Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac are the two angel-voiced singers who make up Madison Violet; formerly known as Mad Violet (which was confused with 80’s psychedelic band The Mad Violets one too many times so they extended their name to something a little sweeter). They met on the patio of Toronto Bar The Green Room, [...]

At last, indie-folk bluegrassers Mumford & Sons have announced their debut album. One of the most eagerly anticipated (at least in the folkingcool offices) of the year, Sigh No More will be released on 5 October through Chess Club Recordings. Produced by Markus Dravs, the might behind Arcade Fire and Bjork.

The [...]

Michael Cross calls time on Broadstairs Folk Week

The ukulele’s thrust for global dominance continued on the closing day of Broadstairs Folk Week with a triumphal sea-front march. Yes, 100 players of the bonsai guitar really did strum their way to glory, chord changes indicated by blasts on Rod Arthur’s whistle, along a promenade [...]

Joy Thomas whoops excitedly

This was one of those gigs where you realise afterwards that you’ve been whispering excitedly about every song “Oh! This is my favourite!…”, “No, THIS is my favourite!”.

I think this gig – at ULU – was the one to make me realise that seeing music live puts it in context; you can [...]

Michael Cross allows his bottom lip a small wobble

Eric Bogle has two fine words for the BNP’s Nick Griffin. As this is a family website, I won’t repeat them, but they received a rousing cheer from the congregation at his farewell tour appearance on Saturday night. Actually, given the level of [...]