From: lorrainecarpenter_at_blueyonder_dot_co_dot_uk
on behalf of Different Strings [differentstrings1_at_blueyonder_dot_co_dot_uk]
Sent: 05 June 2012 14:08
Subject: Different Strings Spring
into Summer
Hope all is well with you and yours and you?ve been
enjoying the sunshine and the Jubilee celebrations.
Since my last missive, Steve Tilston has been on the BBC (Songwriters? Circle
with Martin Simpson & Michael Chapman) and new releases from Steve Tilston
& the Durbervilles (The Oxenhope EP - ?...a shot of northern
entanglement that can?t help but raise a smile.? fROOTS) and Karen Tweed
(Essentially Invisible to the Eye - ?I honestly can't remember the last time
I enjoyed folk-music as much?? Allgigs) have been receiving very positive
comments and reviews. Also excited to hear that Dana & Susan Robinson?s new
album American Hornpipe will be winging it?s way across the pond any day
soon. They are looking forward to their UK album launch tour (late August-early
October) if you?d be open to filling one of the last few remaining slots do let
me know (also now booking for June & November tours 2013). Buddy Mondlock?s
long-awaited new recording should be out this autumn and he?ll be doing a short
tour in Ireland then and returns in early 2013 to include the UK too.
We?re pleased to report as well, that we have a new addition to the roster in
the shape of Brooklyn?s ?Queen of Twang? Rebecca Pronsky who with husband Rich
Bennett will be touring the UK in the spring of 2013 in support of a new
recording. They are lovely people and put on a great show; an appealing
addition to any programme (demo copies of her last recording available).
We still have 2012 availability for Steve Tilston (solo/trio/band), Karen Tweed
(solo and other collaborations), fusion-string-band Appalachia plus a few gaps
in Clive Gregson?s November schedule (despite rumours to the contrary, he?s
more than happy to play folk clubs and small venues).
We?d love to hear from you if you?d be open to considering Different Strings?
artists in your future programming; introductions and useful website links
below, do let me know should you require further information, demos etc. Thanks
as always for your time and we look forward to working with you soon.
Best wishes
Lorraine
Lorraine Carpenter at Different Strings
t: 0117 904 1870 m: 07929 135744
skype: differentstrings
<http://www.differentstrings.co.uk>
Different
Strings representing:
BBC
Radio 2 Folk Awards Winner 2012 - a master of the song-writer?s craft
STEVE TILSTON (UK) <http://www.stevetilston.com>
Now
booking - solo or in trio line-up with harmonica maestro Keith Warmington
and virtuoso violinist Stuart Gordon - new YouTube video here: <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCHiBXMX7To> Celebrating more than 40 years in the music
business and on as great form as ever; Steve continues to prove himself as one
of our greatest songwriters; many of his songs already considered modern folk-song classics
and covered by the likes of Fairport Convention, Dolores Keane and others. He?s
also renowned for the way he takes a favourite traditional ?old chestnut? and
makes it his own. His career was marked in 2007 by the release of Reaching Back
a five-CD boxed-set retrospective celebrating his music to date? but there?s no
signs of him slowing down just yet with his latest CD The Reckoning
garnering 4-star reviews, appearances on Later with Jools Holland and BBC
Four Songwriters? Circle and BBC Folk Awards success ?Best Original
Song?.
STEVE
TILSTON & THE DURBERVILLES <http://stevetilstonandthedurbervilles.co.uk>
Steve
teams up with established Yorkshire based alt country/folk quintet The
Durbervilles for select shows to bring rootsy dynamism to his original songs.
Creating a sound reminiscent of a cross between the golden era of Fairport,
Oyster Band and The Band this combination will be a certain hit and an ideal
festival choice - 3 acts in 1! They were a big hit at Fairport?s Cropredy
Convention in the summer and featured on Sky Arts (in association with GPS
Music Artists ? enquiries for The Durbervilles only)
Troubadour
back home from the USA?
