Ryley Walker has been compared to many of folk’s¬†greats yet has a musical style all his own. Still only in his mid-20s, he‚Äôs well on his way to becoming a major artist as the rave reviews for his recent album,¬†Primrose Green,¬†attest.
For this very special tour, Ryley will be joined onstage by legendary double-bassist Danny Thompson, one of the founding members of Pentangle, who has performed with the likes of Richard Thompson, Tim Buckley, Nick Drake, John Martyn and many more, helping to create the lyrical and jazz-flecked astral folk that so influenced Walker close to half a century later.
As well as performing works from his two acclaimed albums, the shows will likely include some new Ryley Walker material. Expect a memorable night as these two immensely talented artists come together to create something exceptional. Dates/info below:
Thursday 18 February – OXFORD – The Bullingdon
Music Net Tours: Part of the Arts Council’s Strategic Touring programme, and presented by Root Music and Band on the Wall, Music Net Tours allow audiences in areas of low arts engagement to enjoy specially commissioned projects, performances and collaborations by internationally-acclaimed musicians they would never usually get to see. Additionally, Music Net works with smaller venues to develop as organisations in all aspects of their operation such as programming, marketing and administration.
Critical acclaim for Primrose Green, out now on Dead Oceans:
‚ÄúAn instant out-of-time classic‚Ķ¬†While Walker has absorbed the free-roaming influences of Van Morrison and Tim Buckley,¬†this is clearly someone reaching for their essence, on a mission to follow a philosophy rather than to slavishly recreate a mood. There’s a sense that this record represents a snapshot of a restless artist in flux, an evolving creativity.‚Äù
Uncut – 9/10 (Album Of The Month)
“Walker has arrived at the same questing folk-jazz territory explored by Tim Buckley and John Martyn… Utterly delightful and as fresh as tomorrow.”
The Independent – 5 Stars *****
“Just when you think the psychedelic folk of Bert Jansch and Davy Graham has been picked over so much that its influence is exhausted, along comes someone with such a virtuosic feel for it that the genre is revived all over again… Ryley is firmly in the lineage of romantic outsider folk guitarists.”
MOJO – 4 Stars ****
“Combining jazzy looseness, rustic picking and an undertow of drugular mind expansion, this is one head cocktail that leaves no pain after it hits.”
Q – 4 Stars ****
‚ÄúWalker has an uncanny feel for the triangulation of folk, jazz and blues that came from the fleet fingers of Bert Jansch and John Fahey back in the ‘60s. Both the playing and production have the lithe, loose feel of a lost album by Pentangle.‚Äù
NME – 8/10
‚ÄúHis album offers mesmerising, fluid guitar throughout with variety coming through finger-picked delight ‘On The Banks of The Old Kishwaukee’‚Ķ Essential listening.‚Äù
The Sun – 4.5/5
“Lovers of Bert Jansch and John Martyn will listen to the jazzy chord changes and tales of misadventures on Primrose Green and wonder whether this is really a new release or are they experiencing an unussually mellow acid flashback. The record is bound together by an appealingly laconic mood.”
The Times – 4 Stars ****
‚ÄúAn immersive collection that recalls Van Morrison’s materpiece Astral Weeks in its sun-dappled, lysergic embrace. One to watch and no mistake.‚Äù
Guitarist – 5 Stars *****
“For his dazzling second album, Walker flaunts his influences with assurance, while his virtuoso diligence also upholds their spirit of committed exploration.”
The Independent on Sunday – 4 Stars ****
“A beautiful record… Sometimes a new artist comes along that makes you pause for breath. Ryley Walker is one of those artists.”
Shinding – 4 Stars ****
A mystical record… Expansive and moving.
DIY – 4 Stars ****
“Out of Chicago comes a wonderful new guitar player with a pastoral vibe and hit of well-worn English folk.”
Monocle
“Excellent songwriting channeling John Martyn… A wonderful album.”
Acoustic
‚ÄúHighlights abound on a consistently excellent set blessed with a plethora of satisfying melodies. ‘Summer Dress’ recalls Tim Buckley at his most breezy and jazz-inflected, the sultry The High Road echoes Nick Drake’s virtuoso guitar lines and delicate vocals, while Hide In The Roses pays tribute to Bert Jansch’s brooding spare folk.‚Äù
Record Collector