Katie Spencer’s performance at Folk at The Froize was nothing short of magical, an enchanting evening that left the audience spellbound from start to finish. Opening with “Take Your Time” from her latest album, The Edge of the Land, Katie immediately set a tone of introspective beauty and emotional depth. The album, inspired by Fay Godwin’s evocative photography, is a testament to Katie’s growth as an artist, featuring a rich tapestry of melodies and stories.

The title track, “The Edge of the Land,” followed and enveloped the audience in a warm embrace, with Katie’s angelic voice filling the intimate Froize venue. Her music, characterised by its gentle yet powerful delivery, resonated deeply with everyone present.

A highlight of the evening was Katie’s introduction of “Sterling Ash,” a track imbued with personal history and emotion. Written for a film about a ship her grandfather likely worked on in the Hull shipyard.  Her guitar playing was exemplary – pausing at moments during the piece heightening our senses to the evocative feeling of that shipyard.

Her passion for music shone through not just in her lyrics and singing, but also in the tender care she took in tuning and playing her guitars. With the archtop guitar having been found in a shop in Denmark Street in London, Katie’s search for the perfect musical companion was complete.  The incredible blend of player and instrument was displayed through a new song “It’s then that I knew love”, that Katie has yet to release.   

Katie concluded the first half with “Sweet and Gentle,” a reflective piece exploring the diverse inspirations that shape our lives. During the intermission, guests indulged in a delightful array of desserts freshly made by David and his team, a perfect complement to the majestic array of main courses that welcomed the guests before the music began. Food is an integral part of these magical evenings… helping create a truly magical experience. 

The second half of the performance continued to be a soul-enriching experience. Katie shared touching stories from her childhood and memories of her grandmother through the song “Forget-me-not.” The unifying power of folk music was beautifully illustrated with “Drinking the Same Water,” bringing a sense of community and shared experience to the forefront.

The evening drew to a poignant close with “Shuffleboat,” Katie’s voice delicately echoing around the venue. The audience was completely mesmerised, and the encore, a breathtaking rendition of John Martyn’s “Small Hours,” left a lasting impression.

The event was made even more special by the presence of Yoichi Ujiie, who had travelled all the way from Japan to see Katie perform live for the first time. His journey was a testament to Katie Spencer’s far-reaching impact and the universal appeal of her music. The evening at Froize with Katie Spencer was a celebration of musical artistry and emotional connection, a night that attendees will cherish for years to come.

The event was captured in the stunning photography by Christabel Muir – our first guest photographer. Having studied photography at A level, Christabel is now at university working on a degree in illustration.