Local town's burgeoning reputation
If it's not careful, Shrewsbury is soon going to be giving Cambridge a run for its money as the UK's capital of folk music.
Crooked Still
The Hive, Shrewsbury
by Chrissy Symmons
If it's not careful, Shrewsbury is soon going to be giving Cambridge a run for its money as the UK's capital of folk music.
The town already has a festival to rival the long-established Cambridge Folk Festival and venues like Theatre Severn and The Hive regularly welcome the cream of roots music.
The Hive hosted a sell-out gig by American five-piece Crooked Still, further boosting the town's reputation as a centre for roots excellence.
Lead vocalist Aofie O'Donovan brought a smooth sound to the tunes. Banjo player Gregory Liszt propelled the songs with deft musicianship, beside the beautiful cello playing of Tristan Clarridge and up-beat double bass rhythms from Corey DiMario.
Brittany Haas was also in impressive form, combining fiddle duties with backing vocals. Crooked Still caused a stir with a 2007 performance at the Shrewsbury Folk Festival.
This time around, there was also much fun in store as Gregory 'vogued' like a dervish and Aoife commented on her passion for the town.
The Boston musicians were not shy to communicate with the audience and interspersed songs with tales of their tour experiences.
