Website [Release date 04.10.24]

With Show of Hands on ‘an indefinite break’, Steve Knightley releases this, his first solo studio album in 17 years. Guest artists on the album include his Show of Hands partner-in-crime Phil Beer, Phillip Henry (Edgelarks), Madrid-based Track Dogs, Johnny Kalsi, Matt Clifford, Cornish sister act True Foxes and The Lost Sound Dartmoor Folk Choir.

Says Steve: “I’ve spent much of my career weaving the West Country and English landscapes into my music, seeking to capture the essence of rural life and the stories that define it. But with Show of Hands now on sabbatical, I’ve found myself at a crossroads—a moment to pause, reflect, and consider new directions.

“This album marks a significant departure for me, both musically and personally. Inspired more by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits and Peter Gabriel, The Winter Yards reflects a fresh journey, venturing more into urban and transatlantic soundscapes. But while it explores uncharted territory I believe it stays true to the voice I’ve always had, finding new ways to tell stories that matter.”

In the above paragraph Steve Knightley mentions Springsteen and that is exactly what Steve Knightley excels at on this album – songs that pack a powerful lyrical punch and get the listener thinking, as well as having a memorable tune and beautifully sung by him. Take the opening track ‘Transactions’ that covers three major contemporary issues – controlled immigration, sexual identities and the Post Office scandal. Maybe seemingly unlikely to be linked yet as the song explains each is a transaction of our society.

Elsewhere, loving the Track Dogs guesting on ‘Maria (Recuerdos)’ – which also features Phil Beer on Spanish guitar – and the bluesy ‘If You Come Back’. Philip Henry on dobro and harmonica adds that little bit of extra magic to this one.

‘Exile’ is another song with a powerful message as the UK has always been seen as a safe haven for those in need and indeed, should continue to do so. If one thing is for certain, we need more Steve Knightley’s in our society as his songcraft is relevant and resonates with many, yet is never preachy.

Overall the album does sound different than Show of Hands, yet never too far away from the folk style that made the duo of Steve Knightley and Phil Beer such a mainstay of the folk scene for over thirty years.

Quite possibly his finest album to date, full of songs to enjoy, get you thinking and above all, an album that will doubtless stand the test of time. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

OCTOBER

Wed 16 – Milton Keynes, The Stables
Thu 17 – Leicester, Y Theatre
Fri 18 – Liverpool, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall (Music Room)
Sat 19 – Kendal, Brewery Arts Centre
Sun 20 – Hebden Bridge, The Trades Club
Tue 22 – York, National Centre for Early Music (NCEM)
Wed 23 Kinross, Backstage Kinross
Thu 24- Glasgow, Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA)
Fri 25 – Newcastle upon Tyne, Gosforth Civic Theatre
Sat 26 – Barnard Castle, The Witham

NOVEMBER

Fri 1 – Portstewart, Flowerfield Arts Centre
Sat 2 – Sligo, Sligo Live
Sun 3 – Clonmel, Moynihans Back Room Venue
Wed 8 – Bristol, Bristol Beacon
Thu 7 – London, Grand Junction
Fri 8 – Shoreham by the Sea, Ropetackle Arts Centre
Sat 9 – Aylesbury, Queens Park Arts Centre & Limelight Theatre
Wed 13 – Exeter, Exeter Phoenix
Thu 14 – Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms
Fri 15 – Bridgwater, Bridgwater Arts Centre
Sat 16 – Penzance, The Acorn
Wed 20- Shrewsbury, – Shrewsbury Abbey
Thu 21 – Bury, Bury Met
Fri 22 – Sheffield. The Greystones
Sat 23 – Birmingham, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC)
Wed 27 – Cambridge, Cambridge Junction
Thu 28 – Canterbury, The Gulbenkian Arts Centre
Fri 29 – Cranleigh, Cranleigh Arts
Sat 30 – London, Kings Place

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 27 October

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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 29 September 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 24 September 2024.

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Power Plays w/c 14 October 2024

ALT BLK ERA Come On Outside (indie)
THE NEW ROSES Hold Me Up (Napalm Records)
ROYALE LYNN Sacrifice (indie)
BLACK NOTE GRAFFITI The Source (Golden Robot Records)
ANNIE AND THE JAYS Too Shallow (indie)
JULIET’S NOT DEAD Open Fire (TMR Rock Records)

Featured Albums w/c 14 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 KINGS OF MERCIA Battle Scars (Metalville)
14:00-16:00 JON BODEN & THE REMNANT KINGS Parlour Moods (Hudson Records)