Videos from James/Laura Marling/Johnny Flynn

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Laura Marling / Johnny Flynn / Mumford and Sons @ 400 Bar 9/21/08

Most of Minneapolis missed out on seeing the future of British folk music at the 400 Bar last evening, with only around 75 people witnessing the wonderful triple bill of Mumford and Sons, Laura Marling, and Johnny Flynn. It’s a shame, because all three young bands bring a fresh and youthful perspective to the singer/songwriter genre, and if this show took place in England, they would have sold out a much larger venue than the 400 Bar. But it was a nice, intimate show that really showcased three talented songwriters with wonderful voices.

I was surprised to see Laura Marling and her band setting up next, for I thought her recent Mercury Music Prize nomination for her album “Alas I Cannot Swim,” would entitle her to be the headliner. But the unassuming 18 year old settled in quickly, opening her set with the evocative ‘Ghosts,’ that was augmented quite well by her full band behind her (as opposed to the sparse solo acoustic version I saw her play on Jools Holland.) She has a true gift as both a songwriter and a singer, and both of her gifts were on full display last evening, with her beguiling voice singing the intricate and often heartbreaking lyrics of lost love and exploration that belies her young age. She has a rather diminutive stage presence (standing cross- legged and rarely looking directly at the audience), but her full, resonant voice more than makes up for her timidity, filling the club with the sounds of her sorrow and her dreams.
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She also played two lovely new songs for us last evening, 'Rambling Man,' and 'Alpha Shallows,' (although she joked with the crowd, declaring that “All these songs are new to you, really.”) And I’m sure there were a few people in the audience that were discovering Laura Marling last night, being treated to the beauty of her songs for the first time. ‘My Manic And I,’ is as dynamic and complete a song as I’ve heard recently, a unique study of human relationships, depression, God, and love, all in a three and a half minute pop-song that was the highlight of the set for me. Laura truly is a singular musical talent, who hopefully will continue to flourish for years to come within the confines of the music industry, providing us with many more albums filled with her distinctive music and insightful lyrics, and hopefully more shows in Minneapolis, that ought to be better attended as her name recognition grows.

Johnny Flynn
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Johnny Flynn and his band, ‘The Sussex Wit,’ have songs that should be (and probably are, in his native England) pub anthems, and the sparsely filled and relatively quiet 400 Bar didn’t necessarily suit his rousing songs. But again, we were treated to an intimate glimpse of a songwriter whose lyrics are filled with a depth of knowledge and insight that is at odds with his young age (only 25,) and he and his seasoned band rolled through most of the tracks from his excellent album, ‘A Larum,’ in a stirring set. His songs and lyrics are steeped in Englishness, causing me to think of, and miss, jolly ole’ England throughout his set.

The electric banjo once again was featured prominently in the music, as was the cello, violin, and trumpet, and those instruments added to the festive but mournful nature of the songs. ‘Brown Trout Blues,’ was a despondent, melancholy highlight of the set, with lyrics about being happy with who we are, even when that is not enough for the people we love. ‘Cold Bread,’ was another standout of the set that would have been better served with a Saturday night whiskey-soaked crowd (as opposed to a rather subdued Sunday night crowd) that could have turned this into the rousing sing-along that the song deserves and probably is with an audience more familiar with his music and lyrics. But it was an altogether engaging set, filled with the feisty, spirited songs of Johnny Flynn, a talented songwriter that we should hear more from in the future.

Mumford and Sons


First on the bill and last but not least was Mumford and Sons, fronted by Marcus Mumford (who would later play drums for Laura Marling’s band). They played a lively, spirited set despite the fact that there were only a small handful of fans in attendance. A few of their early jokes fell a little flat on the quiet crowd (one was about how the haven’t heard anyone say ‘Yah,’ in Minnesota yet) causing the electric banjo player to kiddingly remark that “This is as far away from home I’ve ever been. And the farthest away from home I’ve ever felt.” But the crowd and the band warmed to each other nicely, and the group really hit their stride on tracks like the jubilant ‘Roll Away Your Stone,’ and the sorrowful ‘White Blank Page.’ They played predominantly without drums (save for a bass drum that the singer occasionally kicked while playing), and that allowed for the strong vocals of Marcus to shine through, setting a wonderful opening tone on a night filled with distinctive and rich voices.

It was a great triple-bill last evening at the 400 Bar, one where the bands were all friends, shared instruments and even swapped performers, and all of the acts displayed their own unique and fresh talents that will take the future of British music in whatever direction they choose. It’s just too bad more people weren’t there to witness it. But those of us that were will consider ourselves lucky to have seen the start of what should be flourishing musical careers from all of the artists on stage last night.

Erik T.
Wordstosell.vox.com

For More photos check out My Flickr Page

This Sunday in Minneapolis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Laura and Johnny!!

Johnny Flynn / Laura Marling / Mumford and Sons
@ The 400 Bar (on cedar)
Sunday. Sep. 20th
7pm doors 8pm show 18+

Johnny Flynn Interview and to play in Minneapolis 9/21

1. What gives you more pleasure writing poems, performing shows, or acting in films?

Johnny: Each one gives me more pleasure when i've been doing more of the others. if you know what i mean. at the moment i've been pretty much exclusively gigging for ages it seems so i'm looking forward to doing some acting.

2. If Shakespeare was alive, what would you say to him? Would he compliment your work?

I have no idea! how on earth would i know if he'd compliment my work?

3. Any plans to tour the U.S., I'm assuming you've been to SXSW already??

We've actually just got to Boston to start a tour here for the next month or so.

