Gavin McNamara
@tallfolk46.bsky.social
📤 134
đź“Ą 265
đź“ť 44
Teaches English. Writes about (folk) music for Bristol 24/7, Fatea and Tradfolk.
Daisy Rickman was brilliant at Strange Brew, Bristol last night. My review for
@bristol247.bsky.social
is just here...
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Review: Daisy Rickman, Strange Brew - 'Daisy is a wizard, a mystic and a true star'
Daisy Rickman is a painter, filmmaker, photographer and musician from Mousehole, Cornwall
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/review-daisy-rickman-strange-brew-daisy-is-a-wizard-a-mystic-and-a-true-star/
2 months ago
0
1
0
If
@thefolkarchive.bsky.social
is to be believed (and we definitely should believe them - The Lost Folk is a brilliant book), then these little local festivals should be cherished. Ham Farm Festival in Bristol was great.
@bristol247.bsky.social
share.google/zyN93VILTqk7...
loading . . .
Review: Ham Farm Festival - 'A hidden gem'
A folk festival hidden in a garden tucked in a suburban corner of Emerson's Green... Who knew?!
https://share.google/zyN93VILTqk7VQYRT
3 months ago
1
3
1
Folk music is always changing, always shifting. Right now, it's Broadside Hacks and Shovel Dance Collective that are staging the revolution.
open.substack.com/pub/tallfolk...
loading . . .
Les Caravanes - The Folk House, Bristol
Les Caravanes - Folk House, Bristol
https://open.substack.com/pub/tallfolk/p/les-caravanes-the-folk-house-bristol?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=7akmy
3 months ago
0
1
0
The brilliant travelling Folk Club, Les Caravanes, stopped off at The Folk House in Bristol last night. My
@bristol247.bsky.social
review is just here...
share.google/HWo9BhoUBogF...
loading . . .
Review: Les Caravanes, Bristol Folk House - 'A folk revolution'
A roving folk club drops in to Park Street
https://share.google/HWo9BhoUBogF9KE2J
3 months ago
0
0
0
Another fantastic night
@downendfolkroots.bsky.social
on Friday. Lizzy Hardingham and Dan Sealey were great. My
@bristol247.bsky.social
review is just here... Review: Lizzy Hardingham, Downend Folk & Roots - 'Opens her lungs and pins the audience to the wall'
share.google/PfJhu4tORP60...
loading . . .
Review: Lizzy Hardingham, Downend Folk & Roots - 'Opens her lungs and pins the audience to the wall'
This show, as always, is a celebration of the power of real music in real places enjoyed by real people
https://share.google/PfJhu4tORP60FcbcP
3 months ago
0
0
1
reposted by
Gavin McNamara
Downend Folk & Roots
3 months ago
Our review of last night’s concert, featuring Lizzy Hardingham and her band, with support from Dan Sealey, is now up on the website. Thanks to
@tallfolk46.bsky.social
(words) and Barry Savell (photos) for capturing the evening for us.
downendfolkandroots.com/index.php/54...
.
0
2
1
So many great gigs here...
add a skeleton here at some point
3 months ago
0
1
0
Ann Liu Cannon at
@roughtraderecords.bsky.social
in Bristol was great last night. My review for
@bristol247.bsky.social
is just here:
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Review: Ann Liu Cannon, Rough Trade - 'Fury bubbles beneath beauty'
Radiant on a hot day, Cannon belongs in a sweet, wholesome folk club setting
http://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/review-ann-liu-cannon-rough-trade-fury-bubbles-beneath-beauty/
3 months ago
0
0
0
On a ridiculously hot evening
@downendfolkroots.bsky.social
,
@caradillonsings.bsky.social
was wonderfully cool. My
@bristol247.bsky.social
review is just here...
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Review: Cara Dillon, Downend Folk & Roots - 'Languid grace, tenderness and enormous fun''
Acclaimed Irish singer Cara Dillon chose an oven-hot night to visit Bristol
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/review-cara-dillon-downend-folk-roots-languid-grace-tenderness-and-enormous-fun/
4 months ago
1
2
2
@samkellymusic.bsky.social
was so good at Thekla in Bristol last week. Euphoric Folk music for everyone. My review for
@bristol247.bsky.social
is just here...
