The Poozies, the all-female folk band, are returning in a new incarnation.
York fans have an early chance to see how the 2003 line-up is shaping up next Wednesday (10th) at the National Centre for Early Music in Walmgate, where the 7.30pm concert forms part of a brief tour south of the border.
Three founder members - harp players Patsy Seddon and Mary MacMaster and all-Ireland accordion champion Karen Tweed - have been joined in the Scottish-based quartet by fiddler Eilidh Shaw.
Eilidh grew up on Scotland's west coast, playing in her parents' ceilidh band. Under her influence The Poozies have evolved again, turning closer to their Celtic roots on new album Changed Days, Same Roots, released last month on the Greentracks label.
The Poozies first formed in 1990 when harp duo Sileas - Seddon and MacMaster - linked up with Tweed and English singer-songwriter Sally Barker. Sally left in the mid-1990s to start a family, her place being taken by Kate Rusby, which led to the more traditional album, Infinite Blue.
When Kate sought solo pastures, The Poozies were "on hold" for a couple of years while members raised families and pursued other musical interests.
Now they are here once more, and concert promoter Roland Walls, club organiser for the Black Swan Folk Club in York, is impressed by the Changed Days, Same Roots record.
"As always the choice of material is eclectic and the arrangements are stunning," he says. "In particular, the musical chemistry between Karen Tweed and Eilidh Shaw is awesome: the accordion and the delicately interweaving fiddle create a magical world of harmony and counter-melody.
"Perhaps even more spine tingling are the close vocal harmonies, enhancing songs drawn from the rich Scottish folk tradition, both Gaelic and English, as well as from further afield."
Wednesday's support act will be American singer and guitarist Phil Cerny. Tickets for this opening concert of the NCEM autumn programme cost £12, concessions £10. Ring 01904 658338 or book via boxoffice@yorkearlymusic.org
Updated: 14:48 Friday, September 05, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article