– We reached out to the Timber and Steel community to get them to pick their top albums of the year. The results are wonderful with well over 100 artists contributing. Details here
Get Folked 2016 New Years Eve Eve feat. Peter ‘Blackie’ Black, Dan Kemp(UK), Jim Mongrel, Whiskey Jeff Larson, James Seymour, Sooze, Jim Lynch Friday 30th December – Lazybones Lounge, Sydney, NSW
Eddie Boyd Friday 23rd December – Leadbelly, Sydney, NSW
James Thomson & The Strange Pilgrims w/ Magpie Diaries Friday 23rd December – Stag and Hunter Hotel, Newcastle, NSW
Justin Bernasconi Saturday 24th December – City Sounds, Brisbane, QLD
Tuesday 27th December to Sunday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
PJ Michael & The Banditas Thursday 29th December – The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide, SA
Steve Poltz Friday 23rd December – The Govenor Hindmarsh, Adelaide, SA
Saturday 24th December – Flying Saucer Club, Elsternwick, VIC
The Whitetop Mountaineers Tuesday 27th December to Sunday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Woodford Folk Festival Tuesday 27th December to Sunday 1st January – Woodford, QLD
To round out our week of “best of” lists our illustrious Editor in Chief Gareth Hugh Evans once again whittles down the ton of releases that crossed his ears this year to pick his 25 favourite tracks of 2016.
We’re going to get out of the way and let Gareth throw some music your way – enjoy!
1. Foy Vance – “She Burns”
Irish singer-songwriter Foy Vance has always been on my radar but when he released his album The Wild Swan earlier this year I was floored. The standout track, I think most people would agree, is the wonderful “She Burns”, with its pizzicato guitar, slow build percussion and choral backing vocals. Foy Vance is a singer-songwriter at the top of his game.
2. One Up, Two Down – “Bury Me Not On The Lone Prairie”
It seems almost unfair that I would choose a traditional song as my favourite from a band that are not only accomplished songwriters in their own right but also amazing musicians whose instrumental tracks are incredibly special. But I challenge you to listen to Dan Watkins singing “Bury Me Not On The Lone Prairie” and not melt into a puddle. His voice and guitar, combined with George Jackson and Andrew Small’s long bowed fiddle and bass, turn this cowboy ballad into something more. Simply beautiful.
3. Burrows – “Falling Apart”
When I saw Burrows play at this year’s Summer Hill Folk Festival I was floored. Every song they played was a piece of harmonic brilliance, enhanced by the acoustics of the Summer Hill Church. When they came around to “Falling Apart” I murmured “that’s the song” – and I still maintain that this track is near perfect. I love Sam King’s understated vocals and the harmonies in the chorus are just divine.
4. Eagle & The Wolf – “Mama, Son and the Holy Ghost”
The pairing of Kris Morris’ dirty blues and roots with Sarah Humphreys’ big folk voice, “Mama, Son and the Holy Ghost” was the perfect introduction to Eagle & The Wolf. Individually Kris Morris and Sarah Humphreys are firm favourites of Timber and Steel but Eagle & The Wolf is greater than the sum of its parts and “Mama, Son and the Holy Ghost” is the epitome of their collaboration. This is rootsy blues done right – all crunchy guitars, clipped percussion and keyboard and big, bluesy voices.
5. Bon Iver – “22 (OVER S∞∞N)”
With its glitchy opening, distorted Mahalia Jackson samples, saxaphone solos and weird lyrics it would appear on the surface that Justin Vernon has well and truly moved on from the acoustic folk of For Emma, Forever Ago and embraced the more electronic elements of the self-titled Bon Iver. But at its core “22 (OVER S∞∞N)” is still classic Bon Iver with Vernon’s double-tracked, falsetto voice coming through loud and clear. Strip back all the beeps and bops and “22 (OVER S∞∞N)” could sit alongside any of the classic Bon Iver folk tracks.
6. Melody Pool – “Love, She Loves Me”
Since first seeing Melody Pool perform at the Gulgong Folk Festival back in 2013 I’ve been predicting big things for her. To say that her new album Deep Dark Savage Heart was highly anticipated in the Timber and Steel bullpen is an understatement and when it dropped earlier this year it was on solid repeat for ages. “Love, She Loves Me” is definitely a standout track on the album (although “Black Dog” is a close second), perfectly demonstrating Pool’s skill as a songwriter and singer. What a voice!
