Christina Alden & Alex Patterson

It struck me as I entered the Art’s Centre last night that I had arrived to something very special indeed. An album launch tour winding down to their home city after months of travel up and down the county sharing their craft with a devoted fanbase. I felt an atmosphere of community, chosen family, warmth and magic; it was palpable. I felt so cozy snuggling into the back row with my peppermint tea in hand ready to be transported to a supernatural world filled with ancient sharks, ice skating old ladies, curious polar bears, frantic hares, unlikely hunting partners and my personal favourite, the bringer of sparkly trinket gifts- the crow.

For those of you who don’t know, Christina and Alex are partners in love as well as partners on stage. Their chemistry is natural, fluid and wholesome to watch and the only thing that could have improved and complimented such a sumptuous dynamic was the incredible double bassist John who has been accompanying them on tour as well as on the album recording. His rhythm, passion and style brought such a rich, deep and well-rounded tone to the already unique and well matched ‘folkscape’ of guitars, fiddle and banjo.

It is quite a feat to listen to a set that makes one feel both relaxed and calm but also decidedly uplifted and hopeful too. However, some of the story telling was melancholy by nature both on a personal level for the couple but also anecdotally too. They share the story of a mountain girl who lost her family in the snow and ice of the alps adjacent to the the very real fears felt by new parents in storm Eunice when their baby girl came into the world at a time of political and ecological unrest.

The show doubled as both performance and wholesome conversation between the audience and the artists. I loved hearing all their stories of travel, parenthood and where they derive their inspiration from for their art. Collections of photographs, tales from a gifted book, childhood wonder and most prominently the theme of nature and wildlife which I simply adored being an animal lover myself- their music coupled with divine, ethereal vocals brought the furry and feathered characters to life with crystal clear clarity.

Along that vein of bringing the story to life - it would be remiss of me not to mention the extra special addition to the show who mesmerised and captured the imaginations of everyone in the room. Alex and Christina noted that they felt it a shame that they couldn’t just play with their backs to us so they could watch their lyrics come to life on the screen! The immensely talented illustrator Chris Riddell was live sketching along with each track, perfectly timed, perfectly etched and perfectly created to capture the emotion and movement of each character and theme. It was truly remarkable to witness this all happening on the big screen and what a wonderful surprise for me as I am a huge fan of his artwork anyway- I mean who doesn’t appreciate the merging of the loves of your life- music, storytelling and art?!

With the album Safe Travels complete and ready for release next month, the tour wrapping up and baby number two’s arrival imminently due I feel super fortunate to have been a part of this special little epoch of creativity and performance that Christina & Alex have worked so incredibly hard for. Congratulations on a stellar performance and good luck with new addition to the “feral folk child” clan!

Norwich loves you; we all love you, and I can’t get “Our House” out of my head this morning!