Just some of the many wonderful performers who have played for us.
For a list of everyone who has played at the Concerts and Café nights click here
Decameron began when Johnny Coppin and Dave Bell met at Cheltenham Art College in 1968. By 1969 they had been joined by guitarist Al Fenn and cellist Geoff March and, with Jasper Carrott as their agent, the four of them started building up a solid following around the folk clubs.
They soon developed their trademark sound - vocal harmonies reminiscent of Crosby, Stills and Nash, multi-instrumental virtuosity, with Dave's poetic lyrics set to Johnny’s melodic tunes.
By 1973 Decameron’s first album "Say Hello to the Band" had been released, they were appearing at bigger UK venues, touring in Holland, Germany and Belgium, playing bigger venues in the UK including the Cambridge Folk Festival, and Dik Cadbury had joined on bass, guitar and violin.
1974 saw the release of "Mammoth Special", regarded by many as their finest hour, and a promotional gig at the Commonwealth Institute in London with an orchestra. A year later “Third Light” came out and the band were playing to houses of up to 1,500 people a night. They had become one of the best live bands on the scene.
In 1976, the band’s fourth album "Tomorrow’s Pantomine" emerged, with Dik Cadbury’s influence taking Decameron in a more rocky direction. However this highlighted the differing objectives among band members and within months Decameron decided to call it a day. Although they were earning a living, the costs of touring a six-piece band in bigger venues were prohibitive.
The various members got involved in other musical projects and Johnny Coppin launched a successful solo career as a singer/songwriter which continues to this day.
"In a class of their own" - Sounds, "The thinking man's Lindisfarne" - New Musical Express web site | 4 song mp3 sampler
Over the past forty years, Gordon Giltrap has graced the music business with his dedication to his craft and his affection for his audience. As one of the UK's most respected guitarists, he has consistently proved the adage that respect cannot be bought. It must be earned.
Gordon joined his first band when barely in his teens and in November 1966, his individuality and passion earned him a recording contract with Transatlantic. Gordon served his apprenticeship as a singer/songwriter on the London folk club circuit, and his self-titled debut album was released in 1968. Each subsequent album broke new ground, and he developed a extraordinary repertoire while establishing a reputation for thrilling live performances.
In the late Seventies, Gordon enjoyed a brief spell as a pop star, with a hit album (Perilous Journey) and two hit singles ('Heartsong' and 'Fear of the Dark'). 'Heartsong' was nominated for an Ivor Novello award, and is fondly remembered as the theme tune to the BBC's Holiday programme. 'Fear of the Dark' was the first 12-inch colour picture disc to be released in the UK, and featured a heavily-made-up and unflattering image of what was then being marketed as The Gordon Giltrap Band. All the musical trends at the time were moving away from acoustic music, and Gordon retreated gracefully from the pop spotlight.
Over the years, Gordon has worked with an amazingly broad range of artists, from rock musicians such as Brian May, Rick Wakeman and Midge Ure to the jazz virtuoso Martin Taylor, the classical guitarist Raymond Burley and the London Symphony Orchestra. In 1996, Gordon realised a dream of playing guitar alongside Cliff Richard, on stage in Cliff's West End musical Heathcliff. As well as performing in the role of The Troubadour, Gordon arranged the overture and wrote two pieces of music.
Gordon's music continues to evade categorisation, influenced as it is by the rock guitar of Hank Marvin and Pete Townshend, the folk guitar of Bert Jansch and John Renbourn, and the classical guitar of Julian Bream and John Williams. He has released 25 original studio albums, plus numerous live albums and compilations. There is currently no sign of Gordon hanging up his guitars, and he still performs dozens of concerts a year around the country, earning the respect of fans and fellow musicians alike.
web site | MySpace
With her highly acclaimed album, Mudshow (“A Small Miracle..” Rolling Stone) Krista Detor was established as a gifted player on the world stage. Together with partner and producer, David Weber, she’s since released the follow-up album, Cover Their Eyes (“One of the best albums of the year..” Revolver) continuing to push the edges of genre while remaining close throughout to the lyrical thread that defines her work.
