Sarah Gillespie and Chris Montague

Performing songs from their new album The Shieling. Folk, Americana & Blues.
Following a run of intimate duo performances in California, Sarah Gillespie and Chris Montague retreated to a cottage on the shores of Loch Fyne, Scotland, to record a new stripped-back duo album.  The home they recorded in is called The Shieling. Drawing on folk, Americana, blues and Beat-inspired poetry, Sarah Gillespie’s songs combine sharp observation with lyrical storytelling. A published poet whose songwriting has drawn comparisons with Bob Dylan, Gillespie is known for her incisive writing, wry humour and dynamic live performances. Alongside her, renowned composer and guitarist Chris Montague’s maverick musicianship on electric and acoustic guitar, pedal steel and mandolin adds nuance, and a rich sonic palette to the music.

Sarah Gillespie is a critically acclaimed Anglo-American songwriter described by The Guardian as “an incandescent presence with superior lyrics,” as like “Dylan on amphetamines” by the Times , as a “beat poet adventurer.” MOJO.” She has toured internationally for 15 years playing leading venues and festivals as well as appearing on BBC arts and culture programs like Woman’s Hour and Loose Ends.

Chris Montague is one of the UK’s most distinctive guitar voices. He has been called: “The UK’s greatest jazz guitarist since John McLaughlin” (Marlbank) “Rootsy, adventurous… like Tom Waits guitarist, Mark Ribot” (Jazzwise) and received plaudits from Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers. Known for his adventurous harmonic palette and improvisational fearlessness, Montague co-wrote five tracks on Gillespie’s last album and brings an edge of rawness and unpredictability to the duo’s live show.

Like Dylan on amphetamines. The Times ★★★★
Beat poet adventurer who strays beyond the realm of singer songwriter .MOJO ★★★★
Yearningly pretty and bittersweet. The Independent ★★★★★
Gillespie is an original’ The Guardian ★★★★
Montague can be both mesmerizingly tender and stingingly explosive – Jazzwise
Montague is ruggedly innovative – The Guardian

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