Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea
Fri 27 Jan
Self-proclaimed “bluegrass with an attitude” band The Special Consensus ride the wave of fame all the way to the UK as they continue to gain notoriety with each album. With several nominations and awards under their belt, like the 2012 Best Bluegrass Album Grammy nomination and 2016 IBMA Instrumental Recorded Performance Of The Year Award for their song Fireball, The Special Consensus have taken their guitars and banjos over to Britain again as they tour internationally in their 42nd year as a band.
Unlike most bands that have been around this long, The Special Consensus somehow manage to maintain their freshness rather than losing their sound with age. The reason for their years of success? Their pristine vocals and exceptional playing. Their 18th record, Long I Ride, contains collaborations with ex-band members and friends alike, and despite not receiving as many IBMA awards as their previous album Country Boy: A Bluegrass Tribute To John Denver, their 2016 album is still as impressive as the others.
Recognising the absence of bluegrass musicians in places like the UK, the band was able to capitalise on this with tours and further their success internationally. Playing Swansea for the first time in late January, The Special Consensus hope to be as big of a hit in the UK as on their previous tour, in 2015.
Tickets: £tbc. Info: 01792 295526