ingénu/e chats with Eddi Reader

ahead of her Bexhill gig in October

Celebrating over forty years as a live performer, Eddi Reader has effortlessly developed into one of popular music’s most thrilling and affecting performers.

What sets Eddi apart is the depth and quality of the emotional performance and ability to not only move the listener, but connect her experience to that of her audience. No two performances are ever the same.

Though first brought into the limelight as front woman for Fairground Attraction, whose #1 single, Perfect and parent album, First of a Million Kisses, both topped the British charts, it was Eddi’s subsequent solo albums that signalled her ability to assimilate different musical styles and make them very much her own. Notably, The Songs of Robert Burns (2003) is a timeless interpretation showcasing the poems of Scotland’s national bard and gained her an MBE for outstanding contributions to the Arts.

Her rare blend of meltingly true vocals and towering romanticism combine with an astute and pragmatic nature to make her a unique and powerful figure in contemporary British music – with ten critically acclaimed solo albums, three BRIT awards, a #1 single and an MBE.

Well, the first question has got to be how did it feel to receive the MBE?

The same as it felt getting any pat on the back for my work. It doesn’t change me but I appreciate being appreciated by anyone from the poor to the rich. All are equal in my experience.

You've received honorary doctorates from four Scottish universities. That’s a lot of recognition.

Yeah when all is fading I can always say I came I saw I loved and played my role as best I could. Great to have a bit of paper to show the gt. grandkids and say “See?!? Granny knows something about something!”

What was it like being in the film ‘Me And Orson Wells’? Did you get much chance to hang out with Zac Effron or Clare Danes?

It was a long day in makeup and once the scene was done those two disappeared. But I did go to an after party and the Orson Welles character and others were there. We partied and extolled the art of Orson most of the night. It was very crowded so I’m not sure if Clare or Zac were there.

Forty years as a musician; you must have some incredible memories. What stands out, what would you consider the main highlights of your career?

Coming home to Scotland having conquered the U.K. music biz. The party in my father’s house was tremendous.

You are playing at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill on 4th October*. What can we expect that evening? Any surprises?

I don’t have a set list, I like to get as surprised with what might want to be sung and played.

Finally, could you give us an insight into what projects you have coming up, both musically and educationally?

I’m heading off on a sold out tour in Ireland for two weeks, performing all summer in a West End play, at the same time I’m doing a PhD on secret revolutionary history of Scotland & U.K.... hopefully being inspired to create a new batch of recordings.

In between all that I’ll be enjoying the blissful moments I get to be alive still.

*Visit www.coastalevents.co.uk and www.dlwp.com for more details about the gig.

The Petworth Festival The Year of Two Summers

Asfar as the Petworth Festival is concerned, summer normally begins around the middle of July. For over forty years, Petworth and the surrounding area have been able to look forward to a fortnight of intense and high-quality music making just as we head in to high summer. But this year, summer doesn’t just come early – it comes twice. Following up the terrific success that was last year’s ‘Jubilation!’ over the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, this year sees the all-new June Edition, from 2nd to 4th June, an early summer special with three top level events that will give a taste of the great things to come just a few weeks further down the line when the main summer festival arrives.

Midhurst Rother College, the setting for several of the festival’s most popular events in recent years, will be the venue for three cracking shows featuring performers who haven’t just made waves in Petworth but also much, much further abroad.

Ben Waters will need little introduction if you were at his sensational night in the Petworth House Stables during the 2022 Festival. Ben, the musicians’ musician and friend and collaborator of the stars (the Rolling Stones, Ray Davies, Jeff Beck and so many more) will insist you bring your dancing shoes.

And then Gyles Brandreth. He is unquestionably one of our ‘national treasures’ as well as one of the most entertaining performers on the circuit. With on-stage energy to die for, this is both laugh-a-minute stuff, as well as a genuine insight from someone who knew both the Queen and Prince Phillip well.

The third part of the weekend’s stellar line-up sees the return of the remarkable and prize-winning French pianist Bernard d’Ascoli. The winner, aged 19, of the prestigious Barcelona International Piano Competition, the astounding pianist who has been blind from birth performs a programme of music by Ravel, Liszt and Chopin.

Then there is the main summer festival from 11th to 29th July. This is a glorious, star-studded event with a smorgasbord of fabulous events. There is music of all genres: classical, mediæval chant, madrigals, jazz/funk, folk roots, rock and world music. Not to mention poetry, art, comedy, guided walks, theatre and talks. And it all comes to an electrifying and eclectic finale with the Jess Gillam ensemble.

Visit www.petworthfestival.org.uk for full details of all the events across the summer.