Aficionados of the acoustic, soulful and laid back, Mellowtone are back for 2024 with three events coming soon in Liverpool.
Kicking things off on 15 February at the Philharmonic Music Room is Serious Sam Barrett. Barrett is a hard touring, folk and country singer/songwriter from Yorkshire, playing honest, heartfelt self-penned and traditional songs on 12 string guitar and banjo.
Along the way, Sam has shared stages with the likes of Martin Carthy, Dave Burland, Katherine Tickell, Lucero, The Young’Uns, Frank Fairfield, Deer Tick and Karine Polwart – as well as a few shows at Mellowtone – and has received airplay and praise plaudits from the BBC’s Bob Harris, Marc Riley, Mark Radcliffe and Mike Harding.
A couple of weeks later, Mellowtone returns to the Everyman for a leap year special on the 29 February. The night features Visions of Albion; fresh off the back of two sold-out shows at the Music Room performing the classic Carole King album ‘Tapestry’ in its entirety.
The acclaimed group are currently immersed in the meticulous process of recording their long-awaited debut album – an endeavour infused with the soulful essence of Americana, Folk, and Roots music.
Formed in 2018 by vocalist Sam Shields and guitarist Daniel Ryan, Visions of Albion embody a commitment to musical authenticity. The release of their self-titled debut EP, in 2021, showcased their artistry and acted as a foreshadowing of the depth and creativity that defines their unique sound.
Joining them on the night are established acoustic duo, ME & Deboe. Blending rhythmic folk musings with delicately woven harmonies, Mercy Elise and Sarah Deboe transcend genre to deliver a range of emotive performances driven by poignant lyrics and powerful riffs.
Elevating acoustic music across a variety of scenes and audiences on both a national and international stage, and gaining endorsement with Danelectro USA guitars and G7th, the Duo have recently been acknowledged for their representation and contribution to the LGBTQ+ Community through music.
As if that weren’t enough, one of the most intriguing talents in Liverpool’s fertile and eclectic scene, Paul Iwan will also be on hand to mix elements of Electro with Alternative Rock and emotive songwriting. In 2019, his self-released and self-produced debut album ‘Resister’ hit the shelves to local critical acclaim, and was immediately pronounced ‘a classic’ by John Robb’s Louder than War.
Later the same year, Iwan entered and won the 24hr Songwriting Challenge at Liverpool’s Threshold Festival with new song Returning and also acquired Julian Cope’s legendary green Framus guitar, releasing a tribute to his hero with a cover of the Eighties classic ‘Reward’. Other highlights include airplay on BBC Radio 6, a songwriting mentorship with The Kinks iconic frontman Ray Davies and numerous appearances at the International Pop Overthrow Festival in New York.
Support on both February shows comes from DJ Jonnie O’Hare and spoken word from Plazzy Bag.
Rounding off the announcement with a St Patrick’s Day celebration, Mellowtone are then back at the Music Room on 17 March.
Legendary trio McGoldrick, McCusker & Doyle will be bringing their own blend of top-class folk songs, tunes and charming bonhomie to Liverpool for this special day with support on the night coming from Irish-born Americana group Seafoam Green (duo show), showcasing their electrifying sound that has impressed audiences all around the world.
Singer-songwriter Karen Turley will be performing too – a rising star in the folk and country world, Karen has featured in several folk groups over the years, appeared at festivals around the region, been invited to an exclusive songwriting workshop in Nashville, and released her own EP.
For more information on all Mellowtone’s upcoming shows please visit mellowtonerecords.com/live
