Paul Armfield is a singer, songwriter, bookseller and lifelong lover of words and songs. Based on the Isle of Wight, he has spent much of his life moving between music and books — a combination that perhaps explains the literary quality of his own songwriting and his fascination with the great storytellers of popular music.

With a strong nod to classic English and American songwriters, his songs also draw on the European chanson tradition, with Jacques Brel a particular influence. He has a rare ability to make a song feel like a short story: intimate, observant, sometimes funny and often quietly heartbreaking.

Paul has released a string of critically acclaimed albums and toured extensively throughout the UK and Europe, building a devoted following along the way. He is equally at home performing his own songs or reinterpreting the work of other writers, bringing the same curiosity and affection to both.

His music has attracted some impressive admirers. Guy Garvey, Chris Difford amongst them, with Caitlin Moran describing his music 'As toasty and lovely as Christmas morning' and Mark Radcliffe heaping praise on his 2020 album Domestic: 'I love this so much - sensitive, melodic, heartfelt, gentle, well-observed, beautifully sung' .

Expect an evening of beautifully crafted songs, stories, unexpected covers and the kind of intimate, unshowy performance that makes you feel you have discovered something rather special.

Concise biography from The Times 15/06/24:

'The seasoned folk singer Paul Armfield moved to the Isle of Wight at the age of ten, where he now runs a bookshop. His 2015 album 'Found' was inspired by a treasure trove of old photographs, while 2020's Domestic matched ten of Armfield's own meticulously wrought linocuts of native plants to each track. Mark Radcliffe is a big fan (as are Elbow's Guy Garvey, Lauren Laverne and our own Caitlin Moran).'

‘It’s a literary and literally gorgeous listen that deserves the musical equivalent of a Booker prize.’ KLOF Mag

'I love this so much - sensitive, melodic, heartfelt, gentle, well-observed, beautifully sung' Mark Radcliffe

‘A buried treasure...heir to deathless troubadours such as Tim Hardin’ Gavin Martin in The Mirror

‘Gorgeous..beautiful, positive and amazing. Ace!’ Lauren Laverne BBC 6 Music

‘Exquisite, extraordinary, almost unbearably beautiful’ James McNair in Mojo

'Best song I have heard in ages' Rolling Stones producer Chris Kimsey

'A lovely lyric, a spellbinding song. This is really beautiful' Guy Garvey

‘A voice that could make the Needles crumble’ The Word magazine

'As toasty and lovely as Christmas morning' Caitlin Moran

'A perfect example of English songwriting’ Maverick

‘Lovely, lovelorn songs’ Nigel Williamson in Uncut

‘An incredible collection of songs’ iD magazine

'Your album is the dogs!' Chris Difford

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Michelle Laverick is a Derbyshire-based folk and acoustic singer-songwriter whose music draws on the traditions of English folk while carving out its own space — sparse, atmospheric arrangements built around intricate guitar work and a foot-operated drone. Her songwriting leans into storytelling, weaving the uncanny and the personal into a distinctive mythology all her own.

Her debut EP, Selkie Child, and its follow-up, The Helm Winds, have earned attention from folk broadcasters and press alike. KLOF Magazine placed her among "the illustrious ranks of North East song makers," while Folking.com praised the atmospheric weight of her arrangements. Tom Robinson (BBC 6 Music) called her guitar playing and stagecraft "beautifully crafted... great guitar playing" after catching a live set. Her music has also been picked up by BBC Introducing. michellelaverick

On the live circuit, Michelle has built a strong reputation for support and split-bill slots, having shared stages with Tom Robinson, Martin Stephenson, Toby Hay, Iona Lane, Izzy Yardley, Liz Simcock, Johnny Campbell, and Jenny Biddle, at venues ranging from Manchester's Band on the Wall to London's Half Moon. She's no stranger to Cafe9 either — having previously supported Toby Hay, Iona Lane, Izzy Yardley, and Liz Simcock there — so this November's slot supporting Paul Arnfield marks a welcome return to a venue she knows well.

Expect an intimate, atmospheric set of storytelling folk songs, delivered with quiet confidence and a real ear for melody.

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Please note this ticket price DOES include a BYOB fee should you wish to bring alcohol to the venue.

All additional purchases of non alcoholic drinks and home baked sweet treats from the cafe counter are always very much appreciated.

Description supplied by the event organiser.