Having taken a year’s breather, Port Eliot Festival returns to Cornwall next month (24-27 July). Taking place in the grounds of the stately home there, the event mixes talk, discussion, food and of course music. Showing us around the musical side of things organiser – and one time Rialto leader – Louis Eliot has made us a Playlist with his picks from the 2014 bill.
Sam Amidon – Saro
“This is an old folk song re invented but you’d never guess it. I love the plaintive horns. He’s singing, I came to this country in 1849, but it feels timeless, a bit like our festival site. He’ll be playing in the walled garden.”
Son Of Dave – Shake A Bone
“Son of Dave is a one man band but instead of tying cymbals to his knees he builds up loops with odd bits of percussion, beat boxing with his mouth and chugging on a harmonica then singing through a fuzzbox. He’ll be serving up his musical gumbo in the Cabaret tent.”
Gruff Rhys – American Interior
“Gruff is a genius. He’ll be reading from his book American Interior at Caught by the River stage on friday and then playing live that night. I’ll be at the front for this.”
Cate Le Bon. Are you with me now?
“She has a sound thats kind of naive and dark at the same time. She’ll be entrancing us in the park. Yeah we’re with you Cate.”
James Hunter – She’s Got A Way
“In my teens I used to go and see him play at Gaz’ Rockin Blues club. He called himself Howlin’ Wilf. He was brilliant then and he’s even better now.”
NB If a song is not available in the playlist, follow the individual link
Jimi Goodwin – Oh whiskey
“The first time you hear this song it’s like an old friend putting an arm around your shoulder. You can’t help but go with it. Just right for the Caught by the River stage Sunday night.”
Public Service Broadcasting – Night Mail
“I was chuffed when they asked to play. They just feel right for Port Eliot. Friday night when the sun’s gone down. There is a victorian railway viaduct that overlooks the festival site which is the perfect backdrop for this song. Their shows are… Immersive… that’s the word! Like a festival should be.”
Luke Sital Singh – Bottled Up Tight
“Luke will be playing a candle lit show in the church on saturday. It’s is going to sound magical in there. Hairs on the back of the neck stuff.”
Ben Watt – Nathaniel
“He’ll be reading from his excellent book Romany and Tom and playing a gig with Bernard Butler on guitar. The new record is brilliant. Love this tune.”
For the full line-up, which includes Q’s own Ted Kessler who will be hosting a talk, plus the latest ticket news head to Porteliotfestival.com.
