Thursday 4 April 2013

Roots of the World Blog and N.E. England Gig Guide April 2013

Home of Newcastle Roots Music Radio, a monthly roots, world and folk podcast for the N.E. of England and the world!

Podcast:
Newcastle Roots Music Radio Podcast, current episode and past ones can be found on  the following websites:
OR go the I Tunes Store, go to Podcasts and search for Newcastle Roots Music Radio and subscribe (free!)
Contact including Social Networking
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rootsoftheworld It would be lovely if you would follow @RootsoftheWorld on Twitter! 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RootsoftheWorld It would be great if you could call by leave a message and “Like” RootsoftheWorld on Facebook!
E mail: rootsoftheworld@btinternet.com (including mailing list if you wish to be e mailed regarding when next podcast is available. Your address will NOT be given to others and if you wish to have your e mail removed please request and it will be done!)
Intro
Welcome again to my “blog” which aims to be a one stop shop for N.E. gigs including folk and roots gigs through my podcast and blog/gig guide as well as through regular tweets and postings on Facebook.
Thank you to all those artists and venues over the last month who have responded so enthusiastically to this venture as well as providing useful feedback. As from next month the gig guide will still have a listings element to it, but the descriptions will be briefer and there will be more audio/video content.  Hopefully, this will give you enough of an overview to see what’s going on, and if you like the sound of something, you can listen to the clips and investigate further using the links provided. I also hope to have ironed out formatting problems I am having with text as evrything is uniform and correctly formatted but unfortunately changes once in the blog, despite the draft being fine. So please bear with me if in places it looks a little unprofessional whilst I sort these issues out. If this has happened to you in "Blogger"...please "Help"!
This will also free me up to put more reviews on Facebook, Twitter and hopefully develop the support that Roots of the World provides to local roots, folk and world music.
Now what can be found below:
Podcast
Playlist
Gig guide
Venue directory
Reviews
Tuition

Coda Music
Community Radio and Roots Music
Bits and Pieces to end with including that the May podcast and guide will be out May 1st with “Tyde” being the featured artists.
Newcastle Roots Music Radio Podcast
This month’s Newcastle Roots Music Radio Features N.E. Artists of the Month: “Holy Moly and the Crackers”

Holy Moly and the Crackers are an  folk and roots band based in the Heaton bayou of Newcastle upon Tyne! Their website says they : “play their blend of whiskey galore sea shanties, hillbilly lullabies, bin-fire blues, gypsy dances and spectral soul-searching ballads.. with a newness and honesty which is perhaps one of the keys to their popularity. I have been listening to their debut album “First Avenue” and it really is a sunny, happy, accomplished project, which as well as the above characteristics also reminded me of Chumbawumba-no bad thing in my opinion!
“First Avenue” is available via the band’s website (link in playlist below) and is on the Northern Lights Music label: http://www.northernlightsmusic.biz/. It is distributed through Proper: http://www.propermusic.com/product-details/Holy-Moly-and-The-Crackers-First-Avenue-144520
You can catch them this month see below for dates!
Newcastle Roots Music Radio:  Licensed by the PRS, License Number LE-0006074.
If you can’t listen to it on the computer, or haven’t got the time to, download and burn to CD and play it in the car or other MP3 player. You can also catch up on all of the above platforms on the Newcastle Roots Music Radio that you missed!

Podcast Playlist
Artist/Track/Album/ Web link for more info/Start time on podcast-use this to find a track or to skip if not to your taste!
Holy Moly and the Crackers/Willy Had a Fiddle/First Avenue/ http://www.holymolyandthecrackers.co.uk/ /0.22
Cahalen Morrison and Eli West/On God’s Rocky Shore/Northwest Roots and Branches Vol. 3/ http://cahalenandeli.com/ /04:35
Feast of Fiddles/The Blind Fiddler/Live 01/ http://www.feastoffiddles.co.uk//09.23
Lau /Winter Moon/Arc Light/ http://www.lau-music.co.uk//12.28
Johanna Johola/Kompin Henki/Fantasiatango/ http://www.johannajuhola.net/index.html /17.21
The Outside Track/Petit Sarny/Flash Company/ http://www.theoutsidetrack.com/ /20.10
John Kirkpatrick/The4 Siberian Stomp/Three in a Row/ http://www.johnkirkpatrick.co.uk/ /23.57
Matt Stalker & the Fables//The Man Who Said This Died of Alchemy/ http://mattstalkerandfables.bandcamp.com/ /27.03
Susheela Rahman/Bolo Bolo/Salt and Rain/ http://www.susheelaraman.com/ /30.18 
El Tanburra/Heela Heela/The Rough Guide to the Arabic Revolution/ http://www.worldmusic.net/store/item/RGNET1295 / 33.54
Nuru Kane/Afrika/The Rough Guide to Acoustic Africa / http://www.worldmusic.net/store/item/RGNET1297 / 37.28
Los Chinches/Chicha Love/Fongo/ http://loschinches.com/ 42.31
Family Atlantica/Escape to the Palenque/Family Atlantica/ http://www.familyatlantica.com/ 45.51
Anna Corcoran/The Show/Anything Better/ http://www.annacorcoran.com/ /48.49
Spiers and Boden/The Rochdale Coconut Dance/ through & through/ http://spiersandboden.com/ /52.32
Jamie Roberts and Katriona Gilmore/ Running with Scissors/Shadows and Half Light/ http://www.gilmoreroberts.co.uk/ /58.41
Holy Moly and the Crackers/Down on Time /First Avenue/ http://www.holymolyandthecrackers.co.uk/ /1.01.51

