Burgess Hill: Waterson Carthy, Rob Halligan, Gareth Davies-Jones, Julie Hall
It was a great coup for Fairtrade fundraisers in Burgess Hill to
attract folk supergroup Waterson Carthy to the Martlets Hall, and a
healthy crowd turned up to hear some of the classic performers from the
UK folk scene.
The first half of an evening styled 'Faith, Folk and Freedom' presented the Christian content in the sandwich: singer-songwriters Rob Halligan and Gareth Davies-Jones, and local pianist, singer and violinist Julie Hall.
Rob and Gareth have been touring for a number of years now, often under a Fairtrade banner, and their mix of spiritual, protest and storytelling songs is always entertaining and thought-provoking. Rob was struggling with a throat infection (and had guitar lead problems during one song) but still managed a rousing rendition of Dancing With Seagulls, his song recalling growing up as a teenager in sunny Worthing.
Gareth's style is generally more reflective and his standout song from a short set was Princess Victoria, a moving and haunting tale of a ship lost on the route from Stranraer to Larne. The pair also combined effectively on the moody and rhythmic Butterfly Trapped on the Underground.
Julie Hall, joined by a percussionist and guitarist, combined a ringing singing voice with some deft instrumental dexterity with songs such as Days of Wine, Bluebells Rising and Healing for Broken Wings. Perhaps a tendency to talk too much in between songs detracted a bit from her set.
It was a good opening to the evening, but it was clear the audience were largely there for the main act, and a blistering set from folk legends Martin Carthy, Norma Waterson, Eliza Carthy and Saul Rose truly did the business.
The easy banter of the musicians, couple with the storytelling introductions and fantastic vocals and musicianship had the audience hooked from the off. Carthy's unique guitar coloured every song, often driven rhythmically by daughter Eliza's virtuoso fiddle and Saul Rose's astonishing accordion playing. Norma's rich voice led and underpinned many of the songs, often traditional but not always traditionally delivered.
The Bay of Biscay, I Wish That The Wars Were All Over, Black Muddy River and My Flower, My Companion & Me were among the standouts as well as a trio of vigorous jigs from Eliza and Saul.
Another legendary family member, Michael Waterson, was introduced for "a couple of little ditties" in unaccompanied, sharply observed and colourful songs from the docks, and the whole show became a rolling, spontaneous, family gathering that lifted everyone's spirits.
Truly English folksong at its most compelling - both the traditional loving rendered, and the more modern reinvigorated. A very good evening indeed.
Russ Bravo is Editor of Inspire magazine
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