Southern Tenant Folk Union

Banjo player Pat McGarvey’s six-piece band of Scottish folkies took to the stage at this intimate bar room venue and showed why they are so well respected. Huddled around a single radio mic their soft harmonies recalled a Celtic Chatham County Line as they played two sets of atheist gospel songs, murder ballads and bluegrass stompers. Newest and youngest member Rory Butler proved a revelation with his mature voice and fine guitar solos and the encore, with the band unplugged amongst the audience, was an excellent way to end.

Never mind the Mumfords, this lot were the real deal.

The Palmeira, 5 July 2013

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