Following the release of Jackie Oates Lullabies album in March she undertook a tour as a trio made up of Jackie, Belinda and Chris Sarjeant. This was no ordinary tour, what made it special was each performance was supported by afternoon lullaby workshops for 0 – 4 year olds.
For those that missed it the first time around Jackie will be doing the same thing again during October (full dates below). She had this to say about the album:
‘For a long time I’ve been fascinated with lullabies, often being struck by the way that, for adults, hearing them can bring back strong memories and feelings of being a child again.
Over the past few months, I’ve had a wonderful time exploring my interest in these songs in more detail; from the folklore of the cradle with its superstitions and customs, to the way in which lullabies can be outlets for the many aspects of parenthood. Through these unique songs children often uncomprehendingly becomes a parent’s confidant, hearing of the joys, grievances and anxieties of the adult world. At other times they are moral tales, bribes for good behaviour or spells to comfort. The variety of material, style and purpose has made this a fascinating journey.
What, for me, has come to light most of all has been the hidden nature of some of the richest of the traditional lullabies from England and beyond. They have been tucked away in song collections, manuscripts and memories and given little real status in the traditional song repertoire. Through this project I’m excited to be giving new life to these lullabies and to be putting a spotlight on this beautiful and very special form of song.’
Shortly before the album’s release Jackie also recorded a radio show for Folk Radio UK on which she featured s series lullabies from some of her favourite artists including
Listen to it below:
Jackie Oates – Lullaby Radio Show by Folk Radio Uk on Mixcloud
Lullabies Tour Dates – October 2013
Fri 4th: The Great Hall, Dartington, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6EN
01803 847 070 /www.dartington.org
Workshop at St. John’s Church, Bridgetown: 01803 866 916 (This show is a fundraiser for Save The Children)
Mon 7th: Nettlebed Village Club, High Street, Nettlebed, nr. Henley-on-Thames, Oxon. RG9 5DD
01628 636 620 /www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk
Tues 8th Rodewald Suite, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BP
0151 709 3789 /www.liverpoolphil.com
Weds 9th The Red Lion Folk Club, Vicarage Road, Birmingham, B14 7LY
www.redlionfolkclub.com
Thurs 10th The Dog, Hertford Street, Coventry, CV1 1LF.
02475 014 725 /www. thedogcoventry.co.uk
Fri 11th The Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AZ
020 7841 3600 / www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk
Sat. 12th Fleece Folk, Fleece Hotel, 8-10 Broad Street, Boxford, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 5DX
01787 211 183 / www. boxfordfleece.com
Weds 16th Haverhill Arts Centre, High Street, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 8AR
01440 714 140 /www.haverhillartscentre.co.uk
Thurs 17th Baptist Church Arena, Broadstairs, Kent
01843 604 080 / broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk
Sat 19th Homegrown Finest English Folk @ The Met, Market Street, Bury, Lancs. BL9 0BW
0161 761 2216 / www.themet.biz/homegrown/ (no afternoon workshop here)
Show is at 2pm with performances also from Bella Hardy, and Jim Causley with Julie Murphy and Ceri Owen-Jones Tickets £15