 

April  2013 Gig Guide
Note: Gateshead International Jazz Festival at the Sage, Gateshead, 5th-7th April, I have chosen a selection of gigs from the festival, for the full programme go to www.sagegateshead.org
At the end of the gig guide is a directory of most of the venues referred to below. Go there for the venue you require, click on the link and you should then be able to find additional info. Failing that a search engine search may be needed!
Monday April 1
Scott H. Biram: Jumpin’Hot Club at the Cluny, Newcastle
Austin Texas based Scott H. Biram  “isn't just a one-man band. He's the one-man band !! Mixing Voodoo boogie laced with smokestack R&B, he walks the green mile shoulder to shoulder between Lightnin' Hopkins and George Jones. From Depression-era folk of Woody Guthrie, cow-punk & DIY metal to gritty classic rock, Scott H Biram proves to be the ultimate outlaw.
Tuesday April 2
Hannabiell & Midnight Blue:A World Tour, Great North Museum, Newcastle (11.00am)
Wednesday April 3
Thursday April 4
Ladies of Midnight Blue: Iceni, King’s Queer, Heartback & Vine, Lime St, Newcastle
Birds of Chicago + Peter Mulvey: Jumpin’Hot Club, Cluny 2, Byker, Newcastle
“Birds Of Chicago are a collective based around JT Nero and Allison Russell. For several years their respective bands, Po' Girl and JT and the Clouds (Chicago) have collaborated extensively, but now the Birds of Chicago ensemble are official – including a roving Clouds rhythm section and pickers from the hidden hills of Southeast Ohio.
JT Nero’s fractured country-soul voice wrapped in Russell’s silver and gold tones, is a fine thing. Not too perfect, not at all saccharine, you’ll hear echoes of mountain gospel, street corner doo-wop, and classic soul in their music.: No Depression.”
“Peter Mulvey - the Wisconsin Milwaukee based singer-songwriter, who last roamed around here with Kris Delmhorst & Jeffery Foucault is a most welcome support.”
Fran Smith: Gala, Durham  


North Yorkshire songstress with excellent EP recently released. Fran's heartfelt vocals are utterly moving and she is an exciting emerging young talent.
Friday April 5
Head of Steam Pub, Newcastle:  Holy Moly and the Crackers
Direct from the Heaton Bayou, Newcastle (!), our featured northeast artists play their blend of whiskey galore sea shanties, hillbilly lullabies, bin-fire blues, gypsy dances and spectral soul-searching ballads; all played with a newness and honesty which is perhaps one of the keys to their popularity.
The Boiler Shop Steamer Presents at the Boiler Shop, Sussex St, Newcastle: Lilliput, Holy Moly and the Crackers, The Baghdaddies, The Noize Choir:
A selection box of NE music including the hard working Holy Molies (2 gigs in one night!), and Balkan flavours from Tyneside’s renowned Balkanistas!
The Outside Track: The Maltings, Berwick:
Winners of the Live Ireland "Group of the Year" 2012, The Outside Track's marriage of Canadian, Scottish and Irish music and song has been rapturously received around the world. Hailing from Scotland, Ireland, Cape Breton and Vancouver, its five members are united by a love of traditional music and a commitment to creating new music on its foundation. Using fiddle, accordion, harp, guitar, flute, step-dance and vocals these five virtuosos blend boundless energy with unmistakable joie de vivre.”

Alnwick Playhouse, The Pitmen Poets:Jez Lowe, Benny Goodman, Billy Mitchell, Bob Fox:“Since the first Pitmen Poets tour in 2011, Sam West's revival of the seminal “Close the Coalhouse Door” has completed a triumphant UK tour and Lee Hall's “Pitman Painters” has been a hit in the West End and also on Broadway. Interest in the North East's mining tradition has never been more intense. What better time could there be for another opportunity to experience the brilliant entertainment of The Pitmen Poets?
The Pitmen Poets celebrate the songs and culture of North East England's Coal Mining tradition, bringing together four of the region's leading champions of it's musical heritage. Ex-Lindisfarne singer and writer Billy Mitchell, renowned singer and instrumentalist Bob Fox, leading exponent of Tyneside song Benny Graham, and much-covered Durham songwriter Jez Lowe - individually and collectively, The Pitmen Poets.”
Tea Pad presents Al Scorch Country Soul Ensemble,Cumberland Arms, Byker, Newcastle
Grafting literate, character-driven song craft and Mid-American roots with a post-punk DIY attitude, Chicago-based songwriter, performer and instrumentalist Al Scorch carts a new musical topography with a five-string banjo.

Sage, Gateshead:Gateshead International Jazz Festival 2013 The Dixie Ticklers
“With New Orleans jazz from their latest album. The Dixie Ticklers will open the festival followed by a late night set.The band has put today’s date on early jazz, placing it alongside groove-based shuffles and fresh modern treatments whilst constantly staying true to the polyphonic approach that shaped the music of the initial pioneers such as Louis Armstrong, King Oliver and Jelly Roll Morton.”
Sage, Gateshead Gateshead International Jazz Festival 2013 Soweto Kinch - 'The Legend of Mike Smith' and Zara McFarlane



“Award-winning jazz alto saxophonist and hip hop star Soweto Kinch celebrates the release of his new studio double album titled ‘The Legend of Mike Smith’- featuring his new trio Karl Rashid-Abel (double bass) and Shaney Forbes (drums) . The performance draws on Dante and The Seven Deadly sins, telling the tale of a young MC caught in a very modern world of temptation.”

