Karine Polwart Milngavie Folk Club

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The Fraser centre offered a cosy packed setting for intimate songstress Karine. 

She started her set with the lullaby 'Beoww- Beoww' (I hope this is the correct spelling, and I forgot to ask Karine for a set list) when she sat and played her small pump organ.  She sang some of her better known songs 'Daisy Darling' and 'Rivers Run' and also a song set to an Edwin Morgan's poem called 'The Good Year'. 

Between songs she chatted about her song-writing collaborations, including her involvement with the Shropshire 'Darwin Project'.  After which she sang a poignant song entitled 'We're Already Leaving' which was about the loss of Darwin's daughter Emma. Other songs included 'Tinsel Show' (The Eyes of the Ages), 'Resolution Row', and 'Sorry Won't Wish It All Away'.     

Karine has a warm, sincere personality and a huge smile! Inge Thomson provided perfect backing on accordion and vocals, along with Karine's brother Steven Polwart on guitar and backing vocals.  Her songs provided many moving thoughtful moments that offered both comfort and hopes. Karine has a philosophy degree and she spent six years working for the 'Scottish Women's Aid' movement on issues such as domestic and child abuse and young people's rights and these experiences have influenced her songwriting

Paul Malcolm provided good support.

Karine Polwart is a Scottish singer song writer. She writes and performs music with a strong folk and roots feel.  She has been recognised for her solo career, winning three awards at the BBC Folk Awards in 2005, and was previously a member of Malinky and Battlefield Band.

Karine Polwart! Tall Ship Gig June 2008

Tall Ship Gig Karine Inge Kirsty and Mat magic evening -  Karine Polwart! I had a chat with Karine. She writes brilliant songs –and has a wonderful voice. One of the best. She keeps it simple. Also Kirsty & Mat Martin wonderful fun young duo who do acoustic blues-jazz tunes. After the gig the sky was the most perfect deep blue, the street lights like fairy lights, the moon a tiny sliver. It was light a dream or like a Picture book cover.

*Karine is an astute, caring and thoughtful writer of memorable tunes. Her songs, with their direct yet careful simplicity hit home with her clear unaffected soothing tones. Karine has an engaging voice. She sang songs from her wonderful new album – ‘This Earthly Spell’ – Firethief ‘down where I cannot go’ , ‘Rivers Run’ and the touching ‘Sorry.’ Karine sang a song ‘ Bonecrusher’ that she said she had written for her favourite Tv series Deadwood. She also sang 2 of my favourites ‘ Daisy (‘There are people in this world who don’t think like you do.’) and the moving Hole in my Heart. Karine finished her set with a haunting lullaby songs ‘Beow’ which means ‘Alive’.  Her music has joyful moving directness and sincerity. As Karine’s sings - ‘hearts can sing.’ Thank you guys for such a memorable evening.