Award-winning guitarist Ben Walker & super songstress Kirsty Merryn play their first gig as a duo for SoundBox. We're delighted to host their concert at St Mary's Handbridge Centre, Chester and know that (folk fans in particular – but don't turn off just yet if you're not a folkie!) you'll thoroughly enjoy the evening.
Both are innovative composers and performers, and bring eclectic influences from across the musical spectrum – from classical to jazz to electronica – which offers broad appeal.
Consummate musicians, their respective contrasting and complementary styles combine to create a timeless sound, with Ben's guitars and mandolin providing a perfect frame for Kirsty's piano, harp and silver voice.
One of the duo's shared passions is bringing traditional music up to date, through fresh interpretations that often draw on more contemporary genres/styles, without losing the authenticity/integrity of the original song.
As well as songs from their EP, Life and the Land (2021), expect original compositions, and refreshing new takes on traditional songs, in a set that will also comprise solo offerings.
BEN WALKER has been hailed as 'one of the best acoustic guitarists in the world right now' by Total Guitar magazine and 'a great guitarist, composer and producer', by Mark Radcliffe on the BBC Folk Show. With his work sought out from punk to Proms, from Rough Trade to the Royal Shakespeare Company, his passion is putting old jewels in new settings.
Ben is a BBC Folk Award winner with more than 50 albums under his belt as a producer and player.
He released his album, Echo (2019), to universal critical acclaim. Reviewers called it 'a profound statement connecting past and present' (fRoots), 'ambitious, distinctive and brilliantly achieved' (Songlines) 'exceptional' (Folk Radio UK) and 'simply 'stunning' (The Guardian).
Ben's solo guitar performances regularly delight folk audiences in the UK and further afield, his studio work and his collaborations with the finest of UK folk demonstrate a contemporary musician at the top of his game. His 2023 album, Banish Air from Air, is a masterful exemplar of imaginative, highly skilled instrumentation and production, coupled with an astute ear for effective collaborations.
KIRSTY MERRYN launched her debut album, She & I (2017) whilst supporting folk behemoths Show of Hands on their extensive UK Cathedrals tour. The album gained fantastic reviews and extensive airplay, with reviewers dubbing Kirsty 'destined to be a big star' (Sunday Express). One of her tracks features on Show of Hands' new studio album Battlefield Dancefloor.
Her much-anticipated follow-up album, Our Bright Night (2020) was chosen as the Guardian's Folk Album of the Month with Folk Radio UK welcoming her 'haunting…emotional and musical depth…musical craftsmanship and her articulacy of the heart.'
Venue: Level access; seated event; bar; free parking
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