Saw Alasdair Roberts play a tiny venue tonight, essentially entertaining the thirty-odd people at the front of the room who actually gave a flying fuck about what he was doing. Apart from the obvious injustice that such a talented and soulful musician is playing to such a small crowd, I am constantly amazed that he isn't snapped up by festival organisers and on the radar of folk club committees. Maybe its because he largely exists outside of the established folk world and as such, doesn't warrant a second thought (even if people have heard of him).

His own compositions are stunning and original and yet clearly deeply rooted in the folk tradition, at least as much so, if not more than the song writing of, say, Chris Wood. His interpretations of traditional material is beautiful - tonight he did a heartbreaking unaccompanied "Banks of Red Roses", and visceral versions of "Long Lankin" and "The Cruel Mother". His arrangements and guitar playing are second to none. And yet his albums are released by an American indie label and available as imports in his home country and he is virtually unknown on the folk scene.

This has got to change. Festival organisers, club organisers: check this out. AND BOOK HIM!

Willie Leonard

Lyke Wake Dirge

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Website

Come on! What are you waiting for!