CLIVE GREGSON (UK/USA) :: UK touring May/June & November yearly <http://www.clivegregson.com>
Born
and raised in Manchester, but now based in the USA, Clive Gregson is an
accomplished singer, musician and record producer of world-renown. Mary Chapin
Carpenter named him as one of her favourite songwriters, Melody Maker described
his band Any Trouble, as the most exciting new rock 'n' roll group since The
Pretenders and according to Guitar Player he?s one of the 1000 great
guitarists. Clive is one of the most respected songwriters of his time with a
steady stream of stunning albums throughout his career, many of his songs
recorded by a host of contemporaries. In 1985, he formed the groundbreaking
partnership with Christine Collister and has toured with Richard Thompson, Eddi
Reader, Boo Hewerdine, Nanci Griffith, Dennis Locorriere and as Jools Holland?s
special guest. He celebrated his career to date with the release of a
"Best of? collection a couple of years ago and his long overdue studio
album Bittersweet is out now and he?s working on his next! Now booking
for 2012 and beyond...
Songs of the American landscape?
DANA AND SUSAN ROBINSON (USA) :: UK touring August-October 2012, June and
November 2013 <http://www.robinsongs.com>
Dana and Susan Robinson are two guitar-playing, banjo-frailing,
fiddle-sawing, and harmony-singing interpreters of the American experience.
Their unique blend of contemporary song writing and traditional Appalachian
music bring to their performances a deep understanding of America?s musical
heritage. The genius of a Dana and Susan Robinson show lies in their ability to
capture the imagination of their audience, evoking a transformative experience
that touches on the deepest humanity. In the easy company of this charismatic
husband and wife duo, audiences share stories of their encounters and in the
joy they convey performing together. Over the last ten years of touring in the
UK they?ve built great good will, a solid reputation and gained many new fans;
charming us with their ?new time old time music?, bringing to life modern
stories as well as times past. Scheduled for release in June 2012, Dana &
Susan Robinson?s forthcoming CD, American Hornpipe, is a
high-spirited blend of Appalachian, British, and original tunes and songs
featuring a mix of elegant duets and full bore, funky, world music treatments
of old ballads. Picking up from where their 2004 duo debut Native Soil left
off, it highlights the original string band sound Dana and Sue have cultivated
over the years. Sample one of the new songs here: <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3pLjpmDbUo> (The Invitation)
The
Queen of twang!
REBECCA PRONSKY (USA) :: UK touring March/April 2013 <http://www.rebeccapronsky.com>
Brooklyn
native Rebecca Pronsky is one of New York City's finest singers and songwriters
who plays twangy folk that is "as urban as it is rural, not afraid to be
sophisticated" (Maverick). R2 says she's "head and shoulders above
most of her contemporaries, an outstanding lyricist with the ability to stop
you in your tracks." The Scotsman praises her "crystal-bright yet
earthily sensuous voice and melodically alluring song-craft" and Americana
UK declares "she is ready to take us by storm over here." Rebecca
tours heavily on both sides of the Atlantic with lead guitarist Rich Bennett
who "puts the trimmings on the music with a battery of echo drenched,
twangy leads" (Blurt). The duo has shared stages with Josh Ritter, Steve
Forbert, Carrie Rodriguez, Patty Larkin, Shawn Colvin, and Loudon Wainwright
III, among others. Following two successful self-booked UK tours, we are
proud that Rebecca has decided to join the Different Strings? roster. She?ll be
touring to promote a new CD release next spring.
Essentially invisible to the eye?
KAREN TWEED (UK) <http://www.karentweed.com>
Karen Tweed is the mercurial, wacky and elegant English accordion
queen, known for her inspirational teaching and groundbreaking collaborations.
Since deciding to pursue a musical career in the late 1980s, Karen has risen to
become one of the leading lights on the UK and international folk scenes
working with amongst others Kathryn Tickell, The Poozies, Swap, Two Duos
Quartet and May Monday. Solo, she invites audiences for an evening exploring
the beauty, fun and magic of her musical influences, as well as her original
compositions... her touch and musicality is quite extraordinary, forever
breaking accordionesque preconceptions and boundaries. Her stunning new solo
album Essentially Invisible to the Eye is available now.
