Oxford Folk Festival - April 17th 2010

Naively, I had always assumed the UK folk scene was very insular and predominantly British. The unexpected arrival of the Icelandic volcanic ash soon proved how old-fashioned that idea was.

An early morning departure from Cardiff ensured we arrived at the Town Hall in time for the Noon set. Our disappointment on discovering that the French based group Torivaki were trapped in Europe was offset by the news that Spiers and Boden were also unable to reach their destination and were able to play an unexpectedly replacement gig. This theme continued throughout the day with Sam Proctor being unable to accompany Luke Daniels and Cara Dillon similarly thwarted. However,as ever the Folk community rallied round and no-one could complain they were short-changed.

Today's proceedings were started by the Gael Academy, one of the Luke Daniels projects involving younger players. Any concerns I may have had regarding embarrassing school concerts were instantly allayed with an impressive range of musicians who played equally well individually and as an ensemble. Definitely some talent worth nurturing and following.

Once they departed the stage Luke Daniels was able to dominate proceedings with his own set albeit with a variety of impromptu musicians to compensate for his absent muscial partner. As ever his Squeezebox skills produced a highly enjoyable if, traditional performance.

With Bellowhead producing another storming headline concert last evening the organisers obviously knew that Spiers and Boden were available to fill the missing lunchtime slot. The two Jon's appear to be at the top of the their game with their set of traditional reels and folk ballads, generally of yesteryear. They are of course both completely in each other's company and half the enjoyment from an audience's point of view is seeing Jon Spier's waiting for signals as when to produce another scintillating accordion solo. It always helps a show when the artistes are clearly having as much fun as those watching with both showing a great sense of humour. This was particularly shown when Spiers failed to provide suitable accompaniment as his partner was plugging future dates he pleaded that the melodion " had only one note but you don't know where I am going next".

Buoyed up with the unexpected high level of musical entertainent provided in the lunchtime session coupled with the equally unexpected glorious sunshine outside we returned to the Town Hall for the afternoon concert with an additional spring in out step. We weren't disappointed.

Roots Union are a collection of young musicians from the South of England. When they started Iwasn't sure they belonged in a Folk festival, producing quite loud pop-type music with some lack-lustre lyrics. However, as they ( and probably our ears) settled down they produced some highly enjoyable and lively songs. Lead singer Tobias Ben Jacob was a suitably impressive front man although he was happy to share the talking with Philip Henry an extremely accomplished player of unusual and exotic looking instruments, especially a variety of guitars played from above. They also boasted a special guest appearance with Judy Dyble appearing to sing one of the songs from her Fairport Convention days. Together they literally upped the tempo from what preceeded them and set the right tone for what was to follow.

To say that the Demon Barbers roadshow stole the day is an understatement. As usual the compere tried to set the scene for their appearence but nothing could prepare us for what the audience were about to witness.

Again, when they started Iwasn't certain I could cope with a sustained session of nasal traditional Norfolk folk. However, they quickly changed style especially when fiddle player Bryony Griffith began to sing. The combination of this extraordinary voice and lively personality took the group to a different level. The arrival of 4 clog dancers ( with the legs miked for full effect) followed by 2 Morris dancers showing their links to the English folk heritage before a beatboxer seamlessly transported it to the 21st century.

Just when we thought there were no surprises remaining the majority of the group vanished leaving Bryony onstage. A quick change and the musicians ( lacking drummer Ben Griffith) returned to provide a morris dance so dramatic and innovative with moves were so fast the eye could barely capture them all. Truly one of the most spectacular dances I have ever seen ( & I am old enough to have seen Ginger Rogers, Michael Jackson and Torvill and Dean). For this to have been performed by a group of extremely talented musicians was truly astonishing. We danced out on a cloud of euphoria following a set lasting ninety minutes not a minute too long.
The Demon Barbers Roadshow easily the best act I have witnessed at the Oxford Folk festival.

Whether by design or not the organisers managed to arrange each set by themes. We started with 3 fairly traditional acts followed by 2 strong lively groups and now we ended with 2 gentle female singers.

First was Megan Henwood the winner of the 2009 BBC2 young folk awards with her brother. Tonight, she performed alone and charmed her audience with a variety of self-penned personal songs from her forthcoming first album Making Waves. Although her song-writing and style will undoubtedly develop and mature she already seemed at ease on stage chatting away. Another one to look forward to in the future, especially on her upcoming tour supporting Eric Bibb.

And so to the Saturday night headline act, Cara Dillon. Perhaps 7 acts in one day was too much for me, but she was the one disappointment of an exceptional day. Her voice was beautiful to listen to with the musicianship of her husband Sam Lakeman and a few replacement musicians ( including Luke Daniels third apearance of the day) produced a good sound. However, I found the material rather similar and I began to lose interest halfway through the concert. It didn't help that a performer who relies on the lyrics of a song to convey a story was often drowned out by her band.

Despite my thoughts she was well received by a rapturous crowd and perhaps she suffered purely by the quality of what preceeded her. Still, though a wondrous day.