Roddy Woomble (Idlewild), Kris Drever (Lau) and John McCusker are set to repeat their 2008 sell-out concert at Union Chapel next Wednesday 10th November. They are also performing on Monday 8th November in Leeds at The Brudenell Social Club. They will be joined again by Heidi Talbot and Boo Hewerdine. Get your tickets quick.
Drever McCusker Woomble’s 2008 debut album ‘Before The Ruin’ featured an array of stellar guest contributors from both the folk and rock spheres, including Radiohead drummer Philip Selway, Teenage Fanclub’s Norman Blake (vocals) and Francis MacDonald (drums), Capercaillie bandmates Donald Shaw (keyboards), Mike McGoldrick (flute/whistles) and Ewen Vernal (bass), plus Irish singer Heidi Talbot.
Before The Ruin is the result of three of Scotland’s best current writers and performers getting together with limited time (seven afternoons and then demoed on a laptop). Regardless of whether folk is all the rage or not at the moment, Before the Ruin
is perfect for those who admire the well-written song. When you consider the average age of the players here is early 30s, the sound is mature beyond its years. Taking traditional folk as a starting point, they add in splashes of CSNY, pastoral Zeppelin and Radiohead (whose drummer, Phil Selway guests) to make something that, in this world of transient pop daisies, is resolutely made of long-lasting oak.
“Roddy Woomble continues to step away from his indie past with élan, as this is a very satisfying follow-up to My Secret is my Silence
; his vocal and guitar interplay with Kris Drever is at once familiar yet surprising. Fiddle superstar McCusker (currently heard on Paul Weller’s 22 Dreams and who has recently returned from touring with Mark Knopfler) underpins this with his mournful, soulful playing. Silver and Gold is indicative of what lies within; swelling fiddle, a memorable chorus and strong commercial sensibility. The title track swaggers and sways. With guest appearances from Teenage Fanclub’s Norman Blake, Before The Ruin is an important work, crammed with deft, sweet touches.” – BBC.CO.UK
“these guys – together or in other projects – are at the top of their game, and the fact that tonight feels more like a top-quality session than a coherent concert only makes it a better experience.” – THE HERALD
Video: Celtic Connection:
Tickets:
Union Chapel Tickets:
Get your tickets here.
Leeds at The Brudenell Social Club
Get your tickets here.
Buy CDs:
Drever, McCusker, Woomble: Before the Ruin
Boo Hewerdine: God Bless the Pretty Things
Heidi Talbot: The Last Star