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Americana |
©All the photos are the copyright of Roger Liptrot ©
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Mix the tight harmonies of the Eagles and the energy of Old Crow Medcine Show and you're on the way to experiencing Ahab. Better still go and give them a listen! |
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Seen here as part of the Canadian Frost tour in November 2007, Matt is a stunning live performer with an amazing voice and must be one of the best guitar players that I've ever seen. If you enjoy blues root out his "Second Time Around" cd, visit his site and look out for his next visit to your area. |
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I'd like to thank Bob Harris for my introduction to Sam and his music and to Steve Henderson (Mr Kite) for seeing him 'live' as support to Lucy Kaplansky. Described as "the missing link between Townes Van Zandt and John Prine" Sam went down a storm at The Bury Met on his first, but hopefully not his last, vist in 2007. One to look out for! |
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Emily Barker and The Red Clay Halo Australian Emily Barker is a compelling songwriter with a gift for weaving melody and words. Together with her band The Red Clay Halo, she has recorded three albums, dazzled audiences at music festivals and seen her song 'Nostalgia' become the Bafta-winning theme tune to BBC One drama Wallander. |
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Seen here on his 2010 UK tour accompanying Tom Russell, Thad demonstated some wonderful accompaniment on both guitar and vocals as well as some great blues numbers. |
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Seen here on their debut tour of the UK in January 2009 The Bittersweets were a revalation. From the pop sound of 'Wreck' to the plaintive 'When The War Is Over' sang in fornt of the mics they won over the audience in no time at all. When someone shouted"You're fantastic" I could only agree and came away with copies of their ' Goodnight San Francisco' and limited edition 'Live' cds. |
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Blackheart combine the unforgettable lemon and honey voice of Chrissy Mostyn and jaw-dropping acoustic guitar playing of Rick Pilkington with highly entertaining audience interaction as they tell the stories behind their songs. |
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Suzy must be one of the most underrated vocalists of the country music scene. Singinging with a crystal clear voice that is so easy on the ear Suzy has never compromised and has mangaged to cover to blend several musical genres over the years. An artist who rarely visits the UK, when she does catch her if you can. |
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Described as having "a voice that could melt the hardest of hearts" Alyssa is pictured here supporting Raul Malo during his autumn tour of the UK in 2010. Her performance captivated the audience and ensured further visits will be on her Calendar. Look her up! Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Described by Rolling Stone as "One of England's best kept musical secrets", this sums up Devon based Peter Bruntnell's career so far but for those that take the time to check out this softly spoken songwriter the rewards are plentiful. I first came him courtesy of Bob Harris and finally caught him 'live' supporting Richmond Fontaine in February 2010, I wasn't disappointed. |
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Kate
Campbell Kate Campbell is blessed with a pure voice which, when coupled with her own vibrant songs, demands your attention. Visit her site, listen to some of her sound bites and catch her on her next visit! She's seen here with Will Kimbrough . |
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Discovered at the East Coast Music Awards, Dave Gunning, Jessica Rhaye and Matt Andersen, three top notch Canadian singer songwriters, completed a short tour of the UK in November 2007 where I was fortunate enough to catch up with them. Hopefully this will be the start of many great evenings in their company as both individually and together, in the second half of the show, they gave us a 'not to be forgotten' evening |
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In a feature profile of the band, the Sunday Times says that, while the band's sets may feature plenty of traditional string-band music from the Piedmont of North Carolina, "this is a group determined to prove that the past is not another country." So, says writer Clive Davis, for the Carolina Chocolate Drops and the "vivacious potpourri" of music it makes, "file under quality music, rather than nostalgia." |
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Mary
Chapin Carpenter Writer of a number of great songs to have reached the Folk scene including "The Moon and Saint Christopher" and "Stones in the road". Seen here during her 1999 tour. |
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I heard Beth first when someone played me her
wonderful 'Sand and Water' album and was immediately struck by the power
of her lyrics and her emotive vocals. I've since got my own copy along
with her other cd's and, after seeing her in larger venues, was delighted
when Pat Batty informed me that she'd booked her for a two night special
at Westhoughton Folk Club in November 2006. |
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From winning the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival's 'New Folk' competition in the 90's Slaid continues to build up his UK following by regular touring backed up by a number of great recordings. |
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Cathryn
