Lisa Redford, Jason French and The Weeping Willows
I recently played a lovely gig at The Reindeer Norwich. Thanks so much to everyone who came along and made it such a lovely night. It was so nice to finally share the stage with the sublime The Weeping Willows on the first night of their UK tour which included sets at Maverick Festival. Thanks to the brilliant Jason French for joining me on banjo and fiddle – live video clips at Instagram @lisaredfordmusic
I also have some lovely festivals and events coming up including Reepham Festival on Sunday August 7th. It will be great to be back at this wonderful festival and I’m performing at the historic Whitwell Station from 2pm. More details and ticket info here
Lisa Redford at Reepham Festival 2022
Looking ahead to September and I’m excited to be performing at the award-winning Brisley Pub for Brisley Live – a weekend of live music, comedy and theatre. I will be playing on Saturday September 10th. Further details and tickets here
Brisley Live – A weekend of comedy, theatre and music at The Brisley Bell
Another favourite festival is Deepdale Festival on the beautiful North Norfolk coast and I’m looking forward to returning this year amongst a wonderful line up. I will be performing on the Saturday afternoon. To book tickets and for further details, check out the website
It was so rewarding to teach my first beginner guitar and ukulele courses at Wensum Lodge for Adult learning this summer term and to receive wonderful feedback from learners who had enjoyed the courses. I will be teaching beginner courses again this September so any budding guitarists and ukulele players please check out the dates and details on the Norfolk County Council website
Lisa Redford – Community Singing Sessions at the Millennium Library, Norwich
When I started the fun and free #community#singing sessions in Norwich libraries earlier this year, I didn’t think it would continue to grow. I’m excited to be starting a new #online singing group from June 6 – July 11 for Viewpoint – a mental health service user charity based in Hertfordshire.
I’ve also been really enjoying running my beginner ukulele and guitar courses at Wensum Lodge this summer term. It’s been so rewarding and fun to teach in-person again after so long and share my passion for both instruments. I’m also resuming my one to one music lessons in-person and have a new teaching venue: the beautiful Christ Church, just off Mile End Road at NR2 2AQ. If you would like to find out more, please get in contact.
Viewpoint Singing Group
I’m also continuing to enjoy a mixture of acting roles. I had a great time recently filming in a beautiful North Norfolk beachside location, part of a fascinating true story and playing a glamorous party girl. It’s exciting to finally see projects coming on to the screen and I’m really looking forward to seeing ‘This England’ on Sky TV later this year in which I play a journalist in one scene. Kenneth Branagh looking and sounding remarkably like Boris Johnson!
Playing a party girl in upcoming crime documentary
Upcoming Gigs!
Really excited that I will be performing on Thursday 30th June at The Reindeer Norwich with wonderful award-winning Americana duo, The Weeping Willows from Melbourne, Australia. The free gig will be part of their upcoming UK tour which also includes a performance at this year’s Maverick Festival.
I’m also looking forward to returning to the lovely Reepham Festival; performing at Whitwell Station on Sunday, August 6th. More details on their official website and the shows page.
I’m really excited to be running beginner ukulele and guitar courses at Wensum Lodge for the first time starting April 25th. They are part of a programme of new and exciting creative, language and wellbeing courses which include Stained Glass; Botanical Art and Architectural Drawing; Latin; Philosophy; Textiles upcycling and alterations; Yoga; Polish language; Photography and Creative Writing. Here are some nice new flyers from Adult Learning for the courses and there are also taster sessions happening next week. To find out more details and to book, please visit here
Introduction to Guitar and Ukulele Taster sessionsCommunity Singing Sessions – Warming up
How joyous is this photo! The community singing sessions I have been running at Earlham Library and The Millennium Library in Norwich have been lots of fun to do and so rewarding too. To hear comments from people saying that I’ve made their day and really cheered them up means such a lot. I’ve also had some great song requests and it’s been lovely to see people coming back each week to sing classic songs together. Thanks so much to everyone who has come along to a session and all the kind words. There are video clips of some of the singalongs at The Millennium Library’s Facebook Page
A community singing session at Earlham Library, NorwichSinging at the The Norfolk and Norwich Millennium LibraryA lovely piece at Folk Features on why singing and music means so much to me
I’m also looking forward to playing some gigs and festivals soon. Check out the shows page where I will be posting details of live shows.
Live at the Canopy Theatre, Suffolk. Photo by Rodney Kidd
I’ve been wanting to do something positive and inspiring for awhile that reflects my passion for music and singing and could really make a difference to those who are struggling with their mental health or loneliness at the moment. I’m really excited to be running some free, fun and informal community singing sessions at the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library starting Tuesday 22nd February 2.30pm – 3.30pm – also at Earlham Library at 11.00am – 12pm on the same day – and then every Tuesday for 6 weeks.
