Folk, Blues and Beyond

On February 16th 2024, Words Out Loud will present an evening of Music and Words on the theme of Folk, Blues and Beyond.

We are excited to have music from two wonderful local singer/songwriters, Alex Roberts and Ben Jones, both of whom play music rooted in Folk and Blues and the title of the evening comes from a 1965 Album by the legendary singer and guitarist Davy Graham.

The evening will also feature spoken word readings on the theme.

This piece from Alex Roberts conveys the mood, vibe and feel of our theme for this night.

I woke up this morning

In mind of a pledge made last night

To speak of the blues

To shed some light

‘A musical style of early 20th Century African-America culture…’

A crossroads of work songs and spiritual songs

Slavery and servitude shuffling behind 12 bars

But beyond this

The Blues is a universally human expression

Of melancholy and oppression

Of righteousness and defiance

Of non-coercion and self-sovereignty

Of spiritual fortitude

Transcending race or creed

Not merely a musical form

But a soulful language of inner truth

Alex Roberts

To say that Alex has many strings to his bow would be a metaphor forgiven for the fact that it helps to conjure his presence as a musical magician. Almost totemic, whether it’s finger-style acoustic guitar, lap-steel, or bouzouki, Alex plays with a mastery borne of years of graft, craft, and of a man who seems to straddle boundaries of time.

His lyrics offer a fusion of cultural pertinence, generated by an acute appreciation for our earth and ancestry, and a raw gift for storytelling. His musical oeuvre is enriched by his travels and immersive living experiences, the result is an oasis of mini ‘odysseys’ in which each song feels like it has been specially harvested for our appreciation.

​Alex has been actively engaged in a number of progressive musical and initiatives, from Billy Bragg’s ‘Jail Guitar Doors’ – supporting rehabilitation with music in young offenders institutes, to music therapy with disabled people. He is also a founding member of the Far Flung Collective . Alex’s music has been featured on film and television, he also composes music for film. Most recently he collaborated with Double-Bassist, Graeme Ross on a new album: ‘Meridians & Superpowers’. Released in February 2023.

​With titles bestowed upon him such as ‘the Bard of Dorset’ and ‘Hollowneck Troubadour’ (after his award winning use of the lap-steel guitar), Alex continues to respond to his calling as a troubadour.

Ben Jones

Ben Jones is a folk/indie singer-songwriter who finds inspiration in the fusion of traditional and contemporary folk music. His heartfelt lyrics and melodies reflect a deep love for storytelling.

“Fast becoming a very popular performer on the south coast” – PIP Productions.

Ben has played venues such as Wickham Festival, Portsmouth Bandstand, and performs regularly at venues spanning Brighton, Chichester and Portsmouth.

After the release of his independently produced album titled, ‘You Know Me’, Ben is now working towards a second self-produced album scheduled to be released next year.