7th July - Campfire Club Friday: Kentucky Cowtippers + James Riley

CAMPFIRE CLUB RETURNS FOR 2017:Every Friday from May to September

A concert like no other… unamplified, outdoors and round a fire; surely this is the only way to really hear music.

Since the dawn of song, by the flickering embers and starry skies all walks of man and woman have gathered in song and celebration, to tell the stories and while away an evening. This is how it was, and at London’s Campfire Club, how it still is; acoustic, intimate. Every Friday from late spring right through to autumn we indulge you in the specially sourced talents of local and itinerant musicians from all over the world, nestled in several secret secluded leafy pockets of inner city London. Bringing the Nest Collective’s finest choices of artistry from the realms of folk, traditional and world music right through to contemporary song makers. Those that find it know something very magical is being felt and heard.

Keeping the campfire alive will be Nest Collective hosts and live music from some very special guests. Season’s acts include:

Rachel Sermanni | Samana | Kaia Kater | Piers Faccini | Bush Gothic | Kentucky Cowtippers | TEYR | Leon Rosselson | L’Hijaz Carr | Kit Hawes & Aaron Catlow | Kusanganisa AND MORE

WATCH THE MINI FILM!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGY_rrLTkIo

**Please Note: The concerts are all outside and all weather affairs thus full waterproofs are highly recommended and warm clothes. A full bar will be stocked with home-made wines, ciders, ales and the odd drop of mead too!

>> 7th July – Campfire Club <<

Kentucky Cowtippers + James Riley

£8 Adv | £10 OTD

Line up:

Kentucky Cowtippers

Since forming in 2008, the Kentucky Cow Tippers have deservedly earned a reputation as one of the most exciting acts on the UK’s acoustic music scene. Their unique approach to bluegrass draws from a deep appreciation of every aspect ofthe genre: they’ve absorbed everything from gospel harmonies and traditional fiddle tunes to the progressive music of Béla Fleck and Punch Brothers. This foundation isbuilt upon through the arrangement of the band’s original material written primarily by Rupert Hughes, Sam Wear and Evan Davies, all experienced and passionate songwriters and by crafting refreshing renditions of classic bluegrass songs. The 3 founding members all hail from the North East of England and begun playing together by busking on the streets of Newcastle. In 2014, this core trio was augmented by American fiddler Niles Krieger and jazz bassist Sam Quintana. The result is a driving, energetic quintet that delivers a tight yet spontaneous stage show. If you enjoy close vocal harmonies, wild bluegrass improvisation, witty stage banter and brown corduroy jackets, then you’ll love the Kentucky Cow Tippers – just don’t ask about the name!

James Riley

“Awesome… like The Allman Brothers meets the Seeger Sessions” -­ LAURA MARLING

Last July, on the hottest day of the year, The James Riley Band stood on the scorching stage the Olympic Park and played to a crowd of 30,000 people; a lot to take in for a band who had just released their debut EP that April, but this London-based bluegrass and soul outfit have been steadily gathering converts since their story began a year earlier…
The previous winter, singer-songwriter Riley had returned to a snow-bound London after many months busking in Istanbul, and began turning ears on the folk circuit with his unique breed of soulful acoustica. After James was named winner of the Mayor of London: Gigs Competition in 2012, arrangements and ambitions grew and soon a full 8-piece band was playing a slew of festivals, and supporting folk heavy-hitters including Martin Simpson and The Melodic.

A national tour in 2013 saw the band, all of whom are old friends, hit the road to support their debut EP “Lay Me Down” (FLAK RECS), and hone a live show which has become renowned for its onstage chemistry. The addition of drums, upright bass, Bill Withers-style swooning strings and (even a spoons player!) to Riley’s acoustic guitar-led compositions have led to a live show which echoes the jubilant abandon of Springsteen, and even drawn praise from the likes of Laura Marling, who called it: “Awesome… like the Allman Brothers meets the Seeger Sessions”.

The new year is set to continue in full swing with the release of a new standalone single, and a US and UK tour dates set for the spring. “It can get pretty hectic” says Riley, who like all of the band balances a job, a student loan and a music career. “But the energy we get onstage is unbelievable. We just feel incredibly lucky to do be doing what we love, really.”

“Riley writes with a deftness often reserved for musicians twice his age… that most elusive of composers: the modern troubadour” – Tshepo Mokoena, ADDICT MUSIC