From: Folk in the Barn [debs_at_folkinthebarn_dot_co_dot_uk]
Sent: 23 May 2007 01:16
Subject: FiTB Steve and Jenna review and more....

Hiya
Welcome to all the newbies that have recently signed their lives away. Don't worry I won't give your details to any Viagra salesmen or desperate Russian brides! Thanks to the wonderful O'Rourke family, firstly Mick for helping out at the gig on Thursday and secondly his talented daughter Corrina for writing a concert review. See below.... Thanks for all the emails received as well, saying how much you enjoyed the evening. It was another special one wasn't it. What is it about Devon? why have they got so much talent, perhaps all that clotted cream produces enriched vocal chords (and good looks and song writing skills and bucketloads of charisma)
I'll paste the review below for those that missed the gig due to other commitments - It was amazing by the way! But in the meantime, while you're on that post gig high - may I remind you of the next Folk in the Barn events coming up which I predict will also be of a very high standard and not to be missed on any account!
In July we have two concerts under the Whitstable Oyster Festival Banner. They are however Folk in the Barn concerts, ie the risk is all mine not some festival committee!! It is a bit of a risk putting two so close together but I really hope they appeal to you. I can guarantee they will be great performances as they are all fantastic artists. On Wednesday July 25th we have Nomads. A relatively newly formed trio, but packed full of three of Kent?s hottest folk/acoustic performers. Everyone must have heard of the legendary Oysterband?? If you haven't shame on you, find out more now! They are brilliant and originated from Whitstable folk club many years ago! This trio is headed by the Oysterband's very own lead guitarist Alan Prosser, and gives Alan a rare opportunity to reveal his own astonishing musicianship, excellent songs and dreamy voice. Alan is accompanied by Harmonica maestro Brendan Power who needs no introduction I am sure. Based locally he has played with everyone
They play great music, mostly Alan's self penned songs but also a few favourites done in their own style. I saw them recently at a packed Faversham Folk club and overheard members of the audience saying it was the best gig they'd ever seen in the club. Nomads are supported by Kevin Barber and Mark Taylor, a wonderful duo whom many of you will have seen last September in the Barn, supporting Chris and Kellie While. After the gig the same 'many of you' asked if they could return as you'd enjoyed them so much. I've since seen them do a full concert at Dartford Folk Club where they were fantastic and built a really nice rapour with the audience. Their material is wide ranging but always impeccably performed with wonderful guitar/mandolin from Mark and spine tingling harmonies from both (obviously!!!). Their rendition of 'Annabel' is one of my all-time favourite tracks.
Blimey I'm getting really excited just writing about it - roll on July. If that is not enough, a mere three days later on the 28th we've got, at long last, the lovely Anna Esslemont, Cormac Byrne and guitar player extraordinaire - Kev Dempsey (Lazarus, Whippersnapper etc) aka Uiscedwr (Ishkadooer) I'm sure you remember me mentioning them before!! They are supported by The Queensberry Rules, a very popular band on the circuit, it's more of a double header really. Their new cd The Black Dog is fantastic and permanently on my player at the moment. Most of these artists have myspace pages so you can sample the music and read more about them. www.myspace.com/................(artist)
Tickets for these concerts are a mere £12 or £10 concs. Available NOW from the Whitstable Playhouse Box office on 01227 272042 open between 10am - 12 They are reserved seats so book early for the best choice. You can also book online anytime at www.theplayhousewhitstable.co.uk/
Corrinas review of last Thursday as promised?.

Steve Knightley & Jenna Witt - ISC Canterbury 17/05/07

Last Thursday?s Folk in the Barn concert held at the ISC showcased the talent of veteran singer/songwriter Steve Knightley alongside 19 year old Jenna Witt who has just completed her debut album. These two artists have worked together previously on the 'Western Approaches' tour that also featured Relentless artist Seth Lakeman. Despite the age difference, these two Devonians share a genuine passion for their roots and their performances gel effortlessly.
Jenna Witt is a wonder to behold, at only 19 years old she has managed to produce an album that someone twice her age would be proud of. She combines the laid back style of Jack Johnson with the soulful innocence of fellow Devon export Joss Stone. Obviously heavily influenced by her upbringing in the seaside village of Woolacombe the majority of her songs feature reference to the sea, particularly 'Surfers Storm' & the title track 'Barefoot & Eager', written about her talented surfer brother Josh. A real highlight of her performance was the incredibly brave cover of the Pink Floyd epic 'Wish you were here' which she pulls off with seemingly effortless confidence. For such a young girl to be able to tackle such a classic song & almost make it her own is an incredible achievement.
Steve Knightley performed songs from his latest solo effort 'Cruel River'. In contrast to his debut solo album this offering is a stripped down masterpiece where the song is everything. Performing new songs such as 'Poppy Day' & the updated 'Crooked Man 07' Knightley captivated the audience with his impassioned vocals & performance. Every song seemed to make a statement that you couldn't possibly ignore. He also sang some 'Show of Hands' classics to keep the crowd happy such as the rousing 'Country Life' & the new unofficial national anthem 'Roots' which both got everyone singing along.
Corrina O?Rourke

cheers for now
Debs

www.folkinthebarn.co.uk
07799 790738


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