A COLLECTION OF BRITISH MARITIME FOLK SONGS AND SEA SHANTIES
Performed by Jon Boden, Seth Lakeman, Ben Nicholls, Emily Portman & Jack Rutter.
The artists celebrated the release of the album of the same name in September 2022 with a run of on-board and harbourside performances which they sailed to and from by ship! They are now reuniting for a short run of shows inland, and in venues, to perform songs from the Sea Song Sessions and more.
The concept for the album came to them in 2021, when they were asked to prepare an evening of sea-related songs for the Folkestone Festival. Boden’s celebrated work with Bellowhead (of course no strangers to sea-faring songs) and Ben Nicholls’ band, Kings of The South Seas (who play exclusively maritime-influenced music), Seth Lakeman’s own extensive body of work from the South West as well as Emily Portman and Jack Rutter’s sizeable oceanic repertoires, all formed the natural foundation and inspiration for these acclaimed musicians to conceive the Sea Song Sessions.
They chose to record material from each artist's repertoire, traditional songs and some newly written for these sessions and the album was released on Topic Records. Folk Radio described it as “a glorious album, showcasing some of the best of the current crop of British folk artists”.
“A glorious album, showcasing some of the best of the current crop of British folk artists”
FOLK RADIO
WITH SUPPORT FROM MESSAGE FROM THE RAVENS
From ancient sea shanties to southern gothic ballads, haunting indie folk to full power feminist sass; Message from the Ravens are the girl band who sing the lost stories that the ravens have witnessed since the dawn of time.
Hailing from the wild and mystic town of Hastings, the band stems from sisterhood; united by their love of myths, magic and a DIY punk ethos. Recently championed by Tom Robinson, who introduced their debut single “Jupiters Tears” as “immense” on BBC RADIO 6, Message from the Ravens are rapidly catching the attention of those that cherish the sacred to the sinister.
Their music is deeply influenced by their local folklore and pagan roots, with an earthy and visceral sound made up of eerie carnivalesque organ and ethereal flute (Hannah Dennard), dreamy Tarantino electric guitar (Lily Kim), thunderous ceremonial drums (Philly Piggott) and driving gutsy acoustic guitar and an incongruous Kazoo (Siddy Bennett).
Lead vocals are divided equally, each member possessing a unique voice ranging from husky to dulcet, powerful to serene. Together their voices are euphoric, Brighton and Hove News claiming them “an absolute highlight with heart wrenchingly beautiful harmonies, truly ethereal with a modern edge”
The band draws influence from the mysticism of Fleetwood Mac and the lyrical dexterity of First Aid Kit; Onstage; prepare to witness their emotive deliverance, their infectious humour, their love for life and each other and their deep connection to spiritual realms; with songs possessing “more hooks than a fishing boat” (Eddie- Kid Kapichi).
Labelled “an explosion of female empowerment” (Hastings Online Times); and gaining the stamp of approval from original riot girl Ella Guru of the Voodoo Queens; who stated “Message from the Ravens are the next generation of girl power”.
