Fri 20th April, 2018
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
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Bookings are closed for this event.
The Cafe is open this evening, last orders at 6.30pm
Ranagri produce an electrifying mix of virtuosic instrumentals, haunting melodies, vivid storytelling and their unique take on old and new folk songs. The London based band are a combination of Irish and English musicians; Dónal Rogers (Vocals/Guitar), Eliza Marshall (Flutes/Whistles), Ellie Turner (Electric Harp) and Joe Danks (Bodhrán/Guitar).
Ranagri were delighted to secure a record contract with Grammy Award Winning Record Label ‘Stockfisch’ in 2014 where they recorded the highly acclaimed SACD hybrid album ‘Fort of the Hare’. They also published a book ‘Song Folk Art’ through Robinswood Press with an accompanying album ‘Tradition’ recorded throughout 2014.
In 2015 Ranagri collaborated with legend crooner Tony Christie of ‘Amarillo’ fame, recording an album entitled The Great Irish Songbook, taking Tony back to his Irish Roots, and bringing their own style to many of the golden old Irish tunes that they grew up on. This was signed with both Stockfisch and Wrasse Records, and was followed by a large tour of the UK and Germany as part of Tony’s Golden Anniversary Tour.
Festival performances include Cambridge, Gate to Southwell, Wath, Stourbridge, Trinity, Bloom and Purbeck Folk Festivals. No strangers to large venues, Ranagri have performed at Birmingham Symphony Hall, Fairfield Halls, The Union Chapel, Buxton Opera House to name a few. Combining their love for world music, they collaborated with top Indian Musicians Kuljit Bhamra OBE, Sanjay Guha, M Balachander and members of Britten Sinfonia at The Bhavan Centre,
London.
In 2016 Ranagri worked with Grammy-nominated producer Graeme Pleeth on their latest album VOICES (recorded at Real World Studios) which combines their own songs and instrumentals with traditional folk Songs such as High Germany and The Snow It Melts The Soonest – all performed and arranged in Ranagri’s inimitable style.
2017 has seen Ranagri on tour with Justin Currie (of Del Amitri) at Islington Assembley Halls, Perth Concert Hall, Holmfirth Picturedrome and Cambridge Junction. They are currently finishing off writing their new album which will be recorded at Stockfisch early in 2018.
Quotes and Reviews
“There’s little to use as a point of reference when you discuss the sound created by Ranagri … stunning, dazzling, remarkable…any of those will do, however the overriding word is different; and you could throw exciting in there too”. Tim Carroll, FolkWords
“You’re unlikely to hear anything more irresistible and more folky this year”. Mike Ainscoe, Louder Than War
“Ranagri – both on the new album ‘Voices’ and on the stage – are a band that deliver a great sound. If they’re not playing near you, buy the album, if they are – buy the album and go see”. Also ‘album of the week’ – Fatea Magazine Neil King, Fatea Magazine
“Creating a trademark sound that’s becoming ever more familiar as they continue to make waves on the UK and European folk scene”. Folk Radio UK
“How often do you hear a sound that’s completely new and immediately makes you want to dance? I’ll be following Ranagri around, I hope they don’t mind…”
Katie Derham – BBC
“Ranagri’s flute and harp infused set – who wasn’t conjuring up visions of the airier moments of sublime Jethro Tull – was pitifully short, yet gave enough of a flavour to mark them on the list for the next possible wallet lightning raid on the CD stall”. Mike Ainscoe – Louder Than War (review of Cambridge Folk Festival 2015).
“The standard of musicianship tonight was second to none as the band delivered two excellent sets. The band’s musical magic was evident in some of the most flawless playing the Wheelhouse has been witness to over the last 77 shows the venue has staged”. Allan Wilkinson – Northern Sky Magazine
“Quality contemporary songwriting enhanced by beautiful neo-Celtic sounds.” Carl Corcoran – Presenter RTE Lyric FM’s Blue of the Night
“Quite possibly one of the best bands we have seen in 2014. Their music is in the main self penned and lyrically has a folk feel to it, but the sound they produce is a mixture of music and rhythms from everywhere in the world. It is so very hard to find a genre to fit them into”. Les Jones – Woodman Folk Club
Plumhall
Michelle Plum and Nick B Hall are PLUMHALL, an electrifying duo from Yorkshire whose award winning self-penned songs are earning them well deserved plaudits from the likes of Miles Hunt (The Wonder Stuff), Phil Beer and Steve Knightley (Show of Hands), R2 Magazine (4 stars) and many more.
PLUMHALL have just returned from a blistering appearance at The London Palladium with the legendary Al Stewart, cementing their fierce reputation on the UK live circuit. They have also just written music for (and appeared in) a major British cinematic release, out in 2018, called THE RUNAWAYS.
PLUMHALL packs a punch with powerful acoustic (and occasional electric) guitar and luscious harmony-driven textures of original contemporary folk rock.
PLUMHALL’s debut album THUNDERCLOUD (SPLID RECORDS/PROPER DISTRIBUTION) was voted one of The Guardian and Observer’s Hidden Gems, and Michelle and Nick are winners of the Yorkshire Gig Guide Outstanding Songwriters award 2014, as well as International Song Competition semi-finalists.
Celebrating a wealth of international radio play, PLUMHALL were joined on stage by Bob Dylan’s legendary guitarist Larry Campbell for a scintillating performance of Dylan’s ‘Señor (Tales of Yankee Power)’, which had a capacity crowd on its feet. They have also performed onstage with Phil Beer, Ian McNabb and others.
PLUMHALL have released their debut single “Learning How To Talk”, written especially for them by Chumbawamba’s Boff Whalley. Another song from the album, “Never Forget My Name”, was picked up by BBC Folk Award nominee Dan Walsh who added it to his 2016 UK tour set list.
PLUMHALL’s second studio album is in the pipeline with a planned release spring 2018.
“A fine duo…go and see them if you get the chance” Steve Knightley – Show of Hands
“Articulate, penetrating lyrics with captivating melodies and….irresistible choruses. Arresting vocals and that distinctive big acoustic sound.” R2 Magazine
“A mighty force…smart lyric writing and wonderful harmonies set them above most of their contemporaries. It is rare indeed that we get to see writers and performers of such distinction” Miles Hunt -The Wonder Stuff
“A superduo…a wealth of talent…a real sense of passion and attack” Fatea Magazine
“a soundscape devoid of audible seams…music that reaches out to invite you bask in its embrace” Folkwords