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New Tour Dates for 2012!
Tour review..
The Public Reviews Rating: 
When you think about it, the idea of putting English folk music together with a traditional English Brass Band really should have happened a long time ago. However it took the initiative of the Durham Brass Festival to originally put this together, and I, among many am very glad they did.
The Unthanks, a group made up of Rachel and Becky Unthanks, Adrian McNally, Chris Price and Niopha Keegan, are a highly successful folk band, best loved for their beautiful voices and timeless take on traditional folk. In this tour with the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band, the current National Champions, they showcase traditional northern folk with new arrangements from Adrian McNally and the bands resident conductor Sandy Smith. Smith’s intricate knowledge of brass band arrangement comes to the fore with stylish and breathtaking writing for brass and percussion.
From the outset the band appear at ease, creating a relaxed, warm relationship with the audience. They clearly feel honoured to be playing alongside the great Brighouse and Rastrick, complimenting them at every opportunity.
The first song is stunning and obviously means a lot to the Unthanks sisters, “The Killing of Rome” a song their Aunty June taught them when they were young. Becky’s voice is haunting, with beautiful tones. They go on to sing North Eastern folk songs giving the audience some background to the songs as they went, a favourite of mine was Trimden Grange, a tragic song, arranged to bring out traditional sounds from the band.
Part way through the first half Brighouse and Rastrick get the chance to showcase their talents alone, it is fair to say that anyone who doesn’t like brass bands has not heard this one. They stay in keeping with the theme of the night, folk, playing “The Girl I Left Behind Me” by Gordon Lamb. The band displayed a well-balanced ensemble, with a faultless, sensitive delivery.
The first half ends with Father Suite, written by Adrian McNally for his son. A personal end to an hour of beautiful music.
They certainly left the best for last, the second half is truly wonderful. Some more beautiful songs, showcasing some extremely clever brass arrangements. This half showcases two more members of the band, Niopha Keegan sings “My Lagon Love” a Northern Irish Folk Song and Chris Price gives a commanding and stylish performance of “The Queen of Hearts” in big band style, with an exceptional big band arrangement by Smith, with some extremely clever touches in the arrangement.
Going back to basics for the finale, what the Unthanks do best, “Farewell Regality” sung by Rachel, a beautiful understated performance.
The Unthanks with Brighouse and Rastrick is really something special, a perfect partnership and concert that is sure to stay with you for a very long time.