7. Rowena Wise – “Then We Met” Rowena Wise owns the quirky indie-folk genre this year this this wonderfully catchy track from her 2016 self titled album. I love the twisted, bluesy finger-picked riff throughout this track and that chorus is a definite ear worm. I’ve been watching Rowena Wise cloesly since she launched a serious solo career and it’s songs like “Then We Met” that will see her successfully straddle the folk and indie worlds in the coming years
8. Matthew and the Atlas – “Elijah”
I love Matt Hegarty’s voice. “Elijah” is probably the most stripped back, acoustic track on Matthew and the Atlas’ latest album Temple and is easily my favourite as well. I love the finger-picked guitar over the swelling piano and orchestral elements and the subtle backing vocals. But most of all I love Matt Hegarty’s voice – I just can’t get passed that.
9. Paul Kelly feat. Alice Keath – “Sonnet 73”
To be honest I could have chosen any of the tracks from Paul Kelly’s marvelous album Shakespeare inspired Seven Sonnets And A Song. The reason I finally settled on “Sonnet 73” is two fold: Firstly it has a wonderful, folk-country feel with Kelly’s strummed acoustic guitar over a plucked pedal steel; And second the backing vocals from Alice Keath (Sweet Jean) are pitch perfect. Who knew you could improve on The Bard?
10. Seth Lakeman feat. Wildwood Kin – “Meet Me In The Twilight”
More than any other song on this list “Meet Me In The Twilight” gets lodged in my head and refuses to leave. Lakeman’s percussive guitar work coupled with an instantly singable (or yellable) chorus are what makes this song so catchy. Wildwood Kin add an extra level of sophistication to this track as well as the rest of Lakeman’s album Ballads of the Broken Few. I have a feeling that this track would be amazing to see live and have the crowd foot stomping and singing along.
11. Mumford & Sons, Baaba Maal, The Very Best, Beatenberg – “Wona”
This collaboration between Mumford & Sons, Senegalese musician Baaba Maal, Swedish-Malawian electronic band The Very Best and South African afro-beat masters Beatenberg is just pure joy. All afro-beat goodness and nu-folk bombast, you can’t help but smile when listening to “Wona”, it’s such a breath of fresh air. I know that liking Mumford & Sons is definitely no longer “cool” but when they’re collaborating and producing music like this then you’ll still find me first in line for their next release.
12. James Kenyon – “The Motorbike Song”
I feel like James Kenyon might be one of the most underrated singer-songwriters in Australia right now. Songs like “The Motorbike Song”, with its rootsy groove and Paul Kelly-esque lyrical style, should see Kenyon a firm favourite amongst music lovers everywhere. I also have to give props to the wonderful video from Ed Bracey – it even makes Melbourne’s Docklands look stunning.
13. Michael Kiwanuka – “Black Man In A White World” Michael Kiwanuka has always deftly woven together elements of folk, gospel, blues and old-school R&B and his single “Black Man In A White World” is the epitome of that sound. I love the gospel clapping accompanying the disco-like string stabs and R&B guitar. This could well have come straight out of the 70s – one of those songs that sound immediately timeless.
14. Fanny Lumsden – “Land of Gold”
At the time of writing Fanny Lumsden had been nominated for an ARIA award, has 4 Golden Guitar nominations and has gone to number one on the Country Music Channel charts twice. Incredible work for a singer-songwriter from the Riverina. One of those top charting songs is the nostalgic “Land of Gold”, a deceptively simple storytelling song with a big heart that has quickly become one of my favourite Fanny tracks ever. Whether she’s playing with a full band or with just her bassist Dan, “Land of Gold” always pops live. I really love this song.
15. Passenger feat. All Our Exes Live in Texas & Luke Thompson – “Caravan (Live)”
It’s a bit cheeky choosing a live version of a track that’s seven years old as one of my favourites of 2016 but this video has been on serious high rotation since it was posted earlier this year. When you take possibly my favourite Passenger track of all time and throw a collaboration between All Our Exes Live in Texas and Luke Thompson into the mix you strike pure gold. Just listen to those harmonies on the choruses – magic stuff.
16. Imogen Clark – “You’ll only Break My Heart” Imogen Clark has had a pretty big year built on the bedrock of her debut album Love & Lovely Lies and its two lead singles “Take Me For A Ride” and “You’ll only Break My Heart”. The latter is Clark’s most mature offering to date, making the most of her big voice and lyric driven song writing. I’m not sure why Imogen Clark gets lumped into the Country crowd – to my ears her music is straight up acoustic pop – but regardless of the genre “You’ll only Break My Heart” heralds big things to come from the Sydney singer-songwriter.