Sage, Gateshead Gateshead International Jazz Festival 2013 Stonephace Stabbins featuring Zoe Rahman
“Renowned as the co-leader of UK soul/star hipsters Working Week, saxophonist Larry Stabbins brings a blistering energy to a fiery new quintet that features MOBO jazz award winner Zoe Rahman’s eloquent piano and a tremendous rhythm section, and has gathered impressive reviews for the recently-released CD “Transcendental”. Taking inspiration from the cosmic jazz of Coltrane and Pharaoh Sanders, this is incandescent music that moves the heart and feet.”
Morpeth Gathering, Morpeth: Various venues Today to 7th April
Full programme of this festival of this arts festival including folk concerts, dances and more to be found at http://www.northumbriana.org.uk/gathering/ .
Saturday April 6
Stephanie Hladowski and C Joynes, Cath and Phil Taylor, The Horse Looms: Morden Tower, Newcastle
Hladowski and Joynes, vocals and guitar, producing highly acclaimed recent recording. Support from highly regarded local acts.

John Kirkpatrick,Davy Lamp Folk Club, Arts Centre, Washington
Over the years, John has  become one of the most prolific figures on the English folk scene,  He has been a member of the Albion Country Band, The Richard Thompson Band,  Steeleye Span, and many others. He was voted BBC Radio 2 Musician of the Year in 2010
Customs House, South Shields:Patsy Cline 50th Anniversary Tour Sandy Kelly, George Hamilton the IV
An evening of song, laughter and legendary stories is promised when you come along to this enthralling tribute to the music, life and times of Patsy Cline. It’s  some 50 years since Patsy left a great legacy of hit records. This wonderful show pays tribute to country music’s world renowned superstar.Featuring the stars of the West End production Patsy, The Fabulously Talented Sandy Kelly - ‘Ireland’s Queen Of Country Music’  and  George Hamilton IV, one of the true greats of country music and one of Patsy’s closest friends  whose many hits include Abilene, Early Morning Rain and She’s A Little Bit Country.   Sandy Kelly’s performance as Patsy has captured the hearts of legions of fans all over the world. this feel-good  show  will leave you wanting more as she performs Patsy’s unforgettable hits including:  Crazy, Sweet Dreams, Walking After Midnight and I Fall To Pieces.An evening of true country nostalgia
Sage, Gateshead Gateshead International Jazz Festival 2013 Biréli Lagrène Quartet plus Kevin Mackenzie & Steve Hamilton
Biréli Lagrène – born into a traditional manouche Gypsy family in 1966 – was covering the repertoire of the great guitarist Django Reinhardt by the age of eight, and his relatives were already calling him a child prodigy. By his late teens he was mixing with jazz greats such as Stephane Grappelli and Benny Goodman, and exploring jazz fusion with the likes of bassist Jaco Pastorius. Whilst still a master of the Reinhardt legacy, his current band is a free-wheeling quartet reminiscent of 1960s Blue Note, with saxophonist Franck Wolf, and drummer Hammond organist Jean-Yves Jung and Jean Marc Robin providing the texture and groove. A rare out—of-London outing for an artist who had the audience baying for more in a packed season at Ronnie Scott’s a few months ago.
Mr Wishy Washy, Old Cinema Launderette,Durham: Steve Finn, Rachel Ries
From the driving rhythm of his National guitar picking to the raw energy of his explosive harp playing Steven Finn has been electrifying audiences across Europe. Steven combines English folk and Delta blues music to provide a backdrop to his songs of protest delivered with Northern edge.

Sunday April 7
Sage, Gateshead Gateshead International Jazz Festival 2013 Alexander Hawkins and Louis Moholo-Moholo plus Bonga, Mwamba & Champion
Musical fireworks are guaranteed from an intercontinental dialogue between the intense piano improvisations of Alexander Hawkins and the extraordinary dynamic range of South African percussionist Louis Moholo-Moholo, who played a pivotal role in the influential community of South African exiles who transformed the evolution of British jazz from the 70s. He remains a massive figure in improvised music – this duet with a pianist whose audacious and far-reaching musical vision marks him as a major force in today’s scene explores a breathtaking musical landscape – their forthcoming Ogun CD – ‘Keep Your Heart Straight’ encompasses echoes of South African township groove and no-holds-barred freedom alongside the delicacy of an Ellington ballad. South Shields Folk Club, Customs House, South Shields:Ruth and Sadie Price

Sour MashTrio: Brewdog Newcastle
Rockabilly NE style!

Monday April 8
Tuesday April 9
Cramlington Folk Club at Concordia Leisure Centre: Fake Thackray (John Watterson)
Feast of Fiddles: Gala, Durham-20th Anniversary Tour
Having started as a mere idea in a folk club in 1993, Feast Of Fiddles has developed into a UK folk-rock institution as six of the country’s best fiddle players front a cracking band of guitars, keyboards, sax and accordian. All held together by the grandfather of folk-rock drumming Dave Mattacks, the show includes solos, original and traditional songs, as well as a few iconic rock references and theme tunes. With mighty ensemble arrangements to stir the soul and get the feet tapping, anyone interested in exuberant live music should bring their friends and join in the fun.”

