Shows

Alela Diane plus William E Whitmore Tue 31st March 2009 St Giles in the Fields Church 60 St Giles High Street London WC2H 8LG

Alela Diane (Live) 

 

To Be Still is the follow-up to Alela Diane Menig's critically- acclaimed 2006 debut The Pirate's Gospel (Rough Trade’s Album of The Year 2006).  That record brought the Nevada City, California- reared musician a dedicated following across the globe (especially in Europe, where she recently finished a tour of mid-sized concert halls).  Considering that early copies of The Pirate's Gospel were given away to friends in hand-sewn covers just a few years ago, this is not only quite a leap, but a well-deserved one. 

Alela's remarkable voice remains a joy; she can let loose with gale force when she wants to and can reign it in with a ghostly, mournful style at other times.  Those little songbird curlicues she adds in the midst of a melody are heart-aching and beautiful.  "These songs are crafted of love and lore," Alela explains.  "Some were inspired by stories passed on by my mother and grandmothers, while others came from lilting days here and there. "  Like The Pirate's Gospel, this album is largely a family affair– recorded with her musician father and their shared friends, including visionary singer Michael Hurley (who guests on "Age Old Blue.")

William E Whitmore (Live)

With live performances of a calibre to leave you completely stunned, and albums full of songs not only from the heart but also from the heartland, William Elliott Whitmore joins a great tradition of artists who hail from the banks of the Mississippi River.