Black Dog Radio Presents.......folk At The Meadows
GAVIN FAIRHALL LEVER brings together three acclaimed musicians to present a fresh, contemporary folk music born of their diverse roots. Punk fiddle meets jazz bass and Balkan guitar, in a colourful mix of the traditional and the original. Their debut LP was released in October 2022 on Penny Fiddle Records, and was recorded live to tape at Analogue Catalogue Studios in Northern Ireland with Julie McLarnon (Lankum, Alasdair Roberts, Brian Eno).
Known for his consistently strong collaborative work at the forefront of London’s thriving folk scene, with TEYR, The Rad Orchestra, and Jez Hellard, multi-instrumentalist and composer James Patrick Gavin creates music that dances a line between tradition and irreverence. His work has been described as ‘High energy brilliance’ - Folk Radio UK, ‘Hugely impressive’ - fRoots, and ‘Dazzling’ - RnR Magazine. This new trio showcases Gavin’s melodic invention and his mastery of the full range of sounds and textures of the violin.
‘The sound of today’s London Irish’ - Mark Radcliffe BBC Radio 2.
Adrian Lever has played on stages from Lewes Guitar Festival to the Barbican. ‘Outstanding musicianship’ - Rainlore’s World. He performs with leading English folk fiddlers John Dipper & Emily Askew as part of Alma - ‘Seductive.. spry, intelligent’ (Sunday Times). Lever’s clear tenor voice delivers the songs of the trio, while his seasoned and steady guitarist’s hand forms the rhythmic heart, complete with characteristic Balkan and flamenco stylings.
Tim Fairhall contributes a distinctive style, coming from a background in contemporary jazz, improv and postclassical electronica. His playing has been described as ‘First class.. rounded beauty’ (Jazz Journal). He has performed on stages as diverse as Cologne Philharmonic and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, and with musicians ranging from Sephardic singer Yasmin Levy to the piano/laptop-led trio Piano Interrupted; he brings an improvisational alertness and sensitivity, jazz musicianship and an adventurous spirit to the trio.
Together, the venturesome trio represent the best of collaborative creation, and are a compelling new voice on the contemporary folk scene.
Since 2020 the trio has been busy writing material and touring around Europe and the UK. Highlights include Caceras Irish Fleadh (Spain), Zilleghem Folk (Belgium), Broadstairs Folk Festival, and Celtic Connections Glasgow.
‘Their eponymous debut captures the close-knit improvisational nature of their live performance…The three meld closely to work as one…circling in a perfectly balanced orbit around the tune. Their playing is nuanced as an ensemble and as soloists, rising wraithlike up through the music.’ Songlines
‘The vibrant trio bring their multi-instrumental talents to an impressive collection of mostly original material that is an absolute blast to listen to. One of my top favourites of the year…
Brilliant.’ RnR ****
‘GAVIN FAIRHALL LEVER’s ecstatic and adventurous music is a giddy series of tone poems; the sizzling, smoking fiddle and the insistent, questing guitar dart wild and free over a solid anchor of the double bass…razor-sharp composing and surefire musical virtuosity.’ FolkWales