Leather‘o, a high energy Alt-Celtic band based in York, lived up to expectations delivering excellence throughout. They engaged fully with the audience and explained what or who influenced them to perform songs such as The Ballad of George Collins (Child Ballad No 85), Wayfaring Stranger and Mad Tom of Bedlam. Impressive musicianship on guitar, bass guitar, flute, whistles, fiddle and accordion came to the four in sets of tunes.

 

Particularly noteworthy was the set of jigs: Margaret Barry’s, Michael Gorman’s and Farewell to Whalley Range, the latter being composed by Michael McGoldrick in tribute to where he used to live in Manchester. Each song or tune from the Scottish, Irish or Eastern European traditions was extensively reworked by them to give a fresh feel whilst respecting the original. With seamless changes of instrument both sets were well thought out to provide variety yet with a distinctive style and, as promised, high energy. Their sheer enjoyment of playing together proved infectious and we were all engrossed in their performance from beginning to end and wishing for more.

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Review and photography by Ken Bladen