Monday 26 February 2024
Virginia Kettle's Rolling Folk

Virginia Kettle is at the heart of the creative force within Merry Hell and the energies that have driven the band ever upwards, whether this be as a songwriter, or performing as female lead singer. Born in Manchester, raised in Chester and shaped by a lifetime of music and adventure, Virginia had long been a solo-singer songwriter under her maiden name of Virginia Barret, releasing 2 albums, The Quiet Bridge and Sense Of Human, before joining husband John and his two brothers as they formed the folk-rock leviathan that Merry Hell has become.

The band has given a further outlet to her creativity, with many of her songs becoming anthems for fans of the band, with Bury Me Naked producing mass swaying amongst crowds wherever they play, with others, such as The Baker's Daughter being so infectious that audiences can't help but dance, in whatever way they see fit.

Virginia Kettle's Rolling Folk

As a prolific writer of songs, Rolling Folk gives Virginia the chance to share a variety of songs not included in the Merry Hell repertoire. It is not a replacement for the band, but an additional outlet for her creativity and energy.

Offering the same level of songwriting excellence as Merry Hell, but a different, more intimate feel, as well as some additional musical explorations, the Rolling Folk project surrounds Virginia with a fabulous and interesting selection of players, particularly multi, multi-instrumentalist Chris Lee, (Full House, Time Bandits, Family Mahone, Galleon Blast, Rad Co., etc, etc etc) and percussionist, whistle player and flautist, Mark Wooley (Ade Edmondson's Bad Shepherds, Full House, session master and more) – as well as husband John, all giving breadth and depth to her musical and lyrical visions. Delivering a fine selection of her songs, the sound is augmented by friends old and new, all sharing a level of excellence adding both surprise and texture to her catalogue of songs.

East of Elsewhere

To be released in March 2024, the debut Rolling Folk album offers 10 new songs from the pen of Virginia Kettle, covering a range of styles and themes but united by Virginia’s observational instincts, whether they are focussed on the world around her, or directed at her own experiences and emotions. All human life is here, from the glory and passion of love, to its disappointments and pain, from the whole wide world to the intimacy of kitchen sink dramas. The first taster track – ‘Sailing On The Inside’ draws on Virginia’s years of spiritedly independent travel and the realisations that it brought. Already a live favourite, it makes a fine introduction to her new venture. The album title East Of Elsewhere comes from her past travels and current life as a touring musician – the momentary feeling of geographical disorientation of a morning – wondering where you are, just as you wake up!!