Conway Hall is delighted to present Scotland’s dynamic folk and roots 4-piece Wayward Jane, supported by supported by singer songwriter George Boomsma for May’s edition of Folk Unplugged.

Wayward Jane’s music is a modern, transatlantic interpretation of American folk and Old Time traditions, blending roots music with fresh arrangements and original compositions. Their rich sound features fiddle, clawhammer banjo, double bass, guitar, wooden flute and close vocal harmonies. Wayward’s live shows have a joyful energy, expressing the fine musicianship and playful chemistry of the band members. Ranging in mood from high- octane, toe-tapping tunes to tender and soulful songs, Wayward Jane leave audiences with a glow in their hearts.

Their latest album The Flood marks the fullest realisation to date of a unique sound that the band have been carefully refining over the last 8 years. Captured at beautiful Heriot Toun in the Scottish Borders, The Flood is a collection of mostly original songs and tunes, which are at once familiar and comforting but also don’t belong to any one musical genre. The result moves fluidly from measured love letters to the band’s hometown through dark soundscapes evoking the lonely high plains, to tender moments touching on the sorrow of current global crises and plaintive melodies composed to calm a young child. These sit side by side with traditional American folk numbers and newly penned old timey reels fit for the hollers of the Appalachian mountains.

“Wayward Jane weaves a gorgeous tapestry of heart wrenching vocals and tasteful, informed instrumentation. I could listen to these guys all day!” – Rachel Baiman

George Boomsma is singer songwriter from Northallerton, North Yorkshire. Having been honing his song-writing craft and live performances over the past decade, George has been quietly gaining some well-earnt attention and acclaim. His pure voice and tumbling guitar make for a bewitching combination, with a maturity and poetic lyricism that have left audiences around the country entranced. His songs reflect on themes from navigating relationships, family, self-acceptance, grief, finding a path forward despite uncertainties, and the weather (mostly rain).

“If it were possible for Nick Drake and Thom Yorke to collaborate, it might sound something like this.” – Fresh On The Net