Corinne West & Kelly Joe Phelps
Saturday September 18 8pm £12/£14otd

Out of the circus in the sky fell Corinne and Kelly Joe to find themselves covered in guitars, strings, and the remnants of a trapeze artist. Ladies and gentlemen, two of America’s premier singer/songwriters have joined talents creating a stellar new sound. Soul, passion, beautifully laced vocal harmonies and brilliant guitar work are at the heart of their new collaboration. It’s a handful of aces, friends, and like nothing you (or they) have heard before! And now they’re coming to Barton.

CORINNE WEST A fourth generation Californian and musician who performs upwards of 200 shows each year, Corinne has a voice that simply soars. Using her powerfully eloquent voice, coupled with beautifully crafted songs - memorable both lyrically and melodically - she has fashioned a unique identity within American music’s acoustic/roots scene. Her latest record, The Promise, confirms West’s place among the finest young singer-songwriters. Described as “elegant new sexy acoustic jazz-rock-folk”, and “west coast acoustic soul music”, this is a work of deep feeling and deep inspiration, roads travelled and roads less travelled, songs insightful and resonant about matters of the heart, soul and existence.  In concert, Corinne brings a special grace and fire to the stage. Her song-writing strength coupled with magnetic stage presence creates a captivating performance, winning rave reviews at home and abroad. Corinne has toured extensively throughout the US, Canada, Europe and the U.K., and has been featured on national radio in these regions.

“Her most ambitious and enduring record to date. Awash with highlights such as the achingly beautiful title track… The Promise pulls you irresistibly back for more.”

Colin Hall, R2 (Rock ‘n’ Reel), UK  ****

“’I love Corinne’s music and truly believe in her as an artist. She has spirit, integrity and talent. I am a massive fan.” Bob Harris, Legendary British broadcaster, BBC Radio2

“A West wind blew into town on Friday night and its name was Corinne, full of passion, charm and wit and laden down by a truck full of great original songs. This was a night that will be remembered for a long time, a must for venues next time she tours.” Windsor Arts Centre, UK

“It’s a stirring body of work, by turns haunting, gripping and moving – and all wrapped around Corinne’s distinctive smoky vocals.” Oxford Mail, UK

“Spectacularly haunting... eloquently soulful.” Folk and Roots, David Kidman, UK 

“A voice of gold .” Relix Magazine’

KELLY JOE PHELPS Over the course of eight CD’s and 15 years of touring the world, Kelly Joe has established himself as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter with singular vision and fearless purpose. His mix of folk, blues, and jazz has won him praise from the likes of Bill Frisell, Steve Earl, and Cameron Crowe. Kelly Joe has been featured on NPR’s ‘All Things Considered’ and ‘Prairie Home Companion’ as well as numerous BBC and other national radio shows throughout Europe, Australia and Japan. He’s recorded with Townes Van Zandt, Greg Brown, Martin Simpson, Jay Farrar, and a host of others. A brilliant improviser, he is known for his ability to put a new spin on a song every time he plays, inventive and imaginative enough to be able to take multiple styles of music and merge them with his own artistic voice, creating a unique sound both original and universal.

“His music is a wide world with three hundred and sixty degrees of influence… Kelly Joe is a musical slight of hand master. He pulls world wide sounds out of his guitar.”
Tim O’Brien

“He seems to have tapped into the artery somehow. There’s a lot going on in between and behind the notes. He’s been an inspiration to me.” Bill Frisell

“I’m talking about a feeling, a smoky, lonesome, painful – yet somehow comforting groove that let’s you know that you are not alone – even when you’re blue. Play on, brother.” Steve Earl

“At first you think it’s familiar, then you know you’ve never heard anything like this. I love this music.” Leo Kottke

www.corinnewest.com

Click here for booking information

Back to top

Drew Nelson
Friday September 24 8pm £10/£12otd

Every generation has its poets; the writers, musicians, and lyricists who capture the spirit and longings of their time and give expression to our own personal memories and dreams as though they know us.  They tell our stories, giving us the words we need to celebrate or let go.  That is the soil in which singer/songwriter Drew Nelson has been toiling.  Legendary songwriter John Gorka said “Drew’s songs sound like the rest of us feel.  His characters are anything but defeated. They are dazed, angry, amazed and climbing.”  

