BURD ELLEN
Fri, 29 Mar
|The Ivy House
Time & Location
29 Mar 2024, 19:00
The Ivy House, 40 Stuart Rd, London SE15 3BE, UK
About the event
with support from Phil Stevens and Sonny Brazil
Burd Ellen is a project featuring Debbie Armour (Alasdair Roberts, Green Ribbons) and Gayle Brogan (Pefkin, Electroscope). The group uses traditional song to explore and evoke dark landscapes and deep stories. Innovative instrumentation, drone and sound-wash support detailed vocal work to create a unique sonic atmosphere.
A Tarot Of The Green Wood is their third studio album, released Oct 2022. Debbie Armour says “I’m a long time collector and lover of tarot, and I’ve recently become drawn to the idea of finding parallels between interpretation of traditional song and the art of divination. Gayle and I have brought together a new collection of songs that reflect the ideas, archetypes and imagery of the Major Arcana.” Developed on residency at Sage Gateshead, the album also features guest appearances from Irish piper Ian Lynch (Fire Draw Near, Lankum) and Newcastle-based composer Mark Wardlaw (Kenosist, The Old Police House)
A Tarot Of The Green Wood entered the Official UK Folk Album charts at number 17. It was number 5 in The Guardian’s Best Folk Albums 2022, and also made Best of Year lists from Folk Radio UK, Concrete Islands, Record Crates United and more. Songlines magazine gave it a coveted Top Of The World spot and the singles received regular plays on BBC6 Music, BBC Radio3 and BBC Radio Scotland.
Burd Ellen have appeared at Cambridge Folk Festival, Celtic Connections, Fanø Free Folk Festival, Cafe Oto, The Glad Cafe and many other stages in the UK and Europe. They are carving out a sonically adventurous niche, but one that is informed by a deep love and respect for traditional song.
"The most innovative duo in folk" - Folk Radio UK. (Best Albums of 2020 & 2022)
"Magnificent" - 8/10, Uncut Magazine
"One of the finest folk explorers" - The Wire Magazine
"Wonderful!” - Cerys Matthews, BBC Radio 6 Music
“Dripping with strangeness and unease” - The Guardian (Top 10 Folk Albums 2020 & 2022)
Useful links:
Twitter: @burdellen_
Instagram: @burdellenmusic
Facebook: /burdellen
Sonny Brazil lives on a narrowboat, and wherever her moors in the English rivers, he calls home. He adores old folk songs, and as he floats around the country with his guitar, he re-envisions them in his eyes.
He play melodeon and sings as part of Goblin Band, but his solo sets are very popular. He is a great player and singer.
Phil Stevens has a very eclectic repertoire of songs. He can tackle anything from Shape Note songs to the work of Robyn Hitchcock, as well as a wide selection of traditional songs. Phil is also a member of Shotley Crue, who sing shanties and sea songs.
At The Ivy House, London’s first community-owned pub - Find Us
Tickets are £14 advance, £16 on the door (cash or BACS only)
Door 7pm, Live music starts 8pm.
This concert will be half seated, half standing, so come early if you want to be sure of a seat!
Please be aware that whilst our events are held in The Ivy House's beautiful Grade 2 listed ballroom, this is a pub, so there may be some background noise from adjoining bars, although we and the pub management have done our best to minimise this.