Guest Blog Post – The Flavel
This autumn, The Flavel continues its much-loved Folk at The Flavel series, bringing some of the finest folk artists from across the UK to Dartmouth. On Saturday 11th October, we are thrilled to welcome the acclaimed Dorset-based duo Ninebarrow.
The Rise of Ninebarrow
Made up of Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere, Ninebarrow have steadily risen to the forefront of the British folk scene over the past decade. In 2016, they both left their careers — Jon as a teacher, Jay as a GP — to pursue music full-time. It proved to be a life-changing leap of faith, with recognition following swiftly. Just a year later, they were nominated for a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award, one of the highest honours in folk music.
Since then, they’ve captivated audiences across the country with their intricate harmonies, described by BBC’s Mark Radcliffe as sounding “like two halves of one voice”. Fellow folk star Kate Rusby has praised them as “absolutely amazing”. Their sound blends original songwriting inspired by the landscapes and history of the British Isles with imaginative reworkings of traditional songs, all delivered with exquisite vocal precision.
A New Album: The Hour of the Blackbird
Ninebarrow have released six studio albums, each earning critical acclaim. Their latest project, The Hour of the Blackbird, takes some of their most loved songs and enriches them with the soaring voices of more than 40 singers from Hampshire’s Hart Voices and Surrey’s Chantry Singers. The result is a lush, theatrical soundscape that adds a new dimension to their already powerful harmonies.
This new release follows their 2022 album The Colour of Night, which the Daily Express hailed as “one of the most beautiful folk albums you will hear – outstanding.” With music that is both contemporary and timeless, Ninebarrow continue to push the boundaries of folk tradition while staying true to its roots.
More Than Music
Beyond their albums and tours, Ninebarrow are known for their passion for nature and community. They’ve published books of Dorset walks, hosted musical walking holidays, and even created the Ninebarrow Woodland, a 1,000-tree project featured on BBC’s Countryfile. It’s this blend of creativity, commitment and connection that makes their work so special — and why their concerts are always an unforgettable experience.
An Evening at The Flavel
Ninebarrow will perform at The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth, on Saturday 11th October. Doors open at 7pm, with the concert starting at 7.30pm.
Tickets are available via ninebarrow.co.uk/gigs.
Join us for an evening of sublime harmonies, rich storytelling, and the very best of modern folk music.
