favourite. Caitlin’s next song “Dotted Line” taken from her latest EP 'Lost in the Valley' was used recently on Netflix’s drama 'House of Cards'. The very catchy and rocky bluegrass 'Enough of Hard Times' was another toe-tapper. One of my favourites in her set was her hit 'Get Up' . Caitlin has a wonderful pure vocals and this song showcased them to the full. I love the arrangements too.  Caitlyn said that in Nashville as a songwriter you have to write a 'weepy' and this was her one, the lovely 'Idaho'. Coming off-mic to deliver a super "unplugged' version of a Country classic made famous by Glen Campbell and written by Lefty Frizzell "I Want To Be With You Always'. Described by Caitlin as her 'crush on the south' was the sublime and reflective 'Southern Man'. Caitlin said that there was so many parallels between the UK and US and there was such a deep sense of community. The last song in her set was the beautiful title track of her last EP 'Lost in the Valley'. 

Darlingside are Don Mitchell (guitar, banjo, vocals), Auyon Mukharji (mandolin, violin, vocals), Harris Paseltiner (guitar, cello, vocals) and David Senft (bass, kick drum, vocals). They are a 'band of brothers' all from very different musical backgrounds and performance styles including chamber music, choral singing, Celtic session playing and street busking. NPR described them as 'exquisitely-arranged, literary-minded, baroque folk-pop'. Simply put the music Darlingside plays is serious, cinematic and deeply moving. There is a real special and magical feeling about it. All the band are all highly skilled multi-instrumentalists with a super tight delivery in their playing and harmonies. They certainly have the 'wow!!' factor.

The band’s name originates from a songwriting class taken by the band members at Williams College. The course instructor, Bernice Lewis, quoted British writer Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch in teaching the class to “kill your darlings.” Lewis applied this philosophy to songwriting, wherein a favorite line, lick, or riff (“a darling”) might compromise the balance and arc of the song as a whole. The name “Darlingside” is an homage to “killing one’s darlings.” It is spelled with an “s” instead of a “c” (like regicide, fratricide, or homicide) because the band felt the “s” is easier on the eye and because they are not super into death.

Grouped around a single bi-directional condenser microphone Darlingside started their set with the powerful and moving 'God Of Loss'. One of my favourite songs on their 'Birds Say' album and live it is quite simply stunning. An ode to Chicago followed, sparse notes from banjo, acoustic guitar, violin and keys punctuate the solemn and beautiful 'White Horses', in keeping with the song’s themes of haunting nostalgia and bleak winter inertia. They were joined on stage by UK singer-songwriter and friend of of LCM Tom Hyatt on keys.

Turning to a track on their 2012 debut album 'Pilot Machines' the band played the sublime and heartfelt 'My Love'. 

After a short interlude to describe the unfortunate encounter Harris had with walking into a glass sliding door on tour in Bristol and the ensuing mayhem, the band moved seamlessly into their next song the very entertaining and clever 'Harrison Ford'. The title track from their 2016 EP 'Whippoorwill' followed, a song about childhood and the passage of time. The song is named after a cabin in upstate New York. Also from the 'Whippoorwill' EP was the next track the rocky, psychedelic and catchy 'Blow The House Down'.

What can only be described as a 'Cheese' interlude by Auyon followed. After only finding out on tour that Cheddar was not only a cheese but also a place in England. The band had encouraged him to learn more about the country he was touring and of course cheese, which he approached with gusto. Raiding all the information on the 'British Cheese' website and then describing the band members entertainingly in cheese metaphors and imparting cheese facts for Cheddar, Stilton, Lancashire and Shropshire Blue.

It was back to their 2010 debut EP 'EP1' for the next track the reflective and personal 'Catbird Seat' with it's excellent fiddle playing from Auyon, making up for insulting his fellow band members earlier. Next up was the 'Bird's Say' album's opening track with it's bowed cello and gentle mandolin playing 'The Ancestor'. It reminded me of a gentle version of the Keston Cobblers Club, who headlined the same venue recently. Another super track was 'Good For You' again with mandolin taking the high notes and amazing four-part harmonies floating over the appreciative Union Chapel audience. With it's wonderful lyrics and metaphors was the almost Beatlesque 'Clay & Cast Iron'. It so difficult to pick a favourite song from their last album and EP as the quality is very high. It's the kind of music you just need to put on your headphones, have a glass of red wine by your side and just close your eyes and drift away. 

