Sunday 25th July 2009 - The Rude Shipyard, Sheffield
Neil McSweeney, Carl Woodford and many more
Review Written by Tom Walton
for www.gobshout.com
www.gobshout.com/News/Festivals/Article/_Name/Tramlines_Festival_-_Sheffield/834
 It's Saturday night and first on the must see list is the should be, would be, could be folk legend Carl Woodford down at the Rude Shipyard. Known more for its pastries and poetry, the building is busting at the seams as we arrive. With around fifty people cramped into a hot, sweaty room that resembles an old persons lounge, Mr Woodford finally takes to the stage.
The show is free of microphones, PAs and any kind of wire giving the proceedings an intimacy that you would struggle to find elsewhere. Woodford sheepishly introduces himself before falling straight into ‘The Love Laughter And Money Show’ with an extra addition to his line-up - a guitarist named Ralph has been drafted in for the occasion and aptly strums in the background to Woodford’s furrowing finger picking.
The lead man steals the show though and his guitar work is incredible while the songs are buried deep within a world of alternative folk with each song subtly displaying the span of the man’s talent. It’s not until the end when Woodford introduces what is clearly a hotly anticipated number, and as he strums and drums (yes drums, on his guitar) his way through ‘Coloured Walls’. Woodford’s arms become a blur and fifty people are staring agape as the Scarborough born singer/songwriter becomes the first human to successfully turn themselves into a cartoon. 
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Sunday 11th January 2009 - The Bowery, Sheffield
The Random Family, Andy Duxfield, Carl Woodford
Review Written by Ben Dorey
for Now Then Magazine
www.nowthensheffield.com
...he was followed by Carl Woodford, whose individual songs have become a welcome addition to Sheffield’s folk scene over past months. Drawing more on the British than the American tradition, Woodford’s songs have an epic quality which is kept fresh by his continuous experimentation with the guitar.
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Thursday 8th Januay 2009 - The Dulcimer, Manchester
The Miserable Rich, The Random Family, Carl Woodford
Review Written by Jeanette Howlett
for Radio Starlion.co.uk
www.radiostarlion.co.uk/gigs_2009.htm#32
Then back to the Dulcimer for my first gig of 2009 ...
Of the three acts, I knew only of The Miserable Rich; that was only through a knowledgeable friend's recommendation and the wonders of mySpace and youTube. That gave me enough information, though, to know this would be a great gig.
It was Carl Woodford alone, though, who inspired me to buy a CD and whose performance will remain the most memorable for me. He has a unique guitar playing style, very percussive, sometimes quite dramatically so, but very delicate and precise nonetheless. His voice had an old sound to it and his performance overall was rather reminiscent of Robbie Basho.
I was also interested to learn that he was previously in a prog rock band. It is clear he brings a wide range of influence into his music - I will continue to play his CD over and over.
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Friday 11th July 2009 - The Cremorne, Sheffield
John Fairhurst, The Random Family, Carl Woodford
Review Written by John Swift
for Now Then Magazine
www.nowthensheffield.com
...Carl Woodford's effortless guitar playing and high-pitched haunting vocals drew a good crowd to get the ball rolling nicely.
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Carry the Stone E.P Review August 2008
Review Written by Reg Regler
for Now Then Magazine
www.nowthensheffield.com
Carl Woodford's arrival on Sheffield's acoustic scene has so far promised to enhance it's reputation no end. His self recorded E.P. Carry the Stone certainly testifies to this.
A re-worked and whittled down selection of tunes from a previous full-length album, Carry the Stone provides a comprehensive demonstration of Woodford's technical ability asa folk guitarist. Open track "To the City" and "Soothing Song" showcase a kind of rythmical drive that is all too often absent from contemporary folk compositions. The percussive beating of the guitar here far from an attention-grabbing trick but an integral part of the music that is nonethe less impressive.
To add to the endearing proficiency Woodford displays over his instrument of choice, his singing voice is clear, solid and tuneful. Retaining an almost medieval quality, Woodford's music is more akin to British traditions of folk music than much of the new blossoming folk scene.
