Led by the renowned RICHARD EXALL (The Glen Miller Orchestra UK, The Pasadena Roof Orchestra) on tenor sax and clarinet, in collaboration with Musical Director, DOM BARNETT on piano, our performance has been arranged to feature some of the classic songs by the singer dubbed ‘The Mother of The Blues’ – Ma Rainey – whilst capturing the true jazz essence of the music from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. The established rhythm section featuring drum legend, SAM KELLY (Chaka Khan, Ben E King, Ruby Turner) combines with Parliamentary Jazz Awards winner, double-bassist, MARIANNE WINDHAM (Jazz Promoter and Chair of both Guildford Jazz and Fleet Jazz Clubs). Complimenting this swinging ensemble are the powerful, captivating vocals of Chrissie Myles (multi-Platinum selling band, Bastille) together with jazz singer, actress and show narrator, Emily Windham, whose voices will transport you to the jazz clubs of yesteryears….
Scottish singer/songwriter Paul McKenna plays Ropery Hall
Scotland’s Paul McKenna, who is appearing at Ropery Hall on Friday (Feb 14) has long been ranked among that country’s finest younger singers and songwriters.
Armed with a powerful yet intensely emotive voice and passionate social conscience, often expressed through his songs, he and his band draw on both Scottish and Irish roots.
“Paul and his band have been touring since 2006 and sharing their love of traditional and folk music as well as original songs and tunes,” said Liz Bennet of The Ropewalk.
“They play a dynamic, full-bodied array of original and traditional material, along with songs by like-minded singer/songwriters including Peggy Seeger, Alistair Hulett and Jim Reid,” she went on. “With a contemporary approach to songs, although not straying too far from their roots, their arrangements are both fresh and innovative.”
The band’s exciting sound is created through outstanding vocals, driving guitar and bouzouki, intense fiddle playing, a warm pairing of flute and whistles and dynamic bodhrán and percussion.
Tickets to see the band cost £14 in advance or £16 on the door and can be bought online at www.roperyhall.co.uk, by telephoning 01652 660380 or in person at The Ropewalk’s Craft Gallery.
Latest News
VIEW ALL NEWSGatehouse
Gatehouse is a distinguished Irish traditional band known for their thoughtful interpretations, rich musicality, and deep respect for the tradition. Featuring Rachel Garvey on vocals, Jacinta McEvoy on guitar and concertina, John McEvoy on fiddle and mandola, and John Wynne on flute and whistles, the group brings together some of Ireland’s most respected musicians.
Their music blends refined instrumental interplay with compelling vocal performances, offering a sound that is both rooted and refreshing. From evocative ballads to lively dance tunes, Gatehouse strikes a delicate balance between tradition and innovation.
Their debut album, Tús Nua, received critical acclaim for its subtlety and elegance, followed by the well-received Heather Down the Moor, which further established their signature style. Their live performances have been praised for their warmth, precision, and ability to connect with audiences.
Described by Folk Radio as having an “undeniable warmth and spirit,” Gatehouse continues to build on their reputation as a group that brings both heart and craft to the Irish tradition.
Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell
Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell are a two-man trad tornado tearing through the folk world with foot percussion, fiddle, guitar, vocals and groove to spare Mixing Scottish and English roots with modern air they deliver
Foot-stomping tunes rich harmonies and cheek and charm Whether in a village hall or a festival eld their shows radiate connection and joy Winners of the Robinson Emerging Artist Showcase at Canadas Goderich Celtic Roots Festival they re fast becoming one of the scenes most talked-about acts Their upcoming album Controlled Burn turns tradition sideways – storytelling with soul and grooves that smoulder spark and occasionally catch re
Musically they straddle tradition and invention bridging the folk archive with a fearless modern edge Some tracks glisten with clean lines and elegant harmonies – crystalline structures that shimmer in the light of contemporary trad Others veer gleefully o course hopping on the blues train for a whistle-stop tour of the Québécois folk line One moment its reels and foot taps the next its jazz chords pop turns and grooves that could jump the track and land somewhere between Vulfpeck and Le Vent du Nord Arthur a fiddler raised in Aberdeenshire builds rolling ri -heavy tunes grounded in his family’s musical traditions and shaped further by studies with Jonny Hardie (Old Blind Dogs) Kerran a melodic schemer from Cumbria draws on pop and choral training to weave in crisp harmonies and satisfying twists
Svavar Knútur
A native of the rugged north of Iceland, troubadour and storyteller Svavar Knútur has dedicated his life to exploring the human condition through the lens of his country’s dark and often tragic history and unique melodies and narrative style.
Channelling the angst ridden serenity of long dark winters and the insomnia of the 24 hour glaring summer sun, this eclectic musician has in recent years blossomed into a sublime singer and songwriter. Svavar Knútur’s songs of misery and redemption deliver a healthy dose of hope in the midst of despair. A humoristic storyteller and avid diver into the murky waters of the human condition, Svavar Knútur sows and reaps a unique mixture of art and entertainment.
Drawing upon a wide range of influences, three of Svavar Knútur’s most governing ones are without doubt Nick Drake, Will Oldham (Bonnie Prince Billy) and Kris Kristofferson, although such artists as Leonard Cohen, Cat Stevens, Joni Mitchell, Nick Cave and many more singer/songwriters have contributed to the Icelandic troubadour’s development.
Alex Hamilton Band
Alex Hamilton (formerly Lewis Hamilton) has become an established part of the British Blues/Rock scene . Gaining notoriety on the back of being a talented young guitarist with skills beyond his age, he has since matured and developed a tasteful and subtle guitar technique that has been compared to Robben Ford and Matt Scofield. His debut album at the age of 18 won the Scottish New Music Award in 2011 and his subsequent albums have all been nominated for awards including the British Blues Awards, several years running.
Having toured in dozens of venus all across Britain and extensively in Europe with his trio ‘The Alex Hamilton Band’, he has regularly sold out theatres and music clubs across the globe, gaining a following of musicians and music fans alike. In the last ten years Alex has been fortunate enough to share stages with some of the best musicians in his genre including Carl Verheyen, Anysley Lister, Henrik Freishlader and King King.
With multiple award winning albums, a strong fanbase, growing online presence, endorsements form some notable manufactures and continuous radio play across the world Alex Hamilton’s music is starting to be heard.
