Magpies members Bella Gaffney and Holly Brandon are playing a short tour together in late April, Bella solo and Holly in her side project Painted Sky with her brother George.
Bella Gaffney
Celtic Connections’ Danny Kyle Award winner Bella Gaffney hails from Bradford. She writes folk inspired songs which she performs along with her own original arrangements of traditional pieces. 2022 will see the release of Bella’s new album, inspired by connections made over the lockdown period.
She has played many folk and music festivals over the last few years, including Celtic
Connections, HebCelt, and the Gate to Southwell, to name just a few. And in 2018 she was one of the first recipients of a Friends of Towersey Festival Award for music developmental support and opportunities.
It has been a busy year for Bella Gaffney. Covid-19 has changed the way we operate as musicians and making music have increasingly happened online. New relationships have been fostered by exciting new initiatives such as Global Music Match and Bella has made the most of these new national and international connections with other musicians by creating an album exploring and celebrating these ties. The album highlights artists from across the world – from Canada to Australia to Yorkshire; featuring such luminaries as Sam Kelly (UK) and Hussy Hicks (Australia).
Bella’s latest single ‘Fair And Tender Ladies’, was released 1st April 2022, is a traditional American song, sung in duet between Bella and Sam Kelly.
Bella also performs with sought-after transatlantic folk band The Magpies.
Painted Sky
Painted Sky have only recently emerged onto the UK folk scene, but they have already made a lasting impression with their progressive acoustic sound. Original material thoughtfully balances the duo’s roots in traditional English music. They seamlessly blend tunes from further afield too, from the complex rhythms of Eastern Europe to the stomping fiddle tunes of Quebec, to create a distinct and borderless synthesis of contemporary folk.
Siblings George Brandon (guitar/vocal) and Holly Brandon (fiddle/vocal) have been playing together for as long as they can remember. Recently both have worked on independent projects, with George performing solo and Holly, perhaps best known for being one quarter of transatlantic folk band, The Magpies. But the siblings are always drawn back to each other’s playing and their lifelong musical history is reflected in tight-knit instrumentals and harmonies.
Their songs are characterised by honest vocals and timeless storytelling, underpinned by driving rhythms. Whilst their exquisite instrumentals weave delicate finger-picking guitar and soaring fiddle with a dynamic energy.
The duo has played live shows around the UK, with festival highlights including performances at Towersey Festival, Edlefest, Thame Town Music Festival and New Mills Festival. Painted Sky released their debut EP, Dawn, in 2020; a well-received showcase of their live act and progressive blend of traditional and original material.
Bella Gaffney/Painted Sky April 2022 Tour
April 2022 will see award-winning singer-songwriter Bella Gaffney and acclaimed folk duo Painted Sky take to the road for a double headline UK tour.
22nd April | The Globe, 11 Railway Street, Newcastle, NE4 7AD, Doors 7pm 8pm start, 0191-272-5185 £10 adv/£12 door events@theglobenewcastle.bar
23rd April | Alstonefield Village Hall, Beresford lane, Alstonefield, Staffs, DE6 2FR, Peak District £14 + £1.40 booking fee. 01335-310121
24th April | Temperance, 33 Bath Street, Leamington Spa, CV31 3AF. 7-10.30 pm £9.21 mail@temperance.bar 01926-730102
25th April | The Prince Albert, Rodborough Hill, Stroud GL5 3SS. 7-10.15 pm 01453-755600 info@theprincealbertstroud.co.uk £11 + £1.25 booking fee.
27th April | Aces and Eights, 156 Fortress Road, Tufnell Park, London, NW5 2HP Doors 7.00 pm start 8.00 pm. 0207-485-4033. £10 advance + Elizabeth and Jameson. bookings@acesandeightssaloonbar.com
29th April | Blue Sky Cafe, Ambassador Hall, Rear of 236 High Street, Bangor, LL57 1PA. 01248-355444 blueskybach@gmail.com
Tickets will be available from www.bellagaffneymusic.com and www.paintedskyfolk.weebly.com.
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