Newbury’s double headliner brings together folk musicians from opposite sides of the world

ACE Space kicks off its 2025 programme of gigs on Saturday with a double headliner bringing artists from opposite sides of the planet, Malcolm MacWatt from Scotland and Isabel Rumble from Australia.

Malcolm hails from the Scottish Highlands and spent time working off-shore and as a newspaper journalist before moving to London as a full time musician.

Steeped in Scottish folk tales and traditional music but with a fascination for music with Trans-Atlantic connections. His songs tell tales of real life, injustices and exploring contemporary issues. Reviewing his latest album Dark Harvest, Americana UK said it “invokes memories of players such as Dick Gaughan along with Americans such as Guthrie and Seeger”.

Malcolm’s highly acclaimed album Settler attracted contributions from well know musicians from both sides of the Atlantic including Gretchen Peters, Laura Cantrell, Jaimee Harris, Eliza Carthy, Nathan Bell, Angeline Morrison, Pat McManus and Kris Drever.
Malcolm is making a much welcomed, and anticipated, return to ACE Space after opening for Jackie Oates in February 2022.

Isable Rumble is not only making her first visit to ACE Space, but it will also be her first appearance in the UK.

She is adding a short UK tour following participation in the Your Roots Are Showing showcase and conference in Killarney. The showcase includes several musicians who have appeared at ACE Space and the keynote speaker is Rhiannon Giddens who has played Arlington Arts as part of Carolina Chocolate Drops.

Isabel Rumble hails from a walnut farm in the southern valleys of NSW, Australia and brings an indie-folk flavour to the evening. Her music speaks to the heart of womanhood, love and change.

With a voice that captures the dynamism of Joni Mitchell and writing reminiscent of the tenderness of Laura Marling, her music holds an intimacy that invites listeners into a cocoon of silent wonder. Her debut album Bird be Brave was nominated for Folk Alliance Australia Award.

Both Malcolm MacWatt and Isabel Rumble have been Folk Ace guests on Kennet Radio, links to those programmes can be found at www.kennetradio.com/folk-ace.

They will be at ACE Space on Saturday, January 25.

Doors open 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Tickets are £16 and available from www.WeGotTickets.com or direct by contacting events@acespace.org.uk or 078911 76940.