Two nights in early December give a sense of what the Howard Assembly Room does for Leeds. On Saturday 5 December, The Dunwells come home for a rare full-band show. On Sunday 6 December, Northern Irish folk singer Cara Dillon brings Upon a Winter’s Night, a beautiful Christmas concert built around old carols, contemporary folk songs and the sound of an acoustic band.
There’s something really lovely in hearing a familiar carol sung slowly enough to catch the words again. Dillon’s clear, expressive voice and the acoustic arrangements give those songs room to breathe. In a December crowded with big productions, there’s something appealing about spending an evening close enough to hear how a band plays around a singer.
Both shows are presented by Hurricane Promotions. The Dunwells formed in Leeds in 2009 and have since taken their blend of indie rock, pop and roots music on the road with the likes of Mumford & Sons and Elbow. The full-band line-up gives their hometown audience a chance to hear the bigger sound in a room that still feels close to the stage.
On Wednesday 18 November, Danish bassist Jasper Høiby brings 3Elements to Leeds with pianist Xavi Torres and drummer Naíma Acuña. They’ll draw on Conversations of Hope, the trio’s third album. Jazz Leeds is a partner on the date and Fight the Giant, a group of Leeds Conservatoire alumni, open the evening. For anyone curious about the jazz being made in the city, there’s a good reason to get there for the first set.
On Friday 20 November, New York-based Ari Hoenig leads from the drum kit, using tuned drumheads to play melodically as well as to set the pace. Guitarist Tom Ollendorff and bassist Conor Chaplin join him. Listen for how the three negotiate those overlapping rhythms and how often the melody comes from behind the kit.
On Saturday 28 November, Future Sound brings Dove Ellis to the room with songs from his debut album, Blizzard. The West of Ireland singer’s appearance makes an interesting companion to Dillon’s a week later. Here are two voices from across the Irish Sea, one bringing a first record of his own songs, the other working with music that has passed between singers for generations.
“It’s exactly what I want the Howard Assembly Room to be about – great music, a broad range of audiences and the chance to experience exceptional artists in an intimate setting,” says venue programmer Tony Green. We think he's nailed it.
The intimacy is part of the draw, but so is the mix of people putting gigs on. Jazz Leeds, Future Sound and Hurricane Promotions each bring something different to the room. Over three weeks, a Leeds audience can hear musicians who came through its own conservatoire, a band coming home and artists passing through on international tours. All of them play the same room.
Booking - The concerts take place at the Howard Assembly Room in Leeds.
Under-30 tickets for Jasper Høiby’s 3Elements are £11.50. Programme and tickets.
Header image: Cara Dillon
