What's on
Christina Kulukundis and David Ogilvy
Thursday, 23rd January
Doors 7:30pm, Live Music 8:00pm
Christina Kulukundis is an Anglo-Greek-American singer songwriter based in the UK. Spending summers in the US with her grandparents, she grew up on a diet of American folk-country music of the 1970’s which has influenced her sound. She has released two critically acclaimed albums and performs regularly with David Ogilvy. “Rich in a background of folk and country, she brings a gentle rustic quality to her sweet ache vocals and relaxed melodies. Essential listening.” Tatler Magazine.
David Ogilvy, the Scottish American singer-songwriter and composer, was born in London in 1958 and grew up between London and Scotland, with significant periods spent in the USA. After leaving university, he embarked on the vibrant London club scene of the early ’80s, founding and DJing the acclaimed ‘Soul Furnace.’ This iconic night in Soho showcased rare ’50s R’n’B and early soul, establishing Ogilvy as a tastemaker in the music scene. In addition to performing with a range of artists, including Lucinda Williams, Buddy Miller, and Rufus Wainwright, Ogilvy released his debut solo album, ‘Like It Is,’ in 2003, receiving rave reviews for its fusion of Scottish folk tradition, Americana, and jazz influences. Subsequent albums, ‘Mockingbird’ (2005) and ‘Heaven and Earth’ (2008), further developed these musical strains.
Kelvin Davies & Chloe Turner
Thursday, 6th February
Doors 7:30pm, Live Music 8:00pm
Kelvin Davies & Chloe Turner are rooted in beautifully harmonised voices and intricate guitar work. Their soulful voices and heartfelt performances are captivating. Tapping deep into the history of acoustic roots music and delivering sounds from a past time, expect to hear stunning versions of songs by folk legends such as The Carter Family, The Delmore Brothers and more. Their new EP, ‘Some Songs That We Like’ is certainly one to be on the look out for!
Henry Parker & David Ian Roberts
Thursday, 20th February
Doors 7:30pm, Live Music 8:00pm
Influenced by the acoustic guitar artistry of the 1960’s and 70’s, Henry Parker and David Ian Roberts play a style of folk-guitar music originally pioneered by artists such as Bert Jansch & John Renbourn and more recently Ryley Walker & Bill MacKay. Established singer-songwriters in their own right; the pair of musicians now present intricate instrumental duets from their highly anticipated debut album alongside original, lyrical song-writing. Yorkshire and Cardiff based guitarists Henry Parker and David Ian Roberts met in 2019 when their respective folk-influenced albums ‘Silent Spring’ and ‘Travelling Bright’ were finding their way to new audiences via a series of co-headline tours across England and Wales. ….. The result of this collaboration is an album of all-original, steel-string instrumentals which blur the lines between traditional folk, psychedelia, and progressive music, bound by the beautiful simplicity of two acoustic guitars.
Emily Maguire with support from Jody Prewett
Thursday, 6th March
Doors 7:30pm, Live Music 8:00pm
“Exquisite” (Uncut Magazine)
“A class act” (The Mirror)
“Music for the soul” (Maverick Magazine)
With seven albums and five books to her name, independent British singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, composer and poet Emily Maguire has had 3 singles playlisted on Radio 2, toured the UK extensively with the likes of American legend Don McLean and been interviewed on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, Front Row, Midweek and numerous regional BBC Radio stations.
“A class act” (The Mirror)
Open about her struggles with bipolar disorder, Emily’s experience of mental health recovery and her practice of Buddhist meditation over the past 25 years have strongly influenced her songwriting. With a supremely expressive voice, thought-provoking lyrics and songs ‘bathed in raw, emotional power’ (Guitarist Magazine), Emily’s music is a hauntingly beautiful and profoundly moving experience not to be missed.
Liam Grundy
Thursday, 20th March
Doors 7:30pm, Live Music 8:00pm
Liam Grundy presents an evening of original upbeat songs and some classic bar room ballads – together with Richard Sadler on double bass.
Based in London England, songwriter/vocalist Liam Grundy records and performs solo or with a great band playing Rocking Country and Americana with a Rockabilly Edge. Liam has worked with artists like Dave Edmunds, Scotty Moore, James Burton, Shakin’ Stevens amongst many others. Liam has worked in the US and Europe, Nashville and Memphis and is a well regarded writer and musician. Always a good time evening!
Lost Revellers
Thursday, 3rd April
Doors 7:30pm, Live Music 8:00pm
Lost Revellers are a four piece original folk band from East Sussex. Their music draws on Gypsy jazz, tango, celtic and Eastern-European folk, and mixes traditional instruments with polyphonic electric string and synth sounds. Jazz and blues infused violin solos intertwine with soaring accordion melodies, infectious bass riffs and fiery percussion to make a unique fusion. Since releasing their debut ep in 2017 the band have toured extensively in the Uk, performed in Germany and had their music used in films and played on radio including BBC Radio 3. Their first album Midnight Circus was released in 2019 and their new album Sunrise and Seamonsters was released in April 2023.
Dave Ellis & Boo Howard
Thursday, 17th April
Doors 7:30pm, Live Music 8:00pm
Dave Ellis & Boo Howard are a long established London based acoustic singer songwriter duo. With regular appearances at festivals and folk clubs, Dave & Boo are an integral part of the British acoustic folk scene and firm favourites with audiences up and down the land. Dave Ellis left Liverpool and headed to London with his guitar at the tender age of 18. He was soon headlining at major venues, getting rave reviews for his extraordinary guitar playing, duetting with Gordon Giltrap and touring with his hero Bert Jansch. Melody Maker listed him as “one of the 6 best guitarists in the world.” With the release of his solo album, radio and TV beckoned and after a spot on the Old Grey Whistle Test, Dave decided to form ‘The Dave Ellis Band’. Boo joined as the bass player and soon became the main singer. The pair became a solid partnership renowned for their unusual blend of powerful songwriting, exquisite guitar playing and beautiful harmonies.
Steve Ashley
Thursday, 12th June
Doors 7:30pm, Live Music 8:00pm
Steve Ashley has long been regarded as one of British folk’s finest singer-songwriters. His reputation for writing contemporary songs inspired by the English Tradition was established in 1974 with his innovative debut album, Stroll On. Since then his songs have been recorded by many leading folk artists including Fairport Convention, Anne Briggs, Ralph McTell and Wizz Jones, Show of Hands, O’Hooley & Tidow, Dave Pegg and PJ Wright, The Arizona Smoke Review, Martin and Jessica Simpson, Grace Notes, Phil Beer, Maggie Boyle, The Bushwackers, The Owl Service, Sproatly Smith and Hannah Sanders and Liz Simmons. He has also played a significant role in the development of British folk-rock, performing as a lead singer with the first Albion Country Band, then with his own Ragged Robin and various line-ups of The Steve Ashley Band. He has also performed occasionally with members of Fairport Convention.
FORTNIGHTLY AT CUTS, FRITH STREET
Soho Folk and Blues is a fortnightly unplugged and acoustic night in deepest Soho, featuring the best acts the London folk and blues scene has to offer in an intimate environment on alternate Thursdays at Cuts on Frith Street.