Kelly Johnson reviewed Sam’s appearance at Band On The Wall in Manchester on Saturday night, full review on the CityLifers website here.

‘The headline act of the evening bringing this mammoth Hedge event to an end is Sam Carter, hailing from the Midlands this well dressed young man is instantly likeable.  He opens with ‘Pheasant’ wrote about a girl he fell for on holiday but never had the courage to do anything until it was all too late. With the stand out line being “you floor me like a pheasant on a country lane” I’m intrigued what he has in store for us next.  Its clear this man is a master of guitar, intricate finger picking made to look effortless coupled with his wonderfully rich vocals, I must admit both me and my friend are rather hooked.

His next song ‘Hired Hands’ wrote for his Uncle who was made redundant is poignant and very apt in this time of Con-Dem rule. Carters storytelling nature and ability to write heartfelt observations on the effects life events has on people close to him like in ‘Next of Kin’ is a pleasure to listen to. With ease he flits between contemporary and traditional folk songs demonstrating his craft to its fullest.  Carter is charming and makes it easy for the audience to connect with his openness. This man has a gift and is undeniably the best of the evening and the audience clearly agree with shouts of more. ’