Jimmy Aldridge and Sid Goldsmith are a London/Bristol based duo I only came across this week and what a pleasure it was to hear them performing the non-bibilical version of Keep Your Hand On The Plough. In the main they play traditional music that originates from the British Isles on guitar and banjo, the combination this and their great vocal harmonies really caught my ear. Their performance of these songs is top notch and they are genuinely a real joy to listen to…In short, I think they’re brilliant!
According to their bio they have both been heavily influenced by the songs and singers of East Anglia, where they both grew up, but their music also reflects the diversity of voices within the folk and acoustic world. They weave traditional English folksong with Irish, Scottish and American tunes, and their own compositions draw on many different styles. Conservation is also very close to their hearts with Sid working in traditional forestry and Jimmy as an environmental campaigner. Both pursuits inform much of their music.
They’ve both been gigging hard as well despite a setback I read about on their facebook that Jimmy had broke his back in the Alps. The news of which was followed by the status: “We’re currently hurtling down south in Sid’s van with Jimmy laid out in the back”. If that’s not dedication then I don’t know what is. Folk Club organisers should listen up and get these two booked.
Both songs below are taken from their debut album Let the Wind Blow High or Low which is out now on Fellside Records. In light of their drive to get their music out there to the masses that title is so apt.
Order their album and get those gig dates here:
http://jimmyandsid.com/