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Review: Sam Kelly, Thekla - 'Huge-hearted euphoria'
The boat plays host to a BBC Radio 2 Folk award-winner
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/review-sam-kelly-thekla-huge-hearted-euphoria/
4 months ago
1
1
0
Look at Lucy's brilliant review from the Cube on Friday. Top, top writing.
add a skeleton here at some point
4 months ago
1
1
0
@ellyhopkins.bsky.social
was so good at The Ill Repute in Bristol last night. Dusty, fuzzy Americana of the highest degree.
@bristol247.bsky.social
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Review: Elly Hopkins, the Ill Repute - 'Brushed drums and a bruised heart'
The Old Market pub with lived-in charm was the perfect place for Hopkins' debut single launch
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/review-elly-hopkins-the-ill-repute-brushed-drums-and-a-bruised-heart/
4 months ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Gavin McNamara
Downend Folk & Roots
5 months ago
“The truly remarkable thing about Holly Clarke is her voice, and it is when she sings unaccompanied that she becomes incredibly special." -
@tallfolk46.bsky.social
Here’s another video of
@hollyclarkemusic.bsky.social
from Friday’s concert.
loading . . .
Holly Clarke - Strawberry Town (live at Downend Folk & Roots)
YouTube video by Downend Folk & Roots
https://youtu.be/wx_JIrryepc
0
1
1
Amelia Coburn was brilliant at The Louisiana in Bristol last week. Superb literate folk-goth.
@bristol247.bsky.social
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Review: Amelia Coburn, the Louisiana - 'Shapeshifts and enchants'
It's a Bristol debut for this literate folk-goth singer songwriter from Middlesborough
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/review-amelia-coburn-the-louisiana-shapeshifts-and-enchants/
5 months ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Gavin McNamara
Downend Folk & Roots
5 months ago
Thanks as always to
@tallfolk46.bsky.social
(words) and Barry Savell (photos) for capturing the evening.
#livemusic
#folkmusic
#downend
#bristol
READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE:
downendfolkandroots.com/index.php/53...
loading . . .
Downend Folk & Roots - REVIEW: "EVERY OLD STORY SPRINGS BACK TO LIFE"
Downend Folk & Roots
https://downendfolkandroots.com/index.php/535-reviewmay2025hollyclarkelorelament
0
2
1
The first of my live reviews on Substack. Bristol Folk Festival was brilliant this year. Highlights -
@katherinepriddy.bsky.social
@heartwoodchorus.bsky.social
Talisk, The Goblin Band, Filkin's Ensemble and The Askew Sisters.
substack.com/@tallfolk/no...
loading . . .
Bristol Folk Festival 2025
Bristol Folk Festival - St George’s and The Folk House, Bristol
https://substack.com/@tallfolk/note/p-163327597?r=7akmy
5 months ago
0
1
2
I've just posted my first review on Substack. It's the brilliant new
@rachaelmcshane.bsky.social
album, which I reviewed a while ago but was never published. Read it here..
open.substack.com/pub/tallfolk...
loading . . .
Rachael McShane & The Cartographers - Uncharted
Seven years on from When All is Still, Rachael McShane emerges from the back of the Bellowhead bus with an album that's, at turns, deliciously warming, oddly disquieting and as danceable as you like.
https://open.substack.com/pub/tallfolk/p/rachael-mcshane-and-the-cartographers?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=7akmy
5 months ago
0
0
0
Bristol Folk Festival is always the highlight of the Folk-y year. It was brilliant this weekend. Highlights?
@heartwoodchorus.bsky.social
Talisk, The Goblin Band,
@katherinepriddy.bsky.social
, Martin Simpson, The Askew Sisters and more
@bristol247.bsky.social
www.bristol247.com/festivals/re...
loading . . .
Review: Bristol Folk Festival - 'Music to stir the blood'
The Park Street folk party's smorgasboard of musical delights did not disappoint
https://www.bristol247.com/festivals/reviews-festivals/review-bristol-folk-festival-music-to-stir-the-blood/
5 months ago
1
1
1
May is full of Folk-y, Roots-y wonderfulness in Bristol. Highlights include
@skinnylister.bsky.social
, Opa Rosa, Amelia Coburn, Flook and Rheingans Sisters
@bristol247.bsky.social
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Bristol's month in Folk and Roots - May 2025
May is the best month of the year for Folk & Roots in Bristol
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/bristols-month-in-folk-and-roots-may-2025/
5 months ago
0
1
1
@hannahscottuk.bsky.social
and
@corujajones.bsky.social
on Friday at
@downendfolkroots.bsky.social
- yet another great Downend gig.
