Square Roots Promotions

“Songwriting of extraordinary proportions - incisive lyrics that will one moment have you clutching your sides with laughter, whilst the next holding back the tears…” (Maverick Magazine)

Venue
The Square Tower
Broad Street
Old Portsmouth
Hants PO1 2JE
Doors Open 7.15pm. Show Starts 7.45pm.

Booking
Tickets £14 each (£16 on the door if not sold out).
Tickets available securely online at: www.wegottickets.com/event/443341

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased in store at Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea, Southsea Gallery in Albert Road, Southsea or Harbour Records in Emsworth. These won’t be in the shops until a bit nearer the time. You can also send a cheque for the required amount of tickets (made payable to Ken Brown), along with a SAE, to our address. If in doubt then please phone the box office on 02392 382888.

“Chirpier than a bucketful of Trill! Between-song banter that would grace any comedy night, allied to a strong back catalogue of songs that will have you singing along to in no time!” (No Depression)

Well what can we say about the unique and ever-so-slightly madcap genius songwriter and performer that is Gerry Colvin?

For those of you that have seen him with his former band ColvinQuarmby, or indeed his rare solo shows (of which we’ve been privileged to promote 3 of them - all selling out!), then of course you’ll know exactly what you get when you come to one of his shows. If you haven’t seen Colvin before, then be prepared to leave the Square Tower feeling 10 feet tall and with the broadest smile on your face.

“Gerry Colvin is a writer of great substance who is able to give us something that has been largely missing in English music for a long time!” (Phil Beer, Show Of Hands)

In the early 1980's he co-founded and fronted the legendary John Peel favourite skiffle-cowpunk indie outfit ’Terry & Gerry'. This seminal band toured Europe and the USA and appeared on countless Radio and TV shows including "The Tube" and "The Old Grey Whistle Test". Their five singles and album all reached No.1 in the indie charts. In 2010 Cherry Red released ‘Let’s Get the Hell Back to Lubbock’, the definitive ‘Terry and Gerry’ compilation.

“Loathe as I am to use the term ‘genius’, when it comes to the prodigious song writing talents of Gerry Colvin I’ll quite happily make an honourable exception!” (Fatea Magazine)

In the early 1990’s Gerry worked in Nashville as a professional songwriter and back in the UK collaborated with Alison Moyet, co-writing on an album project. He also penned TV themes, musicals, film scores and wrote and presented for BBC Radio 2. His band ‘Gerry Colvin’s Inexperience’, a fusion of Soul, R and B and Folk-Country, became a firm favourite on the College circuit.

In 1993 Gerry formed the folk-pop band 'The Atlantics’: they toured extensively including a slot at Glastonbury Festival where Gerry was compere, and appeared on BBC’s prestigious ‘Pebble Mill at One’.

Colvin’s other major project at this time was film music as vocalist with ‘The National Screen Orchestra’; he also performed as a comedy double act with Hollywood superstar Mackenzie Crook.

“Genius ? Maverick ? Madcap ? Yes, all of these things…..and a lot, lot more!” (Fatea Magazine)

In 1995 Gerry co-founded the five piece folk band ColvinQuarmby. They released six critically acclaimed albums and were voted best band at the prestigious Fairport Convention Cropredy Festival in 2009. In 2010 they won the Hancock Award for ‘Best Live Act’.

In 2015 the original line-up of Terry and Gerry reformed and toured nationally with rock heroes Status Quo culminating with a concert at The Albert Hall!! Terry and Gerry also appeared at Glastonbury that year and released the 'Dear John' EP: a self penned tribute to the late John Peel. Cherry Red re-issued the greatest hits album too!!
In 2013 Gerry released a self-penned solo album 'Jazz Tales of Country Folk' . His new CD 'Six of One half a Dozen of the Other', a collection of ten(!) brand new songs, is available now. And his novel 'The Rabbits of Zakynthos' will be published next year.

“Wildly entertaining and off-the-wall in the best possible way. English eccentricity is alive and well!” (Country Music People)

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8bTil_9298

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEicxou88gg

Square Roots Promotions is delighted to partner up with the awesome Piecaramba for this unique show!

Tickets are limited to 40 people only and your ticket price includes an equally awesome Pie Meal (Pie, Mash and Onion Gravy / Traditional Pie Liquor). How about that for amazing value?!!

 

“A remarkable fusion of primal Delta Blues with Gospel and Soul threads - an incredibly powerful experience!” (Blues Matters)

Piecaramba
30a Carlton Place
Southampton
SO15 2DX.

