Folk - The Devil’s Interval

The Devil’s Interval were recently described by folk festival organiser John Shorter as ‘English folk’s new supergroup’. They are a young trio of singers, Lauren McCormick, Jim Causley and Emily Porterman, who have recently been taken under the wing of Waterson:Carthy. Last year they supported the king and queen of English folk on their Frost and Fire Tour – next winter they will be joining them on stage throughout their tour. They are a seriously talented young group who have given an injection of youth and vitality into the folk scene without betraying its traditional roots. “Lauren, Jim and Emily are three musicians utterly committed to singing the traditional songs of these islands and doing so while maintaining a great sense of adventure along with an obvious enjoyment of the music and a pride in their own abilities as musicians.” say Norma Waterson and Pete Carthy about their protégés.

The band are set to release their first album, Blood and Honey, on the WildGoose label in Autumn, which will no doubt form much of the repertoire for this gig, the penultimate at the Royal Oak before a well-earned August break. Expect to hear an eclectic mix from Tom Waits to Dolly Parton. The album is being launched at a special concert at the prestigious Sidmouth Festival – the group have also played at Glastonbury. Regulars on Radio 3’s fine show The Late Junction, the band are further proof at the pulling power and prestige of the Lewes Folk Club. AG