17. Ariela Jacobs – “Lost”
The way that Ariela Jacobs plays with melody and syncopation on “Lost” is so intriguing. The rhythmic, unpredictable verses give way to simple 4/4 choruses and then a middle eight that just launches itself at you and takes you by surprise. This song is all about Jacobs’ voice with the accompaniment – simple piano chords for the most part – taking a back seat to her lyrics. This track is powerful and vulnerable all at the same time.
18. Sian Evans – “Cold Feet”
I got to meet Sian Evans at the National Folk Festival this year where she got me to act as roadie for her as she rushed to one of her gigs. She’s spent much of 2016 carving out a solo career for herself after her work with The Rusty Datsuns and part of that has involved developing her own distinct sound. The result is the single “Cold Feat” which has a pop sensibility with a heart of folk.
19. The Weeping Willows – “River of Gold” The Weeping Willows embrace their bluegrass side with their huge single “River of Gold”. I love Andrew Wrigglesworth flat picking guitar on this song, accentuated with a subtle banjo over the entire track. And then of course there’s the harmonies between Wrigglesworth and Laura Coates which The Weeping Willows are renowned for.
20. Gretta Ray – “Unexpected Feeling”
Triple J Unearthed High winner Gretta Ray has quite rightly had a massive year with high rotation on the national broadcaster and lots of love from the music press. Her track “Unexpected Feeling” is such a joy to listen to – and to be honest when I first heard it I had no idea that Ray was still in high school. There’s a definite maturity in her songwriting and I just love her guitar work on this track.
21. Sam Newton – “Hold You Down”
The Americana vibes of “Hold You Down” coupled with Sam Newton’s sweet, unassuming voice make this track instantly attractive. I love the way you can’t help but tap your toe along with the brushed snare drum and thumping bass. The production on this track really pulls it all together – it could well have been a straight up acoustic song but the addition of drums, bass and trembling electric guitar turn the song into something more.
22. William Fitzsimmons – “Hear Your Heart”
I was so happy that William Fitzsimmons released his mini album Charleroi: Pittsburgh Vol. 2 this year (as well as a live album) because it meant more songs like “Hear Your Heart” out in the world. Rolling fingerpicking, hushed vocals, sad subject matter – this is William Fitzsimmons in a nutshell and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
23. Laura Marling – “Soothing”
I don’t know why I was surprised when we got a new Laura Marling song this year – she’s been insanely prolific throughout her relatively short career having released five albums in the last eight years. “Soothing” is the first taste from her upcoming seventh album Semper Femina and it sees Marling depart from her usual acoustic guitar driven songwriting with a bass and percussion loop that wouldn’t be out of place on a Radiohead release. This track also sees Marling’s first foray into directing on the accompanying video (that is borderline NSFW so maybe wait until you get home to play this one).
24. The Campervan Dancers – “Slow Down Butterfly”
From what I understand “Slow Down Butterfly” was gestating for quite a while before Sydney duo The Campervan Dancers launched it at the beginning of the year. This is a track that tumbles over itself with vocals, samples, instrumentation popping up all over the place. I love the injection of chaos into what could have just been a standard piece of indie-folk pop. Let’s hope there’s more gestating where this came from.
25. Emmy The Great – “Algorithm”
My need to squeeze Emmy The Great’s recent output into the genre of “folk” so that I can justify posting it on Timber and Steel continues with “Algorithm”. The first Emmy The Great song in a while to contain a decent amount of acoustic guitar, “Algorithm” is a lovely example of the direction Emmy The Great’s songwriting has taken recently – more obscure, more pop but still with her fragile voice front and centre.
For me 2016 was the year where the singer-songwriter reigned supreme and where the more experimental edges of the folk genres got my attention. I’m actually surprised there’s not a lot more bluegrass and Americana music on this list given that’s been my focus over the last few years, but I think this is a pretty nice collection of what’s been on high rotation in the Timber and Steel bullpen throughout 2016.
As always it’s hard to pick just 25 albums and no doubt your favourite hasn’t made this list. But as always there’s a few more “best of” lists to come this week so stay tunes.
So without further ado here are Timber and Steel’s top albums of 2016.
1. Foy Vance – The Wild Swan
From the opening blues of “Noam Chomsky Is A Soft Revolution” through the rootsy folk of “She Burns” to the sixties folk of “Fire It Up (The Silver Spear)” The Wild Swan is a simply cracking album from Northern Irish troubadour Foy Vance.
Never one to be confined by expectation The Wild Swan takes you on a journey through blues, soul, Americana, folk and more, with Vance deftly weaving everything together in a single coherent piece of joy. I love how individual each and every song is while still having enough of a through line that the album is utterly listenable from start to finish.
