Right, I won’t lie – I had my doubts about going out to a gig on a Monday night. But I told myself that it would be worth it. On the 27th October 2014, I would get to see the lovely Said the Maiden girls sing again, see Kelly Oliver’s debut album launch (both of which would be worth the entrance fee alone), and hear three other acts that were new to me: Jess Morgan, Maz O’Connor and Luke Jackson. And I wasn’t wrong: it was worth it. For £10, it was a bargain to witness the five incredibly talented acts which made up what I will call ‘The Fantastic Folktober Five’!
The evening began with a set by Jess Morgan. From Norwich, her songs included ‘Modern World’, which considers the pitfalls of modern life, and (probably my favourite song from her set) ‘Freckles in the Sun’, which you can listen to here: http://goo.gl/NJzdxf. To learn more about Jess Morgan, visit her website at www.jessmorgan.co.uk.
Then my girls, Said the Maiden, came onstage!
They opened with ‘Barack Street’, which is a lot of fun. It was great to hear it live after having enjoyed it so much on the album. They also played regulars ‘A Sailor’s Promise’ and ‘I Wonder What Is Keeping My True Love This Night’ (a lovely video of this song can be found here: http://goo.gl/3CkNCu), as well as ‘Fiddler’s Green’, which didn’t seem to get the sing-along it did at St Albans Town Hall in June, but I think the audience enjoyed it nonetheless. They also performed their version of Fairport Convention’s ‘Crazy Man Michael’, as a nod to Dave Swarbrick, with whom they had toured earlier in the year.
They also had a surprise song, which they sang without telling people its name, to see how quickly the audience would recognise it. You could certainly feel the light bulb moment spread across the audience as the girls reached the chorus of ‘Jolene’. Having heard the White Stripes cover of it many times, I did recognise it during the opening lines, despite their slowed-down arrangement. It’s a version I feel will get even better as they gig it a few more times. Funnily enough, it was a song I’d thought would suit them, particularly with Kathy’s voice. I’d also love to hear them do something completely different and unexpected one day, like a folk version of a rock song!
The girls were great as usual – I just wish their set had been a little longer, to get in a few more goodies like the stomping ‘Rolling Sailor’ (with a few Queen ‘We Will Rock You’ lines in the middle – like this: http://goo.gl/0XNpmk!) and their first version of ‘Shady Grove’ (even though their aim is to eventually work through all 300+ verses of the original song).
To learn more about Said the Maiden, visit their website at www.saidthemaiden.co.uk where their wonderful and amazing debut album, A Curious Tale (with artwork by myself) is also available to buy. Do it – you won’t regret it!
Then, as I had also been waiting impatiently for, Kelly Oliver took to the stage. I had first heard her in May, again at Harpenden Public Halls, supporting Said the Maiden and David Swarbrick. She had been a wonderful discovery for me then, so I was excited to hear her play again. Plus, it felt extra special to be there for the launch of her debut album, This Land. I had been playing her EP regularly since May, to the point where I was desperate for her album to come out, so that I could hear more songs and get my hands on others that I’d heard live but weren’t on the EP. One song that was new to me (although I had heard that it was doing the rounds at prestigious radio stations) was ‘Diamond Girl’, on which Luke Jackson also features. The crowd was lucky enough to witness the two sing it this evening. I must admit that although it didn’t grab me at first, listening to it on the album since, it has now been stuck in my head for days! You can listen to it here: http://goo.gl/sspRh8. I hope the pair do another song together in the future, and that they do an extended version of this, as I think that would really work!
I was sad not to hear Kelly’s version of ‘Molly Malone’, as I had enjoyed it so much last time, but with so many quality songs, she was never going to fit them all into one set! And this being the launch of her album, on which this song does not feature, I can understand why she didn’t play it this time. Hopefully another time though, and another CD! However, she did play ‘Grandpa Was a Stoker’, which is one of my absolute favourites.
