music

Rholben’s interpretations of the traditional music of Wales are full of tenderness, wit, and deep emotion. The sublime voice of Siriol Davies, who grew up in South Wales, is supported by thoughtful guitar, melodic double bass, sweeping, soaring strings, and sumptuous vocal harmonies. Siriol takes the Welsh language songs and the tunes of her childhood and, together with some of the most highly respected and sought after traditional musicians to be found, creates a sound that somehow feels light and current whilst also feeling as weighty and as old as the hill from which they take their name. Ffurfiwyd Rholben yn [...]

Swing from Paris biography: Often described as ‘the finest gypsy jazz in the Cotswolds’, Swing from Paris are a UK quartet of violin, guitars and double bass. Inspired by the great swing bands of the 1930s and ‘40s, they present their own versions of music by Gershwin, Piazzolla, John Lewis, Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli and the Hot Club of France. They’ve been seen on the BBC’s Hairy Bikers, and have appeared at major jazz festivals including Cheltenham, Brecon and the Django Reinhardt Festival at Samois sur Seine. Expect stylish jazz and vintage swing.   Listen: Spotify Afternoon in Paris (2022) Bandcamp [...]

Amer-Imeri ensemble from the Republic of Georgia, UK tour Twelve singers drawn from Amer-Imeri and Mtiebi ensembles are touring the UK during May 2024, teaching and performing beautiful polyphonic songs from the rich and ancient, UNESCO listed tradition of the Republic of Georgia. Recognised by numerous national and international awards over three decades, Amer-Imeri  are dedicated to teaching and performing these unique songs alongside the costumes, dances, rituals and folklore that they traditionally accompanied. Much more than just entertainment, their workshops and performances give a deep and engaging insight into the history and culture of Georgia. The concert will begin with a [...]

Bike to The Future II – ‘Just Songs’ • A Band Named Brian’s Carbon-Free Song Cycle • 11 Venues • 585 Miles Bath, UK - 24/04/2024. Following their hugely successful tour last year, folk-pop duo ‘a Band named Brian’ is this year going even further in a bid to spread the word on climate change through songs, stories, dance and laughter. Singer-songwriter Brian Madigan doesn’t just write songs: he writes ‘just’ songs: full of passion, comment and exhortation to strive for better. Accompanied by violinist, bass player and vocalist Rob Whale, Brian weave’s a narrative through stories and songs, taking his [...]

BLUES CENTRAL are a four piece electric, Rhythm & Blues band, formed in 2001 by former RCA records recording artist and studio session musician Pete Hughes. Since their formation, the band has played on the national blues club and festival circuit, sharing a stage with artists including Nina Simone, Booker T and the MGs, Gary Moore, Chicken Shack and several other global blues luminaries. The band has also appeared live on the Paul Jones Blues show on BBC Radio 2. BLUES CENTRAL play an eclectic mix of urban blues from Chicago, Texas and the American "Deep South" all with their unique [...]

Having recently played support for Willy Mason, Billie Marten, Katy J Pearson, Bess Atwell and Dan Mangan, Rona Mac is beginning to get the recognition she deserves. A truly independent DIY, grass-roots artist from the most westerly tip of Wales, Mac is a prolific songwriter carving her own pathway as a queer alt-folk artist. For 4 years she swings seamlessly between stripped back sounds of Elliott Smith and Laura Marling, to the textures, rhythm and overdrive of Ben Howard or Phoebe Bridge. Recorded, produced and mixed by Mac in a caravan-studio, her music comes raw and unfiltered, aching with nostalgia that [...]