Craig and Brian Willoughby American singer-songwriter Cathryn Craig and accomplished British guitarist Brian Willoughby are two of the nicest people that you could hope to meet. Cathryns sparkling voice ably accompanied by Brians intricate guitar work make this duo well worth seeing when they're in your vicinity!. |
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Formed in the Summer of 2007 and featuring Swing Commanders founder members Jesse, Pat and Graham along with multi-instrumentalist Chris, their influences include Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys and Tennessee Ernie Ford amongst others. This band guarantee a great night of American 'roots' music. Give them a listen. |
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Described as one of the most influential and important female singer-songwriters to have been involved in country music in the past 20 years Gail is seen here the Hobo's Retreat in Heywood |
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Jerry first came to my attention when he joined
Fotheringay and then went on to play with Fairport Convention. Described
as a guitarist's guitar player he's gone on to play alongside the likes
of Joan Armatrading, Gerry Rafferty and more recently as one of the Hellecasters. Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Tania is pictured here playing alongside Mary Gauthier where, at times, her stunning fiddle playing brought back echoes of the late great Oliver Schroer whom I had the pleasure of hearing on a number of occasions. Having co-founded the critically acclaimed group The Duhks in 2001, and founder of her own independent labelTania has toured Canada, the U.S., China, Australia and Europe on a full-time basis for over 10 years and is a two-time Grammy award nominee (one win) and a four-time Juno award nominee (one win). Look out for her! |
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A live performer with a charismatic presence, Mary's songs are right up there with Bob Dylan and John Prine's. If you've not heard her before, visit her 'MySpace' site, have a listen and get along to her next show in your vicinity. You won't be disappointed. |
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Mary Gauthier and Tania Elizabeth Mary is seen here teaming up with Tania Elizabeth to promote Mary's 'The Foundling' cd, on which Tania guested, and it was great to see how well they gelled both as musicians and friends |
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Eliza has been described as "singing well-crafted tunes of defiance, hope, victory and despair"and I wouldn't argue with that. With some great cd's to her credit it's wonderful to hear 'live' the 'stripped down' versions of her songs with just her gravelly vocals and guitar a must to see! Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Drawing comparisons with Ryan Adams and even a young Bruce Springsteen, Ben hails from Northern Ireland relocating to Nashville in 2009. The quality of the writing is excellent and a stunning voice to boot, Ben comes highly recommended! |
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I guess I'm a sucker for female three part harmonies - The Roches, The Wailin' Jennys and the Good Lovelies are up there with the best of them. Seen here on their first of hopefully many visits to the UK in May 2011 their wonderful harmonies and on stage banter won many friends. |
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Michael and Cory play a highly unique blend of what they call Old Time Mountain Gypsy World Folk Blues Music on accordion, acoustic guitar, banjo, harmonica and odd pieces of percussion. They are seen here during their Spring 2008 tour when Paul Clifford guested with them on percussion which include their self made 'Freedom Boot'. Catch up with the Boys as soon as you can and Festival Orgainsers give yourselves a treat and book them. |
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Picured here doing for Raul Malo what Flaco Jimenez did for Ry Cooder, Michael has built quite a resume, playing with Texmaniacs, the Tex-Mex Experience, Texas Tornados, the Krayolas and Rick Trevino. Thanks Raul for bringing this great talent to my attention!
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Dave is a wonderful storytelling Canadian singer songwriter in the Gordon Lightfoot and Stan Rogers mould. A gifted guitarist and a great raconteur I caught up with him on the Canadian Frost tour soon after the release of his fifth cd “House For Sale” in November 2007 and I'm already looking forward to his next visit. |
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Growing up in New York City Risa came to the UK in 1983 touring as a professional actor. She started writing music in plays like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with William Gaunt and Joe McGann as well as musicals with Sinitta.. Her music has been described as original, energetic with an alt-pop edge and she was taken here supporting Jess Klein in January 2007. With her first cd due later this year and more performances to come visit her website for details and sound samples. |
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Usually seen over here playing alongside Tom Russell, where his impressive guitar work continues to win him new fans, Andrew has also acquired a reputation as a record producer with a number of albums to his credit. He also has recorded cds of his own. |
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Rachel Harrington and Zak Borden Rachel's publicity says it all, “I am absolutely enchanted with this record! A brilliant debut ... already a leading contender for Album of the Year in my opinion!” ~ Bob Harris, BBC Radio. With a captivating blend of folksy, bluegrass Americana, Oregon-born singer-songwriter Rachel is pictured here with mutli-instrumentalist Zak Borden at one of Radio Lancashire's 'live' Drift shows.
