South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2006 | February | 10
From the archive, first published Friday 10th Feb 2006.
SOULFUL folk music comes to Under The Edge Arts in the Chipping Hall, Wotton-under-Edge on Friday, February 24.
Young songwriters Tessa Perry and Liz Clark, from New York, are including the arts centre in a busy international tour.
Tessa, who was born in Uley and brought up on the West coast of Ireland, started writing and performing songs in her teens. Now living in the United States, she is rapidly picking up fans on both sides of the Atlantic.
Steeped in the country-blues and folk traditions of Suzanne Vega and Beth Orton, her songs emerge startlingly fresh, shot through with lyrics that are wistful as well as punch-in-the-gut candid.
Whether playing to a sold-out concert hall or an East Village dive bar, Tessa spins images and observations of the world around her into soulful, intimate communication with her audience.
In Europe, she has opened concerts for such diverse acts as Ani DiFranco, Christy Moore, Damien Rice, the Indigo Girls, the Hothouse Flowers and the Corrs.
Tessa's debut recording, Live at DeBarras, was released in 2001 in Ireland to widespread acclaim. Her new album, Weightless, recorded in New York City, is a peep into the life of an outsider trying to make it on the inside. Co-produced by Brad Albetta, who has recently gained praise for his work with Martha Wainwright, the album is the next phase of her extraordinary career.
Sharing the concert in Wotton with Tessa Perry is Liz Clark whose stage presence is captivating - raw emotion drips from her voice and guitar as she stirs up memories of love, loss and regret. Her latest album is Hand on the Stove.
The evening will open with songs from young Wotton musicians Kate and Anna Pasco.
Tickets for the event at Under The Edge Arts are available from 01453 844988. Doors open at 7.30pm.
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