Very timely for the eve of the American holiday was another song from 'Whippoorwill' EP the 'Fourth Of July'. A very special Tom Petty cover 'Wild Flower' followed with Caitlin joining the band on stage. It held special memories as it was sung by Caitlin at Harris' wedding as Harris' bride was walking down the aisle. Harris said it was almost like being back at his wedding, as he was back in a church. But as one of his bandmate interrupted 'This time it was like the audience marring Harris'. To which someone in the audience shouted 'I Do'. 

With it's fuzzy guitar opening the wonderful 'Go Back' had shades of early Mumford and Sons. Brittle synthesizer-like sounds from Auyon’s mandolin seamlessly mesh with acoustic and 12- string Danelectro guitars for a great rock groove. 

They then made an important announcement. Darlingside are shortly to begin to record a new third album, to be released in the spring of 2018.

The final song from 'Bird's Say' in the set was the retro 'My Girl, My Guy' with shades of CSNY and the Beach Boys. As a fitting conclusion the encore was the powerful and anthemic 'Sweet and Low' written by the band 5 years ago and appearing on their debut album. They were once again joined by Caitlin and Tom.

The following double standing ovation I think said it all. I'm sure with the reception the band received that they will come back to tour the UK very soon. Watch out too for their new album in the spring, it's going to be very special. 

August & After - The Lexington, London (28th June, 2017)

LCM LIVE REVIEW

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'Stream' Single Launch

• Line-up: August & After, Ellen Raey
• Location: The Lexington, Islington.
• Date: 28th June, 2017
• Review by: Gary Smith
• Website: http://www.augustandafter.co.uk/

A packed Lexington saw the launch of London indie-folk band August & After's new single 'Stream', which is due for release on the 30th June. It is the first release of a series of singles recorded by the band in Paris last October. It also marks the beginning of a bigger and fuller live sound, with Vedantha playing electric guitar rather than acoustic for the first time and the expansion of the band with the addition of keys and drums/percussion (first seen on their last EP Cascades).

The evening was started by special guest London based harpist and vocalist Ellen Reay, who the band first met at university. She performed an eclectic set of covers including 'Song To The Siren' (Tim Buckley), Pitseleh (Elliott Smith), the traditional folk classic 'She Moved Through the Fair' and 'Loving Circles' (Bowerbirds). Ellen also included one of her own compositions about a bad encounter with a man at a bus stop. Ellen had a lovely pure vocal and also used a loop station on some of her songs, looping harp and percussion. It will be interesting to see how she develops this in future performances. 

Then after a short break and to an enthusiastic audience August & After started their release show with the sublime 'Elegy', a track from their 2016 EP 'Cascades' This was followed by a new song, Ned's reflective homage to 'Airports'. An excellent solo by Jordan on this one. Next was the very popular lead single from Cascades 'Wolves', now complete with a new lovely three part harmony arrangement. Always a popular choice is their very catchy cover of MGMT's 'Kids', which was delivered with strength and feeling.

Pride of place went to their atmospheric and personal new single 'Stream', which Vedantha described as like an 'evening on Primrose Hill'. As explained by Ned the song "is loosely about perspective and the unattainability of certain ambitions, set in a ‘space context’." As a teenager, he would write song after song about staring up at the night sky. Some were about love, others about escapism; occasionally there was a fairly technical one about astronomy. "With “Stream”, I wanted to close the chapter of my song-writing life where I obsessed with space/stars, whilst using my childhood dream to one day travel into space as an analogy for my present day struggles to become an indie-folk musician".

The very touching 'Halley' reflected on the shortness and transient nature of human life. It captures the conversation a young Vedantha had with his father about Halley's Comet, which first introduced him to the notion of mortality. Halley's Comet is visible from Earth on average every 75 to 76 years or once a lifetime. 

Next was a tribute to their percussionist Dan who plays regularly with his band 4 Square, a cover of their song 'Digging Song'. This was keep secret even from Dan with a large ? on the band playlist. 'Waltz For Marie' from their debut album 'Embers' is always beautiful live and tonight was no exception.

With it's wonderful acoustic finger-picking 'Vancouver Waves' continues the reflective and personal theme. "You are the calmest wave that I've ever known........Hibernate until I'm on form again. The world can wait another year. Hibernate until I'm ok again. The tidal waves can't follow me here. So I came here to the island. I braved the stormy seas. The air is clear and silent. Far from some tragedies. The sunset's better than a painting. It calms my eyes with ease. But it's the saddest sky....that I've ever seen"

The last song in the main set was 'Salamander' was also from their debut album. Written by Ned and named by Ned's mum.

Very fittingly the encore song was a cover of 'Round Here' by Counting Crows from their 'August & Everything After' album, which gave the band their name.

Tonight's performance marked an exciting new chapter the the band's musical journey. It will be very interesting to see how they develop their richer sound in the coming months.