Brel, 27th October, 2008

Southern Tenant Folk Union
plus Jim Byrne

Brel Ashton Lane, Glasgow G12 (behind Hillhead Underground)
£5

Don't miss the opportunity to hear Southern Tenant Folk Union's unique sound of Old-Time, Bluegrass, Gospel and Celtic Folk, which they describe as "Gleefully uplifting bluegrass melancholy". Much sought after, with non-stop gigs in Europe, Ireland and UK, it's going to be a real treat having the band play in Glasgow West End.

Keen to find a more personal outlet for his writing, in early 2006 Pat McGarvey gathered together a collective of like minded musicians. They share his love of traditional music but each band member has their own individual take on such tradition:

"Oliver Talkes (guitar), who's unique, soulful voice is at the heart of the STFU sound. Pete Gow (guitar), from the Alt. Country band Case Hardin who has performed with the likes of Chris Mills, Stacey Earle and Caitlin Cary. Frances Vaux (Fiddle) with her background in jazz and Irish Folk and anchored by stalwarts of the London folk scene Eamonn Flynn (mandolin) and Matt Lloyd (upright bass)."

Writing and performing their own songs, the band have continued to impress. They released their debut album in January 2007 to positive acclaim and their second album 'Revivals, Rituals & Union Songs' had some serious impact and recognition including a live session on BBC Radio 2 with Mark Lamarr.

Praise for Revival, Rituals & Union Songs'

"An excellent new album a real leap forward for them"
Mark Lamarr, BBC Radio 2

"Roots music that knows few boundaries"
The List

"This music is easy to love"
The Word

I can't help but agree with 'The Word'; Southern Tenant Folk Union's music is 'easy to love'. I'm hooked on the track 'Down To The Riverside', which you can hear on their myspace

You can also see what the band are about on Youtube

www.southerntenantfolkunion.com

Jim Byrne - singer/songwriter

myspace jim byrne

This will be Jim's first gig in Brel since he changed musical direction. This summer, after spending a week in Italy at Chris Difford's songwriting workshop in Monestevole, he decided it was time for a change and switched from rock music to a completely new musical style.

Jim's songs comprise a mixture of country/blues/americana and folk and he's been kept busy performing them at gigs in Glasgow as well as festivals around Scotland.

"We were delighted to have Jim Byrne in our FESTIVAL SHOWCASE and MUSIC AT THE CROSS OUTDOOR STAGE. His highly innovative compositions were well received by our Festival-goers and we would certainly welcome him bacK"
Murdie Kennedy, Linlithgow Folk Festival

"Excellent! Jim is breath of fresh air amongst Glasgow's acoustic scene"
Dochan MacMillan, The Liquid Ship

"'Jim Byrne's unique and personal set at the Open Mike session at The Place Music Club Milngavie, was perfectly suited to the intimate, cabaret atmosphere in this popular club. His engaging lyrics and slick guitar puts Jim firmly on the performance circuit in Scotland. Worth looking out for."
Erne Parkin, The Place Folk Club, Milngavie.