Thursday 05 December | 8pm | £25
The charismatic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist found time at the beginning of the year, in between charging around the globe with Robert Plant and his band, the Sensational Space Shifters, to record his new studio album The Well Worn Path.
It’s a return to a no-nonsense, organic, classic folk-rock approach with hints of Fairport Convention, Neil Young, Nick Cave and Billy Bragg – plus Lakeman’s trademark foot-stomping, fiddle bow-shredding and soaring vocals.
Seth has performed everywhere from Libya to Texas, as well as featuring on just about every major festival bill across the UK. In addition, Seth has toured extensively around Europe too where he’s also performed with Tori Amos and Clannad and has toured with other artists including Jools Holland, Runrig and Billy Bragg.
Since the Mercury Prize nominated “Kitty Jay” (recorded in his kitchen for £300), the follow-up gold selling “Freedom Fields” and his last, highly acclaimed offering, “Word of Mouth”, a deft collection of mini musical biographies of colourful West Country characters, Seth Lakeman has relentlessly pushed his musical boundaries and those of folk and roots music. With ‘Ballads of the Broken Few’ Seth demonstrated yet again that, far from being complacent, he is constantly exploring new and bold musical paths.
U14s must be accompanied.
Friday 31 January 2020 | 8pm | £22
Ruggedly durable and timeless, the Blues is perhaps more popular today than it has ever been. Young musicians still cut their teeth on its enticing, 12-bar appeal, but its real rewards, true virtuosity, poise and knowledge, only come with age.
Founder members ofThe Blues Band, Paul Jones and Dave Kelly’s tangled and colourful roots go way back into the true undergrowth of the tradition. As well as their own original material, they not only know and perform the work of the greats, ranging from Howling’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker through to Sonny Boy Williamson – they actually played alongside them, and enjoyed their friendship. After over a quarter century as presenter of his BBC Radio 2 R&B show, as a thrilling singer and harmonica maestro, what Paul Jones doesn’t know about the Blues can be written on a pinhead. The same can be said about Europe’s leading bluesman, Dave Kelly. He’s played with them all, including legends such as James Burton and Buddy Guy. Superb blues vocals combined with guitar virtuosity have elevated Dave Kelly into the higher echelon of international blues performers, where he truly belongs.
A live acoustic set by this dynamic duo is an occasion you’ll remember. If you’re a true Blues fan, everything you need is here.