Blackbeard’s Tea Party: Cumberland Arms, Byker, Newcastle
Blackbeard’s Tea Party have built a reputation as one of the most formidable live acts on the folk circuit.  In striking the perfect balance between traditional material and contemporary arrangements, Blackbeard’s Tea Party’s fans range from the most committed folkies to the most hardcore of rockers.


Wednesday April 10
Thursday April 11
Darlington Folk Club at the Copper Beech Pub:Cathryn Craig & Brian Willoughby 
The Bluefields + The Gospel According to Jon Lee, Jumpin’Hot Club at the Cluny, Newcastle
“Direct from Nashville USA, The Bluefields are Warner Hodges (Jason & The Scorchers), Dan Baird (Georigia Satellites), & Joe Blanton (Royal Court Of China) & these three southern bred- rock veterans remind you just why you love southern rock and roll in the first place! The music’s full of great classic rock songs built around chugging guitars and Blanton’s impassioned vocals.”.

Faustus (“Broken Down Gentlemen” Tour): Cumberland Arms, Byker, Newcastle
A rare chance to catch Faustus in the North East! Join them on their album launch tour.
Friday April 12
Cumberland Arms Byker: Spring Festival Opening Gig: Matt Stalker & Fables 'Knots' Album Fundraiser Gig (with support from Ditte Elly):Cumberland Arms, Byker, Newcastle
‘The only band I know who could reduce you to tears singing the phonebook’ (Manifesto). This special gig is to preview songs from ‘knots’, the follow-up to ‘The Man Who Said This of Alchemy’, alongside songs from the first album and a handful of surprises, all to raise funds to support the pressing of the new album.
Irvine’s Brasserie, Newcastle: Anna Corcoran
Singer Songwriter, with recently newly released EP “Anything Better” recently relocated from Liverpool to the Northeast, great voice and beautiful composition.

Saturday April 13
Susheela Raman and the Master Musicians of Rajasthan, Sage, Gateshead in association with Gem Arts
“Mercury Prize nominated, Susheela Raman, known for her outstanding cross cultural collaborations, is one of the UK’s most talented singers. This concert features her UK associates, guitarist-producer Sam Mills and ‘urban tabla’ virtuoso Aref Durvesh, working with three extraordinary Rajasthani musicians: Nathoo Solanki, the unrivalled master of the Nagara Drum; Kutle Khan, known for his singing and breathtaking skills on the kartel (wooden castenets); and Rana Ram Bhil playing the highly evocative Narh flute. These individuals carry a weight of precious musical knowledge and mastery with them, but all transcend tradition to stand as star performers in their own right. “
Chris and Steve Wilson, Davy Lamp Folk Club, Arts Centre, Washington
“Chris & Steve are two brothers - members of the famous Wilson Family from Teesside.  Best known for their acapella singing with the family, Steve & Chris will be showing off a very different repertoire of songs, with some great musical accompaniment “
02, Newcastle: Peatbog Faeries
Incorporating many influences which take them from traditional jigs and reels through jazz, hip hop, and reggae, welcome to the weird and wonderful world of the Peatbog Faeries!
 
Ramside Hall, Durham: Anna Corcoran
See entry for April 12.

Sunday April 14
Sage, Gateshead Mike Harding
He’s been described by Billy Connolly as “the funniest man in England” and widely acknowledged as “the grandfather of alternative comedy”. And now, after 15 years concentrating on writing and broadcasting, fell-walking and fly fishing, BBC Radio 2’s Mike Harding is back on the road with a guitar and a back catalogue of more than 40 years of material to draw on, you’re invited to join Mike for an evening of daft stories, silly songs and the odd comic monologue.

Cumberland Arms Byker: Spring Festival Closing Gig: Ditte Elly, Nev Clay,Richard Dawson, Bridie Jackson and The Arbour
The acoustic charm of Nev Clay, singer-songwriter Ditte Elly matching intense yet dreamy guitar playing with melancholic, haunting vocals; the finger-picking acoustic brilliance of Richard Dawson with his powerful and hauntingly beautiful voice and Bridie Jackson and The Arbour, a four-piece who use sparse instrumentation and intriguing vocal harmonies to create music that is simultaneously beautiful, ethereal, dark and powerful.
South Shields Folk Club, Customs House, South Shields
Students from the Newcastle University Folk Degree
Monday April 15
Tuesday April16
Cramlington Folk Club at Concordia Leisure Centre Bob Fox
The Sage, Gateshead Johnny Winter
“Blues as we know it today wouldn’t be the same without Johnny Winter. The masterful guitarist from Texas taught the genre how to rock. Dozens of albums – collaborations with Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, Bob Dylan and, of course, his brother Edgar amongst them – speak not only of a career, but an entire life in the sign of the Blues.”
Wednesday April 17
Bishop Auckland Town HallTom McConville Band
One of the leading fiddle players of our time, Tom’s live performances combine fast, rhythmic dance tunes and great singing. Support from Judith Haswell and Trish McLean.

