Coming up in a couple of weeks, True North Music is excited to be hosting the wonderful Gordy/Somers/Walsh at our first concert venture in Huddersfield, after our two sell-out events in Sheffield earlier this year. We’re delighted to be putting on this gig at the gorgeous Lawrence Batley Theatre, in their intimate Syngenta Cellar space. Huddersfield has a rich musical tradition which includes championship winning brass bands, the world famous choral society and the prestigious annual contemporary music festival. There’s also a healthy folk and jazz music scene here and we’re sure that this concert will appeal to all those who like to hear top notch acoustic music, played by musicians at the peak of their powers!
Gordy, Somers & Walsh are three of the most talented and versatile musicians working on the contemporary acoustic music scene in the USA and UK today. With virtuosic guitar and mandolin picking complemented by hot double bass and occasional sax, the trio will present a varied repertoire ranging from driving modern bluegrass to cool jazz.
Grant Gordy is renowned in both bluegrass and jazz circles for his virtuosic and innovative guitar playing, and has collaborated with many top musicians, including six years playing guitar in the David Grisman Quintet. Joe K Walsh (no, no that one!) has been hailed in recent years as one of the finest up and coming mandolin players, his CV including a number of years with bluegrass supergroup the Gibson Brothers.
These American whizz kids have been playing together regularly for a while, including in the band Mr Sun (with Darol Anger and Ethan Jodziewicz). They met Ben Somers (double bass/vocals/sax) at a festival several years ago and discovered a kindred musical spirit. Londoner Ben is well known in UK bluegrass circles as a talented bass player and singer, in bands including the Wagon Tales and Leon Hunt n-tet. Musically versatile, his day job is as a busy session player and sideman in all sorts of genres.
The USA/UK trio played a handful of concerts together in the States last year and revive their collaboration this spring with a short tour of the UK, Netherlands and Germany. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know these guys over recent years when they have all featured as instrument tutors at the well respected Sore Fingers bluegrass camp, as well as performing at various UK bluegrass festivals and gigs. They’re superb musicians and great fun too – we are so pleased to be able to present music of this calibre in Huddersfield at the LBT. It’s going to be a fantastic night of music! Advance tickets are just £10 from the box office or at Wegottickets here, so come on out and enjoy!