Talented folk visit Shrewsbury

Kirs Drever, John McCusker & Donald Shaw

The Hive, Shrewsbury

by Andy Richardson

For all the hoo ha generated by the multi-million launch in recent times of Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn, another venue in the town is setting the pace when it comes to promoting great live music.

The Hive, in Belmont, recently launched a series of intimate concerts with the promoters of Shrewsbury Folk Festival booking artists.

The venue is ideally suited to folk and roots music, with a no-fuss, no-frills stage, seating for 100 people and the opportunity to see into the whites of the eyes of the performers.

There was a treat in store for fans last night as some of Scotland's most talented musical artisans lined up as one to play for local fans.

Guitarist/vocalist Kris Drever, melodeon player Donald Shaw and virtuoso multi-instrumentalist John McCusker – one of Britain's most talented musicians of any genre – thrilled fans with a warm and intimate show.

Drever was ostensibly the star of the show, playing many songs from his sumptuous Black Water record, an album that dr3ew comparisons with the likes of Richard Thompson, among others.

But the dizzyingly good instrumentals of McCusker and Shaw were simply divine. They played like angels as fans sat stupefied by their sheer brilliance.

The promoters of Shrewsbury Folk Festival deserve all credit and encouragement for launching their series of concerts and a mouth-watering line-up is in store in coming months.

• For more details visit http://shrewsburyfolkfestival.blogspot.com