Thursday April 18
Sage, Gateshead  Lau
BBC Radio 2, Folk Award Winners, Best Band, 2008, 2009, 2010.A blistering live act, Lau combine stunning musicianship with a ground-breaking yet playful approach to traditional music – transcending the music they hold dear, creating a cutting edge sound and garnering praise from far beyond the roots scene.
Hear No Evil Folk Club, The B Lounge, Alnwick: Rosie and the Hips
Martin Stephenson + Special Guests, Jumpin’Hot Club at the Cluny, Newcastle
“We don’t think there’s a better or more entertaining musician/singer songwriter in the UK, than the maverick Geordie troubadour & our good friend for literally decades, Mr Martin Stephenson. With a classy eclectic range of musical songs & styles, you can expect to hear anything from self penned country' pop to folk to bluegrass to punk then finger picking ragtime to wild rockabilly.”
Friday April 19
Customs House, South Shields:Hot Fingers
Hot Fingers is a very appropriate name for this trio of highly skilled and high-spirited young(ish!) jazzmen, since they all play stringed instruments with blinding technique – it’s a wonder the frets don’t burst into flame under their flying fingers!The repertoire is also highly varied and entertaining, encompassing an eclectic mix of hot jazz and swing, gypsy numbers, 1930s ballads, blues, ragtime, Latin American and even classical pieces.

Highlights Rural Touring Scheme Hugh Lupton (The Liberty Tree), Wark Town Hall, Wark
Storytelling at it’s best, a lucid combination.For more than 600 years the stories of Robin Hood have held sway in the English imagination.With Little John, Will Scarlet, Much the Miller’s Son, Friar Tuck and the rest of the Merry fellowship, Robin Hood inhabits a leafy clearing in our hearts where it’s always high summer, where venison is always roasting and the wrongs and injustices of the worlds are mended by subversion and trickery.In The Liberty Tree, Hugh Lupton and Nick Hennessey sing and tell their way deep into the secret, dappled, winding ways of Sherwood ... and at the same time tell  true stories of the ancient tradition of English Dissent.


Mr Wishy Washy, Old Cinema Launderette,Durham: Sarah Gillespie
Sarah Gillespie is a British-American singer songwriter based in London. She is known for combining beat poetry style lyrics with folk, blues and jazz and for writing songs that explore and satire numerous political themes.


BAA Club, Tarset Village Hall, Bellingham:  4Square
“The firey and inventive sound of alternative-folk quartet 4Square will have you on the edge of your seats! One of the most talked about new and emerging bands on the folk scene today.”

Sage, Gateshead in association with Gem Arts UK: Arieb Azhar, Martin Simpson
“Arieb Azhar, singer and guitarist from Pakistan, is immersed in the traditional music of his own country, which combined with his deep understanding of Balkan and gypsy music, gives him a style that is uniquely his.
Martin Simpson is one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, combining the diverse elements of British, Afro-American and old-timey music.”
Kinky Friedman, Jumpin’Hot Club at the, Caedmon Hall, Gateshead
“Direct from Texas, ‘Kinky Friedman - country singer, songwriter, novelist, humorist, politician and columnist is back. He returns with a new book written with Willie Nelson, ‘Roll Me Up And Smoke Me When I’m Gone. A new live solo album, ‘Live From Woodstock, another cd of Kinky’s songs (‘Jesse Sings Kinky’), by rising star roots performer Jesse Dayton, and a Russian film based on Kinky’s detective novel, ‘Kill Two Birds And Get Stoned
Saturday April 20
National Record Store Day
Events include Bridie Jackson and the Arbour appearing at Reflex Records, Newcastle! www.recordstoreday.co.uk
Steve Tilston Trio,Davy Lamp Folk Club, Arts Centre, Washington
“Steve is an old friend and a perennial visitor to the Davy Lamp. We're in for a treat this time, when he’ll be joined by his old pals, harmonica maestro  Keith Warmington and violin virtuoso  Stuart Gordon… Expect something very special “


Mr Wishy Washy, Old Cinema Launderette,Durham: The Lake Poets
The Lake Poets consists of Sunderland’s Martin Longstaff, whose honest and emotive brand of acoustic music has been stunning audiences since April 2010. In the short time since his live début, Martin has already shared stages with the likes of Willy Mason, Ben Howard, Daughter, Tom Jones, Lucy Rose, Jake Bugg and The Futureheads.
Sunday April 21
Cahalen Morrison and Eli West +Kilcawley Family , Jumpin’Hot Club at the Cluny 2, Newcastle
“Seattle’s Cahalen Morrison and Eli West are one of the hottest new acts to emerge out of the traditional US roots scene. Inspired by mountain music, the fledgling act played Sage Summertyne Fest 12 & shone like beacons. The excellence of shared lead & sibling-styled harmonies to go with claw-hammer banjo, mandolin and bouzouki firmly won over the audience. Quite the Appalachian highlight of the outdoor stage.”
The Maltings, Berwick, Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham
Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham are “simply the best traditional musicians you are ever likely to hear” (Glasgow Herald).
In the 25 years they have been performing together “Aly & Phil” have become household names in Scotland and are renown around the world. From fast paced reels and jigs to haunting slow airs they are the consummate masters of their craft and have a great sense of humour on stage as well. An evening with them is a night to remember forever.

