A conucopia of young and local talent supporting Swarb in Bridport
If the last you heard of Dave Swarbrick was his obituary in the Daily Telegraph fifteen years ago, you might be forgiven for thinking this is indeed the second coming !
Thankfully, the over eager reporter was mistaken, but Swarb said that he did quite enjoy reading his obituary from his hospital bed- not something you expect to experience in your life time ! – and had to check that the attentive nurses were not in fact celestial angels !
To some, the name Dave Swarbrick is synonymous with innovation and he is indeed credited with heralding the ‘Second Folk Revival’ while in seminal Folk/Rock band Fairport Convention, who had their heyday in the 70’s. To others he is the fiddler’s yard stick to which they aspire.
Here is your chance to hear not only the mesmerizing fiddle of Swarb, but also anecdotes and insights from his extraordinary life and ask any questions which are on the tip of your tongue as well as a selection of fine young and local musicians.
“ A brilliant character with fascinating stories, he made the violin dance to his tune. Positively riveting to watch and listen – the speed, the clarity, the overwhelming talent – do not miss an opportunity to see ‘Swarb’ on one of the other dates on the tour or your life will be the poorer for it. “ David Chamberlain, Caerphilly
“the undisputed old master of folk fiddle gave us an evening to savour”. Gareth Calway, Eastern Daily Press
This special concert on Friday 2nd May in the Electric Palace, Bridport has got not one but two nominees for the prestigious Isambard Folk Awards performing!
Tour support Said the Maiden and local rising star Jess Vincent found out on Friday that they were both on the shortlist for the Bristol Folk Festival organised competition which is regarded as an important barometer for the emerging folk music scene.
For those who did not catch Jess at the Electric Palace last year, she is an an extraordinary songwriter with a unique, distinctive and gorgeous voice which has been compared to Kate Bush, Iris Dement and Maria Muldaur.
Utterly captivating live, Jess delivers her songs with subtle arrangements on guitar, baritone uke & shruti box reveal a maturity that belies her youth, yet allows her vulnerability to shine through.
“One of the most exciting singer songwriters I’ve heard in years, with a magical voice and an exceptional and truly innovative songwriting talent” Reg Meuross (producer)
“When Jess sings, her belief and passion shines through her voice.” Terry Ferdinand – Bishop FM
“Beauty throughout, I love everything about this!” Peter Grogan – Dublin City FM
Main tour support are a delightful English Folk Trio ‘Said the Maiden’ who have been played by Mike Harding on his Folk show, and who are charming audiences across the country with their tight harmonies, playful style and blended unison singing.
“The emotional highlight is surely The Quiet Joys of Brotherhood a resurrection of his duet with the immortal Sandy Denny, with Said The Maiden singing Sandy’s poignant words”.
“The distinct individual voices are subtly matched and, in between spellbinding harmonies, they inject the folk tradition with girlish laughter”. Gareth Calway, Lynn News.
Local musical duo Kara J Richards from the Electric Palace’s ‘Transformer’ programme is opening the show for what is proving to be an exceptional evening where Dave Swarbrick’s passionately held concept of ‘Passing the Baton’ truly comes alive.
“I am so looking forward to touring with Helen in 2014. She has the welfare of her artiste’s as a priority, is honest and super capable. I reckon I’m going to enjoy meeting the musicians in her stable of fine new talent, and so, I am sure, will you!”David Swarbrick
