THE BROTHERS GILLESPIE + LIZ SIMCOCK
FRIDAY 17 JANUARY 2025
Described by Folk Radio UK as “weaving an especially compelling magic”, and “showing British acoustic music in its best possible light”, The Brothers Gillespie make music that is animated by lyrical songwriting, fine fingerstyle guitar playing, multi-instrumental musicianship and “the glorious tones of their blood harmony” (Sam Lee); and the duo headline Downend Folk & Roots’ monthly concert on Friday 17 January.
Brothers James and Sam Gillespie found their sound growing up in the fells and valleys of Northumberland, their songs often describing relationships with wild places and the experience of finding oneself in a world alive with soul. The music comes to them most strongly when walking in the borderlands with their packs and instruments which remains a regular practice for them. This spirit is channeled into their live performances which have a rare and intimate energy, both ethereal and earthy, romantic and radical.
Their latest album, The Merciful Road, was recorded in a cottage by the banks of the river Tweed and blends rootsy, acoustic elements to create a rich warm sound with a touch of vintage magic. In some ways it is an album about finding the thread of love and belonging in a world that seems to be nonetheless unravelling.
Opening the evening will be Liz Simcock, whose songs – often autobiographical and highly personal – are immediately accessible to audiences and injected with poetry, emotion and splashes of humour. 2020 brought the release of her fifth album Winter Hill, a pared down acoustic album featuring one voice, one guitar and a handful of beautifully crafted and previously unreleased songs.
Tickets for the concert, which takes place at Christ Church Downend on Friday 17 January 2025, are available online from downendfolkandroots.com and from Melanie’s Kitchen in Downend (cash only). They are priced at £14 each in advance or £16 on the door. Doors open at 7.00pm and the music starts around 7.45pm.
There will be a bar, stocking cider, soft drinks, wine, hot drinks and real ale from locally-based Hop Union Brewery. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own glass/mug/tankard, as well as reusable bottles for water, as part of the drive to be more environmentally aware; there is a 50p discount for those that do. There will also be sweet treats available at the bar courtesy of the Radstock-based Great Cake Company, as well as a prize draw, which helps to fund the support artists for each concert.
For further information, please email info@downendfolkandroots.com or find them on social media. This concert is expected to sell out well in advance, so please get your tickets early to avoid disappointment.