This September 2nd sees the return of the London Folk Festival to Camden’s Cecil Sharp House for a day-long celebration of folk music and promises to be a fantastic showcase for the current resurgence of top quality folk and roots music that is happening in London.
The London Folk Festival is an annual event, now in its fourth year, hosted by Folk on Monday, and features the best of the national and local folk scene alongside workshops, sing around and more.
The festival line-up includes some of the very best and most exciting established and new talents in the current British folk revival. Headline acts this year are Jim Moray and Lady Maisery both of whom were Artists of the Month on Folk Radio UK last year.
13 years ago Jim Moray released an album that changed the way people perceived, played and presented English folk music. Sweet England arrived at a time when, with just a few notable exceptions, traditional music was performed much as it had been in the 1970s to an audience of insiders and aficionados. The album was received with open arms by those who understood that the music of the people has survived for centuries by being just that – an expression of the times.
Jim has continued to explore new ground as he demonstrated on his latest album Upcetra. In an in-depth interview with Rob Bridge for Folk Radio UK, he explained that the new album was not part of an ongoing continuum…”Throughout our conversation, he repeatedly makes it clear that in his own mind, his previous career as a solo artist is now closed. Upcetera is something different; a fresh start…a ‘New Chapter.’” Read the full interview here.
In an English folk scene currently bursting with bold and innovative folk music, vocal trio Lady Maisery shine brightly. With their unique approach to harmony singing, intelligent and thoughtful arrangements of both traditional repertoire and original compositions, Hazel Askew, Hannah James and Rowan Rheingans harness and celebrate their united voice. In his review of their last album Cycle, Thomas Blake concluded: “Cycle is, without doubt, an album stuffed full of formidable singing and excellent musicianship. But more than this, it is an album that has something to say about today’s world and is aware of its place in history. Lady Maisery are unafraid to challenge preconceptions about folk music but are aware of its cultural significance and its historical imperative. This album proves that they are worthy custodians and spirited agitators.” Read the full review.
A wide range of acts will also be performing throughout the day with The Askew Sisters, The Rheingans Sisters, The Andy May Trio, Said The Maiden, Jacquelyn Hynes, Moore Moss Rutter, Kim Lowings and The Greenwood, Rosie Hood, Emily Mae Winters, Midnight Patisserie and Stepling.
Festival-goers will be able to participate in workshops including spoons-playing, Harp, Harmony singing and flutes, local favourites Stick in the Wheel will be leading a London themed sing around and south London folk club The Goose is Out will be hosting an early morning festival folk club.
The London Folk Festival is on Saturday 3rd September. Doors open at 10:30 am and events start at 11:00. The venue is family-friendly and accessible and has an onsite café and real ale bar.
More here: http://www.londonfolkfestival.co.uk/