She’s reached #1 on the Euro-Americana chart and her music’s been featured at the Cannes Film Festival, on NPR, PBS, the BBC, as well as countless U.S. and European National, Regional & Local radio shows. She’s appeared on both U.S. and European television and collaborated on the Emmy nominated PBS Special Wilderness Plots.
Most recently, she was honoured to be chosen to be a part of the Darwin Songhouse with 7 other songwriters in Shrewsbury writing for 7 days and completing a live CD to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin in his hometown. The event and subsequent concert were covered extensively by the BBC.
She will be performing with Dave Weber (guitar, vocals) and Mike Lindauer (bass guitar, vocals).
web site | MySpace | YouTube
Throughout her 20 year career Christine has mesmerized and astounded with her unique blend of soul, blues, pop, jazz, country and folk, and today she remains as powerful, subtle and effortless as ever. Her live performances have always been wonderfully magical experiences and her solo albums have seen her convincingly interpret Smoky Robinson, Nick Drake, Robert Wyatt, Tom Waits, Paul Simon, U2 and Lal Waterson, amongst many others - whilst with every year her own self penned or co-written compositions have developed a distinctive quality - one which connects on a very personal level.
She first came to national attention singing the 1987 theme for the BBC Television series The Life and Loves Of A She Devil. Following a fruitful association with The Richard Thompson Band, Christine enjoyed a period of critical and commercial success in a seven year partnership with Clive Gregson. She also toured and recorded with the female super group Daphne's Flight.
Over the course of her career Christine has become a familiar name on the UK 'live' scene and at all major festivals from Glastonbury to Winnipeg to Cambridge. With a gravity defying voice, assured and impressive live performances and great personal charm she is a phenomenal live act.
'".boundary breaking is routine for Collister and makes her one of the finest grown-up vocalists on the planet..." - Q Magazine
'Christine Collister has a killer voice. As full as Dusty Springfield or as blue as Alison Moyet' - Froots
" … a voice personally delivered by God." - The Times
"Christine Collister can sing the birds down off the trees and send them back with a tiny flick of her vocal chords." - Mojo
web site
We are delighted to present this special concert featuring Chris Difford who was one half of the legendary songwriting partnership behind all of the great Squeeze hits such as Cool for Cats, Up the Junction, Black Coffee in Bed, Tempted, Take Me I'm Yours, Another Nail In My Heart and Pulling Mussels From A Shell. Difford's lyrics combined with Glenn Tilbrook's melodies to create classic songs that still receive regular airplay around the world. Last year's compilation "The Big Squeeze" went straight in to the charts at number 8 proving the timeless quality of their music.
During his time away from Squeeze Chris has written with Elton John, Marti Pellow, Lamont Dozier and many others. He also wrote songs with Tilbrook for fellow Squeeze band member Jools Holland and two years ago his lyrics for the film "Still Crazy" won an Ivor Novello Award.
After 25 years, 13 albums, numerous American and UK tours, and trips around the globe Chris left Squeeze in 1999. He released his first solo album, "I Didn't Get Where I Am" in 2003.
web site | 3 song mp3 sampler
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For sheer quality and distinction you need look no further than the career of Benny Gallagher. One half of hit makers and songwriters Gallagher & Lyle, he began his career as a staff writer with the Beatles music publishing company, Apple writing songs for Apple Records' biggest artist Mary Hopkin under the constant encouragement of Paul McCartney.
In 1970 his and Graham Lyle’s astute composing ability propelled the band McGuinness-Flint to the top of the charts with hit songs "When I’m Dead and Gone" and "Malt and Barley Blues". Then came the duo’s own string of successes – the richly romantic "Heart on my Sleeve" and "I Wanna Stay With You". Their Breakaway album was a huge success – even more so when the title track was covered by Art Garfunkel. Garfunkel also later recorded the duo's "A Heart In New York" and performed it at Simon & Garfunkel's famous concert in central park, New York, to an audience of 500,000.
