The Bairns are back in Town

Rachel Unthank & the Winterset touring to promote their new album
"The Bairns" Last night they were at the small, yet impressive venue of St Georges Hall, in Bristol.

When the Girls came on stage, the spotlight was immediately on the Unthank sisters, dressed in their party frocks. Rachel in an ecru coloured dress, and Becky in a Turquoise strapless, backless outfit. New Girl, Niopha Keegan, (who has taken over from Jackie Oates)
was more soberly dressed. And Belinda O'Hooley was, as ever the Gentleman.

Opening up with a favourite from the first album (Cruel Sister) "Monday Morning" a tale of a Monday after a weekend on the Toon.
Featuring Rachel as the main lead. With Becky & Niopha taking a verse each. accompanied by Belinda on Piano. - A posh piano. Far better than what I'm used to. so we are told.

All the songs come from their Northumberland/ Scottish border heritage. Although "Whitethorn" a pretty dirge, (if there can be such
a thing) and "Blackbird" were written by Belinda.
Rachel having the lighter voice, really brings the songs alive. Becky has a lovely softer, lower tone. Which was shown off perfectly, when they finished the first set with Becky and Belinda doing a wonderful rendition of Antony and the Johnsons "For Today I am a Boy"

The second set started off with "Felton Lonnin" Rachel singing, accompanied by Becky on high heel percussion.
Next came the clog dancing, audience participation. (Till the tide comes in) How the girls tops stay in place is a miracle. perhaps they should use "anti bounce Bras"-but then again don't.

We then had Rachel's version of the high heel percussion, accompanying Becky on "Sea Song." A Robert Wyatt cover.
The evening progressed with the girls light hearted comments
and bitches between themselves and the audience.
It made for a very enjoyable night.

To close the show we had Belinda's tale and song on how close she came to telling her family her Big secret.
An amusing number called "When I'm Cold and Stiff"
and they were bought back to the stage after thunderous stamping of feet, to do one more number. "Farewell Regality" A beautifully crafted homage to Hexhamshire Lasses.

The Winterset are;
Rachel Unthank - Voice and Cello
Becky Unthank - Voice
Belinda O'Hooley - Voice and Piano
Niopha Keegan- Fiddle and Voice

The Set List
On A Monday Morning
Blue Bleezing Blind Drunk
Whitethorn
Lull I (Newcastle Lullaby)
Blackbird
Fair Rossamund
For Today I Am A Boy

Felton Lonnin
Blue's Gaen Oot O'the fashion
Sea Song
Lull IV Can't stop it raining
Ma Bonny Lad
My Donald
Lull II My Lad's a Canny Lad
Till I'm Cold and Stiff

Fareweel Regality

MYSPACE: The radio edit of Felton Lonnin is now available to listen to on Myspace. More tracks will be available soon. Felton Lonnin is track one of the new album, and features four members of the Northern Sinfonia, Neil Harland on double bass, and feet percussion
by Becky Unthank’s high heels! Go listen to it now!
www.myspace.com/rachelunthank