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Hearing Headwater is like listenening to the West Coast of Canada in song. Freewheeling, fierce, sentimental and sexy, the Vancouver, B.C., quartet has earned its reputation as one of the finest acoustic roots groups around the old-fashioned way. Taken here at their Radio Lancashire 'Live Drift' appearance in October 2010 |
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More than a decade after their formation, the Hot Club of Cowtown from Texas, have grown to become one of the hardest swinging trios on the planet, wowing audiences with their flaming hot jazz and scorching swing sound and working alongside musical legends such as Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and The Mavericks. |
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A popular singer/songwriter with fans including Bob Harris, Brian has worked with Van Morrison, Elvis Costello, Nanci Griffith and Robert Plant amongst others. I was fortunate to catch him on a double bill with Pierce Pettis in October 2009 and can highly recommend seeking him out! |
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Jill spent the latter part of 2006 in Nashville where she performed at the legendary Bluebird Café and was referred to by the Nashville press as the “Scottish songbird”. Having completed a currently on a 50 States in 50 Days Tour of the US in the company of Kevin Montgomery she is pictured here during her January 2009 tour of the UK. |
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Having featured on a BBC Four "Live at the Barbican" concert , as part of the BBC documentary on Americana Music, Diana has been compared to the likes of Iris DeMent and Gillian Welch. Diana combines an awsome voice with lyrics from the heart. Give her a listen. |
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Lucy
Kaplansky Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Will
Kimbrough Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Now here's a girl that sings from the heart with a versatile voice that moves comfortably from folk to country to downright rock without any problem whatsoever. One of the most powerful performers I've seen in long while! |
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Julie
Lee Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Yet another gem from Canada, Alana is a singer songwriter from Winnipeg who has started to build up quite a following over here with regular tours. Catch her if you can!
Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Madison Violet (aka Madviolet) are a Toronto based duo, consisting of Lisa MacIsaac (vocals, guitar, fiddle, mandolin) and Brenley MacEachern (vocals, guitar, banjo, harmonica). Together, they've been touring the globe non-stop for 9 years and are well worth catching at a venue near you! Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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David
Mallett Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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David
Mallett and Michael Burd Dave has been performing regularly at Westhoughton
Folk Club since 1995, always giving an evening packed with well crafted
songs and minimal chat. For the Club's final 2007 season, he brought along
his long time friend Michael Burd who accompanied him on bass. Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Raul is seen here accompanied Michael
Guerra by on his Autumn tour of the UK in 2010, touring in support
of yet another fine batch of songs from his "Sinners & Saints." cd. |
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Swedish/Canadian songwriter, Sarah MacDougall is a storyteller, entertainer and pop-troubadour with a haunting voice and songs to match. She is seen here supporting Po' Girl in June 2009. |
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A talented guitarist and vocalist who has played regularly with Dan Fogelberg, Robert is pictured here supporting Eliza Gilkyson on a 2007 tour of the Uk. He performed a great 'solo' spot featuring some tracks off his wondergful 'The Coin of the Realm' cd before joining Eliza and provided superb harmony vocals along with wonderful guitar accompaniment that featured both unobtrusive backing and stunning solo breaks. Well worth seeing. |
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Tift
Merritt Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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A regular visitor to the UK, where he has built up quite a following, Kevin should still be far better known over here. These photos were mainly take on his January 2009 tour with Jill Jackson and Johnny MacKinnon. Seek him out! |
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American singer/songwriter Gentry Morris spent four years of his life in Nashville and his cd, 'The Bare Bones And Bad Ideas', received significant acclaim and consistent radio play in Music City USA. Keep your ears open and seek him out. |
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Seen over here on the TV series 'The Transatlantic Sessions', Tim is a Grammy Award-winning American country and bluegrass musician who, in addition to singing, plays guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bouzouki and mandocello. He's seen here during his Autunm 2008 tour where he featured numbers from his highly rated Chameleon cd. |