Drew Nelson’s latest album, Dusty Road to Beulah Land marks a notable growth in his standing as a songwriter and musician. Each song brings another side of Drew to the forefront, expanding beyond his folk-singer roots to embrace wider genres.

In the follow up to Nelson’s acclaimed independent release Immigrant Son, he proves he is not only a great songwriter but also a great storyteller. 

Singer/songwriter Meg Hutchinson says “it’s not often that someone can so aptly give voice to other people’s lives and make us believe every word.” Nelson’s stories are about the people we know, people we wish we knew, and who we are. Drew puts his feelings, and ours, into words and music that capture the spirit and soul of the world around us all with a common thread - hope.  

“Early on every writer has to decide whether to try to get at the truth or just blather,” says Signature Sounds Recording Artist, Peter Mulvey. “As you encounter the characters on this record, it becomes clear that Drew Nelson has dedicated and re-dedicated himself to getting at real human stories. Some of these characters are him, and some are people he knows, and all their stories let us know that Drew is standing in the Midwestern cold, seeing and telling as clearly as he can.”

Drew grew up in Michigan, but escaped the narrow confines of his small-town, Midwestern upbringing by joining the Navy and travelling the world. He was able to see first-hand what was really happening in the world, and come home with fresh eyes to appreciate the realities of life in America. These experiences provided insight and understanding that have found an outlet in songs filled with discovery, revelation, and optimism.

www.drewnelson.net

Click here for booking information

Back to top

The Eduardo Niebla Experience
Friday October 1 8pm £12/£14otd

Hailed as one of the world's great guitarists, Eduardo Niebla appears at Norden Farm with his internationally acclaimed trio to present 'poignantly poetic... and truly breathtaking' (Scotsman) flamenco gypsy jazz. Inspired by tours to India and Jordan and his adopted Yorkshire homeland, Eduardo's stunning compositions are interwoven with a myriad of Eastern colours and his passionate flamenco roots.

In an acclaimed 30 year career Eduardo has worked with many top artists including Nishat Khan (sitar), Lol Coxhill (sax), George Michael & Craig David. He has written music for festivals, films and plays, including for the BBC, and recently wrote the music for the Yorkshire Planetarium with poetry by Ian McMillan.

A spellbinding evening of passion, verve and fleet fingered virtuosity from one of the most potent forces in flamenco jazz fusion.

His concerts appearances have included the Olympic Games Greece, The Tbilisi International Jazz Festival, Georgia, Glastonbury & the Brecon International Jazz Festivals England, the San Isidro Fiesta, Madrid, in addition to numerous international festivals throughout Europe and the Baltic States. He has undertaken extensive concert tours to Eastern and Western Europe, the Middle East, India and South Africa and has received great critical acclaim.

Eduardo has recorded extensively, releasing over 22 cds of his own compositions.

“Niebla is the king of Latin guitar, a world-class virtuoso.” Time Out

"A formidable guitarist and master of today's generation... hugely enjoyable... experimental...with many stunning moments. Unbelievably invigorating." (SONGLINES)

"An imaginative and stimulating instrumental set in which flamenco is infused with classical Indian music and a contemporary jazz edge... top-class playing and beautiful themes... wonderful tracks (which)... completely enfold the listener." (Songlines)

Click here for booking information

Back to top

The Angie Palmer Band
Saturday October 2 8pm £10/£12otd

Described by Bob Harris as “one of Britain’s greatest singer-songwriters”, and undoubtedly the uncrowned queen of British Americana, Angie has been compared to Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Lucinda Williams, but is actually like no-one else. Her potent mix of country, blues, and folk is served up with equal measures of aggression and tenderness, immaculate lyrics and ‘a delicious hair-in-the-voice approach that gives her a tough edge over more fey contemporaries’ Uncut. Angie will be accompanied by her full band as they feature tracks from her new highly acclaimed CD, Meanwhile, As Night Falls.

