Folk Alliance Band of the Day: The Trials of Cato

The Trials of Cato. // photo credit Esme Mai

The Folk Alliance International Conference, presented by Folk Alliance International, has its 2024 iteration this February 21-25 at the Westin Crown Center Hotel. With well over 100 artists performing over the course of five days, “crossing a diverse array of genres including Appalachian, Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, Global Roots, Hip-Hop, Old-Time, Singer-Songwriter, Spoken Word, Traditional, Zydeco, and various fusions,” it can be intimidating to figure out where to start.

We’ve selected a few artists for whom we think you should make time to see, and we’ll be featuring one a day leading up until the conference kicks off on Wednesday, February 21.

The Trials of Cato’s most recent album, Gog Magog, released in 2022, is a frenzied combination of folk music from all around the world. Appropriately enough, it’s named after an Arthurian giant, and definitely aims to be bigger than just another folk album. The interplay between the musicians who form the trio make for fascinating listening, and the energy which comes out of your speakers when listening is infectious. Add into it the combination of Welsh and English, and The Trials of Cato are the surprise you didn’t know you needed.

“The remarkable rise of BBC Radio 2 award winning trio The Trials of Cato on the UK folk-scene has been the subject of massive critical attention. Dubbed ‘the Sex Pistols of folk,’ (J Davis) they pay clear homage to the tradition whilst twisting old bones into something febrile and modern, with stomping tunes and captivating stories.

Notably formed in Beirut, Lebanon, The Trials of Cato have blazed a trail like no other since returning to the UK in 2016. Memorable performances across Britain, Europe, and North America led to Mark Radcliffe hailing the band ‘one of the real discoveries on the folk circuit in recent times,’ with their 2018 debut Hide and Hair going on to win the BBC Radio 2 ‘Best Album’ Folk Award. With their latest offering Gog Magog, The Trials of Cato present their most daring music to date.”

The Trials of Cato plays Friday, February 23, at 6:00pm in Century C.

New this year to the conference is that the public can get tickets to the official showcases. You don’t have to register for the conference to go for just one night. Individual evening tickets available here.

You can find out more information on the 2023 Folk Alliance International Conference at Folk Alliance International’s website.