April Music at the Mill

Lisa Mills

Following sell-out music performances in the first quarter of 2010, Otterton Mill's new music season opens in April with a trio of outstanding acts.

On Thursday 15th April, the Mill welcomes Mississippi-born singer/songwriter Lisa Mills. Lisa's soulful brand of southern blues has won her many fans, including Robert Plant who cites her as one of his favourite singers. Along with Robert, Lisa has played and recorded with Jeff Beck, Jools Holland and Andy Fairweather Low. Her dynamic live performances have earned her a rare standing ovation and encore on Glastonbury's Acoustic stage, and her newly released 3rd CD is currently attracting rave reviews.. "Lisa Mills is the real deal; no studio tricks needed, no airbrushing required. By Invitation Only, is a wonderful listen - soothing, bluesy, rocking, and sexy." Wade Wellborn, Currents Magazine. Lisa is playing with renowned double bass player Ian Jennings, who has performed with, among others, Van Morrison, Tom Jones and Jimmy Paige. Tickets for Lisa and Ian are £11.00.

Thursday 22nd April sees a return visit from folk duo Blackheart. Just 3 years into their collaboration, singer Chrissy Mostyn and guitarist Rick Pilkington are widely regarded as the fastest rising stars of the new folk generation having become established for both their live concerts and their outstanding debut album ‘Indigo' and 2009 album ‘Invisible'. Chrissy's lemon and honey voice with Rick's jaw-dropping acoustic guitar combine in a unique "urban folk" style. Beautifully crafted, instantly memorable songs take audiences on an emotional roller-coaster ride from sadness and sensitivity to energetic foot-stomping and rocking folk. Recently cited as the most exciting British songwriting duo of the decade, Aled Jones of Radio 2 hails them "A great band". Tickets for Blackheart are £10.50.

The last Thursday in April, on the 29th, sees a very welcome 2nd visit to the Mill from legendary singer/songwriter Benny Gallagher. Half of the chart-topping Gallagher & Lyle, Benny is the writer of such classics as Breakaway, Heart on My Sleeve, When I'm Dead & Gone and I Wanna Stay with You. In this intimate evening of songs and stories, Benny will perform hits he penned for Apple, McGuinness Flint and Gallagher & Lyle - songs which have been recorded by Art Garfunkel, Bryan Ferry, Don Williams, Elkie Brooks, Fairport Convention, Phil Everly, Ricky Nelson, Ringo Starr, Rita Coolidge, Status Quo, Simon and Garfunkel and others - along with songs from his outstanding solo album "At the Edge of the Wave". Tickets for Benny are £12.50.

Full listings and information can be found by clicking here, where you'll also find links to the musicians' sites to hear samples of their music.

The Mill's Music & Food Nights take place in the intimate and atmospheric setting of the upstairs Mill restaurant and feature great menus of seasonal food. Tickets can be booked by calling 01395 568521 or in person at the Mill's Gallery. Note: prices cover music only.

Date added: Wednesday 7th April 2010
Latest updated: Sunday 29th April 2012