Blair Dunlop, winner of the 2013 Horizon Award and son of folk legend Ashley Hutchings performs with his trio at The Atkinson on Thursday 25 July.
This astonishingly talented young musician and gifted songwriter is charismatic and has a vibrant stage personality , a combination that makes his shows a thoroughly engaging and uplifting experience for his growing audience.
The son of folk legend Ashley Hutchings and singer Judy Dunlop, Blair is well on his way to carving out his own place in the musical hierarchy both as a solo performer and as a member of the reformed Albion Band and this is ably demonstrated on his first full CD, ‘Blight & Blossom’, released on Rooksmere Records in October 2012, which features an all star cast of musicians as well as a song written for him by Richard Thompson.
Having been on stage from an early age, he has now blossomed into a greatly admired singer, guitarist and actor. Some of the highlights of his performing career include playing Little Willy Wonka in the blockbuster movie of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, touring for the whole of last autumn in a new production of the play Lark Rise and appearing at festivals such as Big Session, Towersey and Cropredy.
In 2011 Blair produced his first EP ”Bags Outside The Door” on Rooksmere Records and this immediately plunged him, once more, into the media spotlight attracting outstanding reviews from some leading figures on the music circuit. It also led to him being shortlisted for the BBC Young Folk Awards.
In early 2012 he took to the road as one sixth of The Albion Band, the new incarnation of the group originally founded by his father over 30 years ago. The tour proved that folk music is alive and well in the hands of a new generation of gifted musicians, all of whom, like Blair, are able to bring their own diverse influences to bear on a fine tradition.
For his debut album he enlisted Ashley Hutchings, Pete Zorn, Guy Fletcher and the multi-talented young American sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell from the Georgian band Larkin Poe. The album, Blight & Blossom, was released on Rooksmere Records in October 2012 and features Seven Brothers, a song written for him by Richard Thompson.
A vital bridge between Brit’s folk’s first and last flowerings. Dunlop’s wiring singing and staggering guitar are never overshadowed. – Q Magazine 2012
The British folk scene has produced a series of impressive dynasties, and this looks like the start of yet another. …this assured debut set shows that he is already an accomplished guitarist and singer, with considerable potential as a song-writer –The Guardian
Tickets are £10 in advance and £12 on the door. For more information or to book, please call The Atkinson box office on 01704 533 333, over the counter or by booking online at theatkinson.co.uk
Please note: A booking fee of £2 is applicable for online and telephone bookings
Posted on 21 June 2013 under General news
