Touch of folk magic
Jackie Oates
BY and large, folk music has found itself on the periphery of the popular music consciousness of the masses.
However, the intricate melodies, shades of musical light and dark and universal song themes that characterise many folk performers have always commanded a significant audience.
Jackie Oates – a singing, songwriting, viola and violin player – is one such young folk artist in the ascendency, following in the trail blazed by breakthrough players such as Seth Lakeman.
She brings herself and her band – Tristan Seume on guitar and bazouki, Mike Cosgrave on keyboard and accordion, and James Budden on double bass – to the Villa Marina Arcade tomorrow (Saturday) to perform an original set she describes as ‘a blend of English traditional ballads; spanning all aspects of the human experience, the odd contemporary folk song and some lively tunes.’
The folk scene could also have been said to have received a shot in the arm by the mainstream success of bands like Mumford and Sons and Noah and the Whale in recent years, who have brought mandolins, banjos and accordions into the Top 40.
This is a point Jackie acknowledges: ‘There has been a noticeable shift in audience numbers and the age of people coming to gigs over the last five years; and this was especially noticeable during my time with [her former Mercury Prize-nominated band] Rachel Unthank and the Winterset. But I’m also aware that there’s a slight gap between the young artists playing music which is slightly influenced by folk music – its themes and instrumentation, and those whose core is traditional.’
Jackie, who has won two BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, released her fourth album, Saturnine, last month.
The dictionary would have us believe saturnine alludes to gloom and moodiness, a definition that does not reflect the album, at least on face value.
The (UK) Independent’s Nick Coleman said of the record: ‘This is modern English folk in its least leaden form, shot through with lightness and woe.
Oates remains the sweetest voice of her generation of English folkies, a one-woman wisp of tragedy and dew intermingled.’
Jackie is enthused about her upcoming visit: ‘This is my first trip [to the island] and I’m really excited about having the opportunity to explore a bit; we’re flying back home the following afternoon so there should be plenty of time for wandering.’
The Isle of Man has a rich tradition of native folk music, a reputation that had already entered on Jackie’s radar: ‘I love Manx music and first came across it at Lowendar Peran festival in Cornwall during 2009,’ she said.
‘From there I got hold of a copy of the King Chiaullee record and have been listening to it in my car ever since.’
Jackie should be particularly pleased to hear then that her support on Friday comes from lively instrumental duo Strengyn, which features King Chiaulee’s Matty Kelly.
Her current tour has taken her all around the UK, including slots at several summer festivals, surroundings she particularly enjoys, as she can spend time talking to people and playing in sing-arounds: ‘I love gigs that take place in atmospheric places; I’ve been really lucky during my career so far as I’ve been able to play in all manner of venues, from tiny little basements to big festival stages.’
Asked about an ideal gig she added: ‘My dream setting would be a little intimate concert in a historic building, with a roaring fire and candles.’
The Villa Marina Arcade may be somewhat lacking in roaring fires – all being well – but it does boast fantastic acoustics for a big, full sound.
Jackie describes the band’s song arrangements as having a landscape-like ambiance and texture, with keyboard samples and pads helping to create a ‘fresh, more evocative sound to some of the slower songs’.
Tickets for the show, which starts at 7.30pm, are £20, available from the Sea Terminal Welcome Centre, by calling 600555 or via www.villagaiety.com
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Thursday 23 February 2012
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