Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening - photo by Georgia Claire

Kathryn Tickell comes from a long line of traditional musicians and poets, although her band The Darkening, named after the Northumberland word for twilight, were anything but gloomy. Right from the first number they positively blazed. This is modern, exciting folk still anchored in tradition.

Considered one of the finest players of the Northumbrian pipes (like small bagpipes), on the evidence of last night’s superb performance at Oxford Playhouse it’s hard to disagree.

Kathryn, who has a regular programme Music Planet on BBC Radio 3, fronts the band on pipes, fiddle and vocals, alongside Amy Thatcher (accordion, synth, vocals and yes clogs). Backed by Kieran Szifris (guitars and mandolin, and full of rhythm), Josie Duncan ( harp and vocals) and Joe Truswell solid on percussion.

Kathryn Tickell

All top players, we were treated to a huge variety of traditional music from the UK, Ireland, and even Celtic Galicia in Spain where pipes are also played. The arrangements were anything but trad; this band can really rock contrasting with the more plaintive and hauntingly moody tunes inspired by Tickell’s native North-East.

She wrote much of the varied programme of reels, waltzes, jigs and clog dances herself, injecting so much feeling and atmosphere into the line-up, the highlight being the interplay between pipes and accordion, often at breathtaking speeds.

Even on a wet early autumn Sunday evening she had the audience clapping and whooping from the off

Kathryn is also a great communicator throughout with her warmth, vast knowledge and lived experience of so many musical genres.

Even on a wet early autumn Sunday evening she had the audience clapping and whooping from the off. Come back too Oxford soon Kathryn!

Richard Bailey

For Kathryn Tickell and The Darkening Tour dates go to https://www.kathryntickell.com/live-dates