I sing solo and with Rubus: Christi Andropolis (fiddle,voice), Will Schrimshaw (drums), and David Newey (guitar).
New projects include performing my own material with Lucy Farrell and Rachel Newton.These wondrous people all have individual myspace's.
Visit www.rubusband.com to find out more about what we're up to - We have a new album out! I have also got myself a website: emilyportman.co.uk.
Influences
Pop Maynard, Marina Warner,Joni Mitchel, Queen Caroline Hughes, Martin Carthy, Mary-Anne Haynes, Tom Waits, Norma Waterson,Angela Carter, John Pole, Bjork,........
Sounds Like
Narc mag said....‘Emily Portman's spectacular ensemble arrangements justifiably sold out the Star and Shadow, and proved the local songstress a true treasure. Her folk-tale based songs are as contemporary as they are rustic, and the juxtaposition proves not uncomfortable, but beguiling. Singing in easy, dulcet tones her enthusiasm and love for her subject matter shone through every minute of her set.’ Narc
Emily Portman is a singer, writer and concertina player with a passion for traditional narratives. Best known for her interpretations of English folk ballads, Emily is one of the brightest young stars on the British folk scene, having worked with Waterson:Carthy, Shirley Collins and making regular appearances on BBC Radio 2 and Late Junction on Radio 3.
One time member of harmony trio (and BBC folk-award nominees!) The Devil's Interval, Emily is now a member of Rubus who were featured on fRoots playlist, and she has gained plaudits for her duo with Lauren McCormick (recently appearing at Saddlers Wells, The Roundhouse and The South Bank centre). Emily was also featured as a soloist on the BBC's latest adaptation of 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles'.
Less well known are her original compositions: these visceral visions of a darker
Albion conjure landscapes where mythical sirens collide in urban backstreets.
Inspired by folktales and ballads Emily weaves narratives of female experience,
creating subtle soundscapes with intricate vocal harmonies, strings and harp,
creating a sound oft compared to Bjork and Alasdair Roberts. BBC’s Late Junction
has already caught wind of these new songs, featuring a track from her EP even
before the official release of her forthcoming debut solo album. Emily’s new
songs are selling out venues in the Northeast and swiftly creating a stir beyond
the folk scene.
Emily's debut album 'Other Stories' is due for release with Furrow Records in early 2010.
Discography:
• Rubus ‘Nine Witch Knots’ (Wildgoose 2008). Debut Release
• Lauren McCormick & Emily Portman: EP (own label 2008).
• Folk Awards 2007, Various Artists (Proper,2007). Featured Artist.
• Old Wine New Skins, Various Artists, (Dusk Fire 2007). Featured Artist.
• Folk Rising, The Future of Folk, Various Artists (PMD 2007). Featured Artist
• Waterson: Carthy, ‘Holy Heathens and the Old Green Man’, (Topic Records 2006) Featured artist.
• The Devils Interval ‘Blood and Honey’, (WildGoose 2006). Debut Release.
• ‘Song Links 2’, Various Artists, (Fellside Records 2005). Featured Artist.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace... Poem 230 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my blog for details): CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith's the star that we glance Attending Christ's churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
TWILIGHT FOLK PRESENTS…. SHARRON KRAUS With support from Peter Delaney and C Joynes Live at Orange Street Music Club, Canterbury Weds October the 21st 8.00pm £5 in advance/£6 on door
“Sharron Kraus is a dark-folk gem. Listening to her high, clear voice cut through melodies woven from acoustic guitar, banjo and hurdy-gurdy, you may struggle to remember which late-'60s traditionalists beat her to the material.Here's one folklore expert whose originals feel both authentic and alive….Exquisite second album by this wonderful singer. She conjures up visions of Karen Dalton, Shirley Collins, Judy Dyble and even early Joni. Live she was fantastic too. ..this moves from traditional folk (in a Shirley Collins, Anne Briggs style) to her own songs and enchants all the way. An immaculate album from a major new singer.”
Peter Delaney lives in Limerick, Ireland. He comes from a folk music background and plays his own unique style, drawing on early Hawaiian folk songs and Alan Lomax field recordings as well as more contemporary musicians such as Joanna Newsom and Josephine Foster. Peter released his debut EP/Mini Album "Duck Egg Blue" in April 2007 to much acclaim.
Peter has played throughout the UK, Ireland and Norway and has shared the bill with A Hawk and a Hacksaw, Alasdair Roberts, Jozef van Wissem, Juana Molina and The Swell Season. www.myspace.com/peterdelaney
"English acoustic guitarist C Joynes uses traditional country-blues and early ragtime t
Hiya Emily, Once I get some guts with singing and performing live would ye be up for doing another gig together? I'm organising for the end of the year. B
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