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Martin Simpson, Andy Cutting, Nancy Kerr

Venue: Corduroy Folk Club
Town: Southport
Date: 25/9/14
Website: http://www.martinsimpson.com/
http://www.andy-cutting.co.uk/
http://www.kerrfagan.com/

The Corduroy Folk Club at the Atkinson in Southport has presented some of Britain's top folk artists and tonight was certainly no exception. Indeed, we were treated to a stunning show by three of the very best -Martin Simpson, Andy Cutting and Nancy Kerr. When I heard that they were touring as a trio, I could not wait to see them. And I was definitely not disappointed!

Martin, Andy and Nancy need no introduction from me. Suffice to say that Martin and Nancy have recently being playing together as members of The Full English and on The Elizabethan Sessions. Martin also plays on two tracks on Nancy's superb, recently released solo album "Sweet Visitor".

Martin and Nancy joined up with melodeon maestro Andy Cutting "to play the music we love" and what great music it was.

After a short but very enjoyable set from folksinger/archaeologist Alastair Vannan, Martin, Andy and Nancy took to the stage for the first of two sets.

Their repertoire was eclectic to say the least, as we had old-time country music ["Richmond Cotillion" and "Ruben's Train/Train On The Island"]; country blues ["Stealin' Stealin'" by the Memphis Jug Band"; Irish ballads ["The Boston Smuggler"]; a Child Ballad in 5/4 time ["Cruel Mother"] and even a new genre, known as "Morris Noir"["Angel Hill"].

Additionally, each of three musicians contributed some of their own compositions. Andy brought along a gorgeous waltz called "Seven Years" and "I like Him He's Common" [which refers to a remark made about Cecil Sharp when he was collecting songs in the Appalachians!].

Martin contributed his thought-provoking song "Toy Soldiers" which is about the breeding of pheasants for shooting and the devastating effect that it has on indigenous predators which are killed by gamekeepers to protect the birds which are either shot or run over on the road [estimated at three million a year].

Nancy demonstrated just what an amazing songwriter she is with her contributions. As well as two songs from her album "Sweet Visitor" [ "Hard Songs" and the superb "Lie Low"], Nancy sang two excellent new songs that she had written "before breakfast" especially for this tour, "Not Even The Ground" [about fracking] and the delightful "Dark Honey"[about urban bees ]. Of the latter song, one of my companions said that hearing it was worth the admission price alone, and I would have to concur.

Another absolute highlight was a marvellous version of "The Plains Of Waterloo", which featured some amazing Indian-sounding bottleneck guitar from Martin. Outstanding.

It was clear that the three musicians up on stage were enjoying themselves as much as the audience were. As Martin put it "This was the most fun ever" and it would be impossible to disagree with him.

Of course, the crowd demanded an encore and we got a superb version of Martin's "The Lakes Of Pontchartrain" to finish off what was a wonderful evening of music from three masters of their craft.

Peter Cowley