4. Your vocals along with Charlie Fink (Noah and the Whale) are extremely deep with a dynamic punch, where does that come from?

eh? if that's what it is, then...i don't know where it "comes" from. my mouth.

5. Excited for the new record? Where does the album title come from, "A Larum", aka an alarm?

The old sense of "a larum" i.e a town warning bell seemed a good image to present for the album. it's not so much a warning as a calling to attention in my understanding of it.

6. Assuming Lille Flynn is your sister or cousin? Does she have plans for solo work?

She's off singing with Noah and the Whale at the moment. i think she's also got some acting auditions coming up, so that's her solo work.

7. My dream American tour would be Noah and the Whale, Laura Marling, and of course the great Johnny Flynn and The Sussex Wit, will that ever happen?

Maybe... we're actually with laura and mumford and sons at the moment for this tour. and noah and the whale are on their own tour at the same time.

8. "Tickle Me Pink" has gotten a lot of attention and is pushing into the mix of songs of year. Are hit singles important to you, or are you just concerned about putting together a great record?

I'm more interested in putting together a good record as a whole, but the singles sometimes help people come to the record. i think it's important to know that, even if you're not too concerned with commercial success. you do need to sell records in order to keep doing what you love doing.

Check out Johnny Flynn and Laura Marling on Sunday Sep. 21st at the 400 Bar!!!!!!!!!!!!

Johnny Flynn Vinyl/Cd Giveaway!!!!!

Enter for you chance to win a Johnny Flynn limited edition live 10" vinyl + A LARUM cd. To Enter Email Brody at BritRockAtTheTop@live.com subject Johnny. Please include your mailing address in the email. The Contest will end Thursday Sep. 11th at 10pm. Good Luck!



Johnny Flynn official site
Johnny Flynn myspace

Johnny Flynn Tour Dates
September
13 - Allston , MA - ICC Church
15 - New York , NY - Bowery Ballroom
17 - Philadelphia , PA - Side Chapel @ First Unitarian Church
18 - Alexandria , VA - Birchmere
20 - Chicago , IL - The Bottom Lounge
21 – Minneapolis, MN – The 400 Bar
23 - Englewood , CO - The Falcon
26 - Los Angeles , CA - The Hotel Cafe
28 - San Francisco , CA - Cafe Du Nord
30 - Portland , OR - Lola's
October
1 - Seattle , WA - Tractor Tavern
3 - Montreal , QC - Pop Montreal Festival
4 - Toronto , ON - Rivoli

* all w/ co-headliner Laura Marling

Laura Marling and Johnny Flynn new duet video "Travel Light"

Laura Marling and Johnny Flynn add Minneapolis date to U.S. Tour!!

Laura Marling

       Johnny Flynn                           +                         Marcus Mumford

All three of these artists will all be on the same bill. Lets just hope all 3 are here with their full band.  Laura Marling usually has 4 members along side forming her full band, her drummer is also Marcus Mumford.  Johnny Flynn also has 4 members, including either his sister or cousin. And finally, Mr. Mumford has 3 family members forming his band. These three musicians frequently perform as solo artists and are fabulous, but when they have their full bands, everything shines!

        Now my dream concert would be Noah and the Whale and all 3 of these bands.  It's possible since Noah and the Whale have announced their U.S. tour.  Anything is Possible!!!!!!

Full U.S. tour

Boston, MA ICC Church (September 13)
NYC, NY The Bowery Ballroom (15)
Philadelphia, PA The Side Chapel (17)
Alexandria, VA The Birchmere (18)
Chicago, IL The Bottom Lounge (20)
Minneapolis, MN 400 Bar (21)
Denver, CO The Falcon (23)
Los Angeles, CA The Hotel Cafe (26)
San Francisco, CA The Cafe du Nord (28)
Portland, OR Lola's (30)
Seattle, WA The Tractor Tavern (October 1)
Montreal, Canada O Patro Vys (3)
Toronto, Canada Rivoli (4)

Johnny Flynn - Tickle Me Pink(live)

Laura Marling set to tour with Johnny Flynn across America!!!

Laura Marling just got nominated for the Mercury Prize and Johnny Flynn just had his first full American tour set.  Both these very young talented artists have made a very big splash over the last year.  Lets hope they draw some crowds in the states, as music fans must catch these two performing live.   The music might be folky, but when these two are with their bands, they'll have you on your feet as they belt out their  phenomenal voices. Laura released her first full length back in January, titled "Alas I Cannot Swim", and will be a top 5 album this year with out a doubt.  Meanwhile Mr. Flynn just released his first full length entitled "A Larum", I'm sure it will do just fine.  Watch these two videos and you'll love every bit!  Catch one of their shows!

Laura Marling - Cross Your Fingers (Live from the Culture show)


Johnny Flynn w/ Laura Marling U.S. Tour

September
13 - Allston, MA - ICC Church
15 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
17 - Philadelphia, PA - Side Chapel @ First Unitarian Church
18 - Alexandria, VA - Birchmere
20 - Chicago, IL - The Bottom Lounge
23 - Englewood, CO - The Falcon
26 - Los Angeles, CA - The Hotel Cafe
28 - San Francisco, CA - Cafe Du Nord
30 - Portland, OR - Lola's
October
1 - Seattle, WA - Tractor Tavern
3 - Montreal, QC - Pop Montreal Festival
4 - Toronto, ON - Rivoli

Johnny Flynn - Tickle Me Pink(New Version)

Cool Live Videos from Johnny Flynn, Starsailor, and Vampire Weekend

Johnny Flynn - Tickle Me Pink



Starsailor - Coming Down



Vampire Weekend -Campus