The Christmas countdown is well underway with the festive folk supergroup, A Winter Union, declaring Sooner After Solstice.

Release Date: Available now

Label: Sungrazing Records

Format: digital / CD

I guess anything with Ben Savage and Hannah Sanders in the lineup is going to have us clawing at the barrier, drooling like loons in anticipation. We’re invited to join them, along with Kat Gilmore and Jamie Roberts (also with fully marked ATB membership cards) and Jade Rhiannon Ward in a Transatlantic folk Christmas. They’re all looking very Liege & Lief-y on the cover art as The Winter Union gathers for the annual outing.

With nods to British and American folk traditions among the seasonal fare, bold intent is declared with Tull’s Ring Out Solstice Bells sees harmonies hitting the sort of notes that Ian Anderson can only dream of – even in his long lost prime – accompanied by guitars suitably ringing out including the first nip of Ben’s trademark Dobro detected in the mix.

The band add nods to both British and American folk traditions. The Trees of Old England sees the quintet add a rustic new wassail to the traditional repertoire and Minstrels sets to music Wordsworth’s words about the rigours of music making in the depths of the British winter.

Aside from the band themselves, several ‘names’ crop up in the credits. Besides Wordsworth getting a writing credit, they cover Townes Van Zandt’s Snowin’ On Raton in its slow rollin’ country Bluesy style while Ben gives a breathy emotional reading, conjuring up visions of the Union’s late-night touring journies. From Graeme Miles, folk singer and songwriter from the North East – well known to us via the Young’uns regular tributes – they take Snows Of Winter. It could easily be retitled as Love Amidst The Freeze, showcasing Jamie Roberts who we know can deliver a song, from the recent Documenting Snapshots album. After several playthroughs, it’s emerging as a go-to, evocative and atmospheric piece that typifies The Winter Union.

In contrast to the Sanders/Savage fragility on All Bells In Paradise (where Hannah indulges her Corpus Christi Carol and associated subject fascination) the raucous Rise Up Shepherd sees the band belting out gospel-tinged choruses to an earthy blues jam backing. Guitars duel and duet in an inspirational arrangement. Be prepared for some audience participation, “Leave your sheep and leave you lambs, Rise up shepherd and follow!” – oh, and praise the Lord!

I Saw Three Ships and In The Bleak Midwinter (with an Appalachian twist) are the two songs in the set that would score highly on a Pointless quiz. Appearing at the back end of the record, they round off a warming and jolly collection. Indeed, one that’s going to get a few spins, if not be on repeat, on the player this Winter.

UK DATES – DECEMBER 2023 – proving very popular so grab a ticket if you can!

1 Dec – OTLEY, the Court House

2 Dec – STRATFORD UPON AVON. Playhouse

5 Dec – NORWICH – Playhouse

6 Dec – BURTON UPON TRENT, Brewhouse Arts

7 Dec- BATH, Chapel Arts

8 Dec – WHITCHURCH, Talbot Centre

9 Dec – SHEFFIELD, the Greystones

10 Dec – SALTAIRE, the LIVE ROOM

12 Dec – BRISTOL, St George’s

13 Dec – LONDON, Kings Place

14 Dec – WINCHESTER, the Arc

15 Dec –CAMBRIDGE, Storey’s Field

16 Dec – BARTON UPON HUMBER, the ROPEWALK

17 Dec – NOTTINGHAM, the POPPY & PINT

18 Dec – GATESHEAD, the SAGE

A Winter Union online: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Youtube

Keep up with At The Barrier: Facebook / X (formerly Twitter) / Instagram / Spotify / YouTube