Doors Open 7.00pm.

Marty 1st Set - 7.30pm - 8.10pm.

Food Served: 8.15pm - 8.55pm.

Marty 2nd Set - 9.00pm - 9.45pm.

Tickets £20 each - INCLUDES 1 X PIE MEAL (Meat, Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free Options all available!). Drinks can be purchased separately.

Tickets available securely online at www.wegottickets.com/event/453769

Alternatively physical tickets can be purchased in store at Piecaramba branches in Southampton and Winchester, or Harbour Records in Emsworth. You can also send a cheque for the required amount of tickets (made payable to Ken Brown), along with a SAE, to our address (3 The Old Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 2SP). If in doubt then please phone the box office on 02392 382888.



“Definitely on the top of the Americana list penned by any serious connoisseur of roots music!” (Maverick Magazine)

Well would you believe it?! Square Roots is partnering with the fab Piecaramba restaurant in Southampton to bring you one of the US’s top live performers in a completely intimate setting, and what’s more your ticket gets you a Pie Meal too (check out the awesome menu at www.piecaramba.co.uk for full dietary options!)!!

Piecaramba has a lovely upstairs performance space, but we will only have room for 40 seats, so once the 40 tickets have been sold, that’s the show sold out - so be quick if you want tickets! You’re not going to want to miss out on this unique night!

Marty seamlessly weaves trance-based blues music, harkening back to John Lee Hooker and Howlin' Wolf, with a drunken minor swing comparable to some of Tom Waits' darker works. He delivers an enthralling and passionate performance, which often leaves him out of breath and the stage littered with broken strings!

“No less than 3 encores bought the crowd to their feet!” (Blues Matters)

Marty O'Reilly began his musical journey as a blues guitar player, with his ear pressed close to the ancient hiss in the works of Blind Willie Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt, John Lee Hooker, Charlie Patton, and Leadbelly. Through extensive listening and studying of the early delta greats, O'Reilly developed a unique foundation onto which he would incorporate themes from influences in other musical veins such as John Fahey, Nick Drake, John Vandiver, and Tom Waits.

Whether it be his original pieces or his renditions of old American classics, O'Reilly tells his story through an old and soulful voice, propelled by a sense of authentic emotional adrenaline.

You Tube Video Links

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfAOcnEFDtk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkgPNztGf4A

"Just one of the highlights from an outstanding album, the song ‘Same Old’ mines some of the territory of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, with lilting banjo, gorgeous harmonies and tasteful pedal steel, and exemplifies this duo's simple yet beautiful music!” (NPR).   

Wednesday 23rd January 2019

Venue
The Tea Tray,
31 Osborne Road,
Southsea,
Portsmouth,
Hants, PO5 3LR.

Tickets £12 for each show in advance. £14 on the door (if not sold out).

Doors Open 7.15pm. Show Starts 7.45pm.

This show is now completely Sold Out - please e-mail ken@squarerootspromotions.co.uk for any returned tickets…

“A handcrafted sound centred on swarming harmonies and acoustic guitars that churn like a paddlewheel and shimmer like heat waves on the highway!” (Acoustic Guitar Magazine)

Outstanding Americana/roots duo The Honey Dewdrops hail from Virginia and are based in Baltimore. With gorgeous vocal harmonies and a versatile musical set-up that includes clawhammer banjo, mandolin, harmonica and guitars, Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish treat listeners to a raft of memorable, beautifully performed songs.

They have been touring full time for almost 10 years now, performing throughout North America and making their first European foray in late 2016 on Germany’s Bluegrass Jamboree tour. They arrive on this side of the Atlantic in January for their debut tour of the UK.

“Brilliant, fluid guitar work from Kagey Parrish…as smooth as butter….and equally important the vocals of Laura Wortman, one of the most beautiful and authentic voices in Americana music today…a direct line from her heart to her vocal chords!” (FolkWorks USA).

Known on the American roots music scene for top-notch songwriting, and undeniably steeped in old-time music, bluegrass and country, The Honey Dewdrops manage to encompass both traditional and modern in their sound.

“Incredible musical chemistry that transcends their individual talents to create something truly unique!” (FolkWorks USA).

They often draw comparisons with Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, and while that contains a kernel of truth (gorgeously intricate duo performance, spot-on vocal harmonies), Laura and Kagey (pronounced Keggy), have their own authentic, original sound and musical identity. The Honey Dewdrops released their fourth full-length album, the acclaimed Tangled Country, in 2015, and are currently working on the follow-up, due for release in 2019.

