The Pleasance Courtyard // The Green

5 August — 27 August 2012 (not 9-11, 16-18, 23-25)

Tickets – http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/music/folk-at-the-pleasance

Critically acclaimed Scottish songstress Sophie Ramsay hosts a show of contemporary and traditional folk music featuring eclectic, brilliant guest musicians.

These will include subtle and sparkling east London troubadour Robin Grey, supremely talented singer/songwriter/accordionist Gwendolen Chatfield and leading Scottish fiddler Pete Clark.

‘Beautiful person, beautiful songs, beautiful show‘ **** The Scotsman (on Sophie Ramsay).

‘Robin Grey has a lovely fresh approach to the folk genre. A honeyed yet clear voice and his lyrics are arresting. A real treasure. ‘ The Londonist

‘Gwendolen is especially compelling … her performance pitched perfectly’ **** Three Weeks

http://www.sophieramsay.com/

http://www.robingrey.com/

Hello.

Since we put the above up about me (Sophie), Robin, Gwennie and Pete, we have confirmed a slew of brilliant guests, and I would like very much to tell you about them.

From London we have the stunningly talented Ana Silvera, accompanied by wonderful Scottish ‘cellist Islay Roberts.  From Wales, we have the achingly lovely voice of Gwyneth Glyn. Ana and Gwyneth will each play for one night only, so if you want to see them, Gwyneth will play on the 22nd, and Ana on the 26th August.

‘Ana Silvera combines a poet’s feel for language with a film director’s sense of the epic; her songs stay in your head long after she’s stopped singing them’ The Verb, BBC Radio 3

From Glasgow and London, we have the ‘Dylanesque wandering minstrel’ Willie Singerman, playing poetic songs on the banjo, in duet with Gwendolen Chatfield (pictured with the accordion).

From Edinburgh, we are really excited to have two Chilean musicians – virtuoso classical guitarist Galo Ceron-Carrasco, and singer, songwriter and guitarist Carlos Arredondo. They will play with extraordinary generosity and sensitivity, songs of the Latin American ‘new song’ tradition, e.g. Victor Jara and Violetta Parra. Galo will also accompany me on some Argentinian, Chilean and Cuban songs. Here is Mercedes Sosa singing one of our favourites, just to whet your appetites.

‘They touched deep, leaving one moved and exhilarated by the whole performance.’ Jan Fairley on Carlos and Galo

Scottish-based Sardinian Elena Piras will amaze everyone with her clear and emotionally true voice and impeccable diction, singing songs in Scots, Gaelic, Serbian and Italian. Ah yes, and how can I forget Matheu Watson? There he is on the left. He is a multi-instrumentalist genius Scots Gael who, well, you really just have to hear to believe.

‘Music With Depth, Swing, Swagger And Character’ The Herald (on Matheu)

When there are more to announce, I will let you know.

Love from Sophie x

AND NOW

I have another performer to announce! I’m really excited that Anouk de Groot will come and sing for the first three nights, her songs, which are ethereal and rare and lovely.