Headwater - In the Dock

Saw these fellas at In the Dock on Friday night. They turned in a set of real power, mixing low key numbers featuring great vocal harmonies with some fine rockin! Their self deprecating humour was refreshing too - great musicians who aren't up there own arses! Come back to Yorkshire anytime guys.
Tour dates and stuff at Headwater

Headwater - In The Dock 15th October 2010

Headwater Live - "Freight Train" from Jenn Strom on Vimeo.

Kate says,
Headwater Oct 15th 2010
Hearing Headwater is like listening to the West Coast of Canada in song. Freewheeling, fierce, sentimental and sexy, the Vancouver, B.C., quartet has earned its reputation as one of the finest acoustic roots groups around the old-fashioned way.

Since forming in 2001, the group has logged in thousands of kilometres criss-crossing Western Canada and playing to anyone and everyone willing to give it some love. With hooks, driving rhythms, adventurous steel guitar and mandolin solos, and beautiful three-part vocal harmonies all featured in tight, concise under four-minute songs, they found fans fast. Or they roped them in at first, street busking before gigs rather than hanging out waiting for crowds to come to them.

Tickets from In The Dock
They also do a great cover of 'I Kissed a Girl', we like!

Calling all Fiddlers

Stan writes:

Hey Andrew,

I'm not sure how I picked up on your blog. I too am a regular In the Dock attendee but the main purpose of this contact is something other. Recently I have teamed up playing guitar with a gentlemen banjo/mando player from the hill country near Stokesley and we're on the look out for another player to join our efforts, something like a fiddler, concertina or even whistle.
This sort of thing is new to us both, my friend has a history of playing for dancers, morris etc. whereas I've done mainly bass playing for blues and country bands. We're both of a certain age and are doing british and american folk tunes but not too sure for what purpose.
If you are acquainted with any players who may fit the bill above please refer them on to me. Someone has mentioned a players' night starting up in January at Bagby Airfield, maybe we'll go an long and see if we can find anyone interested.

Thanks for reading.

S

Thanks for dropping me a line. Fiddlers seem to be in short supply round here, wouldn't mind finding one myself! If anyone is interested contact Stan - stan.robinson@live.com

Good luck, maybe have a beer at the next In the Dock?

Andy

In the Dock 2010

Kate writes;

Two great artists for 2010 at the Thirsk Courthouse

Buy tickets online at http://www.inthedock.net/

www.myspace.com/martinstephenson
Martin Stephenson - Feb 26th 2010
Leader/songwriter with the Daintees, Martin's musical education came from the cascading waterfall of Ray Manzerac's piano in the Doors, Jim Morrison & Patti Smith's stream of conciousness, John Cooper Clarke's machine gun poetry and the 'against the business angelhood' of Jonathan Richman.

Martin evolved into an unusual songwriter in the early 80's, writing idiosyncratic flavours way beyond his years. Making his name more as a strong performer and anti industry bard, relating more to outsiders and hobbyists than fame hungry networking lemmings.

King Croesote - April 16th 2010
Fife's finest, King Creosote, aka Kenny Anderson, is a man of many hats. Previously lead singer with the Skuobhie Dubh Orchestra, and head honcho of the Fence collective, he has created a unique and very Scottish alt folk scene helping the likes of James Yorkston and KT Tunstall along the way. His album 'Bombshell' was released to critical and commercial success and helped earn him an appearance on 'Later with Jools Holland'. His distinct, heartfelt songs manage to achieve the sense of being new whilst still feeling achingly familiar, leading one critic to call his lyrics. His new album "Flick The Vs" was released in April this year on the Domino label.

www.myspace.com/kingcreosote

Carrie Elkin and Danny Schmidt

This video doesn't fully do justice to Carrie Elkin's voice, which in the acoustics of the Old Courthouse was stunning. Although both Danny and Carrie were amplified she could pretty well blow the room away unaided with her soaring vocals. The pair where a great complement to each other, alternating songs throughout the evening and although Elkin's vocals took centre stage, Danny Schmidt's stronger playing gave us a great night out.

There's a couple of really great nights coming up in the New Year with King Creosote and Martin Stephenson. Can't wait. www.inthedock.net

Danny Schmidt & Carrie Elkin

Here's a little taster of Danny Schmidt and Carrie Elkin who'll be playing In the Dock at the Old Courthouse in Thirsk on Friday night. If you fancy coming along, click on the poster in the sidebar and get yourself some tickets!

