Across the Pond # 9 - June 2000
Thur 1st John Herald
http://www.hvmusic.com/artists/johnherald/
John McCusker
http://www.battlefieldband.co.uk/johnmccusker.htm
(The Ramshorn
Theatre, Glasgow Tel: 0141 287 5511)
Described by Bob Dylan as "the country Stevie Wonder",
John was a part of the 60's Greenwich Village scene,
originally coming to prominence with 'The Greenbriar Boys',
best known for their adaptation of the traditional song,
'Stewball'. As a singer and session guitarist he has since
recorded with Bonnie Raitt, Doc Watson, Bette Midler,
Ian and Syvia, and others and as a songwriter, his songs
have been covered by the likes of Linda Ronstradt and
Maria Muldaur. The New York Times called his powerful
voice "one of the best in city or country. His leather lung
tenor is a thing of wonder." Today John lives in Woodstock,
New York, and occasionally plays as a member of the
'Woodstock Mountain Review'.
John McCusker is a leading light in the new generation
of
Scottish musicians. A renowned fiddler, multi-instrumentalist,
and member of The Battlefield Band since1990, he also
recently produced Kate Rusby's BBC award-winning album,
'Sleepless'.
Thur 2nd The Schankman Twins (with Full Band)
http://www.banjo.com/Profiles/stwins.htm
(The Test Match Hotel, West Bridgford, Nottingham
0115-953-7272)
Dana (banjo) and Lauren (fiddle) are teenage identical twins
from Los Angeles, California, who have been rapidly gaining
notoriety and becoming well known to the bluegrass world
since they began performing nationally at age fourteen. The
girls have quickly developed a reputation for their driving
bluegrass style and sweet sibling harmonies. Touring the UK
promoting their album 'Duality' (City West Records).
Fri 2nd Shooglenifty
http://www.shoogle.com
(Lemon Tree, Aberdeen)
also June 9th Borders Tryst Festival
Described by the Ottawa Sun as "pioneers of their art,
self-declared monsters of acid-croft and hypnofolkadelia.
Fri 2nd Martyn Joseph
http://www.martynjoseph.co.u
(The Fishpond, Matlock, Derby 01629 581000)
In a live review of the popular Welsh singer songwriter
the Boston Globe said, "He combined edgy protest songs
that reached a Phil Ochs intensity at times, but also had a
droll sense of humor that kept the audience pleasantly off
guard throughout. A fine talent." His latest album 'Far
From Silent' (Pipe Records) has been called "a richly
rewarding experience" by Folk
Roots Magazine
Tue 6th Cheryl Beer
http://www.cherylbeer.com/
(Dartford Folk Club)
Described on her website as having "the strength of Alanis
Morrisette, the voice ranges of Whitney Houston, Mama
Cass and Melanie; the mellow tones of Tracy Chapman and
song influences of Joni Mitchell." London's Time
Out calls
her "probably the hottest female vocalist in Britain today."
Fri 9th Woody Mann
http://www.woodymann.com/
(Ram, Claygate)
"Dazzling and technically flawless fingerstyle guitar
at its
most listenable. Mann's wizardry on the fretboard is
matched by his ability to convey deep feelings with his
songs -- creating moods that incite, delight, or simply
soothe. Throughout (the recording), Mann blurs the line
between jazz, blues, classical and world music creating
his own sound in the process. Attempts to categorize
his music simply miss the point. This is brilliant playing
that demands to be heard." Sing
Out!
Thur 15 Lennie Gallant
http://www.lennygallant.com
(Buddle
Arts Centre, Tyne & Wear 0191 2628666)
see also Fri 16 - Sun 18 Beverley
and East Riding Folk
Festival
One of the musicians at the forefront of the music
explosion taking place in Canada's East Coast, of whom
Performing Songwriter magazine
said "...of some of the
best writers living today, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen,
Bruce Cockburn and Joni Mitchell. You can add Lennie
Gallant to the list." His band includes some of the best
folk,
rock and celtic musicians from Canada's East Coast and
his live show has been described by the UK's Guardian
newspaper as "...a dynamic two-hour show that brought
a packed house to its feet, yelling for more of the same..."
Sat 17th Kangaroo Moon
http://www.gn.apc.org/psu/kanga.htm
(Roots.Net, Oxford)
Formed in Australia in1988, they play "funky Celtic oriental
didgeridu rhythmic ambient dance, or something along those
lines! Their live shows are a mixture of songs and instrumental
pieces, with extended rhythmic improvisation and a strong
flavour of 'didgeridu dreamtime' which according to 'Bath
News', leaves "the crowd drooling". Their latest album
'In Transit' and their earlier band and solo albums are
available by mail
order.
Tue 20th Pete Morton
http://www.rootsworld.com/harbourtown/morton.html
(Leigh on Sea Folk Club 01268 792160)
Known for his spirited performances and songwriting
ability, Pete has been described by Folk
Roots as
"amongst the best the British roots music scene has
produced in living memory." Since his landmark album
'Frivolous Love', he has continued to write powerful
songs, the most widely acclaimed being 'Another Train'.
His most recent album, 'Trespass' is a collection of all
traditional songs - just guitar and voice.
Fri 30th Jez Lowe & The Bad Pennies
http://www.jezlowe.com
(Sedgefield Cricket Club, Co. Durham)
see full tour dates below
"No less an authority than Richard Thompson has called
Lowe "the best songwriter to come out of England in a
long time." Heavy praise, indeed, but one close listen to
Lowe's keen gift at blending profound lyrics and traditional
instrumentation reveals the truth of Thompson's praise."
Stephen Grimstead, Turn Up That Noise! [Memphis Flyer]
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Contact Paul Castle: pdcmusic@freeuk.com
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