On record he has worked with Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Pete Townsend, Ronnie Lane, Ronnie Wood, Gary Brooker, Georgie Fame, Mary Hopkin, Elkie Brooks, Ralph McTell, Sandy Denny and Fairport Convention. Between song-writing visits to Nashville, and composing soundtracks for film and television he has toured Australia, the Middle and Far East, Europe and the U.K. as bassist and vocalist with The Manfreds and Dennis Locorriere – "The Voice of Dr. Hook".
Artists who have recorded Benny Gallagher songs include Art Garfunkel, Bryan Ferry, Colin Blunstone, Don Williams, Elkie Brooks, Fairport Convention, Garth Brooks, Judith Durham, Mary Hopkin, Phil Everly, Ringo Starr, Ricky Nelson, Rita Coolidge, Simon and Garfunkel, Status Quo and Jim Capaldi.
web site | Myspace
Boo is one of this country's finest singer/songwriters and also something of a local legend.
In 1985 Boo formed cult band "The Bible" before choosing to pursue a solo career. "Ignorance", Boo's first self-produced album was released in 1992, followed by "Baptist Hospital" in 1996 and "Thanksgiving" in 1998, both made with Nick Drake producer John Wood. "Anon" was released in 2002, gaining a 4 star praise worthy review from "Q" magazine and "Mojo". For his latest album, "Harmonograph", Boo resolved to record his own versions of 12 songs from the 400 he had written for, and often with, other people.
One of his most enduring collaborative links has been with Eddi Reader for whom he wrote "Patience of Angels" and was credited with an Ivor Novello nomination. His songs have also been recorded by many other singers including KD Lang, Brian Kennedy and Paul Young, he has toured with Clive Gregson and produced for The Corrs. He also wrote the film scores to the movies Fever Pitch and TwentyFourSeven with Harmonograph’s producer, Neil MacColl, who was also in The Bible. In 2004 Boo was asked to re-record Thanksgiving’s “Bell, Book And Candle” for a climactic, award-winning death scene on the TV soap Emmerdale. More recently in 2003, Boo produced Eddi's album "Eddi Reader Sings the Songs of Robbie Burns".
web site
Martyn's 20 year career has embraced some notable achievements including 5 Top 50 UK chart positions, with such songs as 'Dolphins Make Me Cry', 'Working Mother' and 'Let's Talk About It In The Morning', and appearances and tours with, amongst others, Suzanne Vega, Marc Cohn, Joan Armatrading, Clannad, Chris De Burgh, Jools Holland, Art Garfunkel, and even, Celine Dion.
His touring work and appearances over the years, on both sides of the Atlantic, have helped to establish this gifted and gracious Welshman as one of the foremost singer/songwriters of his generation. Across a 10 year cycle of albums from the Sony days of 'Being There' to his recent two volume live compilation 'Don't Talk About Love', Martyn's song catalogue is an awesomely impressive archive of our times, our tribulations, our wonder and our wounds. web site
Luke Concannon (vocals, guitar and percussion) and John Parker (double bass) are an original and talented acoustic duo whose offbeat touching lyrics are paired with a unique sound inspired by a myriad of disparate influences such as Celtic, hip-hop, Motown, roots and soul. They emanate energy, passion and power in sound that sends your skin tingling and sets crowds jumping! Their debut album "Half These Songs Are About You" has spent an unprecedented ten weeks at number one in the National Unsigned Network Chart and has been featured on both Radio One and Two. Also they were the featured live artists on Pat Kenny's Christmas Radio Show in Dublin Ireland 2002. Add to that appearances at two of Europes biggest and most prestigious music festivals, Glastonbury and the Big Green Gathering where audiences were totally wowed by each and every performance. Whether in a small and intimate club or a huge auditorium Nizlopi believe in "eliminating the gap between performer and listener". Expect them to unplug and get out there face to face with their audience - a truly awe inspiring experience.
web site | mp3
After 30 years in the music business – and with a credit list longer than both your arms – Henry Priestman has finally made his debut as a solo act. He sold three million albums with The Christians and wrote all the songs on their 1987 triple-platinum debut, he shared a mic and a number one single with Paul McCartney, he played on sessions for Lightning Seeds, Johnny Marr, Ian McCulloch, Pete Wylie, Ian McNabb and Echo & The Bunnymen, and provided vocals on Jools Holland/Tom Jones’ 2004 CD.
