The Artists

Evocative and distinctive, folk duo Suthering (Julu Irvine & Heg Brignall) transport audiences with their exquisite vocal harmonies and their message of hope during hard times.

Described as “Two excellent singers” by BBC Radio's Genevieve Tudor, their harmonies soar above the cascading piano and delicate, fingerstyle guitar.

It’s the duo’s beautifully matched voices and their fresh approach to folk which makes their songwriting stand out.

They made their full-length studio album debut with ‘If We Turn Away’in 2022, co-produced with Lukas Drinkwater, which was heralded for its distinguished sound and “Hard-hitting, beautiful songs” (Folk Wales Magazine).

“Suthering brings together a joyous blending of voices and musical talents of Julu Irvine and Heg Brignall. Delicate, harmonious and thoroughly English, Suthering is a welcome arrival on the vibrant English folk scene”- Terry O'Brien, Folk Expo

““Excellent musicians, beautiful harmonies and a fresh approach to traditional music”- Tony Birch, FATEA Magazine ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

​2024 marks the release of their second studio album ‘Leave A Light On’. Produced by BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winner, Sean Lakeman (Levellers, Seth Lakeman), the album is a bold new direction in sound for the duo. A poignant and powerful exploration of themes affecting the social and political landscape, Leave A Light On is a collection of personal reflections, captivating stories and modern-day songs of protest and unity. The album will be released on Bessie Records on October 4th 2024 and will coincide with a UK tour.

Known for their chemistry and humour on stage, they effortlessly intertwine their important messages about the state of our climate, social conscience, and the importance of community and connecting with nature. They champion female characters, creating new narratives for women and unearthing the female heroines of folk.

Suthering found their duo name in a book called ‘Landmarks’ by Robert MacFarlane. The word, meaning “the sound of the wind through the trees” comes from a John Clare poem and it perfectly captures the duo’s love of nature, a theme which can be found woven into their music.

They moved from Bristol to Devon in 2019, just before the pandemic hit, in a bid to create a more connected life on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. The wild expanse and history of Dartmoor, influences and inspires their music, which is rooted in the landscape that surrounds them.

Suthering have toured extensively since the release of If We Turn Away, playing at venues and arts centres across the UK and have received recognition and features from the BBC, R&R magazine, FATEA Magazine, Folk Wales, Folk Expo, folking.com and more. They were featured as artists at the EFDSS concert series at Sidmouth Folk Festival in 2022 as well as appearing at many festivals across the country in 2023.

Links:

• Suthering's Web Site

The Ale House is a delightful and intimate concert venue, with warm acoustics.

Despite its name, there are no bar facilities at The Ale House and events there do not normally make alcoholic drinks available for sale. Most events, however, are bring-your-own. Wine glasses are made available.

The absence of a bar also has the highly desirable effect of ensuring the ‘pindrop’ atmosphere is maintained, with audiences intent only on the music.

In the 16th Century The Ale House was a place to serve ale to the parishioners of Colwall after church services. Nowadays, while having all modern facilities, it retains its ancient charm, with oak beams and leaded windows.

It is situated adjacent to St James the Great Church in Colwall. From the main B4218 going through the main part of Colwall, turn down Mill Lane, which is just north of the railway bridge. Go past Colwall Village Hall and the church is about half a mile further down the lane.

Park in the large car park next to the church and walk through the churchyard to the Ale House.

For reasons of safety parking is not allowed immediately adjacent to the building.

Disabled Access

The Ale House is fully equipped for wheelchair access.

There is a pull-in space by the main door at the south end of the building (shown in the picture) for drop-off.