We were delighted to welcome back our friends, lovely Tasmanian devils Ange Boxall and husband Mike, who were in London for a fleeting visit last week before continuing their grand tour. They’ve spent the last few months touring the US with Ange performing all over the country. Her stamina is unparalleled.
We held on to her long enough in between gigs and meetings to shoot some film on the old railway track that runs from Finsbury Park to Muswell Hill, if you’ve never walked it, you should; it’s a beautiful little hidden treasure, perfect for these sunny days. The acoustics are great under those tunnels, in spite of passing joggers and cyclists, and we got lucky with the last rays of setting sun, not that she needed any added radiance.
Ange’s next UK date is playing mini-fest Frankstock on the 23rd July 2011, which we’re looking forward to. If you fancy a day in Dorset’s rolling hills and a damn fine barn party, hog roast and camp-fire combo then go ahead and book your tickets. We’ll put more info up about it nearer the time, once the full line-up is announced.
We’re in the process of uploading films from the Lantern Society Showcase from last Saturday 5th March.
Though the regular Lantern Society nights can be a bit hit and miss on the talent stakes as they work their way through the 30 or so acts that turn up to play in an evening, their showcases are always guaranteed to be pure talent and a real treat on the ears.
Following their last showcase in January which boasted a spellbinding acoustic headline set from Romeo and Angela from the Magic Numbers, this Saturday was equally rich in sounds with the hugely talented Hank Dogs making a welcome comeback. The thinly-veiled tensions on stage between Andy and Piano left over from their years together were endearing and intriguing and added an intimacy to their performance as they aimed lyrics at each other with accusatory looks and entwined their always complimentary guitar and vocal styles around each other. We filmed the majority of their set to share with you, so click through on the link below and check our YouTube site for other tracks from their set. More will be coming in good time so check back and watch the full show.
There were also quality performances from Simon Stanley Ward, Greg Harrisburg, Joe Wilkes and our recently featured Pete Greenwood, performing songs from his new album as well as some fantastic covers of Ryan Adams and Townes van Zandt, some of which we also caught on film and will follow shortly.
Headlining was Lantern co-organiser Benjamin Folke Thomas and his full band who put on a suitably energetic and rambunctious performance for a Saturday night. The Oliver Reed of the London folk scene, Ben and his band punched out some of their classics to a more than willing audience, almost too much for some, as one audience member got sick and had to be assisted from the crowded basement. We witnessed a similar reaction at a recent BFT band outing as someone developed a nosebleed as the band cranked it up. Is this a sign of things to come? “Nosebleed country”?
We also caught most of the BFT Band’s show on film and have uploaded highlights for you to check out.
The Lantern Society continues to run as usual, 1st & 3rd Thursday of every month at the Betsey Trotwood. The next Lantern showcase which will be part of the Camden Crawl on the 30th April 2011. More news here nearer the time or check their site for details.
There’s also a Lantern Radio feature coming up on the 12th April on Bob’s Folk Show featuring club favourites and regulars. Keep an eye on our featured listing for more info.
Best heckle of the evening: A request for ’10th Avenue Freeze Out’ from sick-boy. Got the thumbs up from us. Judgement clearly not totally impaired by booze.
A few images from the first Lantern Society Showcase at The Betsey Trotwood. The night was sold out and packed to the rafters. The bill featured full sets from George Frakes, Josienne Clark, Song Dog, Jack Day, Jason McNiff and Angela and Romeo from The Magic Numbers.
Angela and Romeo played a stunning headline set that had the whole room captivated, personal highlight was a cover of Papa was a Rodeo by The Magnetic Fields.
The next Lantern showcase is at the Betsey on the 5th of March. Tickets are £5 again, get there early to make sure you get in!
A group of five music fans and makers, film takers, image makers, some-time tour managers, ex band managers, music journalists, archaeologists, banjo players, prize drinkers, sharp thinkers, festival tinkers and a whole host of other things too numerous to go into here. We'd like to share what we love about the Folk|Country|Blues we are lucky to be surrounded by here in London and give you access to some of the talent we see and hear. Use us to keep up to date with what's on, who's playing, what's coming whether you live here or are just passing through.
Contact us at: info @ notesfrommtpleasant.com
We were delighted to welcome back our friends, lovely Tasmanian devils Ange Boxall and husband Mike, who were in London for a fleeting visit last week before continuing their grand tour. They’ve spent the last few months touring the US with Ange performing all over the country. Her stamina is unparalleled.
May 12, 2011
Kathy Magee
Notes from Mt. Pleasant 