Texas comes to the Thirsk Courthouse

Kate writes:
Best friends, Carrie Elkin and Danny Schmidt, have two things in common. They both hail from Austin, Texas and they’re both singer/songwriter powerhouses, with reputations as big as the state they honed their distinct musical talents.

On Friday 11 December, they’re switching the southern states for North Yorkshire, as they drop into The Old Court House, Thirsk, promising a real treat for all folk and acoustic fans.

Both solo performers in their own right, they’ll be playing a selection of each others songs, which span the entire spectrum of the folk music genre. Danny is much a wordsmith as he is a composer. There are sparse backdrops of harmony (vocals, strings, and accordion) as well as a little touch of this and a tiny pinch of that, all tastefully placed and painted for the benefit of the songs. This is the kind of music you’ll want to envelop yourself in at 2am, after a couple drinks, a little loose and strangely attuned, and with the lyrics on your lap so you can follow along, line by line and turn by turn.

As for Carrie, she’s currently hitting new heights with her latest album, The Jeopardy of Circumstance, which has been described by Bob Harris as making the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. He likened her to a wonderful mix of Patti Griffin, Nancy Griffith and Iris DeMent. Her voice is fantastically expressive, bringing her poetic lyrics to life. She can captivate an audience with just a guitar and a voice, like very few can.

Successful, clever and critically acclaimed artists in their own right, but together they’re a folk music tour de force. So wrap up and venture out to see these two, you won’t be disappointed.

Carrie Elkin and Danny Schmidt will be performing at The Old Courthouse, Thirsk on Friday 11 December, tickets £10, doors 7pm. To buy tickets visit www.inthedock.net, call 01845 595 980.

Chris Helme - In The Dock

Kate writes:

Hot on the heels of the Fleet Foxes' J.Tillman, In The Dock's fastest selling gig, comes Yorkshireman and Seahorse singer, Chris Helme on November 6, supported by The Lost Brothers.

Chris Helme is described by some as having a voice like he's the love child of Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald. Whether that's true or not, he's certainly an undeniable talent (and a North Yorkshire one at that). John Squire could see it when he handpicked him to head up his post-Stone Roses project, The Seahorses, in the late nineties. After a string of hit singles, 2 world tours and a top ten album the band went their separate ways. Chris returned home to work on his own music and that's when five-piece band 'The Yards' was formed with fellow York musicians and their eponymous first album was released in 2005.

Fast forward three years and you see the solo fruits of this accomplished and experienced musician, whose song writing and singing possesses a honed craft and emotional depth that these days are often hard to find. On stage at The Old Courthouse he'll be performing from his debut solo album, Ashes, which reflects a stripped down sort of sound that echoes the early acoustic work of Neil Young with hints of Tim Buckley-esque vocals. Many of the songs feature only lightly finger picked guitar lines and Helme's emotive vocals: a treat for any acoustic fan.

Supporting the wonderful work of Chris Helme is Irish duo, The Lost Brothers. A pure love of music brought this pair together and their shared passion ensures that the music they make has every bit of them in it. Their smooth voices coast effortlessly over their uplifting, yet subdued, melodies. Though their roots are most certainly in Ireland, you're charmed by the country influences and the Simon & Garfunkel type harmonies. This is the sort of music that sooner or later you'll find your toe involuntarily tapping to as it consumes you in a big bubble of downright loveliness.

Chris Helme and The Lost Brothers will be playing at The Old Courthouse, Thirsk on Friday 6 November, doors 7pm, tickets £10. To buy tickets visit http://www.inthedock.net/, or call 01845 595 980.

J Tillman - In The Dock

A sell out night in Thirsk for a perfomance by Josh Tillman from Fleet Foxes.
I took some video (but it was crap) so here's a clip from You Tube so that you can see what you missed - 'Master's House'.


Coming up:


Chris Helme - November 6th 2009
Yorkshire man Chris Helme headlines this double bill. Chris first came to fame singing with John Squire's Seahorses but has since cut out a successful solo career. The Fly describes him as 'one of the most eloquent and raucously British voices in the last two decades'.

