"Breathtaking"
- Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music

"Janice loves!"
- Janice Long, BBC Radio 2

BRUISE are progressive folk duo (and cottage industry) Isobel Kimberley and Jim Kimberley: They blend the songwriting sensibilities of Joni Mitchell, the production values of Genesis and the epic pop of the Eurhythmics and you come close to describing what Bruise have on offer.
Bruise are a unique proposition and the range of their work –from the glorious gritty aggression of their first album 'B' to the thoughtful tenderness of their newest release 'In Animal Character' - Bruise’s voice is authentic and innovative.
Isobel’s distinctive and compelling voice was first heard in folk clubs before moving to Alaska where she formed her first band The Pagan Cowgirls, who were privileged to support American singer Leanne Rhymes. On her return from the US, Isobel began her collaboration with drummer and multi-instrumentalist Jim Kimberley who’s extensive experience playing with greats such as Squeeze (UK), Niagara (FR) and Mark Knopfler (UK) brought a wealth of production knowledge and an unstoppable groove. In recent years they have been touring the UK and US in duo and, occasionally, trio form where Bob Kelly normally holds down the bass position. Their live shows range from the ragingly powerful to goose bump inducing intimacy, with Isobel’s charismatic stage presence nodding to the likes of Patty Smith and PJ Harvey.
After a decade of cutting a maverick swathe through the industry Bruise have four albums, thousands of gigs, US and European festival appearances, airplay from Japan to the US and a reputation to be proud of. Traveling world wide to deliver stylish and emotive performances this duo are probably Britains best kept secret.
Their joint and individual collaborators have included icons as diverse as Mark Knopfler, Dave Swarbrick, Gordon Giltrap, Hawkwind, and Squeeze. Between them Jim and Isobel have supported The Who, Bollowhead, Andy Cutting, Comus, Dick Gaughan, Leanne Rhymes and many more.
Bruise have already graced big UK festivals such as Glastonbury, The Big Green Gathering, The Rhythm Festival and others, although their set is equally suited to more intimate clubs and venues. They also appeared at major European festival Appelpop (they were the first British band to be booked at this massive festival, next were the Killers) and they received international airplay from Japan to the US, sessions on the BBC, as well as endorsement from quality music press.
The live shows have been monumental, with the musicianship, the depth of songwriting and the sense of occasion of a band MUCH bigger than themselves. The intimate venues they play are elevated to cult “I was there” status and audiences dance, cry and leave a little altered.

"With a sound combining elements of pastoral English folk, pop, prog and rock, London based duo Bruise has earned tour support with Hawkwind and bookings at folk clubs. That’s what we call versatile" - Rock 'n' Reel Magazine

“…a feast of articulate and intelegent, adult oriented songwriting that consistently succeeds, and gets better the more you play it” Steve Caseman, R2

“A beautiful development of the bands uniquely progressive take on modern folk music, acoustic bliss.” CD Baby

“intense psychodramas with radio friendly choruses that hint at a wider audience” – The Wire

“instantly familiar and searingly original at the same time” – The Source // Brighton

www.bruiseuk.com

Saturday 16th September 2017
The Lawns Hotel, High Street, Chellaston, Derbys, DE73 6TB
Tickets £12 - Doors 7:15pm for an 8pm start
To book tel/text: 07852 174745 or e mail: tickets@villagefolk.org