North Carolina-born Rhiannon Giddens brings her second solo album, “Freedom Highway” to London in late March, playing at Union Chapel, Islington!
With a 2010 Grammy Award already to her name as part of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Giddens is a living great in American bluegrass and folk. The Carolina Chocolate Drops found much of their success in nuanced reimagining of African-American folk heritage, and Giddens’ latest solo work is similarly focused on reinterpretation. Clearly, “Freedom Highway” has the same eclectic influences and debts as Giddens’ band, as shown in the title track cover of “Staple Singers”. Ultimately however, the album is forward-looking, as Giddens employs a wide range of voices and sub-genres to repeat messages and themes that are incredibly timely. Expect a virtuoso, and potentially poignant performance in late March, which will be only intensified by Union Chapel’s incredible acoustics.
Rhiannon will be joined on the night by Jordan MacKampa, a British born singer songwriter who straddles the gap between soul and folk. As of yet, MacKampa has released one EP, the opening track of which, “Open Arms” has already racked up 66,000 listens on Soundcloud. This is unsurprising, considering its superb arrangement – held together by MacKampa’s unique and resonant voice. MacKampa is hotly tipped, and will surely do great things in 2017 – well worth arriving early so you don’t miss his set.
More about the venue at unionchapel.org.uk
Follow the artist / releases / dates here: rhiannongiddens.com
Words by Matt Fredrik
Pic by John Peet
Follow the artist / releases / dates here: rhiannongiddens.com
Words by Matt Fredrik
Pic by John Peet
TICKET INFO:
Tickets cost £21 (excluding booking fee), with doors at 7pm.
The gig has no age restrictions, although those under-16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Union Chapel is a Bronze Status venue for disabled access, & visitors with disabilities are advised to call 020 7266 1686 when booking.
Check out Rhiannon Giddens performing “Come Love Come” from 2017 album “Freedom Highway”. Filmed at Breaux Bridge, LA – studio of multi-instrumentalist Dirk Powell, with whom she co-produced the album.
