We’ve known of the Bookshop Band for several years, but have never seen them perform live. We’re not huge fans of regular folk music but their style is somewhat different so when we saw that they would be appearing at the lovely Verey Books in Pooley Bridge we had to go. Tickets went on sale at the end of this year’s long summer, now forgotten as we made our way to the edge of Ullswater along dark, winding lanes.
But it was absolutely worth the dark round trip. We loved every minute of this special event. We were welcomed with a glass of decent wine and took our seats with anticipation.
The Bookshop Band is Beth Porter and Ben Please. ‘Bookshop’ because they usually perform in book shops, and ‘Band’ because they are both multi-instrumentalists: we were treated to cello, recorders, guitars and ukulele - as well as beautiful vocals from both musicians.
This was very much not standard English folk music: there were no fiddles, no penny whistles, no percussion, no strange vocal styles. Instead, gentle vocals supported by light strings, creating a unique, intimate soundscape.
Beth and Ben both have a wide range of musical commitments but tour frequently as the Bookshop Band. As they are now based in Wigtown, in south-west Scotland, they frequently tour our part of the country. We will watch out for them next year. A handful of CDs purchased - and, of course, a couple of books - we headed home with much to talk about.