Saturday 5th October, 2019
Guildhall Clubrooms,
Derby Folk Festival
Isobel and Jim Kimberley have developed a sound which is true to the tradition and refreshingly original. They take great folk anthems and approach them with a fresh and vital ear recalling the excitement of the folk revival icons. A pair of imaginative musicians Isobel Kimberley possesses a startlingly authentic voice, singular guitar skills and idiosyncratic approach to harp and ukulele. Jim Kimberley is the perfect complement to Isobel's strong musical personality with a sparse and rhythmic approach to the guitar and inspired arrangements.
The Kimberleys released their eponymous debut album in July, it was voted into the top 10 Folk Albums of 2018 by ShireFolk. A promotional video to accompany the release of Tam Lin won the People’s Choice of 2018 from Sky roots music channel Keep It Country. 2018 also saw The Kimberleys included on a compilation CD celebrating the work of master luthier Gary Southwell “Heartwood” alongside Gordon Giltrap and David Starobin.
Since the release of their debut album they have toured nationally with Whispering Bob’s favourite Robert Vincent, internationally through Belgium and France and are performing under the Folkadelia Sessions at Sidmouth Folk Festival.
There is a second album in the pipeline and in the meantime an exciting and varied schedule of gigs to look forward to including their popular show “Christmas With The Kimberleys”. The themed concert was premiered in 2018 with a sell out performance in Hawick, Roxburghshire, their honest antidote to commercialism draws from a vast repertoire of Christian, non-Christian, yuletide and winter songs.
This year Isobel and Jim Kimberley are expanding the tour greatly, full tour details to be released in Autumn 2019.
“One of the most distinctive voices on the folk music scene” Digital KP
“It can be difficult to take a well-known traditional song and attempt to do something new with it. Those of us with long memories will recall that once upon a time you could be run out of town just for thinking about it. The Kimberleys do it seven times over...an intriguing debut” Folking.com
“A completely fresh approach. Highly original. I love it”
Mike Norris. Classic Folk
“Absolutely one of the best gigs I have ever attended. You must see them live to truly understand how good they are.” Doug Welch, BBC Radio Kent
“Their harmonies and arrangements are unique and breathtaking, their musicianship truly outstanding .One of the best nights of music we have had.” Village Folk. Derby
“Essential listening. The Kimberleys take on traditional folk is stunning and original, breathing new life into these wonderful old songs.” Gordon Giltrap MBE
Village Folk clubroom, Guildhall, Derby Foll Festival 2018
