Three Chords and the Truth UK

Positive vibes were beaming around the art decor surroundings as a creative slice of duality spiced the latest presentation of roots music from the good folks of Thimblemill Library. Contrasts were abound from a seasoned Wisconsin performer flitting between folk, blues and observational songwriting and a fledgling Bristol-based duo possessing all the hallmark of a pioneering far flung retro Americana act. Dig a little deeper, and synergy could also be mined as Willy Porter and Fritillaries were thrown together to curate a duly admirable evening of music to breathe life into any weekend malaise.  Technically, this was not a twin bill with the duo of Hannah and Gabriel accepting the invite to play a thirty-minute opening set for a touring artist of a more established nature. Porter will be the first one to embrace the next generation and humility was forthcoming as he propelled a couple of sets into a Smethwick evening leaving the spoilt clientele absorbed by an entertaining performa...

www.lachlanbryanandthewildes.com One downside of the sparsity of live music in the winter of 20-21 was the missing gleeful nature of progressive US touring artists celebrating the momentous homeland election result after a period of apologetic embarrassment. While similarly minded British artists have to wait a little longer to wade into some political joy, an unexpected twist occurred on a rainy Birmingham night thousands of miles from a source of bursting pride. It didn't take long for Aussie Lachlan Bryan to tip his hat at the departure of his country's somewhat controversial Prime Minister. Yes, left leaning artists tend to dominate my scene. This is also a scene bristling with many exciting acts from across the world of which Lachlan Bryan and the Wildes has been a prominent player since first emerging at the Maverick Festival in 2017. The door slammed shut on their European ventures for a couple of years, but not the creative output which included a couple of albums and a...

www.katiespencer.net Katie Spencer is emerging from the mists of lockdown with renewed vigour and an enhanced state of assuredness. She is an artist unmoved by the fickleness of convention and driven to hone in on what inspires her musically. Attending one of her mesmeric shows is a step into a calming world of serenity where the luscious tones of a meticulously strummed guitar create an air of warmth and crafted mindfulness. Drifting within a song is permissible, but stay alert for the nuggets of context and inspiration that are an increasingly core piece of her song performing repertoire. The musical arsenal of this Yorkshire-based singer-songwriter is in the throes of further expansion as the latest record hits the airwaves. It is a case of more of the same in light of overall ambience with the bonus of the live shows getting a greater pool to choose from. Unsurprisingly, Katie is featuring her new album prominently on this latest run of dates where familiar places rub shoulders wit...

  www.katiespencer.net Ambience and intrinsically subtle guitar playing are the traits Katie Spencer exudes on a listener delving deep into her mystique. Inspired by diverse surroundings as intimated in the title, the music of this East Yorkshire-raised musician invokes wonderful imagery in the minds of others. Such a mindful release and pull into the world of serene motion is awash across the boughs of her new album. THE EDGE OF THE LAND is the atmospheric second full Katie Spencer release, hot on the heels of her 2021 project of reinterpreting the music of one of her idols, John Martyn.  That short EP of covers featured Spencer Cozens, a Martyn accomplice, and he figures again on the record adding Steinway piano and keys, alongside co-producing the album. The full team assembled here is a tightknit one with one stark musical addition of Nathan Bray's flugelhorn adorning the gloriously seductive track ' Silence on the Hillside' . The brass faintly punctuates the wealth of ...

  www.charmoffinchesband.com After wooing many folks far and wide during the extended Melbourne lockdown, Charm of Finches have finally took flight and landed their sumptuous harmonies on the shores of distant Europe. Prior to an extended run of dates in Scandinavia and the near continent, the UK is first stop for an inaugural visit and a chance for the sibling combo of Mabel and Ivy Windred-Wornes to enhance an already flowering reputation. Live streams proved the perfect selling medium for this folk duo immersed in observational singer-songwriter fare. However there is no substitute for that unfiltered in-person experience. One enjoyed by a Kitchen Garden audience often spoiled with such talent passing through the Birmingham suburbs.  The standard twin forty-five minute sets saw the sisters draw songs from multiple sources. As you would suspect, the riches of their two albums were mined with a particular focus on the latest WONDERFUL OBLIVION. Joining the recorded mater...