I’ve been across Foy Vance for some time now but the lead single from this album, “She Burns”, was my way into his music. The Wild Swan was the perfect soundtrack for a driving holiday I took in New Zealand earlier in the year, rolling with the landscape and sinking deep into my bones.
Almost every track is a standout but “She Burns” and “Bangor Town” are the tracks I keep coming back to. The Wild Swan has turned me into a life-long Foy Vance fan – I can’t wait to see what comes next.
2. Burrows – Burrows
I didn’t realise this when I first heard it but I’ve been waiting for Burrows’ self titled album for about three years. I saw Sam King perform at the 2013 National Folk Festival and fell in love with his delicate folk music. Little did I know that that appearance would be the beginning of the Burrows project and that their debut album would become a firm favourite this year. King’s voice, the beautiful harmonies from the rest of the band, the understated instrumentation all come together to build an amazing piece of art. Standout track is without a doubt “Falling Apart”.
3. The Company – Six & Five Six & Five is a thoroughly modern bluegrass album from a local band at the top of their game. This is bluegrass without the play-as-fast-as-you-can gimmickry so many modern bluegrassers rely on. Instead this is solid songwriting backed by some of the best musicians in the country. “Another Season”, “Six and Five” and “Androids” are all standout tracks but to be honest my list of favourites changes on every listen. And can I just say that I think Michael Patrick has my favourite bluegrass voice in Australia.
4. Bon Iver – 22, A Million
Part of me expected the new Bon Iver album would be an extension of the cinematic indie-folk of 2011’s self-titled opus. So when 22, A Million landed I was more than a little blindsided – but in a wonderful way. All glitches, samples, electronics and overdubs, the album is completely immersive and a giant leap forward for Justin Vernon. At the heart of it all is Vernon’s unique voice and some pretty amazing songwriting which stands up regardless of the beeps and bops.
5. Melody Pool – Deep Dark Savage Heart Melody Pool delivers an amazingly red raw new album dealing with her own experiences of depression and mental illness. The songwriting is mature and complex and requires the listener to engage, not passively sit by as the music washes over you. I’ve picked Pool as an artist to watch for many years now and I feel with Deep Dark Savage Heart she’s delivering completely on her potential. Just listen to “Black Dog” or “Love, She Loves Me” and try not to fall for Melody Pool.
6. William Fitzsimmons – Charleroi: Pittsburgh, Volume 2 Pittsburgh was easily one of my favourite albums of 2015 so when William Fitzsimmonsfollowed it up with a mini-album featuring a bunch of unreleased tracks from the same recording session earlier this year I was a very happy man. Fitzsimmons’ beautiful, melancholic songs draw you in and keep you captivated. I love his hushed vocal style – this is definitely lean in music.
7. One Up, Two Down – A Day On The Quay
Two of Australia’s most talented folk musicians – George Jackson and Daniel Watkins – join forces with American bassist Andrew Small for this wonderful mini album from the beginning of this year. Stuffed full of amazing instrumentals like “Kansas City Railroad Blues” and “The Ways Of The World”, it’s actually the traditional song “Bury Me Not On The Lone Praire” that keeps me returning to A Day On The Quay again and again.
8. Radical Face – The Family Tree: The Leaves
The final chapter of Radical Face’sThe Family Tree series is a triumphant bookend to an amazing project. The album is full to the brim with Radical Face’s trademark layered vocals, finger-picked guitars and soundscapes making this a unique indie-folk experience. The rumour is that Radical Face will be changing stylistic direction now that The Family Tree is done so I can recommend immersing yourself in this album before getting ready for his next adventure.
9. Paul Kelly – Seven Sonnets & A Song
Pairing Paul Kelly with The Bard is absolutely inspired. For the most part Seven Sonnets & A Song sees Kelly flex is folk muscles when adapting the sonnets into songs and the results are lovely. The two singles – “Sonnet 18” and “Sonnet 73” – are by far my favourite tracks on the album with the latter featuring beautiful backing vocals from Sweet Jean’s Alice Keath. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – this album is pure magic.
10. Seth Lakeman feat. Wildwood Kin – Ballads Of The Broken Few
Teaming with up-and-coming trio Wildwood Kin was a stroke of genius for Seth Lakeman’s new album Ballads Of The Broken Few. Their three-part harmonies elevate Lakeman’s classic folk sound to something more. I’ve been a fan of Seth Lakeman since I saw him on his last Australian tour and I can honestly say this is my favourite album of his to date – and that is one 100% down to the collaboration with Wildwood Kin. As always Lakeman is able to draw on the tradition to inspire his music while still creating something that is wonderfully modern.