The music on the new record ranges from bluegrass and rockabilly to simple acoustic country ballads and includes the musically ambitious Weeping Wood, an 8 ½ minute epic described by one French music critic as “an incredible masterpiece.” Angie’s uncompromising genre-crossing mix of country, blues, rock and folk, served up with equal measures of aggression and tenderness has led the British press to call her the “British Lucinda Williams” and while this is not too far from the mark Angie is very much an original artist pursuing her own musical and lyrical path.

The new album is the result of two years of writing, much of which was done while living on the edge of a forest in deepest France. From this remote landscape comes the troubling sense of what nightfall conceals, both literal and symbolic, that haunts the songs on this new record and brings them into a unified artistic vision.

www.angiepalmer.com

Click here for booking information

Back to top

Paul Liddell
Saturday October 30 8pm £8/£10otd

Paul Liddell is already somewhat a veteran of the acoustic music world, having released two solo albums and an EP. Paul is an experienced live performer, his raw and unpretentious delivery combined with the use of live sampling, guitar percussion and layered vocal harmonies provide a great platform for his wonderful songs to shine. As well as touring the UK, Paul has also toured in America, whipping up a storm in several little coffee houses across California. While he was there he performed on a TV show filmed in Time Warner studios in Hollywood, and got his song Brighter Lights placed on a nationally distributed and TV advertised folk compilation CD.

Other live highlights include a show-stopping performance at the Beverley Folk Festival, and a memorable show at the Piperine Free Festival in Milan (where Paul decided to let Sting take the headline spot!). Other artists Paul has shared billing with include Beth Rowley, Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), Karine Polwart, Polly Paulusma, Kathryn Tickell, Nick Harper, Amy Wadge, Nerina Pallot, Billy Bragg and Florence And The Machine. Paul’s songwriting and performance have been recognised throughout the industry, claiming awards for Best Male Artist at the International Acoustic Music Awards, a finalist’s place at the Independent Music Awards, and a winning place in the International Songwriting Competition ‘07.

2008 saw Paul working with acclaimed film director Tony Kaye on some music for his up-coming film project Black Water Transit which is currently in post-production. As well as working on a couple of film projects in the UK, early 2009 saw Paul make it through to the final 10 in Q magazine’s Glastonbury competition, gaining him some huge exposure along the way. Paul recently signed a recording contract with London based label 360 degree music.

“A very good album from a highly talented singer/songwriter/musician” – Maverick Magazine

“Glittering nuggets of irresistible folk-pop gold” – The Crack Magazine

“Hard to compare to other musicians…………… Paul Liddell does it so well that you overlook the rest” – East Magazine.

www.paulliddell.com

Click here for booking information

Back to top

Chris Difford CANCELLED (TOURING WITH SQUEEZE)
Friday November 5 8pm £12/£14adv

Double Ivor Novello Award-winning Chris Difford has been writing lyrics for more than 25 years, most notably with Squeeze. After 13 albums and many top 20 hits, 32 American tours, 30 UK tours and various trips around the globe, Chris decided to stop the merry-go-round and test the waters. His first solo album, I Didn’t Get Where I Am…was released in 2001; a live release, South East Side Story, soon followed before reconvening with songwriting partner Glenn Tilbrook in a Squeeze line-up also featuring early bassist John Bentley for their first UK tour in nine years (‘it’s hard to remember when Squeeze were ever quite as good as this first time around,’ enthused US trade bible Billboard).

Difford’s second solo album on Stiff records came out earlier this year, co produced and written by Boo Hewerdine. The Last Temptation Of Chris received rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic and further secured Chris’s position as one of the greatest lyricists of our time. Songs like ‘Tempted’, ‘Up the Junction’, ‘Cool for Cats’ and ‘Black Coffee in Bed’ still find steady airplay on UK and US radio. Squeeze released The Big Squeeze, a compilation of singles and B sides that went straight into the UK Top 10 album chart, proving the timeless appeal of their music. A live album from their 2007 tour soon followed.