The Lost Brothers, are an Irish duo hailing from the mountains of Omagh and a mining town called Navan. Their acoustic Americana styled songs come from the heart, Mark and Oisin's voices carry a feeling of both strength and vulnerability and it captures the very essence of the human spirit.

www.myspace.com/chrishelmesolo
www.myspace.com/thelostbrothersmusic

Deer Shed Festival

Deer Shed is a baby festival waiting to be born next year. It's the offspring of In The Dock, gigs hosted at The Old Courthouse, Thirsk, North Yorks. I've offered to join the gang and help out organising and delivering, and hopefully we can get something good going in rural North Yorkshire. God knows we need it! but as you can see from the photos the festival has two key things going for it; a fantastic site and Kate and Oliver from In The Dock who are busy building up a roster of musicians such as Boo Hewardine, the Groanbox Boys and others who may feature on the lineup.
If you want to see how things progress drop into the Deer Shed Blog and keep a couple of days free for 17th July 2010!

In The Dock Autumn Gigs

Kate and Oliver from In The Dock write:

Hi All
Hope you’re all enjoying the Summer. We’ve been busy booking 3 shows for the Autumn and we’re very excited to announce our first show on Saturday 10th October as J Tillman of the Fleet Foxes performing works from his new solo album. We’re honoured that he’s agreed to call into The Old Courthouse, Thirsk in between shows in Glasgow, Manchester and London.

Tickets can be bought from our website – www.inthedock.net, or reply to this email or call us.

The two other shows are equally as brilliant and worth noting in the diary:

Friday 6th November – Double bill of Chris Helme and The Lost Brothers

Friday 11th December – Danny Schmidt and Carrie Elkin

We hope to see you in the Autumn.

Kind regards

Kate & Oliver

Rachel Harrington and Zac Borden

Saw Rachel Harrington and Zac Borden at In The Dock, Thirsk last night, they were great. Rachel has an amazing voice and Zac played some fantastic mandolin during a set were they played their own songs and a couple of covers. Great night, catch em if you can.

http://www.msplinks.com/http://www.rachelharrington.net/
http://www.zakborden.com/

Rachel Harrington: Summer's Gone

Here's some video of Rachel Harrington who's playing In the Dock at the Old Courthouse, Thirsk on 22nd May. The Song is Summer's Gone from her debut album The Bootlegger's Daughter.

Rachel Harrington - In the Dock May 22nd

Kate from In the Dock writes:
Hi there,

Just a quick email to remind you that tickets are now on sale for Rachel Harrington on 22nd May at The Old Courthouse. You can purchase them by visiting http://www.inthedock.net/

‘With Rachel Harrington, no journey’s required; this lady is the very embodiment of Americana. Born and raised in small town Oregon, Rachel lived on a diet of bluegrass. Together with a strong gospel influence and her dad’s secret stash of Motown records, there’s no disguising her roots. Compared to some of her contemporaries, Rachel’s music is sweet and thoughtful, yet packs an unassuming punch when delivered with such a striking voice. She’s chalked up a couple of (highly acclaimed) albums and already the likes of Bob Harris are among her many fans. You get the feeling that this lady and her sublime music have much further to travel; so catch her whilst you can.’

Rachel will be appearing on Mary Ann Kennedy’s show ‘World On 3’ on BBC Radio 3 on Friday 24th April at 11.15 pm (or you can always ‘listen again’ on BBC website). Otherwise visit her website http://www.rachelharrington.net/.

The show will open with the talented young singer songwriter Lights. Lights will be come to us direct from a headline show at Fibbers in York and this is definitely an up and coming artist to watch out for. His music and style reference both Bon Iver and Ray LaMontagne, he’s really worth catching. Hear him at his myspace page: www.myspace.com/lightsyork

Emily Barker and the Red Clay Halo - Disappear

In the Dock, 20th March, The Old Courthouse Thirsk.

Girls vs Boys - 20th March The Old Courthouse, Thirsk

Kate from In The Dock sent:




















A humdinger of an evening in prospect with boys versus girls. Opening with Serious Sam Barrett, David Broad and Michael Rossiter. Each an amazing performer in their own right they come together in a guitar, banjo and washboard picking frenzy with inspiring vocal confidence and a real joy in their old time Americana influences.

This year saw Australian Emily Barker and her all girl band perform at Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk Festival and also support Jose Gonzalez. Emily and co bring the intimate sounds of guitar, violin, cello, accordion and flute to a captivating night of alternative country at The Courthouse. If you happened to have caught BBC1’s drama ‘Wallander’ starring Kenneth Branagh you will have heard Emily Barker. Her track ‘Nostalgia’ was used as the title music for the series.

Fans of Lucinda Williams, Martha Wainwright and Gillian Welsh should not miss this unique billing.

TICKETS, CAN NOW BE BOUGHT ONLINE BY VISITING http://www.inthedock.net/