Upon hearing ‘The Witch of Walkern’ (which is about the last woman in the UK to be put on trial for supposedly being a witch, right here in Hertfordshire), Kelly successfully transferred it to my ‘favourites’ box! It had intrigued me before, but hearing it for a second time meant I was able to grasp even more of the words and enjoy it even more. Listen to it here: http://goo.gl/NZzbNk.
I could go on, but this gig review would double in length, so I may well have to write a review of Kelly’s album later. Suffice to say, she impressed me once again with her light, feminine voice, her emotional, story-telling songs, and her ability to play the guitar and harmonica simultaneously with such skill. As a child, I had really wanted to play the harmonica, but could never figure out how you could use it in a song, so the fact she does this by transferring seamlessly between her singing and playing of the harmonica astounds me. I’ve always enjoyed the sound of the instrument, so that is one of the many reasons why Kelly’s music really appeals to me. I think there need to be more young female singers who play the harmonica in their songs! (Maybe they already exist, but I am just unaware of them?)
To learn more about Kelly Oliver and where to buy her album, This Land, visit www.kellyoliver.co.uk.
Next on was Maz O’Connor. I’d heard her name before, but had no knowledge of her music. Judging by what I’d read online, she is well-respected in the folk world, so it was about time I did! My favourite song by far was ‘Derby Day’, which told the story of suffragette Emily Davison being killed by the king’s horse at the Epsom Derby in 1913, from the perspective of a small boy in the crowd. I think it was a really effective angle to take with the song, as you really got the impression of the chaos and confusion that must have prevailed as the incident took place that day. After the gig, I really wanted to hear it again, and it turns out I can, here: http://goo.gl/nOxJLQ! To learn more about Maz O’Connor, visit her website at www.mazoconnor.com.
Finally, to round the whole evening off, Luke Jackson took to the stage. Again, I had no prior knowledge of this young guy, so I had no preconceptions. But I must admit I did not expect to be so wowed by him. (I should have known that if Kelly Oliver worked with him, then he must be good!) His voice was so powerful that I was nearly knocked off my seat in shock. His music was refreshing and exciting, his lyrics and style very original, and he sang with a self-assurance that was confident but not cocky. I was left with the feeling that he probably takes risks with his music when composing or choosing songs, and the outcomes (as witnessed that evening) pay off. It wasn’t at all predictable.
I particularly loved his “clicking” song (as I called it when I didn’t know its name), which I’ve since discovered is a cover of a song called ‘Grinnin in Your Face’. There’s a great video of Luke singing it within the lovely acoustics of a church here: http://goo.gl/mzioL3. Luke’s version was mesmerising to watch. My only complaint is that it isn’t on any of his CDs yet (he needed some EPs on his merch desk)! I also liked ‘More Than Boys’, which greatly reminded me of times I had with a group of boys I used to hang around with during my school years and during university summers. Listen to it here: http://goo.gl/URcmx8. (Since listening to his album, Fumes and Faith, bought after the gig, I’ve found that ‘Down to the Sea’ also reminded me of those times.) I felt very nostalgic!
To learn more about Luke Jackson, visit his website at www.lukepauljackson.co.uk
And then, sadly, the evening came to an end. We’d enjoyed over four hours of excellent music from five brilliant acts. It was time to buy some albums, chat, take photos and then head home. Folktoberfest was certainly a fine way to see in the autumn season!
A big congratulations to all five acts and everyone involved (including Brian Player and Daria Kulesh who did such a good job of presenting the acts), and to Helen Meissner for putting on such a quality evening. I can only hope that there will be more like these in the future!
There are more exciting times to come, with the Armistice Pals single coming out on Sunday 9th November (it features Said the Maiden, Kelly and Luke, plus more – see http://goo.gl/TVyRJu) and there will also be Christmas single coming out (I REALLY can’t wait for that – I love the thought of hearing Christmas tunes sung by some of my favourite artists)! I believe the best place to keep an eye out for more information/news on this is http://goo.gl/RPnzfs
So, until the next time, I will continue to listen to Kelly’s This Land and Luke’s Fumes and Faith say, oh, twice a day (it goes so well with my work as a freelance editor and wannabe artist), as well as Said the Maiden’s A Curious Tale – to soothe, amuse and inspire me.