11. Eagle & The Wolf – Eagle & The Wolf
The crunchy blues of Kris Morris and the indie-folk of Sarah Humphreys come together for a project that is greater than the sum of its parts
14. Oh Pep! – Stadium Cake Oh Pep! shake off the shackles of straight up indie-folk and embrace all out pop on their debut album.
15. Billy Bragg and Joe Henry – Shine A Light: Field Recordings From The Great American Railroad Billy Bragg and Joe Henry dive into the American songbook for their Railway themed album – I especially love their version of “Midnight Special”.
16. Passenger – Young As The Morning Old As The Sea Passenger once again demonstrates why he’s one of the best folk singer-songwriters in the world with the release of Young As The Morning Old As The Sea.
17. Michael Kiwanuka – Love & Hate Michael Kiwanuka’s melting pot of influences – folk, blues, jazz, soul and R&B – come together on an album that is instantly timeless.
18. Rowena Wise – Rowena Wise
The new queen of quirky indie-folk Rowena Wise delights with her stunning debut.
19. Matt Corby – Telluric
The long-awaited debut from Matt Corby sees him refusing to be boxed in by genre or convention and creating some stunning music in the process.
20. Imogen Clark – Love & Lovely Lies
One of the hardest working singer-songwriters in Sydney releases a debut to be proud of, paving the way for bigger things to come.
21. Jack Carty – Home State
Another solid, positive outing from Jack Carty following a big year of touring (and marrying!) for the singer-songwriter.
23. The Weeping Willows – Before Darkness Comes A-Callin’
The Melbourne based duo deliver a heady mix of folk, bluegrass and classic country in their best release yet – no wonder they’ve been nominated for four Golden Guitars
24. James Kenyon – Imagine You Are Driving
Australia’s most under-rated singer-songwriter delivers a stunning new album that is making the local industry sit up and take notice.
25. The Staves – Sleeping In A Car The Staves follow up their 2015 debut with a three track EP that continues to prove they are one of the most exciting voices coming out of the UK indie-folk scene.
Jack Carty kicks off his Home State album tour this week with gigs in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne. And equally exciting is the fact Emily Barker and Jordan Millar are supporting the tour.
Friday 19th August – Street Theatre, Canberra, ACT
Saturday 20th August – Newtown Social Club, Sydney, NSW
Friday 26th August – Shebeen Bandroom, Melbourne, VIC
Bill Chambers & Lachlan Bryan Friday 19th August – Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Springs, VIC
Saturday 20th August – Bella Union, Melbourne, VIC
Corey Harris w/ Kris Morris Friday 19th August – Caravan Music Club, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 20the August – Harvester Moon Cafe, Bellarine, VIC
Sunday 21st August – Lizottes, Newcastle, NSW
Tuesday 23rd August – Brass Monkey, Cronulla, NSW
Wednesday 24th August – Harmonie-German Club, Canberra, ACT
Thursday 25th August – The Basement, Sydney, NSW
Friday 26th to Sunday 28th August – Blues & Roots Stage, Gympie Muster, QLD
DEAR Monday feat. waywardbreed, Nigel Wearne, Ma Petite, Erik Parker Monday 22nd August – Open Studio, Melbourne, VIC
Devil on the Rooftop Sunday 21st August – Lounge Sessions at Hotel Blue, Katoomba, NSW
Wednesday 24th August – Lazybones Lounge, Sydney, NSW
Dustin Tebbutt w/ Robbie Miller, Woodes Friday 19th August – Newtown Social Club, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 20th August – Transit Bar, Canberra, ACT
Friday 26th August – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth, WA
Eddie Boyd Wednesday 24th August – Bar Open, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 26th August – The Loft, Warrnambool, VIC
FolkSwagon feat. Kwinton Trembath, The Dead Maggies, The Delta Revue Wednesday 24th August – Cafe Lounge, Sydney, NSW
GrandMasterMonk w/ Crazy Old Maurice Saturday 20th August – Bald Faced Stag, Sydney, NSW
Gympie Muster Friday 26th to Sunday 28th August – Gympie, QLD