Though Woodford adds banjo, bass and percusion elsewhere on this record, the bulk comes from guitar and vocals alone. One can only wonder what Woodford might be capable of achieving with a full band, but as it stands Carry the Stone leaves its listeners yearning for more - te trademark of a great E.P.
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Saturday 21st June 2008 - Solstice Festival, Heyburn Wyke, Scarborough
The Sorry Kisses, Pepperland, John Watton, Carl Woodford and many more
Review Written by Dave Wright
for Talk Magazine
www.thetalkmagazine.com - (Magazine now discontinued)
back inside the pub a packed crowd were silenced during Carl Wooford's set.
A truly gifted singer songwriter, Woodford's nimble finger picking looked effortless in "As The Heart Withdraws" and the haunting "Bridge Song".
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Friday 25th April 2008 - Farewell Scarborough gig, The Hole in the Wall, Scarborough
Carl Woodford
Review Written by Dave Grayson
for The Scarborough Evening News
www.scarborougheveningnews.co.uk
(Unedited version)
“Gonna make my move to the city, become a ghost ,gonna leave this familiar place where news dies slow” sings Carl Woodford to a packed crowd during “To The City”. It was an appropriate farewell song before one of our town’s finest acoustics performers embarks on a new life in Sheffield.
“Are you sure you’ve got the right night” exclaimed the ever modest Woodford before opener “Soothing Song”; it sounded close to “ Carry The Stone” album version and tonight Carl’s sound was periodically enhanced by keyboardist Tom Upward and percussionist Tim Marshall, from his former progressive band Magic Tree. With the pub at bursting point, the sheer heat created some tuning problems which Woodford battled efficiently with, throughout the evening.
Its been a while since Carl’s performed in the town, yet “Carry The Stone” sounded like the return of an old friend tonight.
With the pub as busy (and noisy) as Piccadilly Circus, tonight was never going to be an intimate gig and Woodford cranked up the sound after some flowing finger picking during “Journeys Return”; on which he was accompanied by the fluid bass of John Cuncliffe from the Billy Nielson band.
“My little Pas got steam coming out of it” chuckled Carl before treating the crowd to the brooding Bridge Song. Equally as melancholic was promising new song “Easy Gate,” complimented with some tasteful keyboard playing. Other new additions on the set included “One Way Traffic” and “Withdrawal”; hopefully both will appear on Woodford’s next album.
The set was also broken up with a couple of covers; a classic rendition of Dylan’s “Buckets Of Rain” and a faithful full ensemble version of Led Zepplin’s “Friends”.
Highlight for many though was “For Coloured Walls” as Woodford worked up the audience with his dazzling percussive and strumming technique.
It’s still a sight to behold, but equally as memorable was final encore “Curves”; a beautiful gentle song, it brought a moment of poignancy to the evening before Carl said goodbye to Scarborough and packed up his guitar in the town for the last time.
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Sunday 16th September 2007 - Acoustic Gathering 2007, Peasholm Park, Scarborough
Chris Helme, Tasmin Archer, Tom Hingley, Carl Woodford and many more
Review Written by Danielle Millea
for efestivals website
www.efestivals.com/festivals/acousticgathering/2007/review-overview.shtml
Another Acoustic Gathering regular, Carl Woodford, shows off his virtuoso skills, and brilliant songwriting skills with tracks like ‘Bridge Song’. A crowd of bobbing dragons and the occasional boat have moored themselves in front of the stage, trying to get a close up glimpse of Woodford's handiwork. His voice has an old medieval sound to it, strong and well-pronounced.
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Sunday 16th September 2007 - Acoustic Gathering 2007, Peasholm Park, Scarborough
Chris Helme, Tasmin Archer, Tom Hingley, Carl Woodford and many more
Review Written by David Grayson
for The Scarborough Evening News
www.scarborougheveningnews.co.uk
....as Carl Woodford takes to the stage, opening with "The Love, Laughter And Money Show". Woodford's vocals sound strong during "Bridge Song".