- Chloe Valerie
The evening began with a set by Jess Morgan. From Norwich, her songs included ‘Modern World’, which considers the pitfalls of modern life, and (probably my favourite song from her set) ‘Freckles in the Sun’, which you can listen to here: http://goo.gl/NJzdxf. To learn more about Jess Morgan, visit her website at www.jessmorgan.co.uk.
Then my girls, Said the Maiden, came onstage!
They opened with ‘Barack Street’, which is a lot of fun. It was great to hear it live after having enjoyed it so much on the album. They also played regulars ‘A Sailor’s Promise’ and ‘I Wonder What Is Keeping My True Love This Night’ (a lovely video of this song can be found here: http://goo.gl/3CkNCu), as well as ‘Fiddler’s Green’, which didn’t seem to get the sing-along it did at St Albans Town Hall in June, but I think the audience enjoyed it nonetheless. They also performed their version of Fairport Convention’s ‘Crazy Man Michael’, as a nod to Dave Swarbrick, with whom they had toured earlier in the year.
They also had a surprise song, which they sang without telling people its name, to see how quickly the audience would recognise it. You could certainly feel the light bulb moment spread across the audience as the girls reached the chorus of ‘Jolene’. Having heard the White Stripes cover of it many times, I did recognise it during the opening lines, despite their slowed-down arrangement. It’s a version I feel will get even better as they gig it a few more times. Funnily enough, it was a song I’d thought would suit them, particularly with Kathy’s voice. I’d also love to hear them do something completely different and unexpected one day, like a folk version of a rock song!
The girls were great as usual – I just wish their set had been a little longer, to get in a few more goodies like the stomping ‘Rolling Sailor’ (with a few Queen ‘We Will Rock You’ lines in the middle – like this: http://goo.gl/0XNpmk!) and their first version of ‘Shady Grove’ (even though their aim is to eventually work through all 300+ verses of the original song).
To learn more about Said the Maiden, visit their website at www.saidthemaiden.co.uk where their wonderful and amazing debut album, A Curious Tale (with artwork by myself) is also available to buy. Do it – you won’t regret it!
Then, as I had also been waiting impatiently for, Kelly Oliver took to the stage. I had first heard her in May, again at Harpenden Public Halls, supporting Said the Maiden and David Swarbrick. She had been a wonderful discovery for me then, so I was excited to hear her play again. Plus, it felt extra special to be there for the launch of her debut album, This Land. I had been playing her EP regularly since May, to the point where I was desperate for her album to come out, so that I could hear more songs and get my hands on others that I’d heard live but weren’t on the EP. One song that was new to me (although I had heard that it was doing the rounds at prestigious radio stations) was ‘Diamond Girl’, on which Luke Jackson also features. The crowd was lucky enough to witness the two sing it this evening. I must admit that although it didn’t grab me at first, listening to it on the album since, it has now been stuck in my head for days! You can listen to it here: http://goo.gl/sspRh8. I hope the pair do another song together in the future, and that they do an extended version of this, as I think that would really work!
I was sad not to hear Kelly’s version of ‘Molly Malone’, as I had enjoyed it so much last time, but with so many quality songs, she was never going to fit them all into one set! And this being the launch of her album, on which this song does not feature, I can understand why she didn’t play it this time. Hopefully another time though, and another CD! However, she did play ‘Grandpa Was a Stoker’, which is one of my absolute favourites.
Upon hearing ‘The Witch of Walkern’ (which is about the last woman in the UK to be put on trial for supposedly being a witch, right here in Hertfordshire), Kelly successfully transferred it to my ‘favourites’ box! It had intrigued me before, but hearing it for a second time meant I was able to grasp even more of the words and enjoy it even more. Listen to it here: http://goo.gl/NZzbNk.
