An evening with Sam Carter at Cafe No9

Event information

Midlands-born Sam Carter is a BBC Folk Award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist renowned for his narrative-rich songwriting, which Uncut described as being “as penetrating as Richard Thompson’s best work”. For over 15 years, he has been stirring audiences from Camden to Canada, from major festivals to intimate clubs. Carter’s expressive fingerpicking led Jon Boden of Bellowhead to call him "the finest English-style fingerpicking guitarist of his generation," while Ivor Novello-winner Nitin Sawhney has praised his "killer voice."

With a discography that spans six solo albums and two releases with the folk-rock band False Lights, Carter’s music reflects a blend of traditional English folk, shape-note singing, and rock. Notable highlights in his career include a spellbinding performance on Later… with Jools Holland, where he played songs from his shape-note-inspired album The No Testament alongside renowned fiddler Sam Sweeney.

Carter’s latest release, the acclaimed Top 40 Folk Chart album Silver Horizon, has cemented his reputation as a skilful blender of ancient and modern. Produced by Andy Bell at the remote Red Kite Studios in Wales, the album's 11 indie-folk songs create a dreamlike soundscape, with guitarist Stuart McCallum (The Breath) adding lush, reverb-soaked textures. Carter says of this work, “I’m still dealing with themes of love, loss, and change... but sketching events in an impressionistic way gives the songs more room to breathe.”

Sam Carter’s live performances are nothing short of captivating, filled with the raw honesty, humour, and skilled musicianship that underscore his standing as one of contemporary folk’s brightest talents.

Sam is an independent artist and has eight releases to date; all self-released under Captain Records – Here In The Ground EP (2008), Keepsakes (2009), The No Testament (2012), Live At The Union Chapel EP (2012), How The City Sings (2016), Home Waters (2020), Home Waters Live (2021) and Silver Horizon (2024). All titles are available on CD from HMV, Amazon, and other online retailers except for Live At The Union Chapel EP and Home Waters Live, which are available on CD at Sam’s Bandcamp and shows.

“Sam Carter is a brilliant guitarist and songwriter who combines the observational with social comment and personal reflection”— Songlines

***********************************************************************************

‘From the first moments of her first song, you can tell that she’s got it, whatever “it” is.’ (Bristol 24/7 & FATEA). Lou Shepherd is a rising folk singer-songwriter whose emotive voice—‘moss-soft and sun-tinged’ (Bristol 24/7, FATEA)—has confirmed her place as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging folk artists. With her compelling storytelling rooted deeply in nature and connection, Lou’s poetic lyrical perspectives, immersive soundscapes and commanding melodies cast ‘Laurel Canyon Shadows’, with the ‘quiet determination of a seedling seeking the light’. (Bristol 24/7, FATEA)
Brought up on the best of the British folk revival and folk sessions in the South West of England, Lou’s live performances have gained Europe-wide acclaim, having spent two years at the heart of the Amsterdam folk scene. Now back in her native West Country, Lou’s awe and wonder for nature shine through. A talented multi-instrumentalist, her lucent and effortless vocals have left a lasting impression with audiences nationwide.
With her debut EP Rise scheduled for release later this year, she looks forward to bringing her ‘masterful songwriting’ (Bristol 24/7) to venues and festivals around the UK.


***********************************************************************************

Please note this ticket price DOES include a BYOB fee should you wish to bring alcohol to the venue.

All additional purchases of drinks and sweet treats from the cafe counter are always very much appreciated.