@bristol247.bsky.social
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Review: Hannah Scott, Downend Folk & Roots - 'It is everything that makes life worth contemplating'
Music and entertainment runs in the family for Hannah
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/review-hannah-scott-downend-folk-roots-it-is-everything-that-makes-life-worth-contemplating/
6 months ago
0
2
3
There's a wonderful Folk Choir "thing" going on just now - Bristol's own Heartwood Chorus are right in the centre of it. Here's my review of a glorious celebration for the release of their brilliant debut EP.
@bristol247.bsky.social
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Review: Heartwood Chorus, the Mount Without - 'The finest of celebrations'
A celebratory evening of song and dance headed up by Bristol's premier folk choir
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/review-heartwood-chorus-the-mount-without-the-finest-of-celebrations/
6 months ago
1
3
0
These "Live at Lunchtime" gigs
@downendfolkroots.bsky.social
are brilliant. Detta Kenzie was perfect on Saturday - warm, welcoming and superb.
@bristol247.bsky.social
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Review: Detta Kenzie, Downend Folk Club - 'Tugs on the divide between the real world and the magical'
A Devonian singer with a crystalline voice and a talent for appealing to all-comers
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/review-detta-kenzie-downend-folk-club-tugs-on-the-divide-between-the-real-world-and-the-magical/
7 months ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Gavin McNamara
Downend Folk & Roots
7 months ago
Our review of Saturday’s Detta Kenzie concert is now up on the website. Thanks to
@tallfolk46.bsky.social
(words) and Barry Savell (photos).
downendfolkandroots.com/index.php/52...
0
3
1
Bristol is packed full of amazing Folk & Roots gigs in March.
@downendfolkroots.bsky.social
@bristolbeacon.bsky.social
@stgeorgesbris.bsky.social
and so many more places
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Bristol's month in Folk & Roots - March 2025
A mix of folky style music for the merry month of March
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/bristols-month-in-folk-roots-march-2025/
8 months ago
0
1
0
reposted by
Gavin McNamara
Sam Sweeney
8 months ago
BOSS ALBUM REVIEW! If you haven't bought the album yet, get on it. I'm so proud of it, and there aren't that many left!
add a skeleton here at some point
1
13
3
The Boss Morris album, featuring
@samsweeney.bsky.social
, Rob Harbron & Miranda Rutter is absolutely awesome. Incredible modern folk music.
@tradfolk.bsky.social
tradfolk.co/performance/...
loading . . .
Boss Morris - Boss Morris, a review - Tradfolk
If there is one thing that we know for certain around these parts it is that, ironically, traditions have to change in order to stay alive. We cannot hark back to the “good old days”; we cannot ignore...
https://tradfolk.co/performance/morris-dancing/boss-morris-boss-morris-a-review/
8 months ago
0
4
3
The Brothers Gillespie were incredible on Friday
@downendfolkroots.bsky.social
. Support from Liz Simcock - utterly timeless too.
@bristol247.bsky.social
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
The Brothers Gillespie, Downend Folk and Roots - 'Utterly timeless'
Two actual brothers with incredible voices pay a visit - from Northumberland - to the popular folk club
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/the-brothers-gillespie-downend-folk-and-roots-utterly-timeless/
9 months ago
0
0
0
The Brothers Gillespie and Liz Simcock were amazing
@downendfolkroots.bsky.social
last night. Brilliant modern folk songs.
@fateamagazine.bsky.social
www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/liv...
loading . . .
FATEA - Home
Fatea Magazine Home Of Acoustic Music
https://www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/live/TheBrothersGillespie4.php/
9 months ago
0
1
0
I reviewed more than 50 gigs for
@bristol247.bsky.social
and
@fateamagazine.bsky.social
. Huge highlights were
@samsweeney.bsky.social
, Eliza Carthy,
@topette.bsky.social
@downendfolkroots.bsky.social
and so many more...
tall-folk.com
loading . . .
TallFolk
Folk-y live reviews
https://tall-folk.com/
10 months ago
0
4
1
So many brilliant Folk & Roots gigs to kick off 2025 in Bristol.
@downendfolkroots.bsky.social
The Brothers Gillespie, Emily Barker, Fritillaries, Windbourne, Joshua Radin and lots more...
