Fabulous Folkworks at Old Cinema Launderette - Eliza Carthy, Saul Rose, Sarah Hayes


Sarah Hayes

Within an increasingly busy schedule (again arriving at a gig with no listening preparation), M and I attended one of this year's Folkworks Durham Gathering events on Saturday, once again a sold out event at the fabulous Old Cinema Launderette. An instant ticket purchase - after thoroughly enjoying Martin Carthy's gig at the Launderette last year, just seeing the event listing for Eliza and Co was enough. Fun guaranteed.

Eliza Carthy and Saul Rose played as a duo, preceded by Sarah Hayes. Eliza and Sarah had both been teaching at this years' Folkworks Summer School which has just finished. I found singer, flautist and storyteller Sarah's set quite interesting - overwhelmingly we have seen folk artists at the Launderette, but this was the first keyboard instrument spotted. Sarah has both classical and indie experiences but last night's set was a simple but effective slice of folk.


Eliza Carthy and Saul Rose

Eliza and Saul followed up with a song/instrumental set of high quality music, story and humour based on violin and melodeon. Lots of opportunities for singing along and toe-tapping, including this set of waltzes; favourites such as Turpin Hero, Sheffield Park and Worcester City; melodies from Québec; and a superb timely and poignant rendition of I Wish That The Wars Were All Over. Balancing tradition and innovation, I enjoyed listening to the weight and yet freshness of the material - also the aspect of fun emanating from the musicians.

Eliza and Saul, as part of The Wayward Band, are playing the Sage Gateshead on 15th October - not yet sure how this fits in our schedule, but further information is available here.

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