By Megan Routledge.
From the many albums featured on our sister platform Blues & Roots Radio in 2023, the station asked a panel of jurors based around the world, to pick twenty to go forward to be considered for the 7th annual Blues & Roots Radio Worldwide Album of The Year Award, the award is sponsored by The Sound Cafe. Congratulations to Folk Rockers Merry Hell from Wigan, England in the UK who are this years recipients.
After 12 years, 6 albums and hundreds of gigs. English Folk-Rock Band, Merry Hell, have taken a little time to look back on all that has passed. The result of this reflection is a 28 track, double CD covering tracks from all their releases, a history of the band if you like, or maybe an introduction for those who have recently climbed aboard their unstoppable folk-rock charabanc of joy.
Let The Music Speak For Itself, was released on Friday May 12th, 2023 on their own Merry Hell Music label. The album name refers to a track that is frequently played at gigs but also describes their approach to what they do. Most of the 28 tracks were chosen by friends and supporters, in response to questions on the band’s social media channels, with each of the 5 songwriters then allowed to choose one more of their own songs to make up the collection.
Merry Hell is a band founded on the ever evolving Folk tradition – music made by the people and shared by the people. Though their hearts and souls are tuned to the songs which came before them, they bring you new words and music forged from their own experiences, from the lows and the loves of their lives. Their art is energy and their hope is unity. Their pleasure is to please: let the audience be the acid test and let the music speak for itself...
Head of Programming at Blues & Roots Radio and Editor of The Sound Cafe, Stevie Connor said, " I cannot think of a more deserving band anywhere in the world to win this award, and I am so glad the jurors agreed. Merry Hell have carved out a fearsome reputation as a Live band, but, to listen to the songs and the stories behind the songs, you realize what a truly talented collective they are in the studio also. This retrospective double album, 'Let The Music Speak For Itself', is an unbelievable collection of songs, and testament to the many great tracks that have been released over the years. A huge congratulations from everyone at the station."
On behalf of Blues & Roots Radio, Merry Hell's manager Damian Liptrop, will present the band with the award at the very first performance of their winter tour.
WINTER TOUR
NOV 29
2023 Barnoldswick Music and Arts Centre SOLD OUT
NOV 30
2023 Penistone: Cubley House Hotel
DEC 01
2023 Morecambe: The Platform
DEC 02
2023 Melbourne: Village Hall
DEC 03
2023 London: Walthamstow Folk Club
DEC 07
2023 Wetherby: Folk Club
DEC 08
2023 Thornton Hough: Village Club SOLD OUT
DEC 09
2023 Wigan: Electric Saturday
DEC 10
2023 Wigan: Acoustic Sunday
DEC 13
2023 Cardiff: Acapela Studio
DEC 14
2023 Worcester: Huntingdon Hall
DEC 15
2023 Blandford Forum: Wessex Acoustic
DEC16
2023 South Petherton: The David Hall
DEC 17
2023 Stourbridge: Katie Fitzgeralds
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