Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo - Dear River - Wedgewood Room - Audio Addict Magazine

A beautiful seated ambience sat anticipating the arrival of BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning singer-songwriter Emily Barker, along with her band who make up Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo. Transforming the venue for her fairly mature audience, they enjoy the candle-lit tables and the relaxed atmosphere. This performance is nothing less than a very intimate showcase of folk music.?

Opening with the title track from their latest album Dear River, you are immediately engaged by Barker's smooth and soothing vocal tone as the words she sings are supported by a gorgeous company of instruments such as violin, bass guitar, cello, keyboard, drums and Barker herself on guitar. It doesn't come as a surprise that Barker has been awarded for her songwriting, as she demonstrates her wonderfully crafted songs with emotional depth and creative instinct. Barker & The Red Clay Halo's musical talents are highlighted throughout the gig as they play multiple instruments and display exquisite four part harmonies.

Stand out moments came when Barker described ‘Letters', a song based on the story of her Dutch Grandfather being in the War and her mother finding a journal and letters from his time spent in the war, as she sings 'We inherit the loss, our blood it is yours, our blood it is yours.' The final song before the encore, ‘The Blackwood', began with a flawless acapella vocal performance from Barker. She also invited a fan from the crowd to be her buddy Frank Turner for the night and duet with her on single ‘Fields of June'. 

It's sometimes hard to find a gig these days without any ‘fangirls' or a sea of mobile phones recording every move that occurs on stage, but the audience watching Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo were just in awe of the music. This was the perfect gig for a sunday evening, giving the audience the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy some beautiful music.