Over the past 15 years, Alasdair Roberts has released eight albums of self-written material and interpretations of traditional song alike, all played in a diversity of electric and acoustic arrangements, bringing a modern thrust to the music. Following the acoustic austerity of his self-titled 2015 release, Alasdair’s applied himself to electric guitar and band once again for his ninth album, Pangs.
Alasdair Roberts and Friends were deep within the epic song approaches of the widely-acclaimed A Wonder Working Stone (2013) when last heard creating music of such scope. While similarly broad in range, Pangs brings different forms of song-craft and modes of collaboration again. Throughout his career, Alasdair has deftly woven his own songwriting with traditional song melodies to create original and personal music. Pangs finds Alasdair in a power trio with his long-time musical partners Alex Neilson and Stevie Jones, and along with guests Debbie Armour, Tom Crossley, Rafe Fitzpatrick and Jessica Kerr, they summon up a powerful – and powerfully gorgeous – storm over ten new songs. With swift drums, sharp and spirited fiddle, electric guitar and even a synthesizer played by Ali, “The Downward Road” is a boisterous introduction to all that Pangs offers! Also our Song of the Day:
Pangs is released on February 24th via Drag City Records.
ALASDAIR ROBERTS PANGS TRIO UK TOUR 2017
DECEMBER
23rd Glasgow Nice ‘n’ Sleazy*
FEBRUARY 2017
23rd LONDON Cafe Oto
24th READING South Street Arts Centre
25th BARTON-ON-HUMBER Ropery Hall
26th COLCHESTER Arts Centre
27th NEWCASTLE (venue tbc)
28th SHEFFIELD (venue tbc)
MARCH 2017
1st EDINBURGH House Concert
2nd GLASGOW The Glad Cafe
5th PRESTON The Continental
15th COVENTRY Warwick Arts Centre
16th HEREFORD The Courtyard
17th (hopefully tbc)
18th PLYMOUTH B-Bar
23rd STROUD Prince Albert *
24th BODMIN Folk Club *
All gigs trio (Alasdair with Stevie Jones and Alex Neilson) except * – solo.