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.

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Mixing sounds of traditional folk and classic rock, Blackbeard’s Tea Party look back to the album that reviewers called “a hell of a lot of fun” (R2 Magazine), “convincing and essential” (fRoots) and “unforgettable and exceedingly invigorating” (Living Tradition).

In this exhilarating live show, the band revisit tracks from ‘Reprobates’, along with other songs of nefarious individuals – past and present – that pack their back catalogue. You’re guaranteed a loud and energetic performance that will bring out the devil inside you.

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Hal Cruttenden: Can Dish It Out But Can’t Take It

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Other Lives Productions presents

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QUOTES

**** “Clever and uncluttered musical storytelling” Songlines Magazine

***** “Five stars for this duo that have made an album destined for repeated listening.” Irish Music Magazine

“They’re a revelation – crystal clear voices, great musicianship and an obvious deep love of the tradition.” Mike Harding

“Really nicely done” Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 Folk Show

“They play lovely strings, they have gorgeous harmony arrangements. Really well crafted, intimate, beautifully understated.” Karine Polwart

This performance is part of our Members’ 241 Offer. Please ask for details.

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