@bristol247.bsky.social
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Bristol's month in folk and roots - January 2025
New year, new music: there are tons of folky gigs to go out and enjoy this month
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/bristols-month-in-folk-and-roots-january-2025/
10 months ago
0
0
0
Janice Burns and Jon Doran have made the perfect album for a winter-y day. It's full of chillness and warmth,it's brilliant. My Tradfolk review is just here...
tradfolk.co/music/review...
loading . . .
Janice Burns & Jon Doran - Great Joy to the New, a review - Tradfolk
As we take that headlong plunge through the late parts of the year, things can get a bit depressing. Going to work in the dark, coming home in the dark, there’s not much fun to be had. Fortunately, th...
https://tradfolk.co/music/reviews/janice-burns-jon-doran-great-joy-to-the-new-a-review/
10 months ago
1
0
0
The Unthanks were delightfully festive
@bristolbeacon.bsky.social
last night.
@bristol247.bsky.social
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Review: The Unthanks, Bristol Beacon - 'A box of wyrd-folk delights'
A fitting tribute to the season, the show exclusively features tracks from the North East's group's stunning In Winter album
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/review-the-unthanks-bristol-beacon-a-box-of-wyrd-folk-delights/
10 months ago
0
0
0
A Winter Union are the perfect way to celebrate the festive season. They amazing
@downendfolkroots.bsky.social
on Friday. Heartwood Chorus were brilliant too.
@bristol247.bsky.social
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Review: A Winter Union, Downend Folk and Roots - 'By the end, we're all giddy'
A festive folk feast served up by some of England's finest
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/review-a-winter-union-downend-folk-and-roots-by-the-end-were-all-giddy/
10 months ago
0
0
1
The new album by The Unthanks, In Winter, is a festive fantasia. Wonderfully varied and perfectly Unthanks.
@tradfolk.bsky.social
tradfolk.co/music/review...
loading . . .
The Unthanks - In Winter, a review - Tradfolk
Last week, we brought you the inside track on the making of In Winter, the new seasonal album The Unthanks. Now, Gavin McNamara brings you his thoughts on the 70-minute long winter fantasia… Way back ...
https://tradfolk.co/music/reviews/the-unthanks-in-winter-a-review/
11 months ago
0
1
0
Loads of brilliant Folk & Roots gigs in Bristol in December. Highlights? The Unthanks, Three Cane Whale, Winter Union, Awake Arise, Heartwood Chorus and loads more.
@bristol247.bsky.social
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Bristol's month in folk and roots - December 2024
The flow of gigs doesn't slow this month, with pre-Christmas musical gifts for everyone
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/bristols-month-in-folk-and-roots-december-2024/
11 months ago
0
1
0
Bella Hardy at the Folk House in Bristol. A great voice and loads of "feminist bangers". Brilliant.
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Review: Bella Hardy, Folk House - 'Heavenly, rogueish and playful'
The set was jam-packed with feminist bangers and fun as well as Hardy's stunning voice and fiddle playing
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/review-bella-hardy-folk-house-heavenly-rogueish-and-playful/
11 months ago
0
1
0
Kris Drever is just one of the best Folk-y singer-songwriters that we have. He was so good last week at The Folk House in Bristol last week.
@bristol247.bsky.social
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Review: Kris Drever, Folk House - 'Fills your heart'
https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bristol247.com%2Fculture%2Fmusic%2Freview-kris-drever-folk-house-fills-your-heart%2F&utm_campaign=aga&utm_source=agsadl1%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4
11 months ago
0
1
0
Two of Bristol's finest bands absolutely smashed it Strange Brew last week. Sheelanagig & The Schmoozenbergs never let you down. Bouncy folk and gypsy jazz. Perfect.
@bristol247.bsky.social
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Review: Sheelanagig, Strange Brew - 'Wild and raucous'
Two of Bristol's liveliest bands joined forces to celebrate a big birthday - and it was as foot-stomping as you'd imagine
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/review-sheelanagig-strange-brew-wild-and-raucous/
11 months ago
0
2
0
There's a real possibility that Opa Rosa are the best Klezmer/Balkan/Greek/Roma band that you'll ever see.
@thejamjar.bsky.social
is the finest place to see them.
@fateamagazine.bsky.social
search.app?link=https%3...
loading . . .