Last year Henry played his debut solo gigs: in May he supported 10cc at London’s 02 Arena and in July supported Jools Holland at the 10,000-seater Liverpool Echo Arena. He describes his new album, The Chronicles of Modern Life, as a collection of "scruffy pop songs of pith, wit and poignancy".
"It really is a fabulous album...gorgeous" - Janice Long, BBC Radio 2
"This album is just great, it's real with great songs on it" - Johnnie Walker, BBC Radio 2
"An album of rough-hewn charm that will appeal to listeners for whom thumping disappointment and bloody minded stoicism are the new rock ‘n roll" *** - Sunday Times
"A solo album full of wit and love and disappointment and vitriol… perfect pop decorated with spikiness and anger" **** - Rock n Reel
web site | MySpace
Phil Beer is best known for his multi-instrumental virtuosity in Show of Hands who are widely acknowledged as the finest acoustic roots duo in England. Knightley, who writes most of their inspired material and Beer, a dazzling multi instrumentalist, have built up a huge following which has seen them twice sell out the Albert Hall, headlining at major festivals from Glastonbury to WOMAD and playing all over the world, from Europe to America, Australia and India. Voted Best Live Act by the public at the 2004 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, the jury is still out on just what kind of music they play. A genre defying mix of rock, roots, blues, country, trad, and often influenced by the music of other countries, it is played out on an array of instruments from slide guitar to fiddle, mandolin to South American cuatro.
Phil's passion for acoustic music was especially stirred by the Davey Graham album 'Folk Blues and Beyond'. He played his first gig when he was fourteen and by the time he was sixteen he was performing regularly. Phil worked with Paul Downes as a duo and also in Arizona Smoke Revue. He joined the Albion Band in 1984 and stayed with them until 1991, touring extensively at home and abroad, and recorded many albums. Show of Hands became a full-time partnership from 1991.
The Phil Beer Band are one of the most entertaining groups on the scene and are a big draw everywhere they play. His other musical involvements are no less prestigious and include playing with Mike Oldfield and The Rolling Stones.
web site
Clive is an accomplished singer, musician and record producer who started in the music business in the 1970s as the leader of Any Trouble, a band that made five albums and performed hundreds of gigs but which broke up at the end of 1984. Clive then released his first solo record, "Strange Persuasions", described by Hot Press as "a truly exceptional piece of work." The record featured the voice of Christine Collister, and between 1985 and 1992, Gregson & Collister formed a partnership that Rolling Stone called "the state of the art in British folk-rock". Their first four albums all achieved chart success and numerous tours of the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan further established Clive's world-wide reputation as an innovative leader in the world of British folk-rock.
Throughout this period Clive was also a member of the Richard Thompson Band and by October 1992 was performing as a solo artist again. He developed a fruitful songwriting partnership with Boo Hewerdine and they toured the UK in the spring of 1993 as a fascinating trio completed by Eddi Reader.
Over the years Clive has continued to tour the world and release outstanding albums. In 2005 His participation in the recording sesions for Nanci Griffiths' Hearts In Mind album led to Nanci asking him to join her touring band, The Blue Moon Orchestra. Nanci's version of Clive's song I Love This Town, (performed as a duet with Jimmy Buffet) was released as a single and became a radio hit in both the USA and the UK.
web site | MySpace
Harvey Andrews has been writing and performing his own songs, monologues and stories for over 35 years. In that time he has travelled the world, been on "The Old Grey Whistle Test", done sessions for John Peel, appeared in a solo concert at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall, been voted Canada's International Artist Of The Year 1996, produced 14 albums, and had his songs recorded by over 50 artists ranging from Christy Moore to Max Boyce, The Houghton Weavers to Mary Hopkin. He wrote and sang the Theme tune to the Hit TV series "Golden Pennies" and the twelve songs for the musical play "Go And Play Up Your Own End" which sold out 13,000 seats in a week's run at the Birmingham Hippodrome in 1999.
