There is something exciting going on in the world of folk, at least it seems that way, as we seem to be going through one of those periods of renewal when a crop of astonishing musicians coincidentally spring up like John Barleycorn, or perhaps like a faerie ring bursting forth under a full moon. Whatever it is, there’s a sense of renewal blowing through the misty realms of folkdom, and here’s another piece of evidence to gainsay any who would deny the truth of it. Sam Grassie is one such astonishing musician, his finger-picking and song delivery reminiscent, he’d be the first to affirm, of the likes of Dick Gaughan. In fact, he credits Gaughan with shaping this reading of Burning of Auchindoun, saying, “I’ve known the song since I was a wee lad. My mum grew up near the castle, and I played it with Iona Zajac in our previous band. It wasn’t till I came across Dick Gaughan’s melody that I worked a guitar part I could comfortably sing with.”
This recording comes from the EP Two Hawks Fly, which will be released on April 14th, and Grassie will also be heading out on a headlining tour, so here’s your chance to see a major folk talent, and even better to hear some of the finest songs delivered in nothing less than a truly fine way.
29 Mar – Winchester, The Railway
31 Mar – Bristol, The Exchange Basement
1 Apr – Brighton, The Rossi Bar
2 Apr – London, The Ivy House
4 Apr – Norwich, The Holloway
8 Apr – Nottingham, The Grove
9 vManchester, Eagle Inn
11 Apr – Glasgow, The Hug & Pint
