PrettyInScarlett

The events calendar gets busier and all of a sudden it's March and starting to feel like spring! Seems a long time since our first visit to The Old Cinema Launderette ... I picked last night's Dan Walsh show somewhat out of curiosity and reminiscing about beginner's clawhammer from Ottawa Folkfest.  About 20 or so people were at the Launderette last night, quite full for a small room! A good mixture and a high percentage of folk fans who were familiar with Dan's music. There was supposedly a support band, but they didn't show so Dan played 2 sets - lucky us!  Most of Dan's songs were performed on his banjo with a few guitar numbers as well. Dan has collected a fair few accolades for 'best British banjo player' and this is no understatement. Playing a range of styles and songs old and new from bluegrass, reels, songs fast and slow - including a rock edge on 'Hammer and Nail', his musicianship is really impressive. The vocal tracks wer...

Time flies and already it is a year since we returned to the UK from Canada. Perfect coincidence then that hugely talented Canadian singer-songwriter Basia Bulat came to the UK this week for her first UK tour. Her nearest show to us was in Leeds' Belgrave Music Hall, so M and I braved the horrid weather for a superb show - the best gig we have been to since at least Ólafur Arnalds.  Basia Bulat Belgrave Music Hall is a great intimate place in the centre of Leeds. Going in there was a large bar (wide variety of beer) and seating area with different food outlets (local franchises I believe). The show was up on the 2nd floor in a very cosy, sofa filled space with a smaller bar at the back.  Once we we all settled, support act The Sea and I came on for a short support slot. I have seen better and seen worse. Their best 2 tracks were right at the end of the set; everyone except the lead singer seemed disinterested, even bored to be there. A quick glance at their w...