Emily has now launched her debut album, with launch gigs in London and Newcastle, not to mention a live session for BBC Radio 6 recorded along the way! Thanks to those who came along to the live shows for making them such special occasions. 'The Glamoury' is now available and has received overwhelming critical acclaim (please see reviews page). Unbeknown to Emily there were some reviewers at her London launch and here's what they said:
Emily Portman - album launch for "The Glamoury". Jonny Kearney & Lucy Farrell in support.
the bright young folk review
They say that surprises lurk around every corner, and the New Empowering Church – the home of Folklahoma – is no exception. Hidden down the most unassuming alley in Hackney, is a little slice of the Caribbean complete with mock palm-trees and a beach-style bar. And with sofas invitingly scattered around an informal stage, a casual yet sensational evening awaited.
The whole atmosphere was one of relaxation, and so it almost seemed right that Emily snuck on stage, joining Alasdair Roberts in a beautiful duet, just before commencing her headline spot. So instead of being the one invited to take the stage, she was the one left announcing her band before kicking off the set with ‘Sirens’
All bar the final number, her set was solely comprised of songs from her latest release ‘The Glamoury’ which was fitting, since her appearance at the Magpie’s Nest newest night doubled as the album’s launch.
One of the highlights of the Glamoury is the close vocal harmonies, which weave and in and out of each other until they are nigh on indistinguishable. And Emily’s live show is no different with Lucy Farrell and Rachel Newton on hand to lend their respective voices to the performance. If anything, live Emily’s music is even more evocative.
‘Stick Stock’, for example, is spooky on the album, so much so, harpist Rachel admitted to being scared when practising at home along to the CD prior to the gig. But live, the close harmonies take on a life of their own, prompting comments from previous audiences as to how scary the track is.
In a similar vein, ‘Hide’ also raises the bar when performed live. Written in response to those folk songs which seem to make a ‘joke’ of domestic violence, Emily’s performance brought the characters to life and sent shivers down the spine.
But while it was undeniable that she was the star of the show, Emily seemed happy to share the spotlight, taking a back seat for at least 2 songs, including the a capella number ‘Little Longing.’ While unusual, it added to the relaxed feel of the whole evening.
The make-up of the set didn’t leave much room for audience participation so for her final number and encore Emily chose a sing-along number in the form of ‘Some old Salty’ and judging from the smiles radiating off the stage it was a close-run contest as to who had enjoyed the evening more.
Fabulous.
LIVE AT YOUR LOCAL REVIEW:
Reviewed by Jeremy Stimson 3/3/2010
Using word play from a forgotten age, Emily’s songs had a darker tone with tales of murder, betrayal and witches – a contrast to her light and friendly banter inbetween songs! Delicate melodic guitar, harp and fiddle craftsmanship and some all too brief, three part harmonies, completed the spell.
As the night drew to a close, a great sense of community with these musicians was apparent; and the Folklahoma team managed seemingly effortlessly, to make you feel part of it.