An Evening with the Grace Smith Trio & Archie Churchill-moss at Cafe No9

Wielding the distinct voices of fiddle, concertina and mandolin, the Grace Smith Trio brings together three like-minded musicians to create one dynamic and expressive musical dialogue. Acclaimed fiddle and viola player Grace Smith is joined by Sam Partridge (concertina) and Tom Kimber (mandolin) in this innovative ensemble, which offers a fresh take on folk. Drawing deeply from tradition, whilst also expanding their repertoire with new melodies of their own, the Grace Smith Trio explores the boundaries of what folk can be to mesmerising effect; their music will stay with you long after you finish listening. Their debut album Overleaf was released in Autumn 2023 to great critical reception. In their review of Overleaf, Klof Mag said; “If you’re looking for the exciting future of instrumental folk music, you need search no further.” ********************************************************************************** Archie Churchill-Moss’s journey through the musical landscape is one of rich collaboration and unwavering commitment to the diatonic button accordion—a craft that has earned him widespread acclaim and reverence. A pioneer in combining folk music with live electronics and a celebrated composer, Archie’s innovative approach seamlessly blends traditional idioms with contemporary composition. His keen attention to modern influences has enabled him to create soundscapes that expand the horizons of folk music. His music has resonated widely, receiving multiple plays on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 3. Archie's career as a session musician is a testament to his versatility and skill. He has collaborated with esteemed folk and traditional artists such as Seth Lakeman, Sam Sweeney, Cara Dillon, Jim Moray, Eliza Carthy, Sam Kelly, and Sam Carter. Outside the ‘folk-sphere’, Archie has worked on projects with world-renowned Welsh opera singer Sir Bryn Terfel, and has received performance credits alongside Sting, Patrick Rimes, and Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends. These collaborations have led to appearances on S4C, BBC, and Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch. In recent years, Archie has focused on his solo performance. His debut solo album, PH(R)ASE (Slowworm Records, 2023), earned him the support slot for Norwich-based contemporary jazz trio, Mammal Hands. Beyond the stage, Archie’s role as an educator amplifies his impact on the musical landscape. As a Principal Lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire, he has developed a teaching style characterised by warmth and insight, guiding musicians to discover their own voices within the rich tradition of folk music. His expertise also extends to the master’s program at the University of Limerick, where he works closely with postgraduate students to develop their instrumental performance skills. Archie Churchill-Moss is ensuring that the vibrant legacy of English folk music continues to thrive in both contemporary and future contexts. ‘We can only sit back and wonder at the mastery’ - Folk World ‘This kind of thinking is exactly what we need within music’ - Trad Folk ‘The instrument has been taken to its limit and Moss thrashes out some remarkable life from it’ - At The Barrier ‘Given his reputation, it’s no surprise that the musicianship is top class’ - Folking ‘He is a virtuoso’ - Songlines ‘PH(R)ASE is a refreshing insight into the strength of his compositional and arrangement skills’ - R2 ‘Great player who writes great tunes’ - Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 ********************************************************************************** Please note this ticket price DOES include a BYOB fee should you wish to bring alcohol to the venue. All additional purchases of non alcoholic drinks and home baked sweet treats from the cafe counter are always very much appreciated.