Always known about this event, now celebrating its tenth year, but for some reason have never bitten the bullet and bought a ticket or in this instance a wristband. But when I saw the line-up for this year’s event it was a must buy and especially as early bird tickets were only £20 for the two nights. Brother in arms for the duration is trusted lieutenant Andy who was on for this event as soon as I mentioned it.
If you haven’t heard about it, it’s a Hackney takeover for all music genres linked to what people call Americana and that’s one rabbit hole we don’t need to go down in terms of what is Americana?. Over the course of these two nights I’m still none the wiser but whatever it is we saw some great music. The setup is simple, six venues within 5 minutes walking distance, over seventy acts, all playing a thirty minute set. We saw twelve artists taking in four of the six venues over the two days so that works out at less than £2 a set. An absolute bargain.
So here’s a hop skip and a jump of those acts we saw.
Tuesday 24th January
Our Atlantic Roots
Venue 1 is the Hackney Brew Company where we welcome Cornish based, via Yorkshire and North Carolina, husband and wife duo who open the whole night and deliver an excellent set of what is probably the nearest that comes to my definition of Americana over the two days. Lovely harmonies, story songs and great guitar pickin to boot.
Maz O’Connor
Onto the Hackney Social and next up its some sweet folk music from Maz. Just an artist and acoustic guitar singing heart felt songs on a cold January night. Lovely stuff.
Miko Marks
In complete contrast and one of my must sees at the event after delivering one of my favourite albums of 2022 ‘Feel Like Going Home’ is the superb Miko Marks. Americana it aint but it’s a fantastic fusion of blues, soul, gospel, r’n’b and country. A stunning passionate set that is over far too quickly and who more than lives up to my expectations? Whats more impressive is the six piece pick up band who she only met on the day who were faultless and you would never know it’s the first time they had played these songs. Please, please come back soon.
Early James
A short walk across the road the Oslo for another one of my must sees Early James. Joined on stage with just a bass player the duo delivered a faultless set of acoustic country blues. His pickin is a blur and I still don’t know how some of those notes came out of his instrument as his fingers were moving so quickly. The between song banter is both self-deprecating and funny and if nothing else they both will leave the country with a new phrase in their vocabulary of Oi Oi, saveloy. (You had to be there)
Madison Violet
It’s back to the social for this band who seems to have been around for many years. This three piece are on great form with some lovely harmonies as they dip into their back catalogue and end the night putting smiles on every one of a certain age’s faces with a rousing version of ‘you make me feel like dancing’. Leo Sayer would have been proud.
Lizzie No
Closing the night back at the Brew Co is Lizzie No, unknown to me but after this wonderful set will definitely be checking out the back catalogue. Shifting between acoustic and mini harp with a set based on the narrative of the songs rather than what would be convenient to her. It’s a beautiful end to night one
Wednesday 25th January
Jesse Guise
We could easily have stayed in the Hackney Church Brew Company all night on day 2 such is the quality of the artists here and first up is Jesse Guise. For me it was pleasant enough although a bit wordy and some of the high notes were a little grating to my ears.
Caleb Caudle
This was definite watch for me as Caleb is a quality songwriter weaving stories of America with a great voice to boot. Another one of those please play another thirty minutes moments but sadly finishes too quickly. It was nice to chat with him after the show and we reminisced about the last time I saw him supporting Danni Nichols in the cellar of a tiny old pub in Winchester. Bought the new album as the tracks he performed were excellent.
Nigel Wearne
The surprise set of the evening with unknown artist to me Aussie Nigel Wearne. What a tight show switching between guitar and banjo with a penchant of songs about historic and Australian political events delivered in a unique wide ranging voice. One to watch that’s for sure.
Emily Scott Robinson
Last set in the Brew Co. until we move on and another one of the must see moments. After seeing Emily last year at St Pancras Church in support of her brilliant album ‘American Siren’ I wasn’t going to miss this one. It was a lovely set of oldies and also some tracks from her new EP where she was joined by Violet Bell who also played on the record. The three part harmonies were beautiful and Emily is a super talent and her aura and joyful persona just fills every room she plays.
Darling West
It’s a short skip to new venue for me, Paper Dress Vintage, which is exactly as it’s says on the tin, selling vintage clothing by day, putting on gigs upstairs at night. It’s a Ja records takeover tonight with an all scandi line-up and we are here for the last two acts. First up is Darling West who I’ve been a long-time fan of but never seen live. The duo are fleshed out tonight as a four piece all bedecked in matching beige outfits and it’s a wonderful set full of catchy tunes, beautiful harmonies, exquisite playing and a second banjo showing. Lovely stuff and cant wait for the new album out in March.
Malin Pettersen
And so it all comes to an end with the diminutive Malin Pettersen closing the festival. Small in stature is more than made up with a sublime voice that sends shivers down the spine such is its strength and range. She is joined by a great three piece band keeping the rhythm moving along with some fine harmonies. A terrific way to end these last two days with I would suggest the highlight of the festival.
In summary this is a must do for fans of Americana?? Providing a great showcase for a wide range of acts some known and some not in an excellent environment catering for shows of different sizes with the sound spot on at every show.
See you next year
Keep on Americana rockin’ y’all