Dream-folk singer-songwriter Chris Cleverley will return to Medina Bookshop later this month, bringing a fresh collection of ambient seasonal songs to Cowes.
Emerging acoustic artist Chris Cleverley appears at Medina Bookshop on Saturday 22nd November as part of a 12-date headline tour, where he will share material from his new winter E.P.
Since releasing his acclaimed 2022 album Broadcast The Secret Verse – described by the Daily Star as “frighteningly brilliant works” – Cleverley has continued to cement his reputation as a cutting-edge writer and fingerstyle guitarist. Performances at Cambridge Folk Festival, English Folk Expo and other major acoustic events have twice earned him FATEA Magazine’s ‘Male Artist of the Year’ award.
This December sees the launch of Gods Of All Things, a five-track winter E.P. and companion to 2024’s festive collection In the Shadow of John the Divine. True to his style, Cleverley promises a vivid, unconventional take on seasonal music, exploring themes far beyond the traditional Christmas canon.
“So many of our thoughts at this time of year are tied up with ideas of self, society, the collective consciousness; where is our own place within it all?
When we pause to rest each December, it can all wash over us like a wave; all the contradictions of the season.
An ambivalent frenzy of gratitude, regret, warmth, loneliness, love & grief. Last year these ideas resonated with people so much; like the world was crying out for someone to lay it out in no uncertain terms. I saw there was more work to be done, exploring it further, and giving people that voice.”
Cleverley’s one-man live show showcases his lightning-fast guitar work and atmospheric soundscapes, drawing comparisons to John Martyn and Bert Jansch, with lyrical influences from Elliott Smith and Sufjan Stevens. His performances blend warm humour, restorative calm and immersive musicianship – described as sitting somewhere between a concert and a yoga nidra meditation.
Audiences can expect an intimate, candlelit experience as Medina Bookshop transforms into a cosy, atmospheric venue for the evening. The event forms part of Cleverley’s winter tour of small, characterful spaces across the South of England.
The performance takes place on Saturday 22nd November, with doors opening just before 19:00 and the show starting shortly after. Tickets are priced at £12.50 and are available directly from the bookshop, by calling 01983 300044, or via the shop’s website. Customers are welcome to bring their own refreshments.