A night with Harvey Andrews is a night to put you in touch with yourselves, with your past and your present, with parenthood and childhood, with work and play. With humour and insight Harvey examines our lives and reminds us what it's all about. He's as fine a raconteur as he is a singer and a writer, so turn up and prepare to be seriously entertained by someone who can genuinely claim to have done it all successfully since becoming a full-time professional in 1966.
web site | MySpace
Clive Carroll was born in Chelmsford in 1975 and is already establishing himself as a world class acoustic guitarist. Acoustic Guitar magazine called him "Probably the best and most original young guitar player in Britain" and John Renbourn described his first album as "a milestone on the journey of the steel-string guitar".
He gained a 1st Class Honours degree in Composition & Guitar from Trinity College, London and throughout the college years was awarded many prizes and recorded Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjuez' with the Trinity orchestra.
In 1998, he was given the opportunity to play at his local pub with John Renbourn who encouraged him to record a solo album, "Sixth Sense", which received an unusually high level of attention from radio shows, reviewers and journalists. Over the next two years Renbourn took Clive on tour all over Europe and America.
In 2002 the BMG/RCA record label took an interest in Clive and he recorded a solo album for them which is still selling very well. Over the past two years he has toured as a solo performer and has also played alongside many great artists in the traditional Irish, acoustic, and pop/rock worlds. His long awaited second solo album, "The Red Guitar" was released on 25 Nov 2004 and contains eleven original pieces as well as works by Gilbert Biberian and Wayne Shorter.
"Still in his mid-20s, Clive Carroll looks marked for greatness" - Guitarist Magazine
"Compositionally assured, with a breathtaking mastery of techniques and antecedents from Benjamin Britten to Nick Drake (both specifically acknowledged with Michael Hedges) and from Renbourn himself through Gordon Giltrap to Pat Metheny, this is stunning and eminently listenable stuff." - Mojo
"a richly talented player and composer who should be applauded for his eclecticism as much as his virtuosity" - Get Rhythm
web site | mp3
He has developed a unique individual style of playing which crosses Celtic flavours with American Blues and is reminiscent sometimes of Kelly Joe Phelps and sometimes of Martin Simpson.
In 2003 he was nominated for a prestigious Radio Two Horizon Award. He was also nominated as ‘Best Musician’ in the 2006 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
"I'd go a long way to listen to Johnny Dickinson. You hear a lot of good influences in his music but the result is something special. For me his playing really hits the spot." - John Renbourn
"Johnny is a soulful player, singer, and a damn good writer! Dońt miss him!" - Tommy Emmanuel
web site | MySpace
Ask anyone on the English folk scene who is their favourite guitarist, singer, songwriter and entertainer and nine times out of ten the same name will crop up in the top three of every department. Steve Tilston is one of our most celebrated song-smiths; widely recognised within the world of folk and contemporary music: the words, arrangements and subtle but quite superb guitar playing could be no one else.
A celebrated artist in Britain and abroad, winning accolades in Europe, Australia and the USA, his songs have been recorded by Fairport Convention, Dolores Keane, and The House Band. Here’s to Tom Paine is the adopted theme song for the Tom Paine Society of America and it’s been rumoured, has featured in Bruce Springsteen’s live shows. His music has also featured on radio and TV. He is also the writer of the classic songs The Slipjigs and Reels, The Naked Highwayman and Here’s to Tom Paine.
Steve has toured with John Renbourn’s Ship of Fools, in a stunning musical partnership with traditional singer Maggie Boyle; as guitarist with Ballet Rambert with Maartin Allcock and Pete Zorn in WAZ! and with Brooks Williams in A Transatlantic Song-Swap.
&…that very rare combination of singer, songwriter and guitarist who actually excels in all departments…” - FRoots
web site | MySpace
BROOKS WILLIAMS
American Brooks Williams is a stunning guitarist whose blues-soaked, rhythmic, and soulful music defies categorization. After fifteen solo recordings and nearly two decades of touring the world, he is one of the most well-respected players on the circuit. His concerts are legendary: from coast-to-coast, country-to-country, one man, one guitar, rollin’ and tumblin’ like nobody’s business.
