PrettyInScarlett

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...

Once again far too busy to look anything up beforehand... so M and I headed to see Laura Moody on Friday completely fresh. Wow!  A very cosy audience at the Old Cinema Launderette were treated to Laura's super songs and very funky cello playing (slide cello, anyone!). Just happened to pick up a copy of the latest NARC magazine to find... an article about Laura Moody! She is one very original and talented musician, from contemporary music with Elysian Quartet and The Gogmagogs to Meredith Monk emsemble.  The songs we heard in her 1-hour set mixed genres, effects (vocal and instrumental), structures and funny stories (including tales of Stockhausen in a helicopter ) for a very memorable evening. Some of the most original music (no typical song structures here) I've heard since I first saw The PepTides ... Cello as harp, drum, ukulele, funky tunings - all here. George the cello is very versatile... Most of the songs were taken from current album Acrobats , with a...

Hafdis Huld General Sherman The culmination of a very busy week at the end of October (although I am so rarely not busy...) saw M and I back at the Old Cinema Launderette to see Icelandic singer Hafdis Huld . Partly booked because we couldn't get to see the ever amazing Ólöf Arnalds during her short October tour; and partly out of sheer curiosity. Even more so when I discovered the show was sold out! The evening started with an interesting set from Middlesbrough band General Sherman . Their first few songs reminded me a little of another Icelandic band, Amiina; lo-fi mellow meanderings. A few songs felt a little too ponderous, but overall positive. Carrying a tour wound (a broken finger) and accompanied by partner Alisdair, Hafdis sat on one of the washing machines and instantly wove a spell. She held the audience for the full length of her set with her witty manner - jokes, song introductions and more -  as well as her songs. The aforesaid busy schedule precluded a...

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 soc...

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...

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 enjoy...