Country-Soul and Barnstorming Blues in August

Otterton Mill music audiences can expect a treat with the intimate East Devon venue's two remaining August gigs. Seattle country-soul sensation Rachel Harrington makes a welcome 2nd visit to the Mill on Thursday 12th August, followed by Budleigh-based blues maestro Ian Briggs on Thursday 19th August. The concerts will top what has been an outstanding summer season, with everything from New Orleans swing, to flamenco-jazz, Irish folk and boogie woogie.

Rachel Harrington is a roots musician in the purest sense. Hailed as the new Gillian Welch, her songs capture the deep link between country, folk and bluegrass, telling personal and mythical stories from the American West. Her influences encompass her early life in a strict Pentecostal family in Oregon, gospel music, and her father's secret soul record collection, which she would listen to when the family were out at church. Championed by BBC Radio 2's Bob Harris, Rachel's two acclaimed albums ('Bootlegger's Daughter' and 'City of Refuge') have hit the top spot of the Euro-Americana Chart, and US coffee chain giant Starbucks requested three of the ten tracks from 'Refuge' for in-store play throughout the US. Rachel will be accompanied at the Mill by the inimitable Rod Clements - solo singer-songwriter, master guitarist, Bert Jansch collaborator and producer, dobro guru and Lindisfarne founder member, whose illustrious credentials read like a who's who of the folk-roots world. His consummately sensitive musicianship and spine-tingling slide guitar add depth and colour to Rachel's timeless material. The Otterton gig is part of a 40-date marathon UK tour, and precedes a studio session on the Bob Harris Show (Rachel's third) to be broadcast on 19th August. Tickets for Rachel and Rod are £11.50.

Budleigh-based Ian Briggs is quite simply one of the finest blues harmonica players in the world. Over a long career, he's played with many of the greats including Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake), Eddie Martin, Michael Roach and Savoy Brown. In an illustrious past, he also played with the legendary Yardbirds in the 60's (yes Clapton was in the band at the time!). Ian has run his band The Supervampers for 15 years, and the band's many guests have included the late great Dick Hexstall-Smith on sax and Doc Fingers from Vancouver on piano & vocals. His current band features a trio of virtuoso musicians, who play "real" blues with total commitment and consummate musicianship. "Ian's performance with was nothing less than wondrous - he blew us all away!" Bill Grainger, promoter. Tickets for Ian and the Supervampers are £11.00.

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

The Mill's summer music series takes place in the magical outdoor setting of the Mill's historic Courtyard and features great menus of seasonal food (which can be ordered between 6 to 7.30pm). Tickets can be booked by calling 01395 568521 or in person at the Mill's Gallery. Note: prices cover music only.

Date added: Wednesday 4th August 2010
Latest updated: Sunday 29th April 2012