Morito Music

Tuesday 31st May: Imogen Halsey

As a songwriter, Imogen’s music spans genres from RnB and Soul to Indie Pop, evoking a young Joni Mitchell in her lyrics, and is influenced by Brandi Carlile in her musical exploration. As a trained musical theatre performer from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, she has a powerful and intimate stage presence both when playing alone with her cello, or accompanied by full band. She was born and raised in Australia until she was seven, and feels a strong connection to both her birthplace and England, where she has lived since.

Tuesday 7th June: Mycomusic
A very special improvised collaboration between Morito Music curator Crispin Forster with musician Raphael White, cellist Ruby Moore and drummer/percussionist Francesco Mendolia. Very much inspired by the remarkable energy created by collaboration and invention the 4 musicians throw their individual musical ingredients into the sonic cauldron, seeking to serve up a delicious acoustic feast. Raphael weaves swirling subtle grooves with acoustic guitar spiced with electronics while Ruby's cello adds a deep richness to the sauce. Clarinet and Saxophones weave in and out of the mixture bringing world flavours from the Balkans, Persia and the Levant. The addition of the extremely talented Francesco Mendolia moves the music towards more driving rhythms and harmonic patterns.

Tuesday 14th June: MarceL

French and London based singer-songwriter, MarceL, has a way of taking you with him on a musical journey. After working on his debut album for two years, the musician is finally ready to release his first single. From dirty Blues to trippy folk and melting influences from South America to Africa, MarceL will take you on a real musical experience with his timeless and comforting sound. 

Tuesday 21st June: Yuko Tsubame

Yuko Tsubame is a London-based singer and musician who plays Sanshin (a traditional Ryukyu instrument with three strings).  Yuko has cultivated a song repertoire and style that really goes places - from Minyo; Japanese folk, to Jazz and rock. Making a life in east London for the last 20 years has fed and expanded her musicality and today Yuko’s sanshin and voice-work still connect strongly to the transcendence she draws from Ryukyu (Okinawan) / Japanese culture.

At Morito, Yuko will be joined by Zashiki Warashi: a Taiko (Japanese drums) and Flute duo, named after a mythical being from ancient Japanese folklore that is believed to cause mischief in people’s homes while also bringing them good fortune and wealth. 

Akinori Fujimoto (taiko) and Mikey Kirkpatrick (flutes) compose and improvise music inspired by traditional and imagined folk music, drawing inspiration from the world around them, creating a magical sonic space where reality and dream collide.

Tuesday 28th June: Lewis Barfoot

'What a beautiful, beautiful voice she has, just gorgeous!'  Eve Blair, BBC Radio Ulster

Acclaimed Folk Artist Lewis Barfoot is a timeless and gifted storyteller who captivates listeners with her fearless lyrics and gorgeous otherworldly voice. Frequently compared to the likes of Kate Rusby, Sandy Denny, Maíre Brennan and Julie Fowlis, her debut album Glenaphuca has received widespread acclaim and support from BBC Radio and RTÉ1. She will share original compositions from Glenaphuca, new material from her second album and reinventions of traditional songs in a night to enrich and delight. She will be joined by Essa Flett on Fiddle and Jarlath Mulholland on Clarinet. 

‘The delightful sound of a musician who is both an accomplished composer of original material and a torchbearer keeping alive traditional styles and song’ David Pratt, FRUK