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Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin

Venue: forest LIVE
Town: New Forest
Date: 11/8/13 Website: www.philliphenryandhannahmartin.co.uk

Beginning with a tune from India the duo took no prisoners. Every song brimmed full of energy, building momentum through carefully mapped arrangements and considered use of the many instruments in their folk orchestra. Clever changes in texture and a broad sonic landscape characterised the set allowing both Henry and Martin to take centre stage. Each song was compelling and the duo provided a poignant context for each story as well as numerous musical hooks to draw the audience into their music.

Henry and Martin invoked diverse subject matter and storytelling provided the lynchpin for their set. There was an original song dedicated to Caroline Herschel, the first woman to be awarded a gold medal by the Royal Astronomical Society. Another of Martin's compositions draws on Toni Morrison's award winning novel 'Beloved'. Entitled 'Thirty Miles' the song is based on a speech given by plantation slave Sixo in which he explains why he travels so far to visit his female friend.

Little wonder the Guardian recently said of Henry and Martin's Cambridge Folk Festival performance: 'the duo has a combination of virtuosity, intensity and charisma'. Their musicianship is incredible. Henry's hands free beatbox harmonica whipped an otherwise sedate Sunday evening church hall audience into a frenzy even before he added falsetto, bass line and stomp box. Such crisp delivery and truly remarkable arrangements are rare. Their innovative exploration of each instrument is skilful and widely sidesteps being labelled as gimmicky. With so many years ahead of them, it is exciting to consider what lies ahead for Henry and Martin.

forest LIVE is a volunteer run initiative to bring live music to a rural location in the south of England on the second Sunday of the month. Great homemade food, an informal atmosphere and a warm welcome has allowed their audience to enjoy a feast of music making over the past twelve months. forest LIVE supports local musicians and provides a platform in this quiet location for top class touring artists such as Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin. The evening began with a set from local teenager Alex Crossley whose self-penned songs and undeniable raw charm earned him a fee of £76 from the busker's box.

Henry's & Martin's new album 'Mynd' is released on 2nd September 2013. A full list of tour dates is available on their website.

Louise Jordan