Gavin Fairhall Lever are a stunning explosion of colour in the wild and unruly garden of the London folk scene. A tangle of roots from Northern Ireland, Cornwall and Norfolk gives exuberant life to a truly contemporary folk music, full of thorns and flowers.

The trio bring together the exhilarating, joyful tumble of Celtic trad, a melodic warmth, vibrant rhythmic invention, and the subtle expressivity of jazz harmony. Tunes unfold like stories, with dynamic and textured arrangements keeping the pages turning, from chapters of luminous stillness into passages of unstoppable drive. Their second album was recorded live to tape at Analogue Catalogue Studios in Northern Ireland with Julie McLarnon (Lankum, Alasdair Roberts, Brian Eno), and will be released in February 2025.

Known for his consistently strong collaborative work at the forefront of London’s thriving folk scene, with TEYR, The Rad Orchestra, and Jez Hellard, multi-instrumentalist and composer James Patrick Gavin creates music that dances a line between tradition and irreverence. His work has been described as ‘High energy brilliance’ (Folk Radio UK), ‘Hugely impressive’ (fRoots), and ‘Dazzling’ (RnR Magazine). This trio showcases Gavin’s mastery of the full expressive range of the violin. ‘The sound of today’s London Irish’ (Mark Radcliffe BBC Radio 2).

Adrian Lever has played on stages from Lewes Guitar Festival to the Barbican. ‘Outstanding musicianship’ (Rainlore’s World). He performs with leading English folk fiddlers John Dipper & Emily Askew as part of Alma – ‘Seductive… spry, intelligent’ (Sunday Times). Lever’s clear tenor voice delivers the songs of the trio, while his seasoned and steady guitarist’s hand forms the rhythmic heart, complete with characteristic Balkan and flamenco stylings.

Tim Fairhall contributes a distinctive style, coming from a background in contemporary jazz, improv and post- classical electronica. His playing has been described as ‘First class… Rounded beauty’ (Jazz Journal). He has performed on stages as diverse as Cologne Philharmonic and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, and with musicians ranging from Sephardic singer Yasmin Levy to the piano/laptop-led trio Piano Interrupted; he brings an improvisational alertness and sensitivity, jazz musicianship and an adventurous spirit to the trio.

This event will last approximately 2 hours, including an interval.

Reviews

‘Their eponymous debut captur[es] the close-knit improvisational nature of their live performance… The three meld closely to work as one… circling in a perfectly balanced orbit around the tune. Their playing is nuanced as an ensemble and as soloists, rising wraithlike up through the music.’ Songlines 

‘The vibrant trio bring their multi-instrumental talents to an impressive collection of mostly original material that is an absolute blast to listen to. One of my top favourites of the year… Brilliant.’ RnR ★★★★