Sage, Gateshead Making Tracks: Johanna Johola
“Charismatic and playful Finnish accordionista Johanna Juhola takes the essence Buenos Aires tango halls, blends it with dark Finnish landscapes, and rolls it all up in contrasting worlds of sound – by turns melancholy, exuberant, eclectic and just plain cheeky. Harnessing subtle and inventive electronic elements and backed by the innovative musical wizardry of her Reaktori quartet, Johanna is a well-known face on Finland’s music scene.”

Laish, Emma Gatrill, Martha Rose: Cumberland Arms, Byker:
Alternative folk from Brighton’s Laish, support as stated.


Monday April 22
Bridge Folk Club, Newcastle: Trev and Renata
Guitar playing duo with traditional folk
ARC Stockton Spiers & Boden
Bellowhead’s John Spiers and Jon Boden are twice winners of  the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for best duo – and want YOU to suggest Teesside-based folks songs for their gig at ARC!
Tuesday April 23
Wednesday April 24
An Evening with Vin Garbutt and Friends,Gala, Durham
“Vin’s career has spanned over 40 years of constant world wide touring which must make him some kind of elder statesman of folk. His songs were inspired by the folk tradition at the beginning of his career, they still are but have transformed into gritty social comment and life observations. He is renowned for his hilarious intros but for him his song lyrics are the crux of his performance.”

Darlington Folk Club at the Copper Beech Pub: Judith Haswell & Trish McClean
Mr Wishy Washy, Old Cinema Launderette,Durham:Gilmore & Roberts. Support Russell Swallow & Wolf
Twice-nominated at BBC Folk Awards, contemporary folk/acoustic duo Gilmore & Roberts combine award-winning songwriting with astounding lap-tapping guitar, fiery fiddle and their trademark harmonies, creating a powerful wall of sound. Their third album The Innocent Left, recorded in London with producer Julian Simmons (Guillemots, Ed Sheeran, Albert Lee), explores many and varied topics but remains consistently bound by Gilmore & Roberts' passion for stories.

Thursday April 25
Rothbury Roots, Queen’s Head, Rothbury Gilmore & Roberts with Jess Morgan
Gilmore & Roberts are an award-winning folk/acoustic duo comprising Katriona Gilmore & Jamie Roberts. They were nominated for Best Duo at the 2013 folk awards and havebeen working together since 2006, combining folk roots with a contemporary twist to deliver a powerful sound 'that many artists would die for' (Spiral Earth). Ranging from hardhittingto fragile, encompassing elements of folk, bluegrassand rock, their songs explore many and varied topics.
King’s Hall, Newcastle University (Lunchtime concert) Andy Watt (guitar and mandolin)
Virtuoso flat-picking guitarist and mandolin player, Andy Watt explores an aclectic mix of music styles from traditional folk music to swing jazz, Brazilian choro, Italian serenatas and more, accompanied by a select group of versatile and talented instrumentalists.
Friday April 26
Hearth at Horsley: Jez Lowe
Jez Lowe has built a worldwide reputation as a songwriter and performer, and as a recognised musical ambassador for his native North East England, with 12 albums and countless live performances around the world over the last twenty years. He was Folksinger of the Year in the 2008 BBC Folk awards.

Highlights Rural Touring Scheme at Middleton Village Hall, Morpeth New Rope String Band
Combining superb musicianship with side-splitting comic genius, the New Rope String Band are truly unique entertainers. Elements of circus, clowning, vaudeville, slapstick and sheer inspired silliness are spliced with beautiful acoustic music from various world traditions, in precision-honed yet uproarious performances that have delighted audiences from Borneo’s Sarawak rainforest to the Shetland Folk Festival.
Customs House, South Shields: King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys
Those wild and wacky jitterbugging, jumping and jiving King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys make a trip to The Customs House.The Biscuit Boys are Britain’s Kings of Swing and a force to be reckoned with - zoot suits, two tone shoes and zany stage show, they deliver a shot of pure and authentic 1940s Kansas City jazz and rhythm & blues.King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys are more than just the world’s greatest swing band, they are an institution!

Hoochie Coochie, Newcastle:King Porter Stomp
If you've ever seen King Porter Stomp busking on street corners, in packed festival tents or in major venues round the UK, you'll know that these boys came to party. King Porter Stomp bring together their own unique union of ska-funk-dub and afrobeat and top it all off with cleverly crafted conscious rhymes. With massive horn lines, heavy bass and intricate guitar work, they have pulled on heart strings and won over the dancing feet of crowds across the UK and into Europe. Renowned for their eclectic and energetic live shows, the seven piece are now ready to release their eagerly anticipated second album ‘Shuffle' in the summer of 2012.
Saturday April 27
Mr Wishy Washy, Old Cinema Launderette,Durham: TG Elias. Support Steve Chapman Smith
T.G. Elias is a prolific writer and performer whose distinctive, subtle and powerful voice holds audiences spellbound with his mesmerizing performances.Drawing from his deeply rooted relationship with Gospel, Country and Blues, the result is a collection of candid tales and life stories,served up by a journeyman with an understated raw emotion
Highlights Rural Touring Scheme at Corbridge Parish Hall Hall, New Rope String Band
See entry for 26 April.