“Like their stage performance, these songs rock and reel, and then console you when you come back down! (No Depression)

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFcE6k7tz5U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biG6vtwaqZA

When music is THIS good, it smashes every borderline, every genre, every pre-conceived idea of what a bluegrass hip-hop fusion might sound like…it blows live audiences away wherever they play!” (Essential Pop)

The Wedgewood Rooms,
147b Albert Road,
Southsea,
Portsmouth,
Hants, PO4 0JW.

Tickets £15 in advance. £18 on the door (if not sold out).

Doors Open 7.30pm.

Secure online ticket sales: www.wedgewood-rooms.co.uk

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased at the Wedgwood Rooms Box Office: OPENING TIMES - Thursday & Friday from 3.30pm until 7.00pm (10.00pm on a show day), 12noon - 6.00pm on Saturdays and when the doors open for a Wedge event. Telephone calls and orders are taken from 12noon - 4.00pm Monday to Friday and 12noon - 6.00pm on Saturdays. Box Office: 02392 863911

"A mixture of bluegrass and hip-hop that might repel some purists on either side of the Country and Rap divide, but will knock the socks off just about everybody else!” (Wall Street Journal)

You can also purchase physical tickets in our usual outlets: in store at Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea or Southsea Gallery in Albert Road, Southsea, OR our other new outlet Harbour Records, High Street, Emsworth.. You can also send a cheque for the required amount of tickets (made payable to Ken Brown), along with a SAE, to our address (which can be found on the right hand side of this page).

“A daring blend of innovative modern swagger and classic Americana cool, which dares listeners not to come along for the ride!” (Hear Hear Music)

Here at Square Roots, we’re always excited about the amazing artists that we promote - but every now and again there’s one that comes along and completely stops you in your tracks! And in this instance GANGSTAGRASS is one such example.

As soon as we saw and heard the epic “Barn Burning” we knew that we just had to get this amazing band down to Portsmouth and into your lives! Who’d have thought that this hybrid of Bluegrass and Hip-Hop would rock? But it does completely, and then some!

This is going to be a dynamite show and you are going to LOVE IT!



With their third studio album, “Broken Hearts & Stolen Money”, GANGSTAGRASS can be found ripping up stages and blowing minds wherever they appear. Their explosive live performances have garnered a buzz at SXSW, CMJ and on tours across the USA. Now they are coming to Europe (and Portsmouth!) with emcees R-Son and Dolio!

“There are a lot more people out there with Jay-Z and Johnny Cash on their i-pod playlists than you think”, says Rench, mastermind behind the genre breaking sensation GANGSTAGRASS.



 

When FX Network came to Reach looking for the GANGSTAGRASS sound for the theme song to their new series “Justified”, he had bluegrass players lay down an original track with rapper T.O.N.E-z, the result was “Long Hard Times To Come”, the song that opens every episode of the series, now in its fourth season.

“Gangstagrass’ eclectic mix of low-down to down-low beats. destroys other genres in their path!” (Magnet Magazine)

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vwFciHiWlk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCEHQ_nhxOA

Square Roots Promotions proudly presents

The Dead South

“Outlaws, modern hillbillies…Mumford & Sons’ evil twins…old-school bluegrass filtered through a punk sensibility. fuelled with an energy that suggests they also tear the roof off live!

Venue
The Pyramids Centre
Clarence Parade,
Southsea,
Portsmouth,
Hants, PO5 3ST.

Tickets £18.00 (adv - not incl. booking fee). £22 on the door (if not sold out).

Tickets on sale from Friday 8th June 10am at:

www.bhlivetickets.co.uk

http://pyramids-live.co.uk

Box Office: 0844 576 3000

Physical tickets are available in person at the Pyramids Centre Box Office, OR in store at Harbour Records, High Street, Emsworth.

Alternatively, you can also send a cheque for the required amount of tickets (made payable to Ken Brown), along with a SAE, to our address: 3 The Old Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, Hants, PO6 2SP, along with a stamped addressed envelope.



Fresh from a completely SOLD OUT UK tour in April 2018, The Dead South return to the UK with their unique mix of Americana, Bluegrass and Country….that explodes!

The Dead South have been described as outlaws, modern hillbillies and Mumford and Sons’ evil twins, but the best way to describe the Regina-based band is fearless. They’re a rare musical commodity – a band that’s equally compelling on record as they are on stage.

