Saturday 9th September: TOM BAXTER
As the man who co‐wrote the song ‘Better’ – a modern day classic that has become entwined into the fabric of so many people’s lives – Tom Baxter has garnered broad appeal over the years, not only as a dextrous musician, but also due to wearing his heart on his sleeve and connecting ‘in song’ with his audience.
Tom’s music has been placed in numerous Hollywood films, and his achingly beautiful voice has been the backdrop to some of the nation’s most exciting moments over the last few years, from the Beijing Olympics to the coverage of the 2012 Royal Wedding.
Since the release of his first two albums – “Feather & Stone” and “Skybound” – his songs have been covered by artists from Dame Shirley Bassey to Boyzone, as well as having respected names such as Tom Waits, Rufus Wainwright & Gary Barlow (to name a few), tip their hats to him.
For his third album Tom took time out to rediscover his passion for the guitar and love of song-writing. It was a journey that took him from the wilds of Devon, through the foothills of India, the mountains of Southern Spain, and ended in California. The end result was “The Uncarved Block – Part One” which showcases his masterful guitar-playing and the raw, confessional depth of his lyrics and voice.
We are delighted to have been granted a rare solo outing; this will be a show to remember.
Tom will be supported by a duo of talented musicians from Edinburgh Napier’s prestigious music department.
Tickets available via: https://www.musicglue.com/stboswellslive/events/2017-09-09-tom-baxter-st-boswells-village-hall or from St Boswells Post Office, priced £15* (£10 under 18s)
Doors open 7.30pm for an 8pm start.
Saturday 21st October: Bella Hardy with Anna Massie
BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Singer of the Year 2014, Bella Hardy grew up in Edale in England’s Peak District. Although the Hardy family sang in the local choir, it was a combination of her childhood love for ballad books and visits to local folk festivals that decided her future. At 13 she began performing at Cambridge and Sidmouth festivals and in 2004 reached the final of the BBC Young Folk Award, having taught herself to fiddle sing. Following a BA in English Literature and a Masters degree in Music, Bella released her debut album Night Visiting in 2007. One of its songs, Three Black Feathers was nominated for a BBC Folk Award. It was her first original composition.
Since then Bella has continued to record and perform at a tremendous rate; appearing on numerous BBC radio and TV programmes, singing solo in a sold-out Albert Hall at the Proms, composing the music for a Radio 4 documentary on the Post Office, writing with former Beautiful South founder David Rotheray, forming an all-female fiddle group with folk royalty Eliza Carthy, and winning yet another Radio 2 Folk Award for her original song The Herring Girl (2012).
Equally at home as accompanist or melody player, Anna Massie is one of Scotland’s foremost guitarists. A skilled multi-instrumentalist, she also excels on the fiddle, mandolin and tenor banjo. Renowned for her work with Blazin’ Fiddles and Mairearad Green, the past few years have also seen Anna perform with her own band, Bella Hardy, Julie Fowlis, Kate Rusby, Karen Matheson, Capercaillie and Eddi Reader.
We are delighted to be the first show on Bella’s 2017 New Album Tour, and her only Scottish venue on the tour. Support for this show will be by local trio, Lazy Man’s Burden.
Tickets available via: https://www.musicglue.com/stboswellslive/events/2017-10-21-bella-hardy-and-anna-massie-st-boswells-village-hall
Saturday 16th December: Pons Aelius
Pons Aelius are an ambitious young instrumental sextet exploring the traditional and contemporary folk musics of Britain and beyond. With bold arrangements and an arsenal of instruments, the band melds age-old traditions with a fresh and innovative attitude.
After forming in mid-2014, Pons Aelius wasted no time making a name for themselves on the live circuit, winning a prestigious Danny Kyle award at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections festival in January. Since, they have stunned audiences with headline sets at Hexham Gathering, Sage Gateshead and Dentdale Music and Beer Festival, as well as making their first overseas trip to Norway’s Rauland Internasjonale Vinterfestival.
Now in their third year as a band, Pons Aelius have toured the UK three times and established a committed following with their reputation as one of the premier live acts in the North East. They have recently finished recording their debut album, which is set for release in the summer of 2017.
