An evening with Katie Spencer at Cafe No9

Event information

'Her articulate picking, with suggestions of folk and jazz, frames intelligently written songs’ – Guitarist Magazine

Raised in the East Yorkshire flatlands on the fringes of Hull (UK), Katie Spencer’s landscape has always been that of open skies and widening rivers. It is this sense of space and movement that flows through her assured guitar style and songwriting. Now, as Katie steps into this new era with a third album, her focus turns to those deeper inner spaces, inviting the listener to engage with her heartfelt and intricately-crafted songs.

Her writing, and most notably her guitar playing stems from a time when the steel-stringed instrument was truly finding its voice. Artists like Joni Mitchell, Judee Sill, Julie Byrne and perhaps most evidently Michael Chapman, weave into her sound. Katie absorbs these influences into her songwriting and with her distinctive deep vibrato and crystal-clear guitar style, she makes the music inimitably her own.

Katie will release her third album What Love Is in October 2025; an intimate collection of ten brand-new songs produced by Matt Ingram (Laura Marling, The Staves). Recorded in London’s Urchin Studios and featuring prominent players Giacomo Smith (clarinet), Max Clilverd (pedal steel), Tom Mason (double bass) and Matt Ingram (drums, synth). What Love Is evokes the spirit of Joni Mitchell’s finest later works, always honouring without emulating. Lyrically mature and at times pastoral; the album is melodically sophisticated and unflinchingly honest. She moves effortlessly from wide-open jazz-tinged soundscapes, influenced by Pharoah Sanders and John Abercrombie, through to the folk-baroque fingerpicking style that her fans admire
her for. Her singing is powerful yet warm, true and pristine in delivery. The musicianship throughout the record feels liberated by Katie’s innovation and confidence, and the result is a master-class of inspired and beautiful-sounding craftmanship.

‘... a world-class folk guitarist’ – fRoots

'Katie’s guitar playing has echoes of my dear friend the late great Bert Jansch. Like a musical weaver she threads her poetic lyrics through the guitar’s strings and produces tapestries of song.' – Ralph McTell

Katie has toured extensively and is a powerful and confident presence on stage, delivering her finely-tuned music with humour and insight. It is often said that Katie draws audiences into her mesmerising and musically articulate world with gentle affection and care. Her impressive live touring schedule is testament to this, and has seen her headline some of the most prestigious venues in the UK, including Portsmouth Cathedral and The Trades Club in Hebden Bridge, and perform at many respected major folk festivals such as the world- renowned Celtic Connections and Cambridge Folk Festival. Her live history also features many overseas adventures including extensive tours in Europe and Australia (including Port Fairy Folk Festival). This year Katie continues to tour widely in the UK and Europe, and was also invited to represent Britain and perform at the prestigious Folk Alliance International in Montreal, Canada. She recently became the owner and endorsee of a custom-built signature guitar, specially crafted for her by distinguished luthier Tom Sands and is looking forward to taking this beautiful instrument out on the road in 2025.

Her debut album Weather Beaten (2019) 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. This was followed by The Edge of the Land (2022), which reached #14 in the Official Folk Charts upon release. This record also features Tom Mason on double bass, with additional percussion and piano provided by Arran Ahmun and Spencer Cozens, musicians who developed their craft in the John Martyn band.

'One of the most satisfying and spellbinding singer-songwriter collections I’ve encountered in some time.' – RnR Magazine

'A timeless English folk album...’ – Shindig!

'This is beautifully written and played music, with the quiet consistency and confidence in its performers of some of Laura Marling’s best work. Wonderful stuff; let this one live with you for a while to discover its powers.' – KLOF

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

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.