The Sam Chase Trio

The Sam Chase Trio play The Old Parcels Office on Friday 6 November, their Scarborough debut. It comes after a show in Filey, so they're bringing the set just a few miles down the coast. The night is presented by Filey Americana, and it's recommended for ages 14 and over.

The trio is built around singer-songwriter The Sam Chase, who takes the lead on vocals and guitar, backed by violinist Chandra Johnson and cellist Devon McClive. It's that string section that sets them apart from a standard guitar act — the violin and cello add a full, orchestral weight to the sound, and the two of them play right alongside the guitar rather than just filling in the gaps. They bill themselves as 'The God Particle Of Music', which is a bold way of saying they're aiming for something concentrated.

As for what that actually sounds like, they describe it as a distillation of the adventure and heartache of American song, blending rock n roll with folk while keeping the sensibilities of punk rock. It's a wide net to cast — the rock n roll provides the drive, the folk brings the storytelling, and the punk side keeps it raw and direct. At the front is The Sam Chase himself, a natural storyteller with a weathered voice, backed by boot-stomping orchestration and lyrics that fans have tattooed on their skin. If you're into songwriting that doesn't shy away from the grit, this is the kind of thing that lands.

Doors open at 7:00pm and the music starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are £16.00 plus a £1.60 booking fee, so £17.60 in total. The venue is The Old Parcels Office, inside Scarborough Railway Station (YO11 1TN), so it's easy to get to if you're coming in by train.