I could go on, but this gig review would double in length, so I may well have to write a review of Kelly’s album later. Suffice to say, she impressed me once again with her light, feminine voice, her emotional, story-telling songs, and her ability to play the guitar and harmonica simultaneously with such skill. As a child, I had really wanted to play the harmonica, but could never figure out how you could use it in a song, so the fact she does this by transferring seamlessly between her singing and playing of the harmonica astounds me. I’ve always enjoyed the sound of the instrument, so that is one of the many reasons why Kelly’s music really appeals to me. I think there need to be more young female singers who play the harmonica in their songs! (Maybe they already exist, but I am just unaware of them?)
To learn more about Kelly Oliver and where to buy her album, This Land, visit www.kellyoliver.co.uk.
Next on was Maz O’Connor. I’d heard her name before, but had no knowledge of her music. Judging by what I’d read online, she is well-respected in the folk world, so it was about time I did! My favourite song by far was ‘Derby Day’, which told the story of suffragette Emily Davison being killed by the king’s horse at the Epsom Derby in 1913, from the perspective of a small boy in the crowd. I think it was a really effective angle to take with the song, as you really got the impression of the chaos and confusion that must have prevailed as the incident took place that day. After the gig, I really wanted to hear it again, and it turns out I can, here: http://goo.gl/nOxJLQ! To learn more about Maz O’Connor, visit her website at www.mazoconnor.com.
Finally, to round the whole evening off, Luke Jackson took to the stage. Again, I had no prior knowledge of this young guy, so I had no preconceptions. But I must admit I did not expect to be so wowed by him. (I should have known that if Kelly Oliver worked with him, then he must be good!) His voice was so powerful that I was nearly knocked off my seat in shock. His music was refreshing and exciting, his lyrics and style very original, and he sang with a self-assurance that was confident but not cocky. I was left with the feeling that he probably takes risks with his music when composing or choosing songs, and the outcomes (as witnessed that evening) pay off. It wasn’t at all predictable.
I particularly loved his “clicking” song (as I called it when I didn’t know its name), which I’ve since discovered is a cover of a song called ‘Grinnin in Your Face’. There’s a great video of Luke singing it within the lovely acoustics of a church here: http://goo.gl/mzioL3. Luke’s version was mesmerising to watch. My only complaint is that it isn’t on any of his CDs yet (he needed some EPs on his merch desk)! I also liked ‘More Than Boys’, which greatly reminded me of times I had with a group of boys I used to hang around with during my school years and during university summers. Listen to it here: http://goo.gl/URcmx8. (Since listening to his album, Fumes and Faith, bought after the gig, I’ve found that ‘Down to the Sea’ also reminded me of those times.) I felt very nostalgic!
To learn more about Luke Jackson, visit his website at www.lukepauljackson.co.uk
And then, sadly, the evening came to an end. We’d enjoyed over four hours of excellent music from five brilliant acts. It was time to buy some albums, chat, take photos and then head home. Folktoberfest was certainly a fine way to see in the autumn season!
A big congratulations to all five acts and everyone involved (including Brian Player and Daria Kulesh who did such a good job of presenting the acts), and to Helen Meissner for putting on such a quality evening. I can only hope that there will be more like these in the future!
There are more exciting times to come, with the Armistice Pals single coming out on Sunday 9th November (it features Said the Maiden, Kelly and Luke, plus more – see http://goo.gl/TVyRJu) and there will also be Christmas single coming out (I REALLY can’t wait for that – I love the thought of hearing Christmas tunes sung by some of my favourite artists)! I believe the best place to keep an eye out for more information/news on this is http://goo.gl/RPnzfs
So, until the next time, I will continue to listen to Kelly’s This Land and Luke’s Fumes and Faith say, oh, twice a day (it goes so well with my work as a freelance editor and wannabe artist), as well as Said the Maiden’s A Curious Tale – to soothe, amuse and inspire me.
- Chloe Valerie