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Calling For Serenity #ENEP

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Over the winter I had the chance to record some vocals for Calling for Serenity, a project raising awareness of mental health issues. The songs are due to be released soon as an EP and you can check out the thinking behind them here. This is something I feel strongly about and anything that helps promote dialogue and acceptance is a good thing in my view. It was also great for me personally to have the opportunity to record in a completely different style to what I'd write myself, and work with musicians of different genres.  

I particularly like what Rob's written on the About page - 

We’d like to help contribute something towards a world where people who speak about mental health aren’t considered “brave”, but simply that being open about it is normal and accepted as something people can do freely and without judgement.

 

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Wallington Music Festival

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I had a great time at Wallington Music Festival on Saturday - here are some of my photos from the afternoon. If you've got any photos you can tweet me @annesumnermusic or post them to the Facebook page - 

BAR Willesden Green - 28 May 2015

Back at the end of May I had the chance to play a pop-up gig at the BAR Gallery in Willesden Green organised by St. Judd who had provided a "stage" complete with fairy lights, stool, and foot log - all a great acoustic night really needs ;) I played alongside Michael Soakell and Tom Blackwell - please check their links, you'll be glad you did! 

I had never been to the gallery (or Willesden Green for that matter) - it's a great space and a hive of activity supporting all kinds of creatives. When we were there they were between exhibitions so the walls were completely bare and that gave it a great, responsive sound - which meant I got the chance to change up the set list I'd been planning (given that I knew we'd be unamplified) for some more sensitive material. It was a beautiful sunny evening and such a great experience play live right up close with this who came to listen. 

Set-list in the end was: 

  • Solid Ground
  • Little Lost Souls
  • These Hours
  • River
  • Just a Story
  • Anywhere With You

- all available to preview here. 

I've put some photos below and there's a whole gallery by Beatrice McGuire to see on Facebook too. 

"These Hours" Review on Folkworld.eu

“We have some attractive and pure folk singing here from Croydon. Acoustic guitar and rich voice presenting original songs still works with the folks that have the talent to do it and the guts to lay it out for the public. Anne Sumner has a classic style that will work for traditionalists and modernists alike. She balances the strength of her voice with a sensitivity, not unlike Sandy Denny. The guitar is light, but there are some nice substantial patterns that are more than the simple chords. Even without any different arrangements, I found myself carefully listening to all fifteen songs. That is the mark of a strong folk album. ”
— http://www.folkworld.eu/56/e/cds7.html#sumn

Photos from 26 March at the Red Cow

I have quite a bit of updating to do here - been playing a fair bit and have quite a bit to say about gigging in general and London open mics in particular. To start off here are some pictures from the inaugural open mic at the Red Cow in Richmond, which has been up and running for several weeks now and as I understand it has been getting better every week! This is being run by Audio287 - check out their site for a whole host of recording and editing services; they record the open mics too and if you perform you can get the live recordings afterwards. The Red Cow also does spectacular burgers which are half-price on a Thursday, so you can enjoy your food and some great live music at the same time! 

The pictures are Emily and Rob (who opened the night) and Michael Soakell, with some from my set too. 

Lime Meadow Folk & Blues Acoustic Folk & Blues Club

I've been playing semi-regularly at Lime Meadow in Sanderstead and one of the hosts, Chris, writes these great blog reviews of the club nights. This is the latest one from last Wednesday. They have a lively crowd of regulars and an increasing number of visitors and the quality and variety is always brilliant. 

There are some more photos and mayhem on the club's Facebook page. 

March Gigs

A couple of confirmed gigs for March - 

Thursday 5th March I have a spot at a charity open mic at the Hurlingham on the Wandsworth Bridge Road - this is in aid of the Diabetes Research Fund at St. George's hospital. DJ Boots' set from 6pm, live music starts from 8pm, full details via Audio 287. 

Sunday 22nd March I'll be playing at the Ruskin House Folk & Blues Club in Croydon (map) - really looking forward to this as it's what I consider my "home" club and I have learned so much from playing there! There will be floor spots and it's probably going to be a completely acoustic set - £2 entry goes towards Ruskin House and gets you in the raffle for a bottle of wine. From 8pm-ish. 

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