MIXTAPE: Down by the River

Words: Graham Grundy

As Down By The River I promote live music throughout the North East. DBTR gigs are not-for-profit and all ticket and door sales are paid directly to the musicians. I’m quite eclectic in my taste and over the years I’ve featured everything from gypsy jazz to cutting-edge electronica to blues, folk and garage rock. Even though a lot of the musicians I book are relatively unknown I like to think that anyone coming out to my gigs will get to see something interesting.

All of the music featured in this Mixtape is by artists I have promoted, or I’m in the process of promoting.

CHRIS CHAVEZ – THE OBSERVER
Where it started. In London in the mid 1990’s I was active in artist management, primarily with American musician Chris Chavez. Chris released this song in 2007, produced by Clif Norrell who has worked with everyone from Springsteen to Jeff Buckley. To my mind this is Chris Chavez’ finest four minutes. He continues to make music and teaches yoga worldwide.

SAMUEL MOORE – BOCETO ANDALUZ
Where it’s at. On Saturday 15th March flamenco guitarist Samuel Moore will be performing at Claypath Deli in Durham. This track is taken from an album featuring Samuel and classical guitarist Michael Christian Durrant called Guitar, The Heart of Spain.

GEORGE BOOMSMA – 2 + 30
I’ve promoted several gigs featuring George Boomsma and he just gets better and better. This song is taken from his 2024 album The Promise of Spring. BBC Introducing once said of George «If it were possible for Nick Drake and Thom Yorke to collaborate, it might sound something like this.» That’s exactly what 2 +30 sounds like to me.

KATHERINE PRIDDY – WOLF
In 2018 Gideon Coe played Wolf on his BBC 6Music show and I was instantly hooked. I subsequently made contact with Katherine and invited her up to Durham for a gig. It’s great to see Katherine’s progress and I’m really looking forward to seeing her at The Glasshouse in Gateshead on Thursday 20th March.

CEITIDH MAC – RHYTHM
One of the most innovative musicians I’ve worked with. Ceitidh Mac, who fronts her band on cello, re-defines what folk music can be. Edgy doesn’t need to be loud.

NEV CLAY – NINE DART FINISH
I’ve got a gig with Nev booked in for May. His live performances are a joy, for his between-song chat as much as his music. Great to see Marc Reilly championing his album on BBC 6Music.

HECTOR GANNET – BLUE MURDER
Aaron Duff performs both solo and with his band. I love this cover of Alan Hull’s Blue Murder. Aaron handles the song with care, his Tyneside accent adding to the richness of this superbly produced recording.

MARINA JOSEPHINA – FOOL LIKE ME
I love soul music and this is a perfect example. Possibly the only soul song ever to include the word shite! Teessider Marina has talent to burn and I’m pleased to say I’ve had the privilege of promoting her live a couple of times.

NEEB – BRIGHTER DAY
I’m yet to promote a NEEB gig but vocalist Jasmine Weatherill has played a couple of DBTR shows. I love the summery feel of this tune. Makes me dream of warmer climes.

HENRY PARKER & DAVID IAN ROBERTS – CHASING LIGHT
I did a couple of gigs featuring solo sets by these two young folkies. One at Claypath Deli in Durham and one at The Engine Room, North Shields. I was transfixed and this, the title track from their 2024 collaborative album demonstrates the warmth of their playing.

DEEP SIX BLUES – MA RAINEY
I do a monthly Sunday afternoon get together at The Georgian Theatre in Stockton called Blues in the Bar. I’m really hoping on Sunday 16th March Deep Six Blues bring Ma Rainey with them.

GOOD HABITS – SUNDAY
As well as promoting gigs as DBTR I programme The F Word at Newcastle Arts Centre. One of the most exciting new folk duos to come out of the UK are Good Habits and they will be F word headliners on Thursday 6th March. Their genre-fusing sound has received international acclaim and they have performed at Glastonbury and WOMAD so this should be a good one.