Following many years appearing as the straight-faced guitar-picking member of The New Rope String Band, Vera van Heeringen will be a familiar name and face to many Artsreach followers. Now, leaving the comedy to one side, Vera is back in Dorset this November with her own trio, performing acombination of traditional Appalachian styles with folk and contemporary song writing.
A talented multi-instrumentalist, Vera’s guitar playing is that of a fine and assured bluegrass player, but with her own twist. Gutsy and compelling, every note counts andher clear,expressive vocal deliversemotionally intelligentlyrics with an assured yet graceful feel.
Joining Vera is bass player Andy Seward (Kate Rusby Band), an in demand producer of acoustic music and winner of a Sony Award for his work on The Radio Ballads for BBC Radio 2 in 2007. Mandolin player Dave Proctor completes the line-up, complimenting beautifully the expressive guitar of van Heeringen.
Delightfully understated, Vera’s debut album ‘Standing Tall’ is a showcase for her self-penned songs and virtuoso playing, enriched by a stellar cast of guests. Her bold, bittersweet and melancholic style is rapidly gaining new fans far and wide, marking a change of direction from her work with The New Rope String Band and immediately establishing her as a force to be reckoned with – now is the time to go and see her play live.
‘She can play anything with strings, write fine songs and sing them too’ Tim O’Brien
‘The songs and tunes she writes are first class.’ John Atkins, fRoots
‘Vera Van Heeringen has spent far too long away from the spotlight.’ David Hughes, FATEA
Wed 27 November, 7:30pm. Shipton Gorge Village Hall. 01308 897562
Thur 28 November, 7:30pm. Chetnole Village Hall. 01935 873555
Fri 29 November, 7:30pm. Winterborne Stickland Village Hall. 01258 880920
Sat 30 November, 7:30pm. Ashmore Village Hall. 01747 811364