Barton Upon Humber
Apr 28 ‘09

“A great show, what a swing from last night, nice people great sound, small but full venue, tidy and clean. A good curry, our last of the tour.” Chris Difford diary

www. chrisdifford.com

Click here for booking information

Back to top

Esther Miller
Saturday November 6 8pm £8/£10otd

Born and raised in Port Elizabeth, South Africa’s east coast motor city, where she sang in church and school choirs and raided the family Nat King Cole albums for early inspiration. She studied medicine in Cape Town, but soon gave in to the lure of jazz. In a wonderfully back-handed compliment, her alma mater, the University of Cape Town, reflected: “Giving up medicine in favour of Jazz was clearly a wise move.”

She started off as the vocalist with Gerry Spencer’s Jazz Cyclone – one of the leading bands on the South African jazz circuit at the time. During this early apprentice she worked with some excellent players, including guitarists Herb Ellis, Johnny Fourie, Errol and Alvin Dyers - saxophonists Winston Mankunku and Ezra Ngkukana, Bassist Basil Moses, to name but a few.

Esther has honed her technique with classical singing lessons and delved into jazz history to take her inspiration from Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Shirley Horn and Blossom Dearie as well as the jazz/pop of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole.

Recorded works include her 2006 album Dream Dancing, Invitation in 2002 and Say Hello to Esther in 1999 as well as numerous television appearances in SA. The latest addition to her discography is the album Into the Sunlight which was recorded in September. The project is in collaboration with Pianist/Composer, Steve Melling, who has been working very closely with Esther over the past 10 months. The album also features Trumpeter, Steve Waterman; Bassist, Steve Berry and Drummer, John Perry. Peter King performs a guest spot on alto saxophone.

www.esthermillersings.co.uk

Click here for booking information

Back to top

Chloe Hall
Friday November 12 8pm £8/£10otd

Australia’s highly acclaimed Contemporary Folk/Pop artist, Chloe Hall will be bringing over for her first major UK tour from August through November of 2010. She will be backed on stage by two of Australia’s finest musicians, bassist Chris Mildren and percussionist Teal Bain-Roben.

Chloe Hall is an engaging, intriguing and charismatic performer – but it’s the simple, undeniable quality of her songs that leave the listener with such an overwhelming emotion.

“Chloe Hall is the antidote to today’s soulless music charts.” The Sun (October 2009)

“She is sheer joy. A Sixties vibe with a true modern day slant. Love her!” Dirk Maggs - BBC Radio Producer

“A young Nanci Griffith... heartwarming and magnificent!” Daniel Wiles – The South Bank Show LWT

www.chloehall.com.au

Click here for booking information

Back to top

Jackie Leven
Saturday November 13 8pm £10/£12otd

Jackie Leven is a prolific and much underrated troubadour, a world class songwriter and raconteur of hilarious and sometimes tall stories. Master of the wounded ballad form for over 30 years, his songs bring a fine majesty to melancholy.

“Leven is an extraordinary talent, blending his passion for poetry, romantic longing and blues-based memories in a series of great records and riveting live performances” Daily Mirror

“Containing elements of Americana, Hip-Hop, and a picking of bright shiny objects from many other musical genres, all wrapped up in great and unique style by the master musician that is Jackie Leven.”

“Perhaps our greatest musical poet of loss, his songs keenly anatomising the slight but significant shifts of mood, memory and emotion from which we construct our personal histories” **** Andy Gill, The Independent

www.jackieleven.co.uk

Click here for booking information

Back to top

Nick Harper
Friday November 19 8pm £10/£12otd

Son of the legendary UK singer-songwriter Roy Harper, Nick was born in London and raised in Wiltshire. Having played the guitar from the age of 10 and surrounded by the likes of Keith Moon, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and Dave Gilmour as he grew up, it was no surprise when Nick made his recording debut on his father’s Whatever Happened to Jugula? in 1985.

Nick’s talent and energy entranced Roy’s fans and it was inevitable that he would begin touring and recording in his own right. The 1994 EP Light at the End of the Kennel was swiftly followed by his powerful 1995 debut long player Seed prompting The Independent to describe him as “hugely talented.”

