New year, new discoveries: Launderette Sessions and The Gentle Good

Harri Endersby

Perusing the local magazines during a recent trip to Brewdog in Newcastle, I came across some gig listings for innovative Durham business The Old Cinema Launderette. Retro-stylish launderette in an old cinema building with live music events? Two very curious gig goers went to try out this concept yesterday evening. A quick search for headliners The Black Feathers found an enticing folk/roots duo. Off we went.

The Black Feathers

I hadn't had a chance to check out the first act, Harri Endersby, however for a relative newcomer she has a good few well-written songs and will hopefully grow into the craft displayed by The Black Feathers. Their varied set (dubbed 'cheerfully challenged' by singer Sian in between songs) was very immersive from the opener 'Strangers We Meet'; that song in particular was extremely emotive.

The first non-classical gig we've attended in many months (so out of practice that I forgot my camera!), we enjoyed a relaxed and friendly atmosphere welcomed by owner Richard and will definitely be looking at forthcoming listings.

As an aside, in the new weeks of 2014 I did something I don't think I've done in a long time: buy a CD from hearing a track on the radio without listening online first. The artist in question was The Gentle Good with his album Y Bardd Anfarwol - a 'folk fusion' (if you need labels) concept disc based on the life and poetry of Tang Dynasty poet Li Bei featuring Western and Chinese instruments. I heard instrumental track 'Meddyliau Distaw'r Nos' on 6Music and was immediately captivated. A fantastic album and definitely worth investigating.

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