His musical vision spans continents and genres—blues, jazz, slide, fingerstyle—where funky chords, walking bass lines, and fiery riffs abound. Citing the influence of players as diverse as John Fahey, Ry Cooder, John Renbourn, Eric Clapton, and Joseph Spence, Dirty Linen magazine calls Brooks Williams one of "America's musical treasures."
Whether live in concert, where rich new music continues to emerge, or in recordings his fiery flatpicking, power chords, single note leads, and simmering slide can be consumed over and over.”
Brooks has charted on AAA and Americana radio nationwide in the USA, and he's been written about in Acoustic Guitar, Hot Press, Guitar Player, Performing Songwriter, Folk Roots, MOJO, Dirty Linen, Guitar World, Blues Review, Paste and more. He received seven Boston Music Award nominations and won the WUMB New Artist Album of the Year.
Brooks has shared the stage with a who's who of recording artists', including Shawn Colvin, Leo Kottke, Taj Mahal, Billy Bragg, Mark O'Connor and Chris Smither, to name a few. He's played at major festivals like Newport and Winnipeg and in clubs like The Birchmere and The Iron Horse Music Hall. His tour itinerary spans the US, Canada, England, and Ireland.
web site | mp3
American singer/songwriter Kim Richey has been a Grammy nominee for writing hit songs for others, and has refined her own distinctive version of Americana to draw together strands of rock, country and folk. With a versatile and stylish voice and songs that draw the listener into tales of loss, heartbreak and redemption, she has drawn comparisons with k.d. lang, Lucinda Williams, Shawn Colvin and Joni Mitchell.
She has been plying her brand of insightful song craft since arriving in Nashville in the early '90s and is known as a tunesmith with a wide stylistic range. She has written or co-written songs for Mary Chapin Carpenter and UK pop sensation James Morrison, and wrote huge country hits for Trisha Yearwood ("Believe Me Baby (I Lied)") and Radney Foster ("Nobody Wins"). She's also made five acclaimed solo albums and had her music featured in films and television shows such as For The Love Of The Game, Angel, Alias and Grey's Anatomy.
web site | MySpace | Listen to Kim Richey audio player
MEGSON
The combined talents of northerners Stu Hanna and Debbie Palmer make the award winning duo 'Megson'. With three albums under their belts they are fast making waves amongst the British folk / roots scene with captivating songs, beautiful harmonies, northern humour and impeccable musicianship. They were nominated for best duo at the BBC Radio Folk Awards.
Megson’s 2007 album "Smoke Of Home" received critical acclaim across the board with a host of strong reviews. It also gained radio play from DJs such as BBC Radio 2’s Mike Harding and Bob Harris, the latter inviting them to perform an exclusive live session at the BBC.
The biggest strength of Megson, however, is their stunning live performances. The duo have played at numerous folk festivals including Shrewsbury, Sidmouth, Gosport and Fareham, Wimborne and Cambridge, which led to a review in County Music People describing them as ‘enthralling’. They toured with Seth Lakeman on his ‘post Mercury nomination” tour and also with award wining roots duo Show Of Hands both in the UK and also throughout Germany.
“This is first rate - if you don’t like this music you have a problem! Megson are a couple of potential stars, peaches and cream harmonies, melodic roots consciousness and a huge sense of individuality. ” - fRoots
"How gorgeous is that? Absolutely beautiful.... An excellent new duo!" - Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2.
“Fresh, melodic and bushy-tailed.” - Mojo
web site | MySpace
Rachel Harrington performs a mix of bluegrass, folk and old time gospel that has drawn comparisons with Gillian Welch. Reared among the Pentecostal pines of Oregon, Rachel has been doing things in the wrong order for quite some time. She'd had extensive radio play before performing her first live show, and she was opening for Grammy winners and nominees before releasing her first record.
Now, hot on the heels of her critically acclaimed 2007 debut, “The Bootlegger's Daughter”, Rachel presents “City of Refuge”. Peopled with characters seeking respite, escape or salvation, “City of Refuge” farms personal and mythical stories from the American West, including tales inspired by the memoirs of prostitutes during the Alaska Gold Rush, the cantankerous Harry Truman of Mt. St. Helens, and short story writer (and fellow Oregonian) Raymond Carver.