While The Dead South’s signature blend of bluegrass and classic folk is familiar, it’s also eminently fresh; fuelled by the kind of energy and ethic you’d associate with a punk band. “A lot of our inspiration comes from an old school feel, but our sound is an amalgamation of the we all like, and the punk influence is definitely there,” says vocalist/guitarist Nate Hilts.

“Something different, something raw! The Dead South can make you forget your troubles and even what century you’re in!”

Few bands set themselves apart the way The Dead South do, musically and in terms of personality; from their recordings through their rip it up live shows to their distinctive hillbilly cum pioneer look; a dress code, Hilts says, “that’s become a staple of who we are!”

“Their aptitude for delivering a traditional roots sound with the energy and enthusiasm of a group of young upstarts has gained The Death South a massive worldwide audience in a very short amount of time.!” 

You Tube Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9FzVhw8_bY

“A total discovery! Think The Eagles mixed with the graceful irreverence of The Pogues!”

Venue
The Square Tower
Broad Street
Old Portsmouth
Hants
PO1 2JE

Doors Open 7.15pm. Show Starts 7.45pm.

Tickets
Tickets £14 each (£16 on the door if not sold out).

Tickets available securely online at: www.wegottickets.com/event/444777

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased in store at Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea, Southsea Gallery in Albert Road, Southsea or Harbour Records in Emsworth. These won’t be in the shops until a bit nearer the time. You can also send a cheque for the required amount of tickets (made payable to Ken Brown), along with a SAE, to our address. If in doubt then please phone the box office on 02392 382888.

“The antidote to a bad day! Four part harmonies steal the show!” (Maverick Magazine)

So delighted to welcome this ‘awesome foursome’ to the Square Tower, as after their stunning performance at this years Costa Del Folk, we know that they are going to blow you away with their shiny happy music! Get ready to get your groove on!!

Made up of two Irishmen, an Englishman and an American, the band came together in 2011 to create their unique brand of acoustic music - a veritable 4 x 4 of voices and instruments identified by the fusion of styles which include Americana, Latino, Folk, Bluegrass and (whisper it…) Pop!

“Superior Americana…joyous stuff!” (Hot Press)

The Madrid-based band, whose name derives from the maintenance crews working the New York subway system, released their fourth studio album earlier this year, “Kansas City Groove”. It was inspired in part by their recent career-changing experiences at the Folk Alliance in Kansas City in early 2017, and the album is a mix of all that makes the Track Dogs sound so special - in healthy doses of Americana, Latin and Folk.

“Sun-shiny songs thriving on dark themes behind irresistible rhythms!”

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUyPFlyHyz8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6ohMHdNqY0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVuzCrHWE6c

“Where Steve Earle and Richard Thompson collide!” (The Guardian)

(Seated show - unreserved seating)

Saturday 23rd March 2019

The Wedgewood Rooms,
147b Albert Road,
Southsea,
Portsmouth,
Hants, PO4 0JW.

Tickets £19 in advance, £23 on the door (if not sold out).

Doors Open: 7.00pm. Show Starts 7.45pm.

Secure Online Ticket Sales: www.wedgewood-rooms.co.uk

Alternatively, physical tickets can be purchased at the Wedgwood Rooms Box Office: OPENING TIMES - Thursday & Friday from 3.30pm until 7.00pm (10.00pm on a show day), 12noon - 6.00pm on Saturdays and when the doors open for a Wedge event. Telephone calls and orders are taken from 12noon - 4.00pm Monday to Friday and 12noon - 6.00pm on Saturdays. Box Office: 02392 863911

You can also purchase physical tickets in our usual outlets: in store at Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea or Southsea Gallery in Albert Road, Southsea, OR our other new outlet Harbour Records, High Street, Emsworth.. You can also send a cheque for the required amount of tickets (made payable to Ken Brown), along with a SAE, to our address (which can be found on the right hand side of this page).



Phil is best known for his multi-instrumental wizardry as one half of England’s top acoustic roots duo Show Of Hands.

The Phil Beer Band perform a unique blend of folk and roll trawled from Phil’s treasure trove of traditional tunes and American country rock.

The highly popular line up comprises Gareth Turner, Steve Crickett, Greg McDonald, Olivia Dunn, Emily Slade and of course, Phil Beer - and promises to deliver a lively cocktail of folk, rock, country and blues.