Willie Nile and Band + Micky Kemp, Jumpin’Hot Club at the Cluny , Newcastle
“Willie Nile, the acclaimed singer songwriter from Buffalo, New York – & having played one of our best shows in recent years, returns to the city with a brand new album. With a career stretching way back to the CBGB scene of the 70’s, Bruce Springsteen’s was an original fan & recently joined Willie on stage in Asbury Park. This respected songwriter-live wire rocker’s was once called a one man – Clash & still attains that “go go go” of the Ramones in both style & attitude. "Watching Willie Nile and his band in a small sweaty club must be one of the very best ways a music fan can spend an evening " : No Depression”.
Sage, Gateshead Quercus
Quercus: Iain Ballamy – Tenor saxophone Huw Warren – pianoJune Tabor – voiceQuercus brings together three of the UK’s most creative and original musicians to create beautiful, poignant music that transcends musical genres. Drawing on each player’s repertoire of originals, timeless folk songs and reclaimed standard repertoire, the trio create exquisite acoustic chamber music.
Ladies of Midnight Blue (Afrodisiac): @ Caribbean Dinner and Music @ Teasy Does It, 150 Heaton Park Road, Newcastle
Sunday April 28
Paul Brady,Gala, Durham
“Paul Joseph Brady,Irish singer-songwriter, whose work straddles folk and pop... Initially popular for playing traditional Irish music in a duo with Andy Irvine and later with Tommy Peoples and Matt Molloy, he later turned to a more rock inspired electric style with poignant political lyrics. Among his most popular songs are "Crazy Dreams", "Nothing but the Same Old Story", "The Island", "Night Hunting" (covered by Santana), and "Steel Claw" and "Paradise is Here"(covered by Tina Turner) “ (Wikipedia)

South Shields Folk Club, Customs House, South Shields Gu4(Guffaw)
R J Thompson: Cluny 2, Newcastle
Newcastle based and born Singer-SongwriterRJ Thompson has a distinguished pedigree, check him out . Details at http://www.thecluny.com/listing/rj-thompson-cluny-2-0

The J Word: Trilok Gurtu, Paulo Fresu and Omar Sosa with support Fraser Fifield and Graeme Stephen: Sage, Gateshead
Three of the most unique and adventurous musicians in world of jazz unite for a very special trio project. Trilok Gurtu, Paulo Fresu and Omar Sosa are three dazzling live performers who share the joy of expanding musical boundaries.
All are virtuoso players with a shared joy in expanding musical boundaries and dazzling live performers who constantly seek inspiration from each other and love to share the magical results with their audience.

See YouTube clips on the Sage website about this evening by clicking this link.




Monday April 29
Tuesday April30
Cramlington Folk Club at Concordia Leisure Centre Steve Hicks & Lynn Goulbourn
Sage, Gateshead,Folkworks: Future Traditions
“The Folk and Traditional Music Degree course Co-found by Folkworks with Newcastle University has an international reputation for nurturing rising stars in the folk and acoustic world. Tonight’s concert gives a glimpse into the on-going work, with a range of performances by current students – jigs, reels, songs and more!”
Arc Stockton Ian Siegal
Passionate and spellbinding British blues from ‘one of the most innovative, gifted and engaging blues performers on the planet today.’ – Mojo

And into the merrye merrye month of May….!
Wednesday May 1
Sage, Gateshead,Chris Wood
“Chris Wood has been nominated for the BBC Folk Award 12 times and received six awards from just three albums. ‘Handmade Life’ was his last album and the first time he put a band together – it was well received, winning touring support from Sound and Music and lead to a fair few of those awards. Joan Armatrading was so taken with Chris’ writing she invited him as her special guest onto her UK tour.
During the Armatrading tour, he’s travelled the country, eavesdropping on conversations from pound shops to tea rooms, army recruiting centres to hotel saunas collecting ‘the poetry of recession’. His response is, ‘None The Wiser’, a fourth solo album.
Thursday May 2
Friday May 3
From Friday 3rd May to Sunday 5th May Fiddles on Fire Festival at Sage, Gateshead More details in the May blog or go to the Sage website for more details at http://thesagegateshead.org/tour-dates/fiddles-on-fire
Fiddles on Fire Festival, Sage, Gateshead:Ganesh & Kumaresh
“Ganesh and Kumaresh are considered by many to be the ace violin duo of Carnatic music. The brothers are known for their innovative and inventive interpretation of South Indian classical music. Their music is highly creative and vigorous and reflects the rich tapestry of India, its languages, customs, traditions, festivity and the pursuit of the divine.”

Venue/Promoter
Weblink
Newcastle upon Tyne venues
Cluny, Cluny2
Live Theatre, Newcastle
Bridge Folk Club, Newcastle
Cumberland Arms
King’s Hall, Newcastle University
Brewdog, Newcastle
Hoochie Coochie, Newcastle
Morden Tower
Gateshead venues
Sage
CentralBar, Gateshead
Newcastle/Gateshead Promoter
Jumping and Hot Club
North Tyneside Venues
Whitley Bay Playhouse
South Tyneside Venues
South Shields Folk Club
Customs House, South Shields
Sunderland Venues
Davy Lamp Folk Club, Washington Arts Centre
County Durham Venues
Darlington Folk Club
Gala, Durham City
Old Cinema Launderette, Durham
Town Hall, Bishop Auckland
Highlights Rural Touring Scheme
Northumberland Venues
Maltings, Berwick
Queen’s Hall, Hexham
Alnwick Playhouse
Hear No Evil, Alnwick
Bellingham All Acoustic Club
Cramlington Folk Club
Rothbury Roots
The Hearth, Horsley
Highlights Rural Touring Scheme
St Cuthbert’s House, Seahouses
Cleveland Venues
The ARC, Stockton


