Joe Broughton’s Conservatoire Folk Ensemble – Not Leaving Quietly
Independent – 19 June 2022
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Joe Broughton’s Conservatoire Folk Ensemble is making their stunning live album available to a wider audience. And it definitely deserves broader attention.
There’s a good reason that Joe calls them ‘the UK’s biggest folk band’. In live appearances, there are more than 50 musicians and singers, with double that in rehearsals. You are unlikely to see them at your local folk club, but they have graced the stages of larger concert venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, and they always go down a storm at summer festivals.
It’s about this point in a review where it’s courteous to name all the performers and their contributions, but that would seriously blow the word count. They feature a multitude of some of the most talented and exciting young players on the folk scene.
The ensemble’s director and lead fiddle player, Joe Broughton, will be familiar to many as a member of the Albion Band in the late 1990s and early 2000s; and currently performs in a duo with Kevin Dempsey, and leads the brilliant Urban Folk Quartet. Joe’s an effervescent live performer and his infectious personality and determination to encourage young performers is what drives the ensemble.
Their live performances are known for their energy and party atmosphere, and this is ably captured on the CD, most of which was recorded live at The Lab in the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. There’s little you can compare this behemoth of a band to, but they evoke the joyous atmosphere of Bellowhead at their riotous best or the Rise Up Like The Sun-era Albion Band.
The traditional tune Kid on the Mountain has Albionesque lead guitar. Still, like all of the ensemble’s output, it mixes more traditional folk with eastern European and Asian flourishes, reflecting the diversity of the young players. The tune transitions into a percussion-led Paddy on the Railroad, a reel that will be well known to many as the second tune in Fairport Convention’s Dirty Linen set. It’s magnificent, and, with its brass stings, the tune threatens to turn into a 1970s US cop show theme.
While the opening seven-track onslaught is almost overwhelming in its joyous exuberance, the album isn’t all high octane. A cover of Ashley Hutchings’ Brief Encounter (from his seminal album By Gloucester Docks I Sat Down and Wept) features stunning vocals by Julie Claire. Her soulful reading takes the song to emotional new heights. Similarly restrained, Jude Crofton’s bassoon on Hole In The Wall/Nabo evokes early Gryphon. It’s one of two studio-recorded tracks by musical offshoots from the ensemble.
But the most infectious moments come when the gargantuan band come together, making a racket that is both rowdy and intricate. The songs are expertly arranged and performed, and performers are given their opportunity to shine. Joseph Ockford’s guitar solo on Gravel Walk provides a delightful Martin Barre-esque interlude before stunning singer Millicent James takes centre stage.
The band are on a UK national tour from May to August (dates below), taking in many festivals, including Green Man, Kendal Calling and the New Forest Folk Festival. Be sure not to miss them as they are incredible live performers; every gig is an event. But what’s brilliant about this album is how it has captured the spirit of this super-sized, super-talented ensemble. If you think you know what the word ‘joyous’ means, you will think again when you’ve experienced Not Leaving Quietly by Joe Broughton’s Conservatoire Folk Ensemble. It’s breathtaking.
Live Dates
Saturday 14th May – 25th Anniversary Reunion Concert, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
A major event with the full Folk Ensemble show, returning guests from the last 25 years and an epic after-show party with the incredible Sal Broughton Band (www.salbroughton.co.uk).
Thursday 9th June – Alexander’s, Chester
Friday 10th June – Huntingdon Hall, Worcester
Saturday 11th June – Sutton Village Hall, Bedfordshire
Sunday 12th June – Power Folk 9, Spotted Dog, Digbeth, Birmingham
Saturday 18th June – The Junction, Goole
Sunday 10th July – New Forest Folk Festival
Sunday 24th July – Secret Garden Party
Friday 29th July – Kendal Calling
Monday 1st August – As You Like It Festival, Stratford-Upon-Avon
Thursday 18th August – Green Man Festival