Stunning voice of Karen Matheson

Sep 2 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

SOUTHPORT Arts Centre continues its superior folk programme this month with a rare solo performance from Karen Matheson.

The voice of Celtic supergroup Capercaillie will mostly be performing material from her latest album, Downriver, an acoustic-based project that provided the perfect platform for her typically emotional vocal delivery.

Karen will appear with her band, which includes fellow Capercaillie members Donald Shaw on piano and Ewen Vernal on double bass, alongside James Grant on guitars.

The singer has received rave reviews and can count Sean Connery as a fan.

Capercaille were formed in Oban, Scotland, in the 1980s and are known for their love of mixing the traditional with the modern.

Their acclaimed first album, Cascade, came out in 1984.

John Sprackland, performing arts programme manager at Southport Arts Centre, said: “Capercaillie are one of the most popular folk groups of all time and the amazing voice of Karen Matheson is the defining sound of that group.

Karen Matheson performs at the Arts Centre on September 19.

Tickets are £12 and £10 for concessions, available by calling the Southport Arts Centre box office on 01704 540011 or by logging onto www.seftonarts.co.uk.