Christchurch Folk Music Club
Iain Mitchell
Review: Iain Mitchell, 5th July
By Dave Hart
What a breath of genuine Scots air, in more ways than one. A voice like a Scottish gale indeed. I’ve known this wee lad for some decades now and his ability to regale with song and yarns is legendary.
He is steeped in his traditional roots and from an early age has surrounded himself with the music and songs of performers of a very high calibre, such as The Corrie Folk trio, Archie Fisher and Hamish Imlach. He has also appeared on the same bill as such luminaries as Dick Gaughan and Billy Connelly.
His concert at The Christchurch folk club in early July reminded us all of Mitch’s fine stage presence and ability as a folk raconteur. He shared his material as warmly as ever, assisted by three of Christchurch’s finest; Jimmy Young and Davy Stuart and the silky voice of Denny Stanway.
Mitch started with “Spencer the Rover” and “Paddy lay back”. Good to hear his rendition of “Haughs of Cromdale”, reminiscent of Dick Gaughan. A song which always does it for me was “The Flower o’ Northumberland”, with Jimmy on small pipes, contrasting nicely with “Slieve Gallion braes”, with Denny.
The second half kicked off with “Lads of the fair” and “At a country fair dance”, the latter being one of Mitch’s forays into a very different song style. Davy joined Mitch for the next two, “Nor’ land wind” and “Udnie’s wa’s”. No Mitch concert would be complete without “The Engineers’ picnic”, a song of shore leave, followed by a fine version of “If I had a boat”, ably assisted by Denny.
The general mood was then transformed by another of my favourites, Mitch’s very personalised version of Richard Thompson’s “Vincent 52”. If Mitch thought that he could escape the stage after his final song, “Rambling Rover”, he was mistaken as he was forced back to give us “Mary and the Soldier”.
What a refreshing night. It was so good to have songs with which the crowd could join in and so good to have this fine performer in our midst again, to share his love of things Scottish. (To Mitch, “Bantam Of The Opera” have long since forgiven you for taking off up north…please return to us soon to give us all more of our and your favourites.)
Adam McGrath and Esther Swift Friday 21st February 2020
Adam McGrath and Esther Swift a night of contrast and exceptional musicianship. Esther from the Northern hemisphere brought grace, exquisite techniques that highlight her talented compositions juxtaposing against the raw energy of the Southern hemisphere boy, who...
Jackie Bristow: Nashville based singer songwriter on NZ tour – 1 March 2020
Jackie Bristow gave a concert from her heart that optimised her extensive experience on stage to deliver a show of impeccable musicianship. A natural connection with the audience shone as Jackie wove stories with both her words and songs. Truly a night where...
Ceilidh: the dancers pulled on their dancing shoes and enjoyed – 27 September 2020
Sunday 27th September 2020 The dancing shoes were on, and the Ceilidh caller Gary Elford ably with humour and panache led the dancers to step through lively tunes performed by the Ceilidh band comprised of the well practiced session musicians Russell Gillies, Sophia...
The Grainstore Sessions Tour,The Mitchel Family
Saturday 10th October 2020 Jenny Mitchell was on the road for the first time with a new show featuring her sisters, Nicola and Maegan, and Dad - Ron Mitchell. Jenny, Nicola, Maegan and Ron Mitchell concluded the first part of their South Island tour at the...
Good Habits – 15 March 2020
There are times when with quiet dignity the unknown artists take the stage and hold my presence in the palm of their hand. Bonnie and Pete achieved this with compassionate decorum and a gentle understanding that what they were gifting us as an audience was truly...
Elizabeth Braggins and Olivia Wilson: a winning familial duo
The familial connection between Elizabeth Braggins and her daughter Olivia Wilson shone on stage, both their love of each other and the beautiful sounds they were creating were beacons of enjoyment. There was a mixture of solos and duets, audience participation songs...
Open Mic No. 1 2020, Our First Face-to-Face Open Mic Event
More Reviews
Online Mini Concert -17/05/2020
This night offered another opportunity to reconnect with friends, family and fellow folkies. We were treated to three heartwarming acts that brought light to our autumnal night. Locals Rosie Laing and Martin Kraakman, shared both poetry and musical tributes. Rosie's...
Online Mini Concert – 19/04/2020
The inaugural online mini concert. As a way to continue to enjoy live music on Sunday night we will alternate with an online mini-concert 7-8.30pm and an online open mic 4-6pm. We were delighted to begin this series with three stunningly fabulous acts: SteffanyBeck,...
Molly’s Remedy -25 August 2019
25th August 2019 A night filled with vibrant and soulful music, that was awarded a standing ovation from an extremely appreciate audience. Jamie Millar, shone as the opening act. Inspiration for Jamie was fostered from his childhood, from close family: including his...