Try these new singing sessions to boost your wellbeing where we’ll be singing a selection of classic, well known songs to uplift, connect and make you smile. No previous experience is required and there is no need to read music. All are welcome – feel to come along and drop in on the day. Here’s a piece I’ve written about the sessions for my friends at All Things Norfolk on why singing and music is so important to me.
Come and join me to have fun, connect with others and improve our wellbeing through a shared singing experience!
Teaching Guitar for Beginners starting in April
I’m also really excited to be running two 10 week beginner courses in guitar and ukulele at Wensum Lodge in Norwich starting in the summer term for Norfolk County Council. I can’t wait to share my passion for teaching both instruments and to help you learn the basic skills to get you started with playing chords and strumming. More information about the guitar course is here
Teaching a Ukulele for Beginners Course – Starting in April
It has been really fun, and a new creative challenge, to try some acting and work as a supporting artist recently on a variety of drama and documentary programmes. It’s really exciting finally seeing some of the TV projects that I’ve worked on finally hitting the screen. Now on britbox, “Magpie Murders” which was filmed in beautiful Suffolk and where I played a nurse:
Also on Netflix is “Catching Killers” – being a cop!
Now showing on American subscription streaming service Acorn TV is the brand new series of Emmy Award-nominated mystery drama “Queens of Mystery”. It was a lot of fun to appear in episode “The Modern Art of Murder” Pictured here on set in London with brilliant actresses Julie Graham, Siobhan Redmond and Florence Hall.
“Let Go” Live at the Canopy Theatre, Suffolk. Jason French on fiddle
I’ve been going through some live performances from the past few months when it was great to play again to audiences. Thanks to Rodney Kidd for filming original song “Let Go” live from The Canopy Theatre, Hungate Church, Beccles, Suffolk for Martello Promotions~ a lovely headline show in September 2021. Jason French on fiddle.
Performing original song “Carolina Rain” from a lovely Women in Music Day at The Brickmakers Norwich. Jason French on fiddle. Thanks to Liz for filming.
A live solo performance this time. Always really nice to perform at Deepdale Festival in beautiful Burnham Deepdale, North Norfolk. Thanks to Karl for getting some footage of the show on iPhone.
Lisa Redford “Here Alone” Live at Canopy Theatre, Suffolk
Another performance from Canopy Theatre, Suffolk: “Here Alone” with Jason French on fiddle. More live performances on my YouTube channel.
I hope that you’re keeping safe and well. As many of you know from my social media posts, I’ve been continuing to keep creative with various projects and live streams and I really enjoyed putting this special clips video together for my song “Summer on the L” – all about my time living in New York City – making friends and memories, the highs and lows, and performing and recording there as an artist.
Footage includes clips from inside and outside the Dakota Building, Times Square, Brooklyn, Central Park, 4th of July fireworks, Governors Island, the short film ‘Q to the 6 Train’ (for which I wrote the original score) as well as recording in the studio and live performances from The New York Songwriters Circle and Alive with Clive TV show. Thanks so much for watching this very personal video and all the love for this particular song during my recent live streams.
I always love collaborating with other artists and also hearing my songs remixed. Thanks to Phillip Coady – who has remixed tracks of mine in the past, on SoundCloud – for this gorgeous, dreamy electronic mix of ‘Edge of Love’ ❤️ the title track of my latest EP. Thanks for giving it a listen and huge thanks to Park RadioBBC SuffolkBBC Music Introducing in Suffolk for the airplay.
Country in the Kitchen podcast
It was lovely to be interviewed for Country In The Kitchen Podcast last week; a great podcast that features guests from the UK independent country music scene. I talked to host Tessa-Leanne Snart about being creative during lockdown with the release of ‘From Afar’, being an independent artist and arts/music columnist, the UK country music scene and more. The episode, Volume 15, is now available to listen to and download at PodbeaniTunes and Spotify
I’ve also recorded a live acoustic session for Russell Hill’s Country Music Show. This will be broadcast on Sunday August 9th between 11am and 2pm.
Live acoustic session for Reepham Festival
Live stream gig at Facebook
Talking of live music, I’ve been doing some acoustic live streams from my own Facebook and also for festivals including Buckle and Boots and SW20 spring festival. I’m planning more and always love to hear your requests. This weekend on Saturday August 8th I’m doing a special acoustic live session for Reepham Festival between 6pm and 9pm I’ve also been continuing to play acoustic requests at my YouTube channel including this beautiful and timeless Sandy Denny song.
Cover of Sandy Denny “Who Knows Where the Time Goes”
I’ve still been getting lots of love for lockdown single ‘From Afar’ and recently posted a ukulele version – thanks so much to those of you who have purchased the song from my Bandcamp page
“Edge of Love” is now released worldwide! Been blown away by the wonderful reviews and feedback. You can can get a digital download or signed limited edition CD at my Bandcamp store
“The EP offers a wonderful collection of songs about love – touching on every aspect, whether it’s excitement and nerves leading up to a relationship, the time within, or the aftermath. ‘Edge of Love’ is emotional throughout and once again, Lisa has firmly cemented herself as one of the leading singer songwriters of our genre. Brilliant.” Belles and Gals
“classic heartbreak and sparkling pop..the pretty much perfect pop-rock of “Let Go,” it’s Redford’s expressively versatile and engaging voice that adds the gilt edge. Her ability to pen songs of genuine quality..suggests that her moment is due very soon.” RnR Magazine ****
The title track also features on the Un-Herd cover mount CD in the May/June issue of RnR Magazine.
