Burnett’s Hill Chapel, Martletwy, Pembrokeshire
Wed 21 Mar
Flying the flag(s) for folk music, The Furrow Collective fuse a (sometimes) modern feel to traditional storytelling. Formed in 2013, the English/Scottish quartet – Lucy Farrell (fiddle, viola, voice), Rachel Newton (harp, fiddle, voice), Emily Portman (banjo, concertina, voice) and Alasdair Roberts (guitars, voice) – are the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young of the folk world.
The women met at Newcastle University, later performing as The Emily Portman Trio for 10 years; all have worked with different projects as well as being soloists. As with the debut Furrow Collective LP, At Our Next Meeting, their latest, 2016’s Wild Hog, is critically acclaimed. Containing favourites as Barbara Allen, Dear Companion and Willie’s Fatal Visit, the album deals with timeless subjects such as love, death, sex, murder, the supernatural, jilted sweethearts and revenge.
While their retellings can be dark and sorrowful, the group infuse their work with humour along with tragedy. Their video for Wild Hog In The Woods is a surreal cartoon that will make you think you‘ve had one too many. They have gorgeous harmonies and a respect for music that’s so inspiring. By continuing to plant and spread the seeds for this music to flourish, the Furrow Collective are handing-down and helping to preserve roots that will last for years to come.
Tickets: £10. Info: 01646 651725 (RLR)
