When: 7.30pm on Sunday 19 May 2013
Where: Takk Coffee House, 6 Tariff Street, Northern Quarter, M1 2FF

We’re happy to welcome back Portland guitarist Ryan Francesconi – this time, performing his recent duo record with violinist Mirabai Peart.

In recent years, Portland’s Ryan Francesconi (previously best known for his work as the musical director on Joanna Newsom’s stunning triple album Have One On Me) has established himself as a leading figure in acoustic composition and performance. Now, he prepares to return to European stages to perform with his partner, violinist Mirabai Peart, in the wake of a new album, Road To Palios, released on Bella Union in December.

The album finds Ryan developing his collaborative work with Mirabai (whom he met through their membership of the Joanna Newsom band). A set of spellbinding duets for guitar and violin, Road To Palios evidences a world of musical inspiration flowing through its minimal instrumental palette, spanning Baroque, Americana and jazz improvisation but centring on the pair’s main obsession: Balkan folk music, mainly from Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey. On stage these ornate and detailed compositions possess a rare transportative power: an atlas of vividly evoked musical places performed with heart and soul by two extraordinary musicians.

Parables, Ryan’s first record under his own name (having been producing solo electronic music as RF since 1999), served dazzling notice of his ability to conjure pieces that ring with personal truth while absorbing myriad influences and techniques. He toured Europe in 2011, spellbinding hushed rooms across the continent and picking up press acclaim along the way.

‘The duo showcase exceptional musicianship and an effortless unity… Francesconi’s guitar work is mind-boggling at times and Peart’s fiddle produces a wonderfully eerie accompaniment’ – Line Of Best Fit

‘Sparkling ornaments that recall Toumani Diabaté’s kora… although Francesconi undeniably has great technique, he doesn’t go in for grandstanding or flashy sprints… a beautiful album, carried off with poetic aplomb’ – The Wire

Support at the show comes from Manchester’s own Jon Southall. The celtic and English-influenced acoustic guitar instrumentalist and songwriter cites influences including John martyn, Nic jones and Richard Thompson among others. His new album is due out later in the year on Crowfoot Records.

Takk is an excellent new coffee house on the edge of the Northern Quarter. Complimentary tea and coffee is included within the ticket price, with other refreshments (including alcoholic) available to purchase.

Buy tickets now. Tickets are also available from Common (no booking fee), Piccadilly Records, Vinyl Exchange, Seetickets.com, WeGotTickets.com, Ticketline.co.uk and on 0871 220 0260.

Attend on: Facebook | Last.fm