There were two concerts at Sidmouth’s Ham marquee on Monday that clearly demonstrated UK folk’s diversity while also highlighting emerging talent, ready to further the cause.
The afternoon show, entitled “Sounds of Modern Scotland”, was just that. Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail – a talented five-piece from the Highlands – opened proceedings. All five young musicians are learning skills in traditional music as part of the Fèis Rois arts education programme.
Comprising a sprightly mix of reels, songs and instrumentals, their performances of Catriona McKay’s “The Swan” and Aidan O’Rourke’s “Mangersta Beach” were terrific. With a set that oozed confidence, all the musicians showed potential and were quite rightly loudly applauded.
Now celebrating their 18th year together, Breabach are a byword in contemporary folk, bridging the gap between Highland and Island tradition and modern innovation. Opening with “The Oban Ball”, the band’s blend of songs, reels and original instrumentals gradually built in intensity. Megan Henderson (fiddle/vocals) was excellent, especially on “John Mackenzie’s March” where she also danced while Calum MacCrimmon and Conal McDonagh duetted on bagpipes. Using loops and effects towards the end of their punchy set, Breabach encored with the young Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail musicians, bringing things to a satisfying close.
Moving south of the border, the evening concert focused on the sound of the North East. The Brothers Gillespie – a sibling duo from Wall near Hexham – impressed with tight vocal harmonies, fine guitar playing and thoughtful compositions. James and Sam’s voices blended beautifully, especially on “Pilgrim Song”, “Coventina’s Daughter” and a rollicking “Devilswater”. Clearly, we're going to hear more of this duo.
With their origins stretching back to 2004, The Unthanks combine Northumbrian folk music with other musical styles. Fronted by sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank, their close harmonies imbue their material with a distinctive ethereal tone. For this concert, the sisters were accompanied by an 11-piece band (grand piano, strings, trumpet, guitar, bass and drums), creating a powerful soundscape.
Opening with a majestic “The Great Silkie of Sule Skerry” and “Lilian Bilocca”, other highlights included “The Sandgate Dandling Song”, a bouncy “The Old News” and a sublime “Magpie”, all of which brought strong applause. Occasionally I found the band’s sound over-rich, but overall – especially the crowd-pleasing closer “Sorrows Away” – the show was a winner.
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