CRANBROOK: Vestry Hall

Friday 27th October, 2023

7:00pm

Event information

UK based power-folk trio The Trials Of Cato were originally an all-male trio; now, post-pandemic, banjo player/vocalist Robin Jones and guitarist/keys player Tomos Williams are joined by ex-Magpie Polly Bolton on vocals and mandolin. Yorkshire born, Polly’s not only kept the demographic consistent but adds a splash of colour and a variation on the standard tight jeans/big boots fashion statement to the centre of the line up, as well as adding weight to the material.

Polly’s inclusion obviously changes the dynamic of the band, but her airy, breathy vocal style contracts nicely with Robin’s rich lead vocals and those three stringed instruments, each with its own distinctive sound, work exceedingly well together – with each player getting their chance to shine.

Aside from the obviously difference in how the new Trials looks, soundwise they’re also moving on as Tomos adds a little keyboard panache, while Robin and Polly are as active with their feet as with their hands; much happening at foot level with impressive looking, foot/toe triggered pedals boards and pads. Folk music is often about reinterpretation, adding new tunes and shape shifting traditions. That’s just how The Trials are evolving, broadening their pallet and moving into a new phase.

These three outstanding musicians put their own stamp on the folk idiom and are very well worth your time, they pay clear homage to the tradition whilst twisting old bones into something febrile and modern, with stomping tunes and captivating stories.

Stone Street
Cranbrook
TN17 3HA

www.stedithfolk.co.uk