Monday magic - Martin Carthy at Old Cinema Launderette, 11th August 2014

Something of a pre-birthday treat, M and I were eagerly anticipating this Launderette concert featuring folk legend Martin Carthy with local support from Paul Liddell. Whilst still relative newcomers to the comings and goings of the UK folk scene, we were aware of Martin's history and status... quite excited come doors time!

A sold-out Launderette (which is around 30 people) was very appreciative of support artist Paul Liddell, who was a little nervous at playing totally unplugged in contrast to his professed use of live sampling in more 'regular' events. Nonetheless, a high quality and very entertaining set, featuring songs such as 'The Ends Of The Earth' and even an audience sing-along!

Martin's set (or really, 2 sets with an interval - something like 2 hours of music) was an education as well as an experience. He introduced/contextualised each song with stories of where it came from/ musicians he'd heard playing it/ relating to current socio-economic-cultural trends/ other interesting anecdotes. Most of the songs were traditional (from all corners of the country and beyond) with a few instrumental 'tunes' thrown in. Some of the wide variety of songs included: 'Green Broom', 'Oor Hamlet', 'Prince Heathen', 'The Devil & The Feathery Wife', 'A Stitch In Time', 'Sir Patrick Spens'.

Examples of the 'tunes' include: 'The Fall of Paris', which features in many different folk traditions but is in fact French in origin; a retreat written by one of the 51st (Highland) Division whilst in a POW camp after St Valery during World War 2. The encore/farewell was a humourous version of Anton Karas''Cafe Mozart Waltz'.

A tremendous evening of music and tales thoroughly enjoyed by all! Since Monday's concert, I have also started digging through the excellent The Full English digital archive, which features historical notes, manuscrips and more. A real treasure trove!

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