Brothers Gillespie live at Rosslyn Court

Event information

The Brothers Gillespie 12 3 26

Described by Folk Radio UK as ‘weaving an especially compelling magic’, and 'showing British acoustic music in its best possible light’, Northumbrian duo The Brothers Gillespie make music that is animated by lyrical songwriting, fine fingerstyle guitar playing, multi-instrumental musicianship and ‘the glorious tones of their blood harmony’ (Sam Lee).
Brothers James and Sam Gillespie found their sound growing up in the fells and valleys of Northumberland, their songs often describing relationships with wild places and the experience of finding oneself in a world alive with soul. The music comes to them most strongly when walking in the borderlands with their packs and instruments which remains a regular practice for them. This spirit is channeled into their live performances which have a rare and intimate energy, both ethereal and earthy, romantic and radical. The brothers have travelled far and wide with their music and have played at Cambridge and Sidmouth Folk Festivals and opened for Lankum and Sam Lee. In 2021 they featured in the English Heritage ‘Songs of England’ recording series that appeared on BBC Radio 4. The release of their new album ‘The Merciful Road’ (‘pure magic’, Living Tradition) in Spring 2022 saw them embark on their most extensive national tour to date.
‘The Merciful Road’ was recorded in a cottage by the banks of the river Tweed and like their previous album ‘The Fell’, it blends rootsy, acoustic elements to create a rich warm sound with a touch of vintage magic. In some ways it is an album about finding the thread of love and belonging in a world that seems to be nonetheless unravelling.
The brothers emerge from the time of lockdowns with a yet greater reverence for the joy and privilege of being with an audience in real time and space.
‘Our music is inspired by the still wild soul of the land in which we live, a land alive with presences, not owned by anyone. It is about seeing with the eye of the heart and recovering our imaginations. It is about finding home, belonging and each other in a world which is singing to us as we sing to it’.
“Anyone who has seen the brothers live will surely attest that it is an experience that will stay with you. There is a feeling of warmth that exudes from them and affects everyone in the room” - Folk London
“Not since the minimal chamber folk of Simon And Garfunkel has two voices and an acoustic guitar sounded so absolutely perfect.” FATEA
Stunning songs beautifully sung and played. Without doubt a classic in the making from a duo potent with potential.” - Northern Sky
“Uncluttered, simply but intoxicatingly arranged and adorned by their magical harmonies, musically steeped in the earth, grass and leaves that mark the pathways, this is a road you really need to travel.” - Bright Young Folk

“Warning to all folk fest and club orgs. book these lads while you still can because I have a feeling that they aren't going to be short of work. – Mike Harding
“The stars of the show were The Brother's Gillespie - more than an hour of fantastic musicianship. Imagine the guitar work of the early Nic Jones, the close harmony work of the Dransfields and the commitment and honesty of Bob Davenport rolled into two brothers and you'll get some idea.” Mike Harding
Rosslyn Court
Expect a small, seated, friendly, quirky, listening venue with a heart – we have a tiny bar selling beer, wine, cider and hot and cold drinks -nibbly stuff and always a cake. The venue is accessible, on one level. You will be seated at tables or in rows, according to numbers in the audience. If you need to use your phone for texting or lyrics, please turn the brightness of your phone down and consider sitting near the back to minimise the impact.
The first hour of concerts is livestreamed on YouTube. You can watch it any time after 7.30 on the night of the concert via the Rosslyn Court Website. There is an exclusive second set for the audience in the room, including a Q&A with the performers. We ask you to make a donation, please, when you watch the livestream to help us to continue this service.
In buying a ticket you are entered for the Rosslyn Court raffle. You may win a CD …or a “Who Gives A Crap” emergency toilet roll! WGAC donate half their profits to water charities and are plastic free. People who donate or engage with the live chat during the concert are also entered into the raffle.
There is usually a floor singer and often a 2-minute community slot informing us of what happens locally. The second half starts with a Q&A and is not livestreamed. If you think of something you want to know more about in the first half, just ask! Sometimes there is another floor song.
The concerts usually finish well before 10. Except for Tim Edey because he is unstoppable. (We also run a B&B here hahaha)
If you want to view the livestream after midnight of the concert date then go to the livestream option on the website where all the old livestreams live.
Tickets are usually £12. We have a few at £6 and some at £18 to help us to subsidise the concessionary tickets. Sometimes tickets are more.
Please ring for more details, 07902140248
See you soon
Morag
Rosslyn Court
morag@rosslyncourt.com
07902140248
62 Sweyn Rd Margate CT92DD