In 1996 Nick met Squeeze frontman and songwriter Glenn Tilbrook. Tilbrook was so impressed that he offered Nick a job playing with and supporting Squeeze and promptly signed Nick to his own label, Quixotic Records. Following tours in the UK, USA and Japan, Nick recorded the 1998 album Smithereens with Tilbrook as producer. This album and subsequent 40 date solo tour, including dates in New York and Glastonbury, confirmed Nick as a formidable talent in his own right.

“If imagination, energy and bags of talent were the only factors in making a successful pop career, few would deny that Squeeze man Glenn Tilbrook has backed a winner in Nick Harper…Splendid stuff” - MOJO magazine.

He teamed up with Tilbrook again on 2000’s highly acclaimed album Harperspace. This is the album that confirmed his position at the forefront of a new generation of British Acoustic Performers.

“Nick Harper has a quality that stands head and shoulders above anything else you are likely to encounter…The Verse Time Forgot from the new album Harperspace is as close to a perfect song as you are likely to get.” Edinburgh Evening News

To call Nick a superlative singer/songwriter could put his highly lauded guitar talent in the shade, and to call him a guitarist’s guitarist might slight his distinctive, soulful voice and passionate songs. Not forgetting the wild ride that is one of his live shows - from personal introspection to biting political satire via a charmingly caustic wit that would make Groucho Marx proud. He often segues from his own compositions to well-loved covers he makes his own - he takes on Presley, Zappa, Jeff Buckley, Led Zeppelin, Monty Python and Public Enemy (yes, on an acoustic guitar).

He also has the alarming ability to break guitar strings almost by sheer force of will… and then change them without dropping a beat. For over a decade, he has been dazzling audiences and reviewers alike with this heady mix of virtuosity, boyish charm, showmanship and sheer bravado. His talent and showmanship were recognised in 2003 with a (Glasgow) Herald Fringe Angel award for excellence in live music during his Edinburgh Festival run.

“Harper has so much musicianship in him that it just leaks out all over the place.” The Times

After six studio albums, a double live CD and 2 EPs (including Instrumental, a stunning display of his guitar talents), Nick’s work is still as fresh and vital as that of his first solo release in 1994. The recently released sixth studio album, Miracles For Beginners, was a return to a more stripped-down acoustic based style, from the folk tale of the meeting of King Henry 8th and Francis 1st in 1520 in The Field Of The Cloth Of Gold, to a beautiful Latin tinged paean to the Bolivian President Evo Morales in Evo . But, as with his highly personal 2004 ‘family album’ Blood Songs, he still has time to sing about the most important things in his world - family, friends, love, life.

2010 sees the release of Nick’s 10th CD The Last Guitar. An eclectic mix of 12 songs showing off Nick’s unabashed individuality and bold choices allied to a new maturity. Included are a gumshoe detective story called Pop Fiction; One of the 38, a dedication to the trekkers on the Everest trail and Silly Daddy, which has the recording debut of his daughter Lily.

www.harperspace.com

Click here for booking information

Back to top

Boo Hewerdine
Friday November 26 8pm £10/£12otd

This hugely talented, critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and producer is a former member of the cult group The Bible. Since the group went their separate ways in the early 90s, Boo has pursued a successful career with 4 solo albums under his belt. In addition to his other projects Boo has also enjoyed success writing for other artists, including Eddi Reader (who recorded Boo’s Ivor Novello Award nominated song Patience of Angels), kd lang, Chris Difford and Natalie Imbruglia to name but a few, as well as producing albums for artists including The Corrs and David McAlmont.

Boo has also scored the movies Fever Pitch and Twenty Four Seven. Don’t miss the chance to see him play live - a truly spine-tingling experience!

www.boohewerdine.net

Click here for booking information

Back to top

St Agnes Fountain
Friday December 3 8pm £16/£18otd

The second visit to The Ropewalk for the best Christmas show you’ll ever see. Beautifully played and sung traditional music but with such an edge and groove that can only come from the likes of Chris While, Julie Matthews, Fairport’s Chris Leslie and David Hughes.

