“Pure class.” – R2
“Who says folk music isn’t relevant?” – Folking
“Two of folk music’s most in demand musicians… Combining emotive songs, unrivalled instrumental capability and a spectacular entertaining, high energy show, they never fail to create a spellbinding atmosphere.” – Folk Radio UK
Kevin Dempsey and Joe Broughton are back for a series of intimate gigs during February 2018.
2017 saw the duo return to the fray with a series of exciting live appearances to accompany the release of their acclaimed album, Off By Heart. The collection’s nine tracks ranged from outlandish and inventive instrumentals, to traditional and original songs. With “a slightly political twist” running throughout, the collection earned a raft of four and five-star reviews.
Since forming in 1999, the duo have toured extensively, performing across over 20 countries and releasing three albums – Every Other Word (1999), Freehand (2004), and last year’s Off By Heart. Combining emotive songs, unrivalled musicianship, and a spectacular high energy show, Dempsey (guitar, vocals) and Broughton (fiddle, mandolin) never fail to create a spellbinding atmosphere.
At the top of their game, the list of acts they’ve played with includes such names as Whippersnapper, Pentangle, Mary Black, Joss Stone, Dando Shaft, The Urban Folk Quartet, Fairport Convention, The Albion Band, Dave Swarbrick, and even soul singer Percy Sledge! Yet Kevin and Joe continue to value their unique musical partnership, rooted in ‘folk music’ yet drawing on influences from the four corners of the world.
“With the album and the sell-out gigs, last year was our most successful to date so we can’t wait to get back out again,” enthuses Joe. “We’re really looking forward to playing songs from our previous releases as well as a few new tunes which we’ve been working on.”
Referring to the lengthy gap between Freehand and Off By Heart, Joe jokes: “The new songs are sounding great, they really continue the themes and ideas from Off By Heart, and after the 13 year gap between albums, we hope it won’t be that long ‘til the next one!”
“We’ve spent the last few months exchanging ideas, so new songs are coming together – instrumentals, traditional songs and original songs,” interjects Kevin. “We spend a lot of time working on arrangements and always enjoy our time together, both of us – from the gigs to our annual guitar/ fiddle Summer School – so who knows? Maybe we’ll find the time to do some more recording this coming year … or the year after. We’ll see …”
For more details, see:
www.facebook.com/dempseybroughton
www.dempseybroughton.co.uk
soundcloud.com/dempseybroughton/
GIG LISTINGS:
Friday 16 February 2018
The Hinckley ACT, 7 Watling Close, Hinckley, Leicestershire LE10 3EZ
With support from Brian Phillips
£11 (£10 Members)
8pm
Tel: 01455 631 609
hinckleyact.co.uk/event/kevin-dempsey-and-joe-broughton/
Saturday 17 February 2019
The Sunny Sailor, 1 Fullbridge, Maldon, Essex CM9 4LE
£15 (+£1.50 booking fee)
7.30pm
Tickets: Maldon TIC 01621 856503 or via www.wegottickets.com/event/424121
www.mactheatre.org.uk
Thursday 22 February 2018
The Kitchen Garden Café, 17 York Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7SA
£12
8pm (Doors 7.30pm)
Tel: 0121 443 4725
Tickets via www.wegottickets.com/event/422117
kitchengardencafe.co.uk
Friday 23 February 2018
Bristol Folk House, 40a Park Street, Bristol BS1 5JG
£10.50 advance; £12.50 door
7.30pm
www.bristolfolkhouse.co.uk/live-music/event/dempsey-broughton-23-02-2018
Saturday 24 February 2018
Stanley Halls, 12 South Norwood Hill, London SE25 6AB
£15
8pm (doors 7.30pm)
www.stanleyhalls.org.uk
MEDIA CONTACT
Kevin Dempsey and Joe Broughton are available for interviews. For all interview requests, and also media images, please contact us:
Four Four Eight 