Other projects and collaborations include Hell Said the Duchess (accordion
trio with Hannah James and Becky Price), the ambitious No1 Ladies Accordion
Orchestra and duos May Monday with the wonderful Finnish pianist Timo
Alakotila and with Kevin Dempsey and Jackie Oates, plus
occasional collaborations with Johnny Coppin
MAY MONDAY :: Karen Tweed & Timo Alakotila (Finland) <http://www.myspace.com/maymonday>
Eclectic musical eloquence from this innovative inspirational
Anglo/Scandinavian duet featuring Karen Tweed and Finnish piano maestro
Timo Alakotila. They?ve made a specialty of marrying together their different
musical roots, styles and backgrounds, their playing so in harmony they make
music so beautiful, that if it doesn?t break down those musical barriers,
nothing will! They received phenomenal praise and accolades for their
debut CD May Monday; their equally stylish follow up Midnight May Monday
brings new work to the fore, whilst embracing melodies composed by other
noted musicians, plus their much loved traditional repertoire.
HELL SAID THE DUCHESS (UK) Karen Tweed, Hannah James & Becky Price
?present an elegant, eccentric and effervescent concoction of traditional and
original music, bringing together their various influences; featuring dance
music and airs from Ireland, France, Scandinavia and 18thC England, plus songs
and dances from the Northern English repertoire performed by clog-stepping
virtuoso Hannah. This accordion trio formed for a one-off show and enjoyed it
so much, they decided to do some more, not least for the chance to dress-up and
prove that the accordion can be a highly expressive instrument, capable of great
beauty and subtlety and not just a large noisy box designed to drown out
bagpipes! Also able to play for dances and run workshops.
THE NO1 LADIES ACCORDION ORCHESTRA by Karen Tweed <http://www.no1ladiesaccordionorchestra.co.uk>
Karen?s latest adventure is a fountain of fabulous female accordionists,
presenting arrangements that cascade effortlessly from Piazzola to polskas;
musettes and waltzes to tango; with a few surprises thrown in too. This
stunning new orchestra brings together accordion gals from all around the UK in
a show that promises fun, frocks and musical frolics; an orchestra the likes of
which has never been seen or heard before!
TWEED & DEMPSEY <http://www.kevindempsey.co.uk>
British folk stalwarts Karen and Kevin delight audiences with their
beautiful mix of tunes and song. Karen straddles traditional Irish to
classical, in a uniquely haunting, emotive, yet vibrant style.
Singer/songwriter/guitarist Kevin is a true craftsman, whose warm, lyrical
style, and fresh, rhythmic approach have brought collaborations with Dave
Swarbrick to Percy Sledge! Together they bring their love of the tradition to
the fore whilst showcasing Kevin?s songs and Karen?s instrumental compositions.
Home-grown Americana?
APPALACHIA (UK) <http://www.appalachiamusic.co.uk>
Going down a wow in concerts and festivals in the southwest, now spreading
their musical wings further afield. Described as a fusion-string-band, there
are strings a-plenty ? banjo, guitars, mandolin, bass - plus great four-part
harmonies, an eclectic mix of songs and a good fun vibe ? their mission - ?to
make you good folks smile? and they certainly do that. Offering up their own
inspired take on American roots music, they mix blues, country, jazz, ragtime,
bluegrass and unique originals into a potent brew that will move you?and make
you move. And when they take to the stage in their snazzy suits, and gather
around one microphone, in the style of the old time and bluegrass bands of time
past, they look the business too. Their debut live album is out now, 4-track
samplers available on request.
An undiscovered gem?
ANDY WHITTLE (UK) <http://www.andywhittle.com>
Originally trained in classical music a career as a concert pianist
beckoned until his teacher forbade him from playing his own compositions; not
surprisingly, he chose a different path! He?s a crafter of modern folk songs,
poetic lyrics with memorable tunes revealing a sensitivity and maturity beyond
his years. Andy is currently working on several exciting commissions for film
and TV. His latest album Reflections of an Illusion harks back to the
acoustic sparkle of his debut album Old Fashioned Dream and contains 10
of his best songs yet. With a Natural gift for melody and strong lyrics, Andy
is one of the best young songwriters in the UK and is someone to be watching
out for.
American songstress
CORINNE WEST (USA) <http://www.CorinneWest.com>
?Regularly compared to Natalie Merchant and Mary Chapin Carpenter, her
voice shared the maturity and velvety resonance of both, yet had a power and
hypnotism of its own. Corinne West is definitely a talent to look out for.? -
South Wales Echo. From the open meadows of California?s sierra mountains,
Corinne West spins tales with a part velvet and part grit voice that is both
achingly penetrating and highly addictive. Her music has a cool, layered, yet
driven sound and has been referred to as "utterly spell-binding",
"radiant", and "extraordinarily beautiful". In her writing
a myriad of musical influences abound; country, bluegrass, western, Americana
and folk, but what comes out is a style all her own. She?s a real character;
charming, full of energy and so obviously passionate about her music. Following
a very productive and creative two years in partnership with Kelly Joe Phelps,
Corinne will be back in the UK in her own right performing her songs and new
co-written material. Currently based in Austria whilst working on material for
a new recording.