In 2001, David was the founder member of the St Agnes Fountain project. Together with Chris Leslie, Chris While and Julie Matthews, the band recorded an album of Christmas music and enjoyed a sell-out December tour that has already established itself as a ‘seasonal tradition’, the band touring with great success each December since with three further albums including a second live album released in December 2005. With four of the best folk performers in the country joining together presenting a wonderful collection of carols, and folk songs with humour.

www.stagnesfountain.co.uk

Click here for booking information

Back to top

Martyn Joseph
Friday December 10 8pm £13/£15otd

Just when you think you’ve got a handle on singer songwriters, along comes Martyn Joseph to blow the myth away.....There’s nothing predictable about a Joseph gig – only that it could make you laugh, cry, get you thinking, leave you reeling. An acoustic artist with an electrifying spontaneity, this colossally gifted and gracious Welshman has five Top 50 hits to his name (including Dolphins Make Me Cry and Please Sir ) and has been in demand on both sides of the Atlantic for over two decades. Touring both solo and with the likes of Ani DiFranco, Art Garfunkel and Jools Holland he has won fans everywhere with his uncanny melting pot of material which ranges from rock to blues, jazz, Americana and even, funk folk!

A mean guitar player with a powerful voice, Bob Harris has praised the “outstanding lyrical intelligence” of his songs while he was voted Best Male Artist in the BBC Welsh Music Awards. Like his acclaimed most recent album that subtly deconstructs some of his best-loved numbers (a 4*MOJO album of the month), Joseph has “evolved” into a consistently mesmerising performer. Shades of Springsteen, Knopfler and Dave Matthews there may be - but Joseph is unique and no two shows are ever the same.

He has an enviable high level connectivity with his audience whether it’s an arts centre in his native Wales or a 5,000 strong crowd at the Royal Albert Hall. His gigs are like taking a rollercoaster ride with a chameleon as he dips and dives between mighty and meek songs, railing against the broken promise playground of global leaders, throwing in some wry humour, holding tight to common man anthems and then ‘disarming’ for unexpectedly fragile love songs that can knock you sideways. It might be just another evening when you go in to a Martyn Joseph concert – but it certainly won’t be when you come out.....

www.martynjoseph.com

Click here for booking information

Back to top

Snake Davis and The Suspicions
Thursday December 30 8pm £16/£18otd

Once upon a time, a long time ago, in the student bar of Leeds Polytechnic, Snake Davis and his Alligator Shoes were born. A soulful unit playing sax versions of Stax, Motown and Atlantic classics. They went on to be embraced by the Northern Soul scene. They lit up the Astoria Ballroom and Central Station, Leeds, as they played to some of the most passionate and committed music-loving crowds anywhere in the world.

The passing years scattered the individual Band members to various parts of the world but the nucleus of Snake Davis, Bass man “Dangerous” Dave Bowie and Guitarist Mark Cresswell came together every year or so to back visiting American soul stars. The three decided to reform The Suspicions and take to the road doing their own show again for the first time after 13 years apart.

Now Snake Davis and The Suspicions is a storming eight piece band with searing sax, soulful vocals and bold brass, guaranteed to get people onto the dance floor. Classic tracks from Atlanta, Motown and Northern Soul, including their own versions of tunes such as The Champion, Sweetest Feeling, Green Onions, Love is Serious Business and Do I Love You.

The band has gone from strength to strength and is considered to be one of the North’s best kept secrets and has been heralded as the best Soul band performing live in the UK today. They feature Snake’s searing Junior Walker-inspired sax, the sumptuous vocals of Doreen Edwards and Sue Quinn, trumpet and a killer rhythm section.

As a backing band they’ve worked alongside Ben-E-King, Frank Wilson, Chuck Jackson, Brenda Holloway, Martha Reeves, Willie Hutch, JJ Barnes, Eddie Holman, Barbara Lynn and many more.

The band recorded Get Ready with the boy band Blue and on DVD collection, The Strange World of Northern Soul – described as “An awesome Northern Compilation.” They have also recorded soundtracks for TV advertising campaigns.

“When I grow up – I want to play saxophone like that guy” Ben E. King

“The incredibly authentic Snake Davis and the Suspicions.” Life and Soul

“The funky Northern Soulster whips his musicians into every mood from happy to ecstatic with just a little sentiment on the way.” Wakefield Jazz

www.snakedavis.com

Click here for booking information

Back to top