Music / Previews
Preview: Urban Folk Quartet at The Folk House
After releasing their critically acclaimed album “The Escape” in 2015, The Urban Folk Quartet, Joe Broughton, Paloma Trigás, Tom Chapman and Dan Walsh have been touring their genre-defying, all-embracing approach to folk music which has captivated audiences in high-energy performances across the world.
Dan Walsh answered a few of our Quickfire Questions ahead of their Bristol Folk House gig, Saturday, April 1.
Which artists are inspiring you right now?
As a band, our influences are always so wide and varied and we’re always listening to so much stuff new and old! I’ve been listening to a lot of traditional folk again while I know Tom’s been playing some jazz again. My latest discovery is a cracking little trio called Tweed I saw out in New Zealand. The harmonies are absolutely superb.
What’s your favourite song to play?
That’s such a hard one to answer! There are so many we love as a band – I suppose speaking personally I always love playing Whiplash Reel which is an Indian flavoured tune I wrote. I love combining two of my favourite influences – reel playing and Indian ornaments – and playing it with the full band takes it in another direction to playing it on my own.
Who are your major musical influences?
We’re influenced by so much music as a band. On car journeys we’ll be listening to Stevie Wonder one minute then Andy Irvine the next! Paul Simon is my original hero and the whole band are massive fans as well. We bond over listening to him a lot! But our music incorporates a lot of influences from all over the world – folk, jazz, bluegrass, funk, Indian rhythms, Latin – but we always try and do it in a tasteful way that makes sense to us rather than stitching it together for the sake of it.
What song do you pick to get ready for a night out?
Hmm well to be honest my idea of a night out is a few pints down my local pub so it doesn’t involve too much preparation!
What have you got coming up?
A LOT of gigs! The band are on tour through March/April then I’ve got a big solo tour and a new album. Then lots of festivals over the summer both solo and with the band. It’s good to keep busy!
For more information, visit www.folkhousemusic.com
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