Grateful Fred’s have been pioneering Americana and Roots music in Formby, Southport and Liverpool since 2010 and during that time have presented some of the best US, Canadian and World artists.
On the first Wednesday of every month, join the Fredhead’s at The Atkinson for a wonderful night of live acoustic music.
The Club Night
7.30pm – The Silver Fred’s
8.00pm – John Jenkins
8.40pm – Interval
9.00pm –Katie Spencer
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- Katie Spencer
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- John Jenkins
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- The Silver Fred’s
Katie Spencer
Raised in the East Yorkshire flatlands on the fringes of Hull, Katie Spencer’s landscape has always been that of open skies and widening rivers. Industry still shapes the city here. The people, as with the land, are moulded by tides and stark horizons. Stand in the same place for long enough and you can watch the sunrise over the North Sea and then sink into crop fields, glowing auburn in the late summer sun. It is this sense of space and movement that flows through Katie Spencer’s music.
The songwriting, and most notably her guitar playing stems from a time when the steel-stringed instrument was truly finding its voice. Artists like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and perhaps most evidently Michael Chapman, flow into her sound, carrying with them the warmth and idealism of the early 70s folk and songwriter movements.
Katie Spencer’s widely celebrated new album, The Edge of the Land (2022), follows her debut release, Weather Beaten (2019) which was praised for its unique song-craft, spell-binding musicianship and crystal sonic clarity, as she brought together fans of music from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Delicate and un-rushed, the ten songs on The Edge of the Land drift by like ships on the horizon, yet intimacy and introspection still remain. The inclusivity found in her recorded works is most apparent when on stage, with a personal connection and humour that allows the listener time to appreciate the emotion of the music. Her historical gig list is extensive, taking in the world-renowned Celtic Connections and Cambridge FolkFestival, whilst performances with Danny Thompson and Alan Thomson have left audiences in awe of her confidence and craftsmanship.
As live music has returned to our world, we can expect to see Katie Spencer where she belongs once more, eyes closed, in the moment, performing.
“Her articulate picking, with suggestions of folk and jazz, frames intelligently written songs and is the backbone to her music.” – Guitarist Magazine
“One of the most satisfying and spellbinding singer-songwriter collections I’ve encountered in some time.” – RnR Magazine
“Imaginative imagery supported by compelling music that summons up the best of early 70s folk, fluently delivered here with its own contemporary power. This is a fine collection of memorable songs by an outstanding writer and musician.” – Record Collector
With support from…
John Jenkins
We are so pleased to being welcoming back John Jenkins to play at Grateful Fred’s.
John Jenkins is a critically acclaimed recording artist and staple of the Liverpool singer-songwriter scene.
From his early years in bands The Persuaders and Come in Tokio (both of which made waves in the 80s with support on BBC Radio 1) to his recent success in the root’s scene, Jenkins has developed an engaged audience of fans in the Rock, Country, and Americana formats.
He has established himself as a live touring act, both solo and collaboratively, sharing stages with the likes of Elvis Costello, Chris Difford (Squeeze), Steve Tilston, Echo and The Bunnymen, The Beat and Jarrod Dickenson.
Jenkins latest body of work, 2021’s ‘If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love’ gained critical acclaim in the likes of RnR, Folk Radio UK and Americana UK with support from Ralph McLean (BBC Radio Ulster).
The album was co-produced by John Jenkins and Jon Lawton (Sami Yusuf, Two Black Sheep) and mastered by Pete Maher (The Rolling Stones, U2, Patti Smith). It is available on CD and Digital via Fretsore Records and features the singles “Desert Hearts”, “Kathleen” and “Strangers On A Train”.
https://www.johnjenkinsmusic.com/
Opening and hosting will be…
The Silver Freds
Line-ups are correct at time of purchase but may be subject to change. Customers will not be notified of any changes to the line-up. No refunds will be offered for changes to the line-up, customers are entitled to a ticket exchange, credit note, or can donate the cost to The Atkinson Development Trust.
