Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys, music review: ‘Quality folk music performed to the highest standard’

Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys. Photo: Rob Bridge (Image: Archant)

Delivering a foot tapping, hand clapping night of folk music - it was near on impossible to not want to get up and dance to every single song.

We were treated to the complete works of new album 'Pretty Peggy' which we heard in its entirety from start to finish. The album consists of a perfect blend of traditional folk songs, covers of some of their favourite singers and songwriters and songs written by Sam Kelly and several of The Lost Boys.

Sam's vocals seemed effortless, naturally interchanging between soft and delicate tones in songs like 'If I Were a Blackbird' and slightly more edgy and powerful in tracks like 'Greenland Whale'. The Lost Boys provided an extra level of excellence layering haunting melodies which blended together seamlessly into one powerful driving force.

Sometimes shows like this end up being all about the singer, but that was certainly not the case here. Sam showcased his fellow band members brilliantly, introducing them all by name throughout the set.

Jamie Francis (banjo), Evan Carson (percussion), Ciaran Algar (tenor guitar and fiddle), Graham Coe (cello), Toby Shaer (woodwind) and Archie Churchill-Moss (melodeon) deserved their place up on the stage producing extremely tight, complex and melodic rhythms throughout the entirety of their set.

It was evident that every musician on that stage thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the band and that makes any show immediately more enjoyable. Seven great friends playing quality music to the highest standard is hard not to fall in love with.

It was humbling to be in the presence of such phenomenal musician's whose talent seemed to far exceed their age. Their musicianship and capabilities echoed those that have been playing and touring for far longer than they have been.

I'd strongly recommend trying to catch them live on either their current tour or when they next return to Norwich.