Rhiannon Giddens has had a busy time of late. In February, she led the ‘Our Native Daughters’ project, collaborating with US musicians Allison Russell (Birds of Chicago), Amythyst Kiah, and Leyla McCalla to recover and highlight some of the African American histories buried in folk music. Their album, ‘Songs of Our Native Daughters’, was inspired by … Continue reading “Rhiannon Giddens set for autumn tour with Francesco Turrisi”
Sometimes the frequent gig goer gets lucky and catches a big performance with a full band in a smaller, more intimate venue that results in a truly fabulous night. Rhiannon Giddens, on her latest tour, was clearly playing to 1000+ venues with a 7 piece big name band which must have made very little economic … Continue reading “Rhiannon Giddens + Kaia Kater, The Stables, Milton Keynes, 21st November 2017”
A name that’s likely to be relatively new to readers of Americana UK is Amythyst Kiah, who has recently collaborated as part of a feted supergroup of four banjo players under the moniker, Our Native Daughters.
One has to be grateful that Irish folk veterans Dervish have not gone down the Rod Stewart route with this collection of thirteen classic folk songs, choosing instead to rope in an impressive list of guests instead. The twin pitfalls of recording such an album though are over-familiarity (if we’re going to get the umpteenth … Continue reading “Dervish “The Great Irish Songbook” (Concord Records, 2019)”
Welcome back to our occasional series in which we ask the Americana UK staff writers and contributors to give us a handle on the what, whys and wherefores that got them into the genre and why they thought flares where a necessary fashion statement back in the day. This week we hear from master of … Continue reading “What Is This Americana Thing Anyway…?”
So this happened last night although they didn’t send us a press release so we’re reporting this via Rolling Stone. We do by the way love the Milk Carton Kids – don’t forget to catch them in the UK in a couple of weeks’ time: “Nominees for the 2019 Americana Honors & Awards were announced Tuesday … Continue reading “2019 Americana Honor and Awards Nominees are announced”
Kelly Hunt’s debut album ‘Even the Sparrow’ is exceptionally good. The wistful soulful voice, the mellowness of the vintage calfskin tenor banjo, the frugality of the arrangements all combine to produce an album that is near perfect. It’s a real treat to discover a new artist with such depth and maturity. The songs feel alive … Continue reading “Kelly Hunt “Even the Sparrow” (Rare Bird Records, 2019)”
For their 30th anniversary year Dervish have released the album ‘The Great Irish Songbook‘, which features songs you’ll know sung by a range of guests such as Rhiannon Giddens, Steve Earle, Kate Rusby and, on this spirited and gritty take on ‘The Rocky Road to Dublin‘ the great Brendon Gleeson (of ‘The Guard‘, ‘Alone in … Continue reading “Dervish “The Rocky Road To Dublin” – Listen”
Following the success of the first Long Road festival last year, the 3-day “music and lifestyle” event will return to Stanford Hall in Leicestershire this summer. Running from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th September, the festival has announced the first wave of acts confirmed to perform at this year’s event including its two headliners, country … Continue reading “The Long Road Festival announces its 2019 line-up”
The final flourish of the Americana Music Association UK (AMAUK) music festival is the Awards night, held in the luxurious surroundings of the Hackney Empire. Unsurprisingly the evening follows a fairly typical award ceremony format, a master of ceremonies, guest presenters to read out the nominees and the actual winner in categories such as “Best … Continue reading “Americana Music Awards, 31st January, Hackney Empire, London”
