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Oysterband - A Long Long Goodbye
From their earliest days as a noisy, politicised ceilidh band in the late Seventies, Oysterband have never stopped evolving or providing soundtrack to the changing times.
The Oyster Ceilidh Band (as they were known then), were a band on a simple mission to get dancefloors bouncing. But with a chemistry between its members and music that made a profound connection with its audiences, greater things soon beckoned as the times became more complicated.
Emerging in the early 80s from their ceilidh band days they infused both the traditional and their own songs with a passion and energy that was electrifyingly fresh for the time.
Oysterband have been a constant and uplifting presence in music throughout the decades and have ratcheted-up dozens of studio releases throughout their career.
Their collaboration with June Tabor in 1990 produced the cult favourite album Freedom & Rain, and it was renewed 21 years later for ‘Ragged Kingdom’, one of the best-selling folk-rock albums of the new millennium.
Winners of several BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, including Best Band twice, Oysterband’s song-writing has never stood still, and hits such as The Oxford Girl, When I’m Up I Can’t Get Down (Best Song at the Canadian East Coast Music Awards, performed by Great Big Sea), Everywhere I Go and Put Out The Lights are now renowned staples of the folk canon.
The creative heart of Oysterband is still here after 45 years: John Jones (vocals, melodeon), Alan Prosser (guitars) and Ian Telfer (violin), with Al Scott, their longtime producer, on bass, Adrian Oxaal (cello and guitar) and newest member Sean Randle on drums.
They’ve travelled the world but they still play with the fire of that dance band back in Kent.
Courtyard Theatre
£27
- 12 Nov SOLD OUT
James Delarre and Saul Rose
Fine musicians and old friends James Delarre & Saul Rose promise audiences a warm, joyful and very personal evening of exquisitely played traditional folk tunes & songs.
Fiddle player James Delarre, is a founding member of the critically acclaimed bands Topette!!, Mawkin and Mawkin:Causley and is in demand within the traditional English folk scene and beyond.
Saul Rose is an English folk melodeon player and singer. A long-time member of Waterson:Carthy, winners of two BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Saul was nominated for the Musician of The Year award in 2010.
Their new album title, Kith & Kin, a nod towards their enduring friendship and expanding families, is a collection of 9 favourite tunes and songs from their live set.
Mixing their deep mutual understanding with the timeless combination of fiddle and box, James and Saul have been making music together since they met at Sidmouth Folk Festival, almost 20 years. The duo intertwine seamlessly, dancing around the tunes between the notes, finding space and air, and breathing fresh life and energy into the music.
'Outstanding musicianship, James and Saul performed a perfectly balanced mix of tunes and songs' Songlines
‘Masters of their craft. This duo is just brilliant’ FATEA Records
Studio
£16
The Albion Christmas Band
An Albion Christmas is widely regarded as the premier seasonal show. They have been touring for 25 years and attract sell-out audiences across the UK.
Featuring the combined talents of Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band), Simon Care (Edward II) and the Guvnor himself, Ashley Hutchings MBE this show takes you on a guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain.
Kellie While, Simon Care and Simon Nicol join founder of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band, Ashley Hutchings, on stage for an evening of traditional English Christmas music, song and celebratory readings.
Kellie takes time out from working with her mum, Chris While, for which both the UK press and public alike have praised her. Folk enthusiasts will know Kellie from her work with The Albion Band. She received personal praise from Ron Sexsmith for her beautiful version of his song Riverbed on her album Tenacious, which put her on the map as one this country’s finest voices.
Simon Care is currently working with Edward II and has always had a passion for Traditional English dance and song. Simon also works with Banter, Tickled Pink and the Morris On Band.
Simon Nicol, founder member of Fairport Convention finishes the line up to make this a truly festive treat. He is regarded as one of the finest acoustic guitarists in the world... His voice is pretty special too!
The Albion Christmas Show is a seasonal mixture of carols, spoken word and humorous readings. It really is the perfect way to start your festivities. This year will see material chosen by the band from the last 25 years of shows and albums… a 'best of the Albion Xmas' selection.
With sell-out tours including venues such as Buxton Opera House, The New Vic Stoke and The Sage, Gateshead, The Albion Xmas Show is a very popular show appealing to all ages.
Described in the Guardian as 'the perfect antidote to the corporate Christmas', this is a show you must not miss! And also voted in the 'top ten unmissable shows this Christmas' by The Telegraph in 2018.
Courtyard Theatre
£25