Our Song of the Day is from The Rails: Kami Thompson (daughter of Richard and Linda) and her husband James Walbourne (Pretenders, Kinks, solo). Their debut single Bonnie Portmore was produced by Indie legend Edwyn Collins and is released Feb 24th on Island Records. Here they are with a simply stunning and a brilliant live performance.
The single is taken from the album ‘Fair Warning’ (also produced by Collins) and features covers and originals that give traditional folk music a contemporary edge. The LP is so stunning that Island have resurrected their legendary Pink Label (home of John Martyn, Nick Drake and Fairport Convention) especially for them.
‘Bonnie Portmore’ is a ballad that laments the demise of Ireland’s old oak forests, specifically The Great Oak of Portmore, which fell in a windstorm in 1760, the wood from which was used for the building of ships. The duo discovered the ballad whilst searching for lost treasures in the folk archive at Cecil Sharp House. Already finding a ground swell of support, a limited 7” run of the track sold out in Rough Trade in only 48 hours.
After an exhilarating intimate performance at London’s Water Rats recently, The Rails have been asked to support Ray Davies on three dates in March before headlining their own show at the Lexington on March 25th.
Tour Dates
March
Sun 2nd BEXHILL ON SEA, Del La Warr Pavilion (Supporting Ray Davies)
Mon 3rd MILTON KEYNES, Stables (Supporting Ray Davies)
Tue 4th LONDON Union Chapel (Supporting Ray Davies)
Tue 25th LONDON, Lexington
‘Fair Warning’ is released May 5th and is a stunning collection of songs that stand outside of time yet resonate with contemporary urgency.