Katie Spencer + Henry Parker Fri Dec 20th 8pm-10pm

Raised in the East Yorkshire flatlands on the fringes of Hull, Katie Spencer’s landscape has always been that of open skies and widening rivers. Industry still shapes the city here. The people, as with the land, are moulded by tides and stark horizons. Stand in the same place for long enough and you can watch the sun rise over the North Sea and then sink into crop fields, glowing auburn in late-summer sun. It is this sense of space and movement that flows through Katie Spencer’s music.

The songwriting, and most notably her guitar playing stems from a time when the steel-stringed instrument was truly finding its voice. Artists like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and perhaps most evidently Michael Chapman, flow into her sound, carrying with them the warmth and idealism of the early 70’s folk and songwriter movements.

Katie Spencer’s widely celebrated new album, The Edge of the Land (2022), follows her debut release, Weather Beaten (2019) which was praised for its unique song-craft, spell-binding musicianship and crystal sonic clarity, as she brought together fans of music from all backgrounds and walks of life. Delicate and un-rushed, the ten songs on The Edge of the Land drift by like ships on the horizon, yet intimacy and introspection still remain.

The inclusivity found in her recorded works is most apparent when on stage, with a personal connection and humour that allows the listener time to appreciate the emotion of the music. Her historical gig list is extensive, taking in the world-renowned Celtic Connections and Cambridge Folk Festival, whilst performances with Danny Thompson and Alan Thomson have left audiences in awe of her confidence and craftsmanship.

As live music has returned to our world, we can expect to see Katie Spencer where she belongs once more, eyes closed, in the moment, performing.

--

“Her articulate picking, with suggestions of folk and jazz, frames intelligently written songs and is the backbone to her music.” Guitarist Magazine

“One of the most satisfying and spellbinding singer-songwriter collections I’ve encountered in some time.” RnR Magazine ★★★★★

“Imaginative imagery supported by compelling music that summons up the best of early 70s folk, fluently delivered here with its own contemporary power. This is a fine collection of memorable songs by an outstanding writer and musician.” Record Collector

“A timeless English folk album, perfect for the still calm of a Sunday morning.” Shindig!

“Katie Spencer sits gracefully in a vocal nook between Sandy Denny, Linda Thompson and, to conjure a name we hear less often these days, Bridget St John.” Prog Magazine

“The way Katie plays is never contrived, showy or imitative; it sounds true … a world-class folk guitarist” – fRoots

“Katie’s guitar playing has echoes of my dear friend the late great Bert Jansch. Like a musical weaver she threads her poetic lyrics through the guitar’s strings and produces little tapestries of song” – Ralph McTell

  Henry Parker's contemporary take on folk, which he explores via thoughtful yet deeply
accomplished guitar playing, unfurls and moves much like the landscape itself – mirroring the
unpredictable, yet beautifully flowing, rolling hills and valleys of his native county of West
Yorkshire. 
Parker’s musical roots go back to a self appointed upbringing in prog-rock and metal. However,
enthralled at the age of 20 by the ethereal playing of Bert Jansch and Nick Drake, finger-picking
and open tunings rapidly became the essence of his sound. The result is a strain of informed,
progressive folk music found nowhere else. 
Henry has recorded 2 albums: the eco-conscious ‘Silent Spring’ (2019) and ‘Lammas Fair’ (2021),
bringing him to the forefront of the progressive folk music world. In 2023 he curated and recorded
on behalf of the American label Tompkins Square Records, bringing together a tribute album to
Michael Chapman, one of his most important musical influences.
Press Quotes
“His relaxed vocals and songwriting are as warm and open as his tunings” 8/10 Uncut 
“What Parker does so effectively is to blend ancient with early-70’s and modern styles” 
Mojo ★★★★
“Original material and traditional songs create an immersive and mellifluous world in which both
the peace and isolation of nature are unfurled evoked through subtle arrangements” 
Prog Magazine
“Focussing on the seasons is an eternal feature of English folk music and the tradition is well
tended here.” - Shindig! ★★★★