Jim Moray, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton – review
Modern folk music star Jim Moray entranced enthusiasts in Wolverhampton with a delightful two-part set featuring traditional songs, many set to new and intriguing tunes.
The 37-year-old musician and producer, who was brought up in Brocton, near Stafford, was in a happy mood back in the West Midlands and chatted through his set about his music and how he came by many of the songs.
His last solo album Upcetera – his sixth and released in 2016 –featured heavily in his choice of songs, including Lord Douglas and his own outstanding composition Sounds of Earth in the first half.
His performance was largely him playing guitar, but he switched to his late father's concertina for a couple of songs and delivered a beautiful unaccompanied Another Man's Wedding as well.
His warm humour shone through as he delivered some great folk music and his clear and subtle voice was in fine form.
The second half opened with The Bramble Briar, Australia and favourite John Barleycorn before a couple of songs from his band False Lights - Tyne of Harrow and Babylon.
Now living in Liverpool, Moray delivered a rollicking version of The Leaving of Liverpool to finish before returning for a one-song encore.
Jim told the audience: "This is a really nice place - a place to keep supporting. I would like to come back."
Earlier, Coseley folk veteran John Richards, once of Morris and the Minors, provided the support with a short, sharp set of some of his best songs including If You Can Walk You Can Dance.
The organisers of the live music programme at the Newhampton Arts Centre deserve great praise for bringing top folk acts like Jim Moray and a wide range of original alternative solo musicians and bands to the Black Country.