Hootenanny feat. Jep & Dep Sunday 21st August – Miss Peaches, Sydney, NSW
Illawarra Folk Club Concert feat. The Thomsons, Olympic Mystery Act Sunday 21st August – City Diggers, Wollongong, NSW
Imogen Clark Sunday 21st August – Grace Emily, Adelaide, SA
Jack Carty, Emily Barker & Jordan Millar Friday 19th August – Street Theatre, Canberra, ACT
Saturday 20th August – Newtown Social Club, Sydney, NSW
Friday 26th August – Shebeen Bandroom, Melbourne, VIC
John Flanagan Trio Saturday 20th August – Kelly Country Pick, Beechworth, VIC
Friday 26th August – Suttons House of Music, Ballarat, VIC
Kelly Country Pick Friday 19th to Sunday 21st August – Beechworth, VIC
Lazy Colts Saturday 20th August – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane, QLD
Liam Gale with Henry Manuell Thursday 25th August – The Temperance Society, Sydney, NSW
Lime and Steel Friday 19th August – Hornsby Folk Club, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 21st August – Lounge Sessions at Hotel Blue, Katoomba, NSW
Marrickana feat. Andy Baylor and His Cajun Roots Trio, Not Good With Horses, Brother Jimmy Saturday 20th August – Gasoline Pony, Sydney, NSW
Nick Payne Friday 26th August – The Newsagency, Sydney, NSW
Oh Willy Dear & Peter Head Sunday 21st August – The Union, Sydney, NSW
Songwriters In The Round feat. Leroy Lee, Caitlin Rose Harnett, Colin Jones Tuesday 23rd August – The Captain Cook Hotel, Sydney, NSW
The Dead Maggies Friday 19th August – The Gaelic Club, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 20th August – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle, NSW
Sunday 21st August – The Junkyard, Maitland, NSW
Friday 26th August – Psyfari Festival, Capertree Valley, NSW
The Willing Ponies w/ Don Drapers Sofa Friday 19th August – Petersham Bowling Club, Sydney, NSW
Friday Folk Flashback
“Big Country” – Béla Fleck
From what I’m hearing “Big Country” has been a highlight of Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn’s recent Australian shows. So I thought I’d share one of my favourite versions from the Transatlantic Sessions.
The latest single from Seth Lakeman’s upcoming album Ballads Of The Broken Few “Meet Me In The Twilight” has just been released. The track is the second taste of Lakeman’s album and once again features vocals from trio Wildwood Kin.
Ballads Of The Broken Few is due for release on the 16th September. Check out the video for “Meet Me In The Twilight” below:
Celebrated English folk singer Seth Lakeman has announced plans to release his new album Ballads Of The Broken Few on the 16th September this year. This is Lakeman’s eighth studio album and features stunning vocal harmonies from emerging trio Wildwood Kin.
Ballads Of The Broken Few was recorded “live” in the Great Hall of a Jacobean Manor House giving the album an organic feel. Lakeman has released a video of the title track to give you a taster of what to expect from the album – check it out here:
– Angus and Julia Stone released the first single from their highly anticipated new album, “Heart Beats Slow”. Details here
– Sydney’s Spookyland will be launching their new single “The Silly Fucking Thing” at FBi Social next month. Details here
– Adelaide duo The Yearlings have a new album on the way and national tour planned for July. Details here
Interviews
“Claire Patti has a voice that has to be heard to be believed and she plays the harp (the stringed one), french horn and piano accordion. Claire sings harmonies with the guitar-playing band leader Marcus de Rijk (note the strong Scottish influence in that name — mmm, maybe not so much), while Geoff Jones plays pipes, whistles and bodhran. Angus Downing makes the whole thing fly with his wonderful fiddle playing. Taliska’s traditional Ceilidh will have your feet pounding the tiles” – Marcus de Rijk from Taliska chats to Billy Quinn. Interview here
Sydney indie-folk night Little Features celebrate their second birthday this weekend with a show packed full of amazing folky talent.