"gothic, inspriringly original" - Q
"like early Gillian Welch...beguiling" - Mojo
"enthralling" - Maverick
web site | MySpace
Californian Rita Hosking sings original mountain roots music - soulful ballads and old time drive - with a voice that evokes awe towards the power of people and place. It is that voice that really grabs your attention –– a cross between the haunting delivery of Gillian Welch and the richness of Iris Dement. Rita's songs have been lauded for story and sense of place, and her performances praised for capturing the audience.
Her third and most recent album, “Come Sunrise”, has launched Rita onto the national Americana scene. It entered the US Folk chart top 20 in May and was still there 4 months later, having received the kind of reviews normally reserved for folk music’s top echelon.
web site | MySpace
Catherine Mundy and Jay Turner are an internationally-touring acoustic, original songwriting duo based in Brisbane, Australia. Both performers are impressive vocalists, able to inject melodies with affecting depth and pathos. Their instrumental work is equally expressive. Jay is a versatile acoustic guitarist, alternately driving and delicate and Cath plays lyrical violin and piano in a cross between classical, folk and rock styles. Together their live performances are characterised by strong original material, intricate harmonies, humorous story-telling, and powerful arrangements. They are influenced by a melting pot of musical styles - folk, blues, rock, country, classical, gospel, acappella, pop.... "Mundy-Turner are something special" - NetRhythms. web site | mp3
BOB RAFKIN
American Bob Rafkin was much in demand as a session musician in the 60s and 70s but it is in the last 10 years that he has come into his own as a premier singer, songwriter and guitar finger stylist.
Born in New York City Bob's musical journey began when he headed for Greenwich Village in the mid-sixties and met folksingers Phil Ochs and Eric Andersen. He played on two LP's by Phil Ochs, including the legendary live album, "Gunfight At Carnegie Hall." He also played on sessions for Gene Vincent, The Everly Brothers, Randy Newman and Arlo Guthrie.
Bob's songwriting career took flight in the early seventies with his song "Lazy Waters," covered by the Byrd's on their LP, "Farther Along." Bob's first-rate guitar playing was in demand for Tim Buckley's "Sefronia" album and Augie Meyer's 1973 LP "Western Head Music Company."
He has recorded 6 CDs and his 1994 release "Down This Road", was lauded by Dirty Linen magazine who said: "He's an exceptional guitarist, has a smooth, pleasing voice, and his years spent in the studio show in the simple, yet effective arrangements."
web site | MySpace
Joe is a classically trained violinist and in 1997 won the prestigious Conservatoire Composition Prize at Birmingham Conservatoire. Between 1987 and 1992 Joe worked in circuses, at which time the BBC made a short film about his diverse talents. In 1997 he joined the legendary Albion Band whose leader, Ashley Hutchings, described him as a "massive individual talent".
Kevin is a guitarist, singer and producer second to none. Having worked with everyone from Percy Sledge to Dando Shaft he became well known as the guitarist with Whippersnapper and for his later collaborations with both Chris Leslie and the legendary Dave Swarbrick. Together they perform their own compositions along with folk tunes from Turkey, Bulgaria and Ireland, and the occasional song from Dempsey. web site | mp3
Brian Houston is from Belfast and is one of the UK's finest singer/ songwriters. As heard live on Radio 2's Bob Harris show his brand of lively and passionate folk rock demonstrates his finely tuned melodic sense and clever, astutely commercial writer’s ear. Houston is a natural communicator, an extremely unpretentious artist, and a definitive crowd-pleaser. He ensures that there is heartfelt lyrical substance behind every song, a glimpse of his easy humorous rapport with an audience, ensures that they always leave with a copy of his CD and a smile.
He has opened for people such as Elvis Costello, Dr John and Van Morrison and in 2004 released the acclaimed album Thirteen Days which was declared Alt Country album of the year by BBC Radio Ulster. Again garnering airplay on Radio 2, this album also lead to a glowing review in Paste Magazine in America. His new CD Sugar Queen is already his biggest seller.