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Sunday 17th September 2006 - Acoustic Gathering 2006, Peasholm Park, Scarborough
Nick Harper, Jon Gomm, Jesse Hutchinson, Carl Woodford and many more
Review Written by David Grayson
for The Scarborough Evening News, The Link Magazine and Acoustic Gathering Myspace Page
 
www.myspace.com/acousticgathering
www.cultfound.org/thelink.htm
www.scarborougheveningnews.co.uk
As dusk creeps in, one of the biggest cheers of the day goes to Carl Woodford who overcomes initial sound problems, playing us a poignant version of "Bridge Song" and enthralling the crowds with his remarkable technique in "For Coloured Walls".
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Wednesday 5th April 2006 - Turn of The Year 2006 Final, The Golden Lion, York
Jess Morgan, Carl Woodford, Cara & Jamie and Peter Marshall
Review Written by Marbled
for Talk Magazine
www.thetalkmagazine.com - (Magazine now discontinued)
Not that you could tell, but the next finalist came to us off his sick bed, Carl Woodford has been suffering from the seasonal ailments, but delivered a showcasing of song so delicious, names like Nick Drake and Jose Gonzalez instantly came to mind in comparison and as sure as Tom never catches Jerry can this guy play his guitar with the fluidity of a hot soothing shower and the passion of a gourmet meal on Valentine's Day. Carl's fingers were as dexterous as a teenager's thumbs on a game console joy pad, and his voice was a soft as margarine on toast with a vibrato that could calm a storm. I'm sure though that photos of him will show a distinguished and elegantly sat gentleman with blurs for his hands... the musicians in the audience were agasp by the time his final song came around, For Coloured Walls, where he not only played guitar, but also a percussive rhythm with his hands beating his guitar mantra style, truly mesmerizing and inspired, a folk song with a tribal feel, genius! Carl summed up his set as "tiring, difficult and rewarding". A Scarborough based musician, and one worth the train fare to go and watch.
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Tuesday 21st February 2006 - The Stone Roses Bar, York
Carl Woodford and Owen Richards
Review Written by Dave Wright
for Sandman Magazine
www.sandmanmagazine.co.uk
“Anyone here like Nick Drake?” enquires singer/songwriter Carl Woodford. The majority of the audience, fans of the Kaiser Chiefs and The Artic Monkeys, enthusiastically affirm they do. They are impressed as Woodford delivers a beautiful rendition of Drake’s ‘Cello Song’. Next day, inspired students scour record shops all over the historic city, to buy copies of the original.
‘Curves’ is an affecting and gentle start, Woodford sings with moving modesty and clear dictation. When the song ends with “I hope someone curves this way again”, our ears prick, we’re ready for more. Discussions about the Kaisers are abandoned as he fingerpicks his guitar through ‘Coconut Shy’, gaining momentum as it flows into ‘Rock Song’.
Woodford apologies for a mistake in ‘Time Obsession’, but it is doubtful if any of the audience noticed, apart from some followers from his hometown in Scarborough. The moment is forgotten as Carl plays a cover of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Friends’. Imagine my surprise, it’s not the easiest song in the world to attempt, but tonight he breezes through it with newfound confidence and ease. It’s as if he’s received tuition from Jimmy Page himself.
‘Soothing Song’, an acoustic cousin of Super Furry Animals’ ‘Golden Retriever’, wows the students. It’s almost as if Woodford grows another pair of arms, using the guitar as a percussion instrument, whilst simultaneously playing chords. Definitely a sight to see - as is the punter with a broken nose I encounter during a call of nature - whilst Woodford plays ‘Carry The Stone’ the title track from his latest album. “I bet you don’t often see a sight like this on a Tuesday night in York,” groans the poor bloke.
I nod in agreement as Woodford sings ‘Bridge Song’, containing decisive and reflective lyrics we can all relate to. Waves of sadness engulf me, but I soon brighten, encouraged as I watch indie fans studying the singer’s black and white flyers.