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Currently riding high as a member of folk trio LAU, Kris Drever made his name playing both solo and with the likes of Kate Rusby, Session A9 and John McCusker. Singer & mandolin player Tim O'Brien is a legend of the US acoustic & bluegrass scene, a Grammy winner and a stalwart of the Transatlantic Sessions. The two came together when Tim recorded on Kris' forthcoming album, and the seeds of this duo tour were sown. The tour only lasted for a week but will hopefully sow the seeds for further performances like this! |
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Described as 'One of America's Greatest Songwriting
Treasures ' Tom regularly visits the UK on tours. Why he isn't playing
to packed houses I'll never know as I rate him up there with the best
singer songwriters that I've heard and I've heard a few. |
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Alice
Peacock |
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You may not know the name but you'll certainly know her songs. As a writer artists such as Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill and Bonnie Raitt have covered her songs. A regular visitor to the UK, get out and see her live you won't be dissapointed! Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Sara makes her home in San Diego and has grown quite a following, not just locally but worldwide. She's seen here supporting Eve Selis on her February 2011 tour of the UK and, judging by her performance, there'll be plenty more visits to follow! |
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Pierce
Pettis Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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After hearing Rod on Bob Harris' show I decided to seek him out and made the 3 1/2 hour trip to Ashbourne's Beresford Arms for what was a wonderful evening. He's seen here with Andy Nice at Chorley's St Bede's in September 2004. Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Rod Picott and The Gun Shy Dogs In my opinion Rod Picott should be playing to full houses every time he tours. Described by Maverick magazine as "The man who sets the standard for Americana, singer songwriter genre" and I wouldn't disagree, I've seen Rod solo and in various combinations and every time he comes up with the goods. Do yourself a favour and catch his next tour!
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Better know as a sideman, backing the likes
of Eliza Gilkyson and Slaid Cleaves on their UK tours, Jeff has also released
an album "Plank" which illustrates that he is also a fine songwriter.
He is seen here playing alongside Eliza Gilkysonat Bury Met. |
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A Canadian band with a diverse musical style, Po' Girl merit a far wider audience. 'Americana' only loosely describes their music, as rootsy numbers are interlaced with country, Eastern European folk, jazz and pop in a thoroughly entertaining performance. Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Vancouver based singer-songwriter Wyckham is causing a stir already with his version of The Beatles 'Please Please Me'. He's pictured here at The Wordern Arts Centre in September 2007 where he gave a great support slot including songs from his 'sexanddrinking' cd. |
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John
Prine and Steve
Goodman Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Jessica Rhaye is a stunning singer songwriter who is seen here on the Canadian Frost tour of the UK where she performed a number of tracks from her highly acclaimed "Short Stories" cd which I thoroughly recommend. At times she reminded me of a young Sarah McLachlan, give her a listen. Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Underpinned by lead singer and songwriter Willy Vlautin's lyrics, Oregon four-piece Richmond Fontaine's evocative alt-country songs paint a powerful and sometimes troubling portrait of life along the margins of the contemporary American West. Musically the group has cited influences such as Gram Parsons, Green on Red and Dave Alvin. Well worth looking into! |
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A fine singer songwriter, Carrie first came to prominence in the UK performing alongside Chip Taylor. She Rodriguez released her debut solo album, Seven Angels on a Bicycle, in August 2006 and released and her second album, She Ain't Me, in August 2008. She's pictured here supporting Mary Gauthier in February 2009. |
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A fine singer-songwriter of many ‘western-themed’ story songs, a number of which are now classics. Tom backs up his acclaimed recorded work with captivating ‘live’ performances, usually in the company of Andrew Hardin. A must see! Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Tom
Russell and Andrew
Hardin Performing at Westhoughton Folk Club in October 1999. Their set featured a number of songs from Toms excellent "Man from God Knows Where" CD and, for the second occasion, they gave us an evening to remember. Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Tom Russell and Michael Martin Tom's songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Doug Sahm, Nancy Griffith, Joe Ely, Iris Dement, Ian Tyson, KD Lang, Suzy Bogguss, Ramblin´ Jack Elliott, Jeff Walker, Dave Van Ronk and other great artists. |
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Seen on his "Blood and Candle Smoke" 2010 tour of the UK Tom played with the help of the amazing Thad Beckman on lead guitar, the music was first class combined with Tom's great anecdotes leaving an audience wanting more. |
