Folk trio set for Maltings concert as part of album launch tour

Folk at the Maltings will feature The Foxglove Trio on Friday, December 1.

The Foxglove Trio will be making the last appearance of their current tour at a concert in The Maltings, St Albans.

The concert will also include sets from local singer Nigel Hyams and New Roots 2017 finalist Thomas Evans.

The Foxglove Trio seeks out lesser-known traditional and contemporary folk songs and, with care and creativity, transforms them into moments of breathtaking beauty.

Next Friday’s gig is part of an autumn tour for the trio’s second album, Distant Havens.

It is a chance to hear the powerful signature sound which is based on Patrick Dean’s bold melodeon playing, Cathy Mason’s intricate cello lines and Ffion Mair’s clear, soaring vocals. The trio has been captivating audiences around the country since 2010 with its imaginative arrangements, passionate performances and an intriguing repertoire, which ranges from subtly political contemporary songs to jaunty Yorkshire tales and soulful Welsh laments.

Singer and musician Nigel Hyams is well known locally for playing melodeon and harmonica and for his wide-ranging repertoire of songs.

He is more often heard singing with trio GBH and other ensembles, so this is a rare opportunity to hear him on his own.

New Roots finalist Thomas Evans is an excellent piano accordionist with a repertoire consisting mainly of tunes from the British Isles, as well as some from further afield.

His other influences include Quebecois and Scandinavian traditional and elements of jazz, soul and funk.

The concert starts at 8pm.

Tickets cost £12, students and concessions £11 and under-18s £7.50.

They are available on the door or in advance, by booking online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo or by phone on 0333 666 3366 or in person at St Albans Central Library.

• For more on Folk at the Maltings, visit www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk

• For more on The Foxglove Trio, visit the group’s website at www.thefoxglovetrio.co.uk