Winchester Folk Club

Kris Drever, who visits the Winchester Folk Club on Tuesday 21st February, is a Scottish guitarist and singer. Well known for his two solo albums, Black Water and Mark the Hard Earth, which mix traditional songs and tunes with original compositions and covers, he is also a vital part of cutting-edge trio Lau. If that wasn’t enough, he has been a member of Fine Friday and  Session A9, performs with Roddy Woomble (of Idlewild) and John McCusker, and is a sought-after accompanist who has worked with Kate Rusby, Heidi Talbot, Eddi Reader and Julie Fowlis, amongst others.

His collaboration with banjo player and multi-instrumentalist Éamonn Coyne, who also performs with Salsa Celtica and the Treacherous Orchestra, dates back to their album, Honk Toot Suite, released in 2007. They have recently released a follow-up EP, together with Megan Henderson of Breabach. Here’s a track from the EP:

The song, Parcel o’ Rogues, is a Scottish folk song whose lyrics are taken from a poem written by Robert Burns in 1791. It denounces the Scottish MPs who signed the Act of Union with England in 1707. Perhaps Kris chose this song with reference to the current independence debate? Kris’s guitar and singing are accompanied by Megan on harmonium. Expect several tracks from the new EP, which includes Kris’s version of the American classic Shady Grove, on Tuesday. Don’t miss it!

(While you’re there, keep an eye on Kris’s left leg, which appear to run several miles during each performance whilst his right remains rock steady…)