For Folks Sake at CUP (05/06)

This article is taken from www.newbeats4u.com and was written by Alex Marx


The evening began with the emergence onto the stage of Olly Jenkins. Looking a bit like James Blunts black sheep brother I had my suspicions, though from the off it was clear we were dealing with something wholly different, The same passion in his performance but with a charisma and grit which belies his more famous look alike. This was followed up by the poetry of Tony Walsh which was a bold, chilling and evocative critique of the modern world. He spoke of the great travesties with both presence and character, met by raucous applause from a crowd clearly move by his words. Tina MvKevitt and Mat Hegarty were very comfortable and well versed performers with a traditional folk styling. Tina's voice being every bit authentic folk with a range and tone as engaging as it was provocative. Connor A's poetry followed.It was was more gentle than Walsh's and perhaps it was his Irish tones but had a harrowing softness and lingered in the mind long after the gig. Finally there was Tom Kitching and Gren Bartley who were both fantastic musicians, interspersing the likes of a traditional Norwegian hat dance with covers of old 50'c blues songs and even a French bourrée. As well as there own contemporary folk pieces which were probably equally intricate and fantastic, 'Grateful for Home' being the highlight. All in all it was a fantastic evening, helped undoubtedly by the venue. Cup served as the perfect location for a folk gathering, serving only tea and cake with garden furniture strewn around the interior. It was a brilliant gig at an ingenious venue.

written by Alex Marx