“Always worth a trip to see musicians of this quality - but it is the repertoire that makes a Phil Beer Band gig extra special!” (Folk Radio UK)

The Phil Beer Band evolved organically in the early to mid 90s at Maisemore in Gloucesteshire. It was a loose federation consisting of Phil Beer (Show of Hands) Nick Quarmby and Steve Crickett, all of whom lived close to each other, and melodeon player Gareth Turner from Northamptonshire. There was a need in the community for a band to play local events and ceilidhs and, following in the tradition set by the Albion Band (of which both Gareth and Phil were former members) the band always interspersed the dances with the odd song.



Basically, over a long period of time, it has evolved into a ‘Folk n Roll’ band with country rock overtones. It is the vehicle for Phil to return to the electric guitar and to have a good time with his mates.

“An evening with The Phil Beer Band is fast, frenetic, feel-good and leavened with a good helping of humour!” (fRoots Magazine)

You Tube Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEI2PhGveJU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlOGRSiKzhM

“An eclecticism that has become the hallmark of Blue Rose Code and seen him compared to John Martyn, Van Morrison and Tom Waits!”

The Square Tower
Broad Street
Old Portsmouth
Hants
PO1 2JE

Doors Open 7.15pm. Show Starts 7.45pm.

Tickets £14 each (£16 on the door if not sold out).

Tickets available securely online at: www.wegottickets.com/event/451619

Hot on the heels of their fabulous support slot with Deacon Blue this year (if you saw them / or are seeing them at the Guildhall then you’ll know how special they are!), we’re so pleased that the awesome songwriting talent that is Ross Wilson will be bringing his three-piece Blue Rose Code to the historic Square Tower for what is going to be a magical night.

“Another game-changing masterpiece from Blue Rose Code! This music will grip your heart and cause your breath to slow!” (No Depression)

Edinburgh born Ross Wilson spent his creative formative years in East London, then moved to South England “to be by the sea’s energy” but it is in his homecoming that he has found where his heart is. Life wasn’t always simple for Wilson. “I have swapped one type of chaos for another” says Wilson.



A nomad both geographically and musically, Ross writes from the heart eschewing any specific genre and the twelve songs on new album The Water Of Leith, addressing themes of love, loss, travel, home, accepting the past and embracing the future, are painted with colours of folk, jazz, soul and pop; an eclecticism that has become a hallmark of Blue Rose Code and has seen him compared to John Martyn, Van Morrison and Tom Waits.

“ A work laden with beauty, possessed of depth, heart and soul!” (Americana UK - 9/10)

Underlining the sense of movement and place in Ross’s work and The Water Of Leith is rooted in his return to his Scottish homeland. There, he reconnected with the stellar musicians who were to become an integral part of the new album’s sound: multi award-winning singer Julie Fowlis, celebrated Gaelic singer Kathleen MacInnes, BBC Folk Award Winner, Ross Ainslie, 2017’s Scottish Jazz Awards’ instrumentalist of the year Konrad Wiszniewski, leading violinist Seonaid Aitken and three of Scotland's finest jazz musicians; John Lowrie, Colin Steele and James Lindsay, to name just some of the contributors. Grammy-winning American singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman features on the opening track. Ross co-produced the album with Angus Lyon.



Wilson cites taking his last drink as the start of living rather than the end of the drinking. Now a committed enthusiast and creative whirling dervish, Wilson has seen the past few years produce some of his most exciting work including the album ‘THE BALLADS OF PECKHAM RYE’, which was nominated for the prestigious Scottish Album Of The Year Awards in 2014 and featured a roll-call of remarkable talent, including Danny Thompson, Karine Polwart, John Wetton, Aidan O’Rourke and Kathryn Williams.

"Seriously, can't recommend Blue Rose Code enough, cannot stop listening!” (Ewan McGregor)

The Blue Rose Code game has certainly changed, they are heard regularly in session for the BBC (TV and Radio), STV, Alba, TG4, Virgin Radio.

Live performance is where Blue Rose Code connects strongly with their audiences, they have toured the length and breadth of the UK selling out venues wherever they go and leaving a trail of fans in their wake. Featured in festivals Celtic Connections, Edinburgh Fringe, Looe, Summer Isles, Lindisfarne, Southern Fried, Underneath The stars.

"The day that 'Solid Air' and 'Astral Weeks' combined!” (Roddy Hart)

Ross Wilson has spent most of his musical life curating; he sculpts his band to every mood and temperament in order to create the perfect happening.

As the man at the helm of Blue Rose Code, he is, part director, part sculptor...total chameleon.

You Tube Links

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSOHevyk0e4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNAxFWE0B1Y