Canadian singer-songwriter and notable banjo player Kaia Kater completed her short UK tour in Bristol with an exquisite performance at The Folk House, an intimate venue with its small but enthusiastically appreciative audience seated at tables enjoying drinks while listening to her set of roots music songs. Kater Kater played for 90 minutes, punctuated by a 15 minutes interval, beginning with some outstanding numbers from her breakthrough album ‘Nine Pins’ and her last release ‘Grenades’. After the interval she introduced us to some new songs that will appear on her next album, scheduled for release in May this year. On first hearing, they confirmed that she continues to develop as a songwriter and artist. There were also a couple of covers, including a lovely version of Gillian Welch’s ‘Everything is free’. Kaia Kater sang her songs to a stripped back musical arrangement with just her banjo, or occasionally acoustic guitar. As ever, she was supported by Andrew Donovan Ryan on double bass and vocal harmonies. She appeared relaxed and to be enjoying the experience as she chatted to the audience between numbers. There was an amusing conversation about clothes horses that raised a few laughs. Her voice has become stronger over the years and she sings with greater intensity and confidence, demonstrated beautifully in her closing number, a cover of the classic ‘Trouble in mind’, delivered with just a plucked double bass for accompaniment. It left her audience enthralled.

First time to this venue and what a great place it was. Opening act was very nice and chilled with beautiful welsh songs including a harp. Then John comes out after and blows me away with his intricate guitar playing that he makes look so easy, not to mention the great range of songs he plays. Had a short chat at the end just to congratulate him on a great show hope to see him again soon. Seems like an all round nice guy too!