SALLY BARKER & MARTIN ANSELL
IMV 15th March 2026
What a simply wonderful way to spend a grey Sunday afternoon... sitting in the The International Music Venue to see Sally Barker and Martin Ansell singing the songs of Sandy Denny and Nick Drake respectively. This was the first performance by the duo in this show. The two are good friends and sat on stage taking it in turns to sing, chatting & reminiscing between songs
Martin opened up proceedings after the introductions and it didnt take many seconds to realise what a fine guitarist and singer he is, not trying to be Nick, but capturing the essence of his beautiful songs perfectly. I was also delighted that he didnt attempt to emulate Nick's live performances (he was dreadful live!!) but sang and played with warmth and assurance throughout...
Sally was next with a Sandy song... i think we all know what a beautiful voice she has and how beautifully Sandy's songs suit her... as always a sublime performance....
From there on the focus fell on the two alternately as they delivered classic after classic... i was especially happy to hear Sally include "Fotheringay" early on... one of my very favourite songs...
Both artists dipped into their own song repertoire, Martin playing a simply beautiful piece for and about his 101 year old father, while Sally sang a lighter nostalgic song about a red telephone box
I'm not as well up on Nick's songs as I was but Martin included the three I know best... "Man in the Shed", "Time Has Told Me" and "Pink Moon" while Sally continued with among others " Listen Listen", "the Sea", "Mais si tu dois partir" and the sublime "Who Knows Where the Time Goes"
Impossible to pick out highlights... every song was a classic and beautifully performed by two superb musicians and singers
An absolutely beautiful concert, an absolute joy to be there
Lets hope the pair continue with this format and come and play again... and again... loved every single moment
Keep music live... keep music real... support your local venues
No comments:
Post a Comment