Kelly Oliver is one of the new breed of contemporary young musicians who stands out from the crowd with her ‘golden vocals’
If the recent glowing review for her latest album in the Sunday Times Culture section is anything to go by, Kelly has a bright career taking off and she is returning to Devon for two gigs, one in North Devon at the stately Tapeley House on 30th March and Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall’s River Cottage which are the last two dates on her national album tour.
BBC Radio 2 plays have been streaming in for the award winning 25 year old, who is opening people’s eyes and ears to the delights of ‘modern’ folk. Iconic broadcaster Bob Harris has played her songs four times on his BBC Radio 2 show and is playing a further track from the album Bedlam, the weekend before the gig. He has said that she has ‘a beautiful, pure voice.. Kelly is an emerging voice in British Folk’. Celebrated songwriter Boo Hewerdine said ‘she is wonderful’. The Times described her live performance as ‘blending traditional values with bold indie pop sensibility’ and folk afficionado Mike Harding has played her on his show and rates her as ‘an amazing young songwriter. Offering a critically acclaimed modern take on the acoustic folk tradition, the Hertfordshire based artist is bringing folk right up to date with clever and insightful contemporary lyrics, clearly audible in every self penned song, and accompanies herself with often intricate, beguiling arrangements showcasing her accomplished guitar and harmonica skills.
“Kelly Oliver is a treasured young folk singer equipped with the three tangible essentials of great songs, beautiful vocals and fine playing. However the finishing touch which makes Kelly such a special talent is that innate ability to captivate a listener’s attention, and for an hour tonight a privileged gathering succumbed to the charm of her artistry.” Three Chords and the Truth.
Kelly has performed with a number of prominent names in the music world, including Fairport Convention’s Dave Swarbrick who remarked “Kelly has the vocal skills and an exquisite voice to boot. For one so young to have such a grasp of life’s travails is unusual, I like Kelly Oliver’s approach to the present and the past and I predict a glittering future for her”.
The album itself has been released on CD and unusually on 12” vinyl and will be available on the night. Reviews have been flooding in, praising the album.
“Kelly Oliver writes songs that touch you deep inside, cause eyes to water and hearts to rise. The songs on ‘Bedlam’ will remain by your side long after the album has finished” Tim Carroll Folkwords.
“One of the first significant folk releases out of the blocks in 2016....this album is a triumph. It’s inevitable success is thoroughly deserved” Rob Bridge Redwood.
As Music Crowns pointed out, “Kelly’s brand of Folk is so accessible that you don’t need to be a ‘Strictly Folk’ music junky to enjoy her music. If you like a beautiful voice, lyrics from the heart and warm melodies then Kelly Oliver deserves your attention”
These unique live music events host a wealth of talent, in concert style, set in the dramatic hall of this country estate.
There is a limited bar, tea & coffee, soft drinks and a hot meal with vegetarian option (cooked with seasonal, organic ingredients from the Permaculture and Kitchen Gardens), however, this is not a pub and you are also welcome to bring your own refreshments.
Tickets are only £4.50 and tickets are available at the door, which opens at 7.30pm
River Cottage are offering a gourmet evening with fine dining accompanied by two sets of beautiful music from Kelly and tickets are available here https://www.rivercottage.net/dining-and-events/kelly-oliver