“Have we time for one more?” enthuses Carl. The sound guy shakes his head sideways, but an audience cheer ensures another with ‘For Coloured Walls’. Woodford strums and slaps his guitar like a conga and the indie kids clap him on to a dramatic climax. Things haven’t changed; they still worship the Kaisers and Artic Monkeys, but after tonight, they may add the name Carl Woodford to that list.
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Carry the Stone Album Review December 2005
Review Written by David Wright
for The Scarborough Evening News and Sandman Magazine
www.scarborougheveningnews.co.uk
www.sandmanmagazine.co.uk
Self-produced last Autumn, Carl Woodford’s first proper solo CD is a welcome purchase for admirers of Neil Young, Nick Drake and Roy Harper.
Aside from a cover of ‘Lonely Girl’ by The Faraway Folk, Carl’s original songs possess a timeless quality, sung in an affecting English voice.‘Journey’s Return’ recalls the fingerpicking guitar of John Martyn while ‘To The City’ is effectively arranged with some pretty banjo and percussion from Tim Marshall.
The sadness of ‘Bridge Song’ should warm the coldest hearts and the brooding ‘Pensinc’ has the same melancholy feel as Carl sings of “the summer of destruction coming on”.
The heartfelt, honest nature of the album is a key to its success, as is the diversity. ‘Soothing Song’ is built around exciting percussive guitar and Woodford’s blues slide playing on ‘Clown Song’ confirm this lad is so much more than just a great rhythm player.
My only complaint: like tinnitus, these songs will stick in your head forever as they slowly ebb into your slow.
I know you’ve heard it a thousand times before, but Carl Woodford is a name you will be hearing a lot more of
in the future.
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Saturday 10th December 2005 - Music Cafe Night, The Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
The Old Boy Network, Carl Woodford, Katherine Dawes
Review Written by David Wright
for The Scarborough Evening News
www.scarborougheveningnews.co.uk
Unwelcome bar noise tarnished Carl Woodford’s opener Journey’s Return from his beautiful new album Carry the Stone. The chatterers were silenced by singer / songwriter during Bridge Song – his finger-picking skills and honest voice enraptured the crowd.
During Soothing Song, Carl created his own rhythmic backing by hand slapping his guitar. Likewise, in For Coloured Walls, you could be forgiven for believing there was percussionist on stage with him.
A naturally gifted musician, Carl is guaranteed an invite back to the SJT.
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Thursday 13th October 2005 - John Peel Tribute, Vivaz, Scarborough
Fuzzgun Sniper, Matt Harrop, Six Foot Daze, Carl Woodford and many more
Review Written by Davey
for The Link Magazine
www.cultfound.org/thelink.htm
Carl Woodford – A True talent, where did he come from? Where did he go? How does he get that sound from one guitar? Does he have four hands?
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Sunday 21st August 2005 - Beached 2005 Festival, South Bay Beach, Scarborough
The Bluetones, Electric Eel Shock, Parisman, Lee Latchford Evans, Carl Woodford and many more
Review Written by Michelle Dee
for Thisisull.com
www.thisisull.com/music05/outoftown/michelle21aug05a.html
Carl Woodford - This guy steps on stage to screams of encouragement from his fans in the audience. They all want to see the size of his instrument and have even made a banner in his honour. What follows is a master class in technical finger picking and chords cascading and flowing from the single instrument.
Tapping and slapping the guitar he turns it into a percussive instrument. Tapping the rose, the body the neck all the while keeping the notes sustained. This one man sounds like a trio; there is no question as to the size of his talent.
Confidence flows from the stage feeding the crowd to finally show some unashamed passion and let go. He uses slide technique on the clown song, by way of variation to great effect; up and down the fret board he produces exciting sounds each one met with a whoop of delight. He's awesome I hear from behind me and quite frankly he is.
On announcement of his last song, protests ring out and some guy shampoos his hair in lager, it seems fitting somehow. And the atmosphere is perfumed by a yeasty scent drifting on the hot still air, set alight by Carl's acoustic talents. He's just got so much going on.
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