Saturday 31st May – Hibernian House, Sydney, NSW
Gigs Next Week
Boy & Bear Friday 30th May – Orange Ex Services Club, Orange, NSW
Saturday 31st May – Dubbo Ex Services Club, Dubbo, NSW
Chaika Friday 30th May – The Breslin Gallery, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 31st May – Farouk’s Olive, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 6th June – The Unorthodox Church of Groove, Newcastle, NSW
Claude Hay Friday 30th May – The Stag and Hunter Hotel, Newcastle, NSW
Sunday 1st June – The Towradgi Beach Hotel, Wollongong, NSW
Daniel Champagne Friday 30th May – Mumbulla School Hall, Bega, NSW
Saturday 31st May – The Front, Canberra, ACT
Sunday 1st June – Beyond Q, Canberra, ACT
Wednesday 4th June – Newtown Social Club, Sydney, NSW
Folkathon feat. AP D’Antionio, Cal Williams Jr, Chris Finnen, Courtney Robb, Emlyn & Jodie O’Regan, Halfway to Forth, Ragged But Right, Saltwater Taffy, Serendipity and Spiral Dance Sunday 1st June – Port Noarlunga Bowling Club, Adelaide, SA
Jackson McLaren & The Triple Threat Wednesday 4th June – The Melbourne Folk Club, Bella Union, Melbourne, VIC
James Vincent McMorrow Saturday 31st May – Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW
Jeff Lang Friday 6th June – Nexus Arts Centre, Adelaide, SA
Josh Pyke with Jack Carty Friday 6th June – Montrose Town Centre, Montrose, VIC
Justin Bernasconi Friday 30th May – The Ranges Concert Lounge, Upway, VIC
Kaurna Cronin and Ben Whiting Friday 6th June – Pirie & Co. Social Club, Adelaide, SA
Kim Churchill Friday 30th May – Newtown Social Club, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 31st May – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle, NSW
Sunday 1st June – Brass Monkey, Cronulla, NSW
Wednesday 4th June – Indi Bar, Perth, WA
Thursday 5th June – Mojos, Fremantle, WA
Friday 6th June – The Prince of Wales, Bunbury, WA
Little Features feat. The Former Love, Joshua Chamberlin, Baby Lips and the Silhouettes, Charlie Gradon, Bexley De Lion Saturday 31st May – Hibernian House, Sydney, NSW
Little Wise and Megan Bernard Friday 30th May – The Treehouse, Byron Bay, NSW
Saturday 31st May – Sheoak Shack, Fingal Head, NSW
Melbourne Folk Club feat/ Lucie Thorne, Jackson McLaren, Luka Lesson Wednesday 4th June – Bella Union, Melbourne, VIC
Paul Greene and the Other Colours Sunday 1st June – Lizotte’s Central Coast, Kincumber, NSW
Thursday 5th June – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla, NSW
Peak Festival Friday 6th to Monday 9th June – Perisher, NSW
Ruby Boots Sunday 1st June – The Hundred Club, Collie, WA
Sam Brittain Friday 30th May – The Grand Poobah, Hobart, TAS
Sunday 1st June – Garden Party, Byron Bay, NSW
Thursday 5th June – The Treehouse, Byron Bay, NSW
The Acfields Saturday 31st May – Taps, Mooloolaba, QLD
Sunday 1st June – Frankie Brown, Byron Bay NSW
The April Maze Saturday 31st May – Clifton Beach Tennis Club, Clifton Beach, QLD
Sunday 1st June – Quincan Cottage, Yungaburra, QLD
Friday 6th to Sunday 8th June – Palm Creek Folk Festival, Townsville, QLD
The Audreys Thursday 5th June – The Abbey, Canberra, ACT
Friday 6th June – Heritage Hotel, Bulli, NSW
The Beards Friday 30th May – Settler’s Tavern, Margaret River, WA
Saturday 31st May – Prince of Wales, Bunbury, WA
Sunday 1st June – Astor Theatre, Perth WA
Thursday 5th June – Mona Vale Hotel, Mona Vale, NSW
Friday 6th June – Wollongong Uni, Wollongong, NSW
The Mountains Friday 30th May – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle, NSW
Saturday 31st May – The Federal Hotel, Bellingen, NSW
The Paper Kites Friday 30th May – Enmore Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 31st May – Transit Bar, Canberra, ACT
Sunday 1st June – Heritage Hotel, Wollongong, NSW
The Pierce Brothers Saturday 31st May – The Armidale Club, Armidale, NSW
Wednesday 4th June – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane, QLD
Thursday 5th June – Solbar, Maroochydore, QLD
Timothy James Bowen Friday 30th May – TBC, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 31st May – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne, VIC
Top Half Folk Festival Friday 6th to Monday 9th June – Mary River, NT
Wagons Saturday 31st May – Republic Bar, Hobart, TAS
Friday 6th June – Barwon Club, Geelong, VIC
Friday Folk Flashback
“Girl That I Love” – The Falls
This week a little duo from Sydney topped 10,000 Facebook likes and has been celebrating all week with a bunch of flashback’s on social media. We thought we’d join in by posting this live track from April 2012 when The Falls still had a “The” and played every week at the Hotel Hollywood in Surry Hills, Sydney.
English folk singer Seth Lakeman has released the video for his latest single “Last Rider”. Taken from his new album Word of Mouth, “Last Rider” is described by Lakeman as “a rolling, rhythmic song written about a final journey taking by an old steam engine driver.”