Reviews
Review Anna Corcoran: “Anything Better” (EP)
Liverpool lass shows what she can do in 3 tracks!
Lovely things come in small packages and that is certainly true of this EP release from northeast England based Scouser, singer-songwriter and pianist Anna Corcoran. Her 3 track EP released earlier this month “Anything Better” is a delight .I for one would welcome an album in the same vein.
All the tracks are entirely the work of Anna who has clearly used the path that her life has taken to great effect. A music graduate of Goldsmith’s College, London; Anna then spent some time behind the keyboard in some of London’s pricier hotels and then returned to the Liverpool music scene before moving to the north-east recently.
The EP opens with the title track “Anything Better”. The beginning of this song pulled me right in with delicious piano and guitar. Then Anna’s vocal enters with a smooth but touching quality. The tenderness in her voice was beautifully further emphasised by what I felt was a hint of “bluegrassiness “in the arrangement.
Track 2 –Sadly we are already nearly at the end of the EP! “Fallen Easy” is a beautiful song about someone who has hit hard times. The song is from a friend, I imagine, and is one of encouragement and offer of support to the fallen. Anna delivers the lyrics with a moving humanity accompanied with a tight, musical accompaniment including the excellent Stephanie Kearley on cello.  This left me feeling that this was a song that reflected a compassionate songstress which assisted me greatly. I like to like the musicians I’m reviewing!
Track 3: “The Show”: Anna showed her flexibility as an artist to be able to operate across genres in this song. The gently lilting arrangement has a jazzy quality to it, which I found hard to get out of my head! All the lyrics on the EP are Anna’s, but I found her capacity to use the words musically for their own sound qualities most impressive in this song. “Buy a pretty dress for you to see, Buy a pretty dress for you, For you, For you to see on me” This pattern of repetition of words proved really appealing and recurs throughout the song, the next verse beginning “Paint my lips bright red for you to kiss, Paint my lips bright red for you…” and the song is topped off by a lovely “Ba-da-da-dum….” interval stylishly delivered. Great stuff!
Anna, it’s great to have you in the northeast with your beautiful voice, playing and composition, you are very welcome as is this EP!  Recommended.
CD and more information available at : http://www.annacorcoran.com/

Anna appears in April month at Irvine’s Brasserie, Newcastle: (April 12) and Ramside hall, Durham (April 13).
 
Music Tuition
If you want to play rather than just listen….Tuition at varying levels is available:
Newcastle/Gateshead and about:
The Sage Gateshead: www.thesagegateshead.org
Hexham and about:
If you’d like to suggest further entries to this directory please get in touch.

Roots of the World World, Folk , Roots Shopping
Recommended purveyor of CDs : Coda Music, Edinburgh
Recommended purveyor of CDs : Coda Music, Edinburgh
Most of the above music can be purchased from and listened to first, at specialist Roots music retailer Coda Music. They have helpful , knowledgeable and friendly staff! Many of the CDs featured on this podcast are purchased from Coda. Note: Coda Music do not make any financial contribution towards this podcast and this is my own view, given freely.

Picture here
Walk in, browse, smell, see, hear, talk, touch, buy, take away in your hands!:
12, Bank Street,
On The Mound,
Edinburgh,
EH1 2LN
 
Community Radio and Folk/World/Roots Music
NE1 Fm-Community radio for Newcastle and Gateshead
This is a community based radio station broadcasting on 102.5fm in Newcastle/Gateshead and to the world on the internet at: http://www.ne1fm.net/
Roots Music features on NE1 Fm! Occasional “RootsoftheWorld” show from me. It tends to be on Monday am (GMT) between 10am and 12. Look out on Twitter for alerts.
Current programming includes (based on NE1 Fm’s descriptions):
Mondays 11PM-1AM– Vintage Swing Show
“Two hours of swing, blues and jazz from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s with Richard Owen.”
Sunday 11PM-1AM– Jumping Hot Club
Alan Harrison presents an eclectic mix of ‘rootsy’ music, with both local and international acts, interviews and more. STOP PRESS: Sadly, Alan is no longer able to do the show-it will be much missed.
5-7PM – NE1 Irish
Jim Bennett, Fiona Clelland and Tommy McClements host a weekly magazine featuring chat, interviews and live music for the Irish community of Newcastle and Gateshead.NE1 Irish is a magazine-style programme catering for the Irish community of Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead, and is live every Wednesday from 5 til 7PM.
Bits and Pieces to End
How you can help Newcastle Roots Music Radio/RootsoftheWorld
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Usual stuff: listen to podcast and recommend to others by e mail /Twitter etc., follow me on Twitter and retweet my tweets particularly the podcast/blog links, “like” on my Facebook page , recommend me to others.
Local Artists or otherwise:
 If you feel you fit the brief of this blog and associated podcast please get in touch. It would help if you could send some of your music for me to have a listen to, ideally on CD, and dates of any upcoming gigs in the region, weblinks etc. Use the contact details above. I look forward to hearing from you.
And finally:
 RootsoftheWorld wishes you a happy month musically and otherwise! Be careful. And be nice. Bye for now! J Oh and Happy New Year once again!
Next edition of Newcastle Roots Music Radio out May 1st featuring from the Northeast folk trio “Tyde”!