New Sounds
07-10-2010
A few days ago I was given a rather wonderful gift: I am now the proud owner of a beautiful mandola. Give me a little time, and I should be able to add its sounds to the repertoire.
News
Just came back from a Lucia rehearsal - Can't wait, it's sounding magical! I bring you a warning, though: Of the two venues we'll be visiting, the 8.30pm is now fully booked. A few people may still be able to squeeze in on the night, but please come to the 6.15pm showing if you want to be sure! See details on GIGS.
We've finally finished the first cautious mix of the first completed song on the coming album. There's plenty more to do, and it'll all be heard in time - but in the meantime, I can tell you that this song is 'In Praise of Grey', and that you can watch its brilliant guest guitarist, Michael Watts, play by clicking HERE.
I'm excited to say I'll be doing an interview for BBC radio Devon and Jersey, to be broadcast on Valentine's day. The folk show is at 5 p.m. on Sunday the 14th of February, and, well, at some point in the show I'll be talking and singing. If you're not within broadcasting reach, you can hear it over internet: There's a listen live button on BBC Devon's homepage which you can find HERE.
On Sunday the 13th of December it's time for the annual Swedish St Lucia procession to take over Exeter! I'll be joined by a number of gorgeous singers, both natives and swedes, to sing the Swedish songs and hand out traditional treats. You can find out details by clicking on 'gigs', and you can read an article about it published in Western Morning News by clicking HERE.
MaJiKer, the Paris-based producer/musician who produced my first album, will be coming to the UK to showcase his latest offering. This will be a performance of catchy, playful and experimental pop, a glorious musical universe very different from my usual one. But - If you go to the show at London ICA on the 9th of November, you will catch me doing a small guest appearance... You can find out more about him on THIS LINK.
...including the shy ones! On the 13th of December, I'm running a Swedish St Lucia procession in Exeter, and anyone is welcome to join! If you haven't experienced one yet, you'd basically be processing about in a white costume while singing in Swedish (all abilities welcome - I'll teach you!). It sounds wierd, but it's really rather magical. If you' like to take part or have questions, just let me know.
Yet another last minute booking: On Thursday the 8th of October, I'll be supporting Jackie Oates at Exeter Phoenix. Jackie is a winner of two well deserved BBC folk awards, and is just generally a lovely singer of English folk. In my support slot, I just might find the guts to perform 'Lantern' from the previous news entry... You can find links and details under GIGS
At my return to the UK, I'll be doing a local radio interview for Phonic FM 106.8. So if you want to hear me sweat (and sing a few songs) you can tune in on Monday the 31st of August, at 6.30 p.m., if you're in the Exeter area. And if you're not in Exeter, you can follow this link to hear it live on the internet.
If you're curious about what's been happening in the studio, I've made a small album of snapshots from ongoing recordings and popped in on my facebook page. Just follow this link and click on 'photos', and you can explore an album showing the recording of the nyckelharpa, and other strange and wonderful instruments...