“It’s fair to say I’ve been really impressed by everything here; not just Lisa’s gorgeously expressive and honeyed voice but her clever and intricate songwriting too; with both combining best of all on my Favourite Track I Just Can’t Forget, which is a real class act in itself and made me stare at the speakers in wonderment the first time I heard it.” Rocking Magpie Read full review here
“I Just Can’t Forget and the beautifully intimate closing track Alone Tonight are simply gorgeous tearjerkers. It takes real talent to make such songs not sound overly sentimental and sappy, and Redford pulls it off with class. Like I said: that’s how I prefer my country.” Slim Chance, NL Read full review here
“quality, classy pop music with substance that will no doubt sound as fresh and relevant in a decade as they sound today…a timely reminder that she is one of our most talented songwriters..” Penny Black Music. Full review here
“who knew that five tracks could vary so much in style and still feel so connected. This EP has the impact of an album because of it’s versatility and charm. When it comes to the Edge of Love EP, It’s a little bit Country, a little bit Folk, a little bit Pop and a whole lot of heartfelt soul! The Edge of Love EP kept me interested from start to finished with it’s charm. The Music Below Full review here
“A quite superior EP, that has had to fight against the odds to even be heard, and is well worthy of your attention.” W21 Music Read full review here
“Edge of Love” is catchy and harmoniously rich. Combining all that is so adored about Americana, country and melodic pop, Lisa Redford is a gifted artist and shows off her talents through her emotional depictions of love and loss in each track. Her expressions sound heartfelt and pure..Redford gives her all into this EP and that remains very clear throughout.” Maverick Magazine ****
Thanks also to everyone who came along to the EP launch show and for making it such a special night. Thanks to Richard Dales Coupland at Zetland Country for filming “I Just Can’t Forget” more live videos at YouTube and Instagram
Huge thanks to Ted Briggs-Comstock for joining me on dobro and banjo. Photos by Rodney Kidd.
Huge thanks to all the radio shows that have played tracks from “Edge of Love.” I’m in session all this week on BBC Radio Suffolk. Hear 5 live acoustic tracks every evening from 18.30 on Stephen Foster’s Drive Time Show.
Happy September! My latest column is in the Evening News and as well as talking about my new video ‘Time to Grow’, there’s lots of cool gigs coming up including one of my favourite songwriters Boo Hewerdine coming to the Octagon Chapel in Norwich and Uke East, a ukulele festival at Norwich Arts Centre. Being a ukulele lover I’m looking forward to that.
I also talked about some great music workshops and masterclasses that I recently attended for Musical Keys at Create Norwich and also Take Note Summer School at The Garage. Really inspiring stuff!
Thanks so much for the kind words about my new video. ‘Time to Grow’ is now also on YouTube so really appreciate any watches and shares.
Really exciting news! Huge congrats to one of my vocal students Breeze for winning her category in national competition TeenStar! Pre Teen winner 2015! She performed my song ‘Here Alone’ at Birmingham’s NEC and earned the highest marks from the music industry judges – so proud!
Here’s her stunning winning performance of my song ‘Here Alone’
My latest column for Songwriting Magazine now online. This time I’m discussing crowd funding for musicians, something I’ve not embarked upon but have been considering. I’d be really interested to hear from artists who have funded projects this way.
I’ve also had my latest column for the Evening News published and as well as sharing my latest news I preview some creative workshops happening in Norwich this month:
I’ve added new videos to my YouTube channel and new songs to SoundCloud including this ukulele cover of a lovely new Kacey Musgraves song. Really enjoying the sweet sounds and melodies on her Pageant Material album.
Looking ahead to Autumn and I’m really excited to be supporting Eliza Carthy and The Wayward Band at OPEN Norwich on Wednesday October 14th. Details here
Brand new video! Singing one of my favourite songs on ukulele. Thanks to the brilliant Claudia Taveira Photography for filming:
Photo from on the way to film the video with my lovely Luna ukulele
Plus here’s my latest column for Songwriting Magazine, tips on face-to-face networking for aspiring songwriters. My experience of going to the recent Americana Music UK conference made me think about how nerve wracking it can be for artists to network so here’s some tips which I hope help. Link here
Making the most of a sunny day! Cool new photo shoot and video. Playing my Baby Taylor and Luna Ukulele in the sunshine! Thanks to Claudia Taveira Photography and also the wonderful Taylor Guitars and Luna Guitars for sharing the video.
