While February may be cold and chilly, we’ve got a brilliant programme of gigs to make the month a little bit warmer! On 20 February we welcome Pagoda Project, a folk trio that draws from the rich history of jazz music.
We caught up with Pagoda Project’s Paul Hutchinson, Karen Wimhurst, and Hannah Cumming to talk about the intersect between jazz and folk, the use of humour in music, and which teabags are the most superior.
Pagoda Project is well-known for playing bold combinations of folk and jazz. What is it about jazz music that lends itself so well to the folk genre?
Karen: In many ways, I think that jazz, taken in its very broadest interpretation, can cover any genre of music. It’s all about that spirit of ‘in the moment’ improvisation and enquiry that runs through so many different types of music.
From a folk perspective, there’s an excitement of bringing our twenty-first century selves slap bang into this wonderful living heritage of ours, and seeing what happens!
Hannah: To me, folk and jazz are both such free genres of music. There’s so much room to make things your own, improvise, and add non-standard chords that still work with the music.
You recently brought Hannah on board, transforming Pagoda Project from a duo to a trio. How has this change enriched your sound?
Hannah: I am absolutely LOVING being a part of this group! Karen and Paul are such incredible musicians and people who genuinely love and are good at what they do.
They’ve been so supportive and welcoming to me and are always up for trying things I bring along.
My voice is very adaptable, and while I love singing folk, I enjoy jazz and popular songs too. That and my fiddle playing, which definitely has a bit of oomph to it, suit the Pagoda Project sound for sure.
Karen: Hannah is an innovative, gutsy fiddle player with a huge, soul-filled voice. She brings her own songs to the table as well as a driving, rhythmic approach to our collaboration. What’s not to like!
Humour is something that is very important to you as a band and is a large part of your stage presence. Given that folk music can sometimes have a reputation of being a little serious, is this an intentional way of making it feel more accessible?
Paul: I do take the music seriously, but not myself. I think when you take yourself too seriously, you lose the pure joy and love of what you do, and when you’re performing, it can make you look like you’re not enjoying yourself.
Laughter, as it is often said, is a great medicine, and nowadays we need large doses of it.
A lot of it is just us as people, we really bounce off each other, and get each other’s sense of humour.
There’s a lovely photo of you all enjoying a cup of tea. What’s your preferred blend, and do you take sugar?
Paul: Yorkshire tea and no sugar, but I prefer oat milk… But only if there’s no Malbec available.
Karen: Lapsang for me please, that elusive tea, and likewise, no sugar.
Hannah: Oooh, Yorkshire Tea or Clipper Tea, with plenty of oat milk. No sugar. If there’s a biscuit involved, then it has to be a Jammy Dodger or three!
What’s on the horizon for Pagoda Project in 2026?
Hannah: We’ve got lots of exciting gigs up and down the country, from Devon to Settle. We’re always looking for new gig opportunities and hope to expand our gig list this year even more.
We’re also currently finishing recording our first-ever album as a trio, so keep a lookout for an official release date and album launch gigs.
No spoilers, but it’s sure to take you on an emotional and musical rollercoaster!
Find out more about Pagoda Project and listen to their music on their website: www.paulhutchinsonmusic.com/pagodaproject
Pagoda Project take to the Live to Your Living Room stage on Friday 20 February. Buy your ticket for the show, and look forward to a performance full of authentic folk, gutsy jazz, and bold improvisation!