In his review of Lisa Knapp’s album Till April is Dead, Thomas Blake concluded that while Lisa had built on the success of her earlier albums, this was “an entirely different beast, not only because of the unity of its concept but because it seeks to understand old songs and traditions in modern and often highly original ways. It is a real step forward from a genuinely groundbreaking artist.”
Lisa Knapp will be performing Till April is Dead this week on Thursday, 8th November at London’s The Albany (ticket link). It promises to be a very special evening as she will be performing with a full band featuring:
Lisa Knapp – voice, violin, viola, loop station and harp
Gerry Divers – accordion, dulcimer, electric guitar and banjo
Pete Flood – drums and percussion
Jonny Bridgewater – double bass
From our Artist of the Month Interview with Lisa Knapp:
‘there were Roman celebrations of the goddess Flora at around the end of April happening circa 200 or so BC, and there are also early Germanic traditions which involve the month of May, but there are no references thus far in literature to substantiate a connection with those celebrations in England as far as I’m aware. Also, beware the internet in its description of ‘ancient pagan customs’ as I’ve not seen much evidence to link modern customs with anything ancient directly although the feel of many of them is very pagan.
‘There are certainly records about maypoles from people like Pepys and beliefs about chimney-sweeps and milk maids celebrating May by collecting greenery and decorating themselves and processioning down streets collecting money, or making garlands and collecting money accompanied by musicians, dancing, and dare I say probably some alcohol.’
Read more of the interview here https://klofmag.com/2017/05/lisa-knapp-artist-of-the-month-interview/
Booking and information:
Thursday, 8th November
THE ALBANY
Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG.
www.thealbany.org.uk | 020 8692 4446