Moor Music Festival 2009

When writing about a music festival, it’s customary (OK, really clichéd) to mention the weather. And far be it from me to break the habit of a lifetime, as this year’s Moor Music Festival – held in the picturesque environs of Heslaker Farm in Skipton – was blessed by some gorgeous weather. Yes, for once, Britain actually had a summer as the sun shone down for almost the entire duration of the event. But, even though the temptation to tan was high, I was there to check out four stages of new and exciting music and events that the MMF organisers have been working diligently throughout the year to provide. Just what delights would I manage to find?

The Earl Hickey stage brought forth a number of excellent acts including Albert Ross and the Otters , a cheeky mixture of folk mixed with a smattering of rock and roll that was a perfect accompaniment to the fun atmosphere. Because there’s nothing better on a Friday afternoon than a tent with beer, sunshine outside and someone playing a melodica. As the sun began to disappear, there was more appropriate accompaniment from the Hard Time Orchestra, a fine three piece playing – mainly – blues covers from the likes of Tom Waits. Lead singer Elisabeth Nygård provided some beautiful vocals as the band managed to charm everyone who was there. But after a double dose of marvellous melodies, it was time to search for something a little more heavy and Black Diamond Bay fit the bill perfectly. Displaying a hell a lot of a fire and energy, the self proclaimed purveyors of ‘electro folk’ managed to win the audience over enough to be asked back to do two encores. Whilst songs with choruses such as “We’ll stop carrying knives, when you stop bombing the f*** out of countries you don’t like,” have a slight whiff of sixth form poetry about them, it’s all done with such commitment and passion that such minor niggles are instantly forgiven. It was a little harder to forgive the audience who were in the tent when the awesome Liz Green was playing. After technical problems meant that she was much quieter than she was meant to be, the Manchester based singer found it hard to compete with a small contingent of the audience who seemed more interesting in talking about their mate ‘Davo’. Trying to listen to Green’s brilliantly unique vocals and folk stylings became difficult when simultaneously wanting to kill ‘Davo’ and any of his mates who couldn’t fathom the concept of shutting the f*** up. Deciding that discretion is the better of valour, I missed the latter half of her set vowing to see her again in the future. And I would strongly suggest for you to do the same.

Despite the fact that Green’s set was something of a disappointment (for reasons beyond her control), it should be pointed out that the audiences at the Moor Music Festival were generally chilled out with much less of the ‘tosser quotient’ that can often invade music festivals. People were generally having fun hanging around with friends and experiencing acts old and new. Also, parents were proudly inducting their offspring into the ways of festivals with numerous toddlers walking around with ear protectors as if they’d just come from a day of using industrial drills in their sandpits. This atmosphere is partly engendered by the staff – from organisers to volunteers – who give up a lot of time and energy to put on what is essentially a labour of love. They’re really passionate about making sure that people have a good time whilst giving all the acts the opportunity to perform to the best of their abilities.

And more acts did that on the Saturday (after a night that was as cold as the day was hot. Thank goodness the sun was beating down once again). Lucy Barker – also one of the organisers of the Moor Music Fest – provided some beautiful singing whilst the astonishing Cowtown (playing the Shed Stage which was, well, a shed. No false advertising here) were absolutely belting. Think Melt Banana crossed with Rod, Jane and Freddy and you’ll still only have a fraction of an idea of what they’re like live. Just go and see them whenever you can, OK? The same goes for Tomas Truax (who is touring at the moment, including a gig at  A Nation Of Shopkeepers on 23^rd September), an enticingly wonderful performer who performs songs from David Lynch films alongside his own original works. Slightly surreal (Truax builds his own instruments, including a drum machine entitled ‘Mother Superior’) but with a fantastic connection to the audience, Truax was a sight to behold. Only if he’d handed out free tenners would he have left the audience any more delighted than they already were.

Whilst I mainly concentrated on the folk and acoustic side of the festival (not deliberately I may add) there was plenty more for any fans of all music genres. I saw some hardcore rockers, heard the thumping bass of DJ sets and dance and even saw an amazing set done by Rus Pearson on an electronic double bass. And, of course, there were the usual trappings of the festival with beer tents (and – shockingly – it was reasonably priced), films throughout the night, a lovely tea tent and the chance to play some crazy golf. Certainly, the Moor Music Festival manages to feel intimate whilst still having a creditable ambition (this year proved that Skipton was a perfect place for a festival, with some breathtaking views.) In an age when music festivals become increasingly crushed by the weight of corporate hegemony, it’s that festivals like Moor Music Festival exciting. There’s a genuine excitement in going from tent to tent and finding out about new bands whilst generally soaking in the laid back atmosphere.

And the sun even stayed out. What more could you want?

You can get tickets for the 2010 Moor Music Festival at 2009 prices at HERE

All photographs (C) Gavin Freeborn. Go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/irishwonderboy/ for more of his photographs for Moor Music Fest and beyond.

Laurence Boyce would like to thank Alex, Aurora, Gavin, Jip, Laura, Lucy, Maria, Mark, Toni and everyone else from and at the Moor Music Festival for being great company.