What do you get if you cross a English-born singer-songwriter with a Scottish-born, Dutch-raised singer? Well, if you’re very lucky, what you get is Winter Wilson, whose latest tour brings them to Australia this summer.
Formed from the ashes of 90s folk-rock outfit Ragtrade, Winter Wilson had been plying their trade part-time on the UK acoustic music scene for around twenty years when, in 2012, they decided to give up their “proper jobs” and make music their living. And what a good decision that was! Their reputation has blossomed, with appearances at folk clubs and festivals across the UK winning many new fans for their own style of “joyous rebellion”. “It’s a phrase used in a review by a music journalist who saw us live a couple of years ago” says Kip Winter. “We like it; it kind of sums us up. We’re known for great songs and harmonies, but there’s always that element of unpredictability – call it comedy if you like, but it’s just the way we are.” Indeed it’s their live performances that really set this pair apart, bringing passion, intelligence, humour and “refreshing undertones of dry rebellion” to every gig.
Since becoming full-time musicians, the couple have established their own cottage industry, writing songs, recording, designing album covers, posters, tee shirts, websites, promotion, setting up tours and spending most of the year living in a camper van. Indeed hilarious stories of their travels (and mishaps!) are interspersed with the songs, to provide a great evening’s entertainment. “It’s been an amazing year,” commented Dave. “We’ve spent most of it on the road in our campervan, Tallullah. Fortunately we get on pretty well, or it could get messy.”
Kip Winter’s voice is simply one of the best in the business, delivering power and emotion in equal measure (described by one promoter as “from melting to belting”). In the past she has sung everything from jazz to opera, but is at her best and happiest when singing folk and blues. Originating from the Outer Hebrides (though raised in Southern Holland – “it’s a long story!”), Kip brings a wealth of folk history and stories from the Islands, together with a broader, blues-based approach to much of the duo’s music. She also plays piano accordion, flute, and occasional guitar.
Described by the great John Tams (Sharpe, Warhorse) as a “magnificent” songwriter, Dave Wilson is now recognised as one of the best on the English acoustic scene, with his songs covered by some of folk’s “greats”. His lyrics are thought provoking, often challenging, but always beautifully crafted. He also has a mellow, relaxed singing style and plays a mean guitar and banjo.
Together, the pair’s voices are simply sublime. “In 30 years of listening to folk music, I have never heard two voices blend so perfectly”, said David Aird, Chairman of Scotland’s famous Glenfarg Folk Club and Festival.
In 2014, their sixth album ‘Cutting Free’ rightly propelled Winter Wilson’s music towards a larger audience, featuring in the UK Daily Telegraph’s ‘10 Fine Folk Albums For The Summer’ while the entertainments website axs.com included the twosome in its list of ‘Top 10 Most Underrated Folk Artists’.
This latest tour showcases Winter Wilson’s critically-acclaimed latest album Ashes & Dust, released in March 2016 and described by Mike Harding as a “cracking new CD”, with Austerity “one of the strongest songs of the last twelve months”. Thirteen new songs cover a diverse range of subjects, with the pair playing 8 instruments between them and sharing lead vocals.