FATEA - Home
Fatea Magazine Home Of Acoustic Music
https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fatea-records.co.uk%2Fmagazine%2Flive%2FOpaRosaLive.php%2F&utm_campaign=aga&utm_source=agsadl1%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4
11 months ago
0
2
0
Granny's Attic are such a great live band. They were awesome
@downendfolkroots.bsky.social
last week. Heather Ferrier, as support, was brilliant too.
@fateamagazine.bsky.social
search.app?link=https%3...
loading . . .
FATEA - Home
Fatea Magazine Home Of Acoustic Music
https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fatea-records.co.uk%2Fmagazine%2Flive%2FGrannysAtticLive2.php%2F&utm_campaign=aga&utm_source=agsadl1%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4
11 months ago
0
7
1
Is it possible that they just get better and better?
@bellowhead.bsky.social
in Bristol
@bristolbeacon.bsky.social
were superb.
@thelongestjohns.bsky.social
the perfect support.
@fateamagazine.bsky.social
search.app?link=https%3...
loading . . .
FATEA - Home
Fatea Magazine Home Of Acoustic Music
https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fatea-records.co.uk%2Fmagazine%2Flive%2FBellowheadLive.php%2F&utm_campaign=aga&utm_source=agsadl1%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4
11 months ago
0
1
0
Folk music that is ridiculously exciting, utterly thrilling - the new Bonfire Radicals EP is brilliant.
#folkmusic
@tradfolk.bsky.social
tradfolk.co/music/review...
loading . . .
Bonfire Radicals - Flywheel, a review - Tradfolk
Release Date5 November 2024Bonfire Radicals - FlywheelExciting and down-right bonkers, Flywheel from Bonfire Radicals is five tracks of eclecticism that will have you glowing with a childish sense of ...
https://tradfolk.co/music/reviews/bonfire-radicals-flywheel-a-review/
11 months ago
1
3
0
Granny's Attic were so much fun at Downend Folk & Roots on Friday. A brilliant live band. Heather Ferrier was great too.
#folkmusic
#Bristol
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Review: Granny's Attic, Downend Folk & Roots - 'As fresh and manic as ever'
BBC Young Folk award nominated musicians played to a packed out folk club
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/review-grannys-attic-downend-folk-roots-as-fresh-and-manic-as-ever/
11 months ago
0
5
0
Are Opa Rosa the best Klezmer/Greek/Roma/Balkan band that you've ever heard? Yes. Yes they are. Absolutely astonishing at The Jam Jar in Bristol on Thursday.
#folkmusic
#bristol
#bristol247
search.app?link=https%3...
loading . . .
Review: Opa Rosa, Jam Jar - 'Serious European grooviness'
The Bristol band threw a Balkan dance party to celebrate the release of their second album
https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bristol247.com%2Fculture%2Fmusic%2Freview-opa-rosa-jam-jar%2F&utm_campaign=aga&utm_source=agsadl1%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4
11 months ago
0
1
0
Bellowhead were so good in Bristol on Tuesday.
@thelongestjohns.bsky.social
the perfect support. The Beacon was bouncing. And grinning.
search.app?link=https%3...
loading . . .
Review: Bellowhead, Bristol Beacon - 'An unhinged party on a sinking galleon'
The multi-legged folk beast are back to remind audiences what they've been missing
https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bristol247.com%2Fculture%2Fmusic%2Freview-bellowhead-bristol-beacon-an-unhinged-party-on-a-sinking-galleon%2F&utm_campaign=aga&utm_source=agsadl1%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4
11 months ago
0
4
0
So many great Folk & Roots gigs in Bristol in September.
www.bristol247.com/culture/musi...
loading . . .
Bristol's month in folk & roots - September 2024
September in Bristol is absolutely packed with a whole load of folk
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/bristols-month-in-folk-roots-september-2024/
about 1 year ago
0
1
0
WOMAD was wonderful this year. Some brilliant folk-y things- Genticorum and Cerys Hafana - but unexpected treats too. Saigon Soul Revival and Bala Desejo were so good.
www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/liv...
loading . . .
FATEA - Home
Fatea Magazine Home Of Acoustic Music
https://www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/live/Womad24.php/
about 1 year ago
0
2
0
The new Sam Carter album is a lovely thing. Dream Pop, Shoegaze and some fantastic song writing.
www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/rev...
loading . . .
https://www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/reviews/SamCarter3/
about 1 year ago
0
0
0
you reached the end!!
feeds!
log in
