Tag: Nicky Swann

Nicky Swann is one of the very best of a new generation of female singer-songwriters. A great storyteller and a passionate performer this powerful, original and versatile singer has achieved critical acclaim with sublime, narrative led songs that draw on contemporary folk, roots and country. Her first CD MATCHES AND DISPATCHES received ecstatic reviews in 2010 and now in 2012 Nicky is releasing her second album HOW DOES YOUR LAND LIE?

The new album is a collection of eleven songs inspired by the history of Nicky’s home town, Newton Abbot in South Devon. Stand out tracks include the superb opener New Found Lands, a song about the ships that sailed from Devon to Newfoundland to fish for cod. Many of the men involved in this lucrative but dangerous trade were recruited in the local inns. They sailed in spring to work throughout the summer months, returning home in the autumn, this is a song of sacrifice, longing and hope, told by those left behind. Sing, tells of Tuckers Maltings, one of only a handful of floor maltings still producing malt in the traditional manner. Diving, a tale of pure determination told through the plucky life of 1700’s diving engine inventor, John Lethbridge. The stunning Ropewalk wasinspired by a rope woven from human hair, from the Newton Abbot Museum collection. In the 1920s, Maude Albrighten lived next door to a firm of rope makers, and she would often watch them work. After having her hair cut one day, the rope makers offered to produce a rope using Maude’s hair. Her hair was so extraordinarily thick and strong, the rope was then used to make Maude her very own swing.

What strikes most about this album is Nicky’s ability to link her town’s past and make it relevant to all, no matter where you come from.

Nicky’s achievements to date include, winning “Best Acoustic Act” at South West Music Awards, recording with the top multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer (Show of Hands), winning the Artsbase singer-songwriter award and sharing the stage with many top UK artists including Clive Gregson, Reg Meuross, Roy Bailey and Megson as well as American artists Corrine West and Brooks Williams. She has headlined the acoustic stage at Transition Festival and supported Show Of Hands at Chagstock. Nicky has performed live many times for BBC Radio including an impromptu performance with award winning folk singer and fiddle player Jackie Oates.

HOW DOES YOUR LAND LIE? was recorded in just nine days at the Sawmills Studios with Nicky co-producing along with Tom Joyce. Musicians guesting on the album include Alan Cook, pedal steel and dobro, Katie Marie on Cajon, bass and drums, Paul Caddick on keyboards, Beth Porter on cello and Tim Trewin on violin and melodeon.

Nicky Swann has achieved a growing, well respected reputation in such a short space of time, singing from the heart and captivating audiences with her emotionally honest delivery. Constantly playing shows up and down the UK and beyond Nicky will be showcasing songs from the new album over the coming months.