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Tom Russell and Thad Beckman (January 2012) Prior to their appearance at Celtic Connections Tom and Thad gave us a a great time. Performing songs from his latest cd Mesabi along with a host of his older material he had the full house eating out of his hand as he gave us an evening to remember. |
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One of my first 'live' shots and still one of my favourite shows was Bob with the Silver Bullet Band in Manchester in the late 70's Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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A gifted songwriter and electrifying performer, Eve Selis is well-known both to the San Diego music scene and to those lucky enough to have seen her on tour over in the UK. She is seen here on her July 2009 tour, accompanied by the talented Marc Intravaia. Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Couple Eve's incredible stage presence with her group which includes some of the hottest players in town and the audience were treated to an unforgetable night. Get along to her next tour and join her ever growing UK fan base! |
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Winner of Best Americana Artist in the 2003 San Diego Music Awards, Eve blends many styles of American music into a high calibre cocktail topped off with a splash of her delicious 'lemonade and whiskey' voice. In this Gallery she is accompanied by Marc ‘Twang’ Intravaia and her support Sara Petite |
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I first saw Richard as part of Joan Baez's support in the late 90's at Manchester Apollo and enjoyed both Joan's version of Richard's "Fishing" along with his rendition of "Reunion Hill" so much that I bought a copy of his cd. Since then I've been fan but had to wait until August 2010, when he played Hebden Bridge Trades Club, to see a full show of him. I hope that it's just the first of many visits to the North West. Seek him out if you haven't already!
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The Swing Commanders (January 2009) Having gone a storm in Texas with their unique brand of western swing, this band just goes from strength to strength. Swapping instruments throughout the set and some great vocals to boot they left at Bury Met to a standing ovation. Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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The Swing Commanders (December 2007) Six top musicians - five voices - thirteen instruments, The Swing Commanders are one of the best live bands you will see anywhere. Western Swing, Jazz, Cowboy Blues and a host of other genres for good measure. Do not miss them…. |
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This North West based band play more traditional style Country Music giving it their own treatment. Jump jive, Western Swing and blues all feature as they grab their audience from the outset. |
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Regular visitors to the Uk since 1998, I've enjoyed seeing Tanglefoot on many occassions but sadly 2009 will be the last year of the band. Five great voices, solo and in harmony they are are high-energy entertainers and will be greattly missed by the 'Footheads' here in the Uk. I can only wish them all well, past and current members, and thank them for some unforgetable shows! Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Texan Eric Taylor is a sage musician, a lyrical genius and a master of the guitar. If you're not familiar with Eric by name, you've probably heard his songs performed by people such as Nanci Griffith and Lyle Lovett. He has a multitude of fans and devotees many that are legends themselves. |
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If you enjoy three-part harmonies then you won't find better than The Wailin' Jennys. These three Canadian contemporary singer/songwriters, established artists in their own right, combine to produce some of the finest harmonies I've heard in ages. Check out their cd '40 Days' and catch them on their next visit! |
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This Doncaster band reminded me of the 'Old Crow Medicine Show' with fewer members but the same amount of energy whilst playing their own brand of country rockabilly. These shots were taken supporting Lucy Kaplansky where they went down so well they ran out of cds to sell. Visit their Myspace site, give them a listen and give them a booking. You won't regret it |
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North West based singer songwriter Stuart is seen here supporting Eric Taylor on his 2011 UK tour where his fine set included everything from romance to the number of young women being murdered on the Mexican borders and got us all in the mood for what was to follow. |
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"One of Boston's hottest new bands"(The Boston Globe) , fuses exuberant
Mexican roots music with homegrown country folk, creating a unique Mexo-Americana
sound. With Latin rhythms, call-and-response hollering, accordion pumping
and donkey jawbone rattling, they have won over audiences across the USA
and will hopefully repeat this over here. |
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©All the photos are the copyright of Roger Liptrot ©
