Best known as a member of Young Folk Award nominees Granny’s Attic, George Sansome is launching himself into a new phase of his musical career with the release of his self-titled debut solo album in June 2020. After three albums with Granny’s Attic and countless gigs up and down the country, his singing has matured, and his guitar accompaniment has become refined and skilful. Over the past few years, George has been gradually carving his own path as an engaging solo performer of traditional music and has assuredly found his own voice.
The album was produced by Ben Walker who has built a strong reputation for both his production and guitar skills, making him an ideal candidate to produce this pared-back debut. The album features ten traditional songs – including many lesser-known ones – mostly performed with just his deft acoustic guitar playing for accompaniment. The press expands on his approach: ‘Taking cues from classic musicians such as Nic Jones, Martin Carthy, Ian Giles, Pete and Sue Coe, George’s sound is focused on getting the song across, with nimble accompaniment giving a solid underpinning but never detracting from the song.’
George says “I wanted to present these songs in an uncluttered way to really let the stories in them shine through, It’s nine tracks of just my voice and my guitar, recorded live together in the studio, and one track with Tom Bailey playing double bass.”
There’s a lot to be said for Sansome’s uncluttered approach, he has the vocals and guitar skills to stand alone, as he demonstrates so ably here when performing Bold Fisherman live (watch below), a traditional song collected from John Fackrell (aged 75) in Bridgwater, Somerset on 5th April 1907 by Cecil Sharp.
The video was shot and recorded by Maria Alzamora (video) and Lewis Harris (audio).
Today (24 April) George will be holding a single launch gig with support from Leeds-based “sad boi folk” duo Blue Nudes. It starts at 7pm and will be streamed live from his Facebook page, as well as via his Instagram and Blue Nudes‘ Instagram.
Pre-Order the album via Bandcamp here: https://georgesansome.bandcamp.com/album/george-sansome
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Photo Credit: Mars West