Double header for folk and poetry fans at The Apex
Lovers of folk music can enjoy two back-to-back shows at The Apex next month from Cara Dillon (pictured above) and Gigspanner.
Cara has one of those rare talents you only come across a handful times – a staggeringly beautiful voice which reaches inside the soul of a song and imbues it with sweetness, poignancy and depth. The Irish singer has been captivating audiences for over 20 years with, according to Mojo magazine: “Quite possibly the world’s most beautiful female voice.”Her first new material in nearly six years, “Coming Home” blurs the lines between spoken word and song in a unique collection of poems accompanied by original music written by Sam Lakeman.
Skillfully weaving songs from her back catalogue throughout the set Cara shares personal memories of her native County Derry and the people and places she holds closest to her heart.
Meanwhile, The Gigspanner Big Band (pictured) have been described as a unique force in British folk music.
Beginning life as a trio – with legendary Steeleye Span fiddle player Peter Knight, percussionist Sacha Trochet and guitarist Roger Flack – the line-up has been expanded to form the band, with BBC Folk Awards “Best Duo”, Edgelarks and Bellowhead co-founder and melodeon player John Spiers.
Working with author Raynor Winn, they have created “Saltlines”, an immersive odyssey which explores the beauty, stories and traditions of the South West Coast Path.
The thought-provoking compositions, written and vibrantly performed by Raynor, are artfully wrapped around traditional songs and tunes gathered from the south-west.
Cara Dillon is at The Apex on Wednesday, November8, at 7.30pm and Gigspanner play the following day, Thursday, November 9, at 7.30pm.
See www.theapex.co.uk or ring 01284 758000 for more information or to book tickets.