Town Hall Live in Kirton has one concert in February, when The Matthews Baartmans Conspiracy headlines on Friday 11th.
The duo from Holland are Iain Matthews and BJ Baartmans. Iain has a 55-year career behind him, having been a founder member of the legendary Fairport Convention. Originally from Scunthorpe, he was the vocalist in the Fairport for their first three albums. He left the band in 1970 to form Matthews Southern Comfort, who went on to have a number one with Joni Mitchell’s ‘Woodstock’.
He then went on to form and play in Plainsong for 20 years, whilst at the same time pursuing a solo career in America, releasing numerous albums. He relocated to Holland in the 90s with his wife and family and immediately formed a duo with Ad Vanderveen, and they then added Eliza Gilkyson to form More Than a Song.
Never one to dwell on past successes, Iain reformed Matthews Southern Comfort in 2005 simply because he didn’t feel he got it right the first time. Originally a vehicle for his musical concepts, 50 years on the sounds and songs just keep coming. The band released ‘New Mine’ in 2020 and Iain is now as busy as he has ever been. In early 2021 he released the album ‘Fake Tan’ with Norwegian band The Salmon Smokers, and now he has teamed collaborated with the MSC lead guitarist BJ Baartmans.
Iain met guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer BJ in 2003. A mutual respect for each other’s talents developed and they have been playing and recording together since then. BJ has worked with American singer / songwriters Oh Susanna, Jeff Finlin, Amy Speace and Cara Luft.
When last year’s pandemic forced all performers of the road, Iain and BJ began writing together in earnest and made plans to record and tour as a duo once restrictions were lifted as ‘The Matthews Baartmans Conspiracy’. Seventeen songs later, their new album ‘Distant Chatter’ and accompanying EP ‘Close Call’ were released in September 2021.
It is a collection of rootsy Americana songs with an adventurous, gritty and colourful side to it, intriguing harmonies and ear-catching hook lines. Iain and BJ call it an album that had no other options but to be made.
Advance tickets for this concert are priced at £14.50 and can be purchased from the Londis store in Kirton, from Brian on 01652 649230 or brianchudley@btinternet.com or from www.wegottickets.com.
There are two concerts to look forward to in March. On Saturday 5th, Callaghan headlines. It is a return for the Grantham-born singer. She spent 10 years in America building up large followings on both sides of the Atlantic. Her effortlessly sweet-sounding, lilting and silvery vocals are a joy.
On Friday 18th March, top Scottish band Blue Rose Code (BRC) headlines. BRC are one of the best live bands around and usually play much larger venues than Kirton. Their music not music simply to listen to, but to engage with and leave you feeling richer for the experience. Further information can be found on www.townhalllive.co.uk.