Gig Review: Ranagri - Bromsgrove Folk Club @ Catshill Social Club, Bromsgrove. Thursday 13th November 2025

Ranagri posses a wondrous allure lifting you from humble surroundings to spacious settings such as coastal splendour, idyllic Ireland and the warmth of a gracious Highland community. Fleeting moments took you from a social club in Bromsgrove to a swaying festival field or a grand theatre with every corner filled by the magnified tones of four splendid musicians. Each applies a personal touch to a sound rooted in folk tradition yet transcending into rays of popular music. Nights like these redefine the folk club parameters as Donal Rogers, Eliza Marshall, Eleanor Dunsdon and Jordan Murray orchestrate the magic of Ranagri’s magnetic appeal.

From 8:40 to 10:50 this spot where the urban West Midlands spills into rural Worcestershire hosted a prime exhibition of unified musicianship and engaging narrative. Even the regulation twenty minute break and obligatory raffle whetted the appetite for a sumptuous dose of Ranagri round two. From an opening instrumental titled ‘Fort of the Hare’ defining the heritage of the name including centuries old family connections in Ireland to an encore singalong in ‘The Bogeyman’ overtly digging at those in office, the brace of sets buzzed with traditional songs and tunes, smart observational originals and heaps of audience interaction. 

Alongside the sound pleasure, your eyes get drawn to each player infilling the animated visual side to a Ranagri gig. Eleanor Dunsdon makes the harp cool with sleek deft touches compensating an instrument majestically rooted to the spot. Eliza Marshall has more license to move around with an array of portable flutes often providing the leading sound. This highly acclaimed and in-demand flautist was returning to her nearby Stourbridge roots bringing not only her celebrated forte but improvised percussion and as much warm introductory chat as her co-lead. That role lies with Donal Rogers whose family links inspire the unusual band name (clue: sound the last letter as in ‘eye’). His lead vocals and guitar drive each song in a style key to the earlier transcending comment. The quartet is made up by multi-percussionist Jordan Murray, forever active whether behind the drum kit, up front with the bodhran or occasionally on the hammered dulcimer. 

Ranagri’s choice of songs comes from a luxury pool. ‘The Rocky Road of Dublin’ brings things right up to date as it is taken from their upcoming record The Great Irish Songbook Volume II, a project with pop icon Tony Christie. There was also an insight into the next sole Ranagri album currently in the making. There are a pair of previous releases titled Tradition I & II from which we enjoyed ‘High Germany’,  ‘Courting is a Pleasure’, ‘Lowlands of Holland’ and ‘The Wife of Usher’s Well’. The latter was one of the darker numbers and fitted in well between the Irish piece ‘An Derreen’ and the Scottish sourced ‘Fear A Bhata’, The second of these sung in Gaelic.

The climax to the set boosted the sensory and imaginative experience. ‘Strange World’ and ‘Rhythm Takes You Back’, both transported the mind and invigorated accompanied thinking. While ‘You Can Do Better’ is a straight up melody driven pre-encore closer exuding feel good vibes making this a fruitful way to spend an evening.

Prior to the main event, Bromsgrove Folk Club organiser Bob and his guitar mate Dave intermingled parish notices with a string of popular songs to warm up a packed hall. Who can go wrong with ‘Dirty Old Town’, ‘Midnight Special’ and ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’ amongst others for starters.

Ranagri wasted little time in announcing their presence from the cue and delivered a performance in line with their standing, experience and undeniable talent. They are a band with a rich pedigree and an even richer future ahead. One as strong now as they have ever been.