– The great Pete Seeger passed away from natural causes on the 27th January, aged 94. We collected some of our favourite obits from around the web. Details here
– We round up all of the folk, alt-country and roots winners in the triple j Hottest 100, The Grammys and The Golden Guitars last weekend. Details here
– The new Seth Lakeman album hits stores today and you can get a taster with his new video for “The Courier”. Details here
– Matt Corby revealed his new single “What The Devil Has Made” from the Spirit of Akasha surf documentary soundtrack. Details here
After a successful tilt at the Tamworth Country Music Festival earlier this month The Green Mohair Suits return to Sydney in time to launch their latest EP Baby, You Just Want To Give Up. Along for the ride are their fellow Tamworth stage mates The Morrisons and All Our Exes Live in Texas – so it looks like it’s going to be a huge night of pickin’ and harmonies. We’ll be there for sure!
Friday 31st January – The Loft at UTS, Sydney, NSW
Gigs Next Week
Andy Irvine Friday 31st January – Music in the Park, Bendigo, VIC
Sunday 2nd February – Trinity Sessions at Trinity Church, Adelaide, SA
Thursday 6th February – House Concert, Alice Springs, NT
Cass McCombs Thursday 6th February – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney, NSW
Daughter Tuesday 4th February – St Stephen’s Uniting Church, Sydney, NSW
Eddie Vedder Friday 7th February – Riverside Theatre, Perth, WA
Emily Barker Sunday 2nd February – Astor Lounge, Perth, WA
Imogen Clark and Joe Mungovan Sunday 2nd February – Fitzroy Hotel, Windsor, NSW
Friday 7th February – Corner Store, Sydney, NSW
Jack Carty Friday 31st January – House Concert, Pemulwuy, NSW
Saturday 1st February – House Concert, Sutherland Shire, NSW
Sunday 2nd February – House Concert, Morisset, NSW.
Monday 3rd February – House Concert, Newcastle, NSW
Thursday 6th February – House Concert, Wagga Wagga, NSW
Friday 7th February – House Concert, Canberra, ACT
James Teague Wednesday 5th February – The Workers Club, Melbourne, VIC
Kim Churchill Friday 31st January – The Workers Club, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 1st to Sunday 2nd February – Festival of King Island, King Island, TAS
Lachlan Bryan and The Wildes Saturday 1st February – Lefty’s Music Hall, Brisbane, QLD
Laneway Festival Friday 31st January – Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 1st February - Footscray Community Arts Centre (FCAC), Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 2nd February – Sydney College of the Arts (SCA), Sydney, NSW
Friday 7th February – Harts Mill, Adelaide, SA
Mat McHugh Friday 7th February – Torquay Hotel, Torquay VIC
One Up Two Down and Oh Pep! Thursday 6th February – Retreat Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 7th February – Tanswell’s Commercial Hotel, Beechworth, VIC
The Beez Saturday 1st Febraury – Tilba Winery, NSW
Sunday 2nd February – The Artists Shed, Queanbeyan, NSW
Thursday 6th February – Braidwood Folk Club, NSW
Friday 7th to Sunday 9th February – National Multicultural Festival, ACT
The Green Mohair Suits w/ The Morrisons, All Our Exes Live in Texas Friday 31st January – The Loft at UTS, Sydney, NSW
The Timbers Friday 31st January – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide, SA
Traveller & Fortune Friday 31st January – The Grace Darling, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 1st February – JIVE, Adelaide, SA
Unpaved Sessions feat. Justin Bernasconi (The Stillsons), Nia Robertson, Sophie Klein, Kaidee Grzankowski and more Monday 3rd February – The Old Bar, Melbourne, VIC
Woody Pitney with Zoe Elliot, James Kelly Thursday 6th February – FBi Social, Sydney, NSW
Friday Folk Flashback
“To My Old Brown Earth” – Pete Seeger
When choosing a FFF track this week I knew it had to be something from the late Pete Seeger. I settled on this track after it was posted by Billy Bragg with the following blurb: “One last thing about Pete Seeger before I turn in: if anyone’s planning to make a tribute to the great man, I would heartily suggest playing this song. Everyone knows the 60s classics, but this, from 1996, is the song we should be listening to as we contemplate with his passing.” RIP Pete Seeger.
Fiddle player, singer and (lets face it) multi-instrumentalist Seth Lakeman has just released his new video “The Courier”. The track is taken from Lakeman’s upcoming album Word of Mouth which is due this Friday the 31st January – check it out below:
Seth Lakeman will be in Australia in April this year for Bluesfest along with a couple of sideshows – the full dates are here:
Monday 14th April – Powerhouse, Brisbane, QLD (w/ Suzanne Vega)
Thursday 17th April – Bluesfest, Byron Bay, NSW
Friday 18th April – Bluesfest, Byron Bay, NSW
Saturday 19th April – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 20th April – The Factory, Sydney, NSW (w/ Suzanne Vega)