Renowned Canadian Troubadour
STEPHEN FEARING (Canada) <http://www.stephenfearing.com>
Stephen Fearing is one of Canada's most respected performers. A stunning
guitar player with a smooth, intimate and powerful voice, over the last
twenty-odd years he?s penned some of the most literate, stirring and
emotionally charged "folk" music you?re likely to hear. Without question
Stephen Fearing is one of the finest singer-songwriters working today and a joy
to work with. He counts fellow Canadian James Keelaghan and our own Martyn
Joseph as fans. In 2007 Stephen won a Juno (Candian Grammy) for Yellowjacket
and English Songwriter of the year (Canadian Folk Awards) also for Yellowjacket
in 2006. He has a busy time ahead touring and recording with Canadian
super-group Blackie & The Rodeo Kings but continues to work on solo
material. Last year he teamed up with fellow songwriter Andy White (from
Belfast) and toured in Canada and the UK; their debut album Fearing &
White received great reviews and coverage from the UK and Canadian media
<http://www.fearingandwhite.com>.
No 2012 touring plans, enquiries considered for 2013.
Songwriter to the stars?
BUDDY MONDLOCK (USA) <http://www.buddymondlock.com>
Buddy Mondlock writes songs. He does it so well that some great songwriters
have recorded and performed them, Guy Clark, Nanci Griffith and Janis Ian, to
name a few. But there?s nothing quite like hearing the writer sing them. In the
early '80s Buddy was a regular on the Chicago club scene, then in 1986 he met
Guy Clark at the Kerrville Folk Festival, leading to a publishing deal with EMI
Music and a move to Nashville. Buddy?s third album, Poetic Justice,
championed by Bob Harris brought him to wider attention in the UK. In 2002 he
toured with Art Garfunkel and Maia Sharp promoting the collaborative album Everything
Waits to Be Noticed and his last album The Edge of the World won him
the Indie Acoustic Project Best Album of 2007 in the male singer
songwriter category. Buddy?s still writing songs, ?cause that?s what he does
and that?s who he is and a new album is in the can and will be released autumn
2012.
Different Strings representing:
Steve Tilston <http://www.stevetilston.com>
& with The Durbervilles (in association with GPS Music Artists)
Karen Tweed <http://www.karentweed.com> & with May Monday, the No1 Ladies
Accordion Orchestra, Hell Said the Duchess, Kevin Dempsey, Johnny Coppin
Andy Whittle <http://www.andywhittle.com>
Clive Gregson <http://www.clivegregson.com>
yearly May & November
Buddy Mondlock (USA) <http://www.buddymondlock.com>
Dana & Susan Robinson (USA) <http://www.robinsongs.com>
August - October 2012/June & November 2013
Rebecca Pronsky (USA) <http://www.rebeccapronsky.com>
March/April 2013
Corinne West (USA) <http://www.corinnewest.com>
Stephen Fearing (Canada) <http://www.stephenfearing.com>
& Fearing & White <http://fearingandwhite.com>
Appalachia (UK) <http://www.appalachiamusic.co.uk>
Different Strings also takes enquiries on behalf of:
Jim Reynolds <http://www.jimreynoldsmusic.co.uk>
Issy & David Emeney with Kate Riaz <http://www.issyemeney.co.uk>
Diana Johnstone <http://www.dianajohnstone.com>
Ian Sherwood (Canada) <http://www.iansherwood.com>
Dave Gunning (Canada) <http://www.davegunning.com>
Paul O?Brien (Canada/UK) <http://www.paulobrien.ca>
Walter Strauss (USA) <http://www.walterstrauss.com>
Louise Taylor (USA) <http://www.louisetaylor.com>
Sally Barris (USA) <http://www.sallybarris.com>
We?ll be sad to lose you of course, but if you prefer not to receive
information via the Different Strings emailing list, please reply to this