Last year saw the release of The Magpies debut album Tidings. The album received widespread critical acclaim including some fine words of praise from Folk Radio’s Johnny Whalley who concluded his review “The Magpies have produced an album that intrigues and delights, packed with variety and first-class musicianship”, adding “When the opportunity arises again, do try to catch a Magpies gig, their stage presence and banter adds immeasurably to their already excellent music.” That opportunity is not far away…
Those fine attributes, mentioned above, return all the brighter with their brand new single “I Never Will Marry” out tomorrow (30 April) for which you can watch the accompanying video below (made by their new member Kate Griffin) which premieres on Folk Radio today. You can also see them performing live again soon on a 16-date UK tour across England, Scotland and Wales in September (details below).
Three accomplished musicians in their own right, The Magpies new line-up is a combination far greater than the sum of its parts. Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award winning guitarist, banjo-player and singer Bella Gaffney, clawhammer banjo player and singer Kate Griffin and acclaimed fiddle-player and tunesmith Holly Brandon draw on their wide-ranging influences to create a unique blend of contemporary roots music.
What they say:
Bella – ‘‘I Never Will Marry’ is a traditional song of which there are many different versions. But usually the protagonist’s lover has drowned in the sea and she goes into the sea to join him. Our version is more optimistic and she is saved by another woman who tells her that her lover lives on in her heart.’
Holly – ‘We’re so excited to be working with Kate Griffin, our new member, who is a brilliant banjo player with a beautiful voice. She brought this song to the table and has completely put her own spin on it, whilst also making it sound like a Magpies song at the same time.’
Kate – ‘the video came about quite spontaneously, immediately after recording the single we went down to Bridlington beach to film. After a year of Covid, we all got swept up in the excitement of filming and making music again and I think you can see that in the energy of the song and the video. We filmed each other individually playing our parts, until the last verse when we all come together in one shot, to reflect the themes of isolation and unity in the song.’
Atmospheric and dark, scattered with blistering instrumentals, powerful female harmonies and stomping rhythm, “I Never Will Marry” is a traditional tale of lost love, handed down from woman to woman over the centuries, polished and honed with each telling: ‘take my hand and sing free’. The accompanying new video is beautifully cinematic and yet flawlessly simple; an aesthetic reinforcement of the simultaneity of isolation and togetherness.
The Magpies have recently announced that they will be hosting their first festival – The Magpies Festival – which will take place on Saturday 14th August in the stunning parkland of York’s stately home, Sutton Park. The line-up is set to include the likes of Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys, Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra, Blair Dunlop and Katherine Priddy, with more exciting names to be announced. In support of Women’s Aid, the festival aims to support a gender balance across its line-up and management, as well as encouraging emerging local artists. Tickets are on sale now from www.themagpiesfestival.co.uk.
The Magpies Autumn Tour
The full Autumn tour dates are as follows:
1st September – Acapela Studio, Cardiff
2nd September – The Prince Albert, Stroud
3rd September – Harwell Village Hall, near Oxford
4th September – Blue Sky Cafe, Bangor
5th September – The Live Room, Saltaire
6th September – Staveley Roundhouse, near Kendal
7th September – The Hug and Pint, Glasgow
8th September – The Greystones, Sheffield
9th September – Gosforth Civic Centre, Newcastle
10th September – The Crescent, York
11th September – The Sound Lounge, London
12th September – Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Southampton
13th September – Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham
14th September – The Musician, Leicester
16th September – Rosslyn Court, Margate
17th September – Downend Folk Club, Bristol
Tickets available from themagpiesmusic.com