Kris Drever: Tuesday 21st February 2012

Caroline — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:07:52 +0000

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…)

The Club’s First Singaround

Caroline — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:55:21 +0000

Thanks, everyone who attended the Winchester Folk Club’s first Singaround in The Attic at The Railway on Tuesday. I was amazed to see how much talent we have in the club, even without the surprise treat of a visit from Paul Downes and Maggie Boyle, taking a break (more of a busman’s holiday really) from recording at a nearby studio. We had all sorts of acoustic music: a trio, solo instrumentalists, unaccompanied singing, singer-songwriters and more, not forgetting many who came along to listen. The Attic is a great venue for an informal event like this, and the atmosphere was friendly and supportive.

All are welcome to the next singaround on Tuesday 6th March at 8pm.