"Sugar Queen is bristling with hope joy love and fabulous songs" - Mojo
"A writer of considerable warmth and wit" - Uncut
"An Irish treasure waiting to happen" - Maverick
web site | MySpace
Canadian Cara Luft was a founder member of The Wailin' Jennys and is turning heads with her blend of roots, folk, rock and country music. With her unique Alt-Roots sound, Luft has a richly deserved reputation for her powerfully elegant guitar work, imaginative songwriting and a distinctive voice that penetrates to the core.
Cara's playing style combines rhythmic grooves, fleet fingers and a commanding resonant sound on the guitar, branching out into mandolin and clawhammer banjo. Her writing is a blend of social commentary, imagination and musical intensity. In performance she balances pathos with joy, telling hilarious stories between songs.
In 2002, Cara joined forces with two other female artists to form The Wailin’ Jennys. Along with a third of the songwriting duties, she was the instrumental anchor and a major contributor to their renowned vocal harmony arrangements. Two Jennys’ albums resulted - the second of which, "40 Days", was awarded a Juno Award for Best Roots Album (Group) in 2005.
She returned to solo performing in 2004 and her most recent album "The Light Fantastic"
was been nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award - Outstanding Roots Recording of the Year.
“a rich roots travelogue whose traditional heart beats with a wholly contemporary pulse. It spans the distance between the mists of English folk balladry and Middle East mysticism, through to the Mississippi Delta and the rustic wonders of the Appalachian Hills, with a certain fearless reverence and no small amount of soul." - Ottawa XpressGilmore
web site | MySpace
Thirty five years playing experience has made Pete Smith an extremely versatile and accomplished musician. Jazz, Blues, Folk, Ragtime, Calypso, Baroque and Bluegrass all get treated to his blistering fingerstyle technique and become playgrounds for his lightening improvisational skills.
Rated as one of the UK's finest guitarists he has gained a national reputation not only as a phenomenal player but also as a teacher and story teller. Regularly receiving standing ovations at top international Jazz, Blues and Folk Festivals, few musicians appeal to such a wide audience which is testament not only to his outstanding musicianship but also for being genuinely entertaining.
Having rediscovered his love of the acoustic guitar in 1999, he has since gained international recognition for his unique arrangements and dazzling playing and in 2005 was hand picked by Bob Taylor to represent Taylor Guitars in the UK.
In 2008 Pete became UK Clinician for Larrivee Guitars (USA) and regularly performs throughout the UK, Europe and USA.
web site | MySpace
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Independent Music Award Winner Rachael Sage writes what The Village Voice calls "lovely and literate folk-pop-rock". An innovative, improvisational keyboardist, she performs over 150 dates a year throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia. A Grand Prize-Winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Sage has earned a loyal following for her infectious melodies and poetic lyrics, and has shared stages with such artists as Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Judy Collins and Ani DiFranco. She has one of her tracks included in the soundtrack of the remake of the film Fame.
"Genuine talent...Sage has a knack for writing melodies that will break your heart without makingyou feel manipulated in the process... Where there's poignancy there's also subtlety, unforced passion and knowing observation" - RollingStone
"...rich vocals, sparkling piano and yearning poetry" - Time Out New York
"Pop music isn’t crafted as expertly as this anymore and Sage is the stitch between the great rock and pop traditions of the past and what those traditions have wrought – albeit almost invisibly – in the hypermodern world of the present." - Billboard
web site | MySpace
Consisting of Dan Plews and Guy Fletcher, Dansmall is Dansaul's (Saul Rose/Mark Woolley) diminutive brother. Since 1994 Dan & Guy have appeared throughout Europe and the UK performing Dan's award-winning songs at festivals and music clubs, including appearances this year in the USA and at Cambridge Festival Folk Festival.
Individually their touring and recording CVs include names like Jon Boden, Eliza Carthy, Tickled Pink and Ashley Hutchings, but it's as Dansmall that they have appeared most often. Their years together may have sharpened their ear for a good tune, but their playing and communication remain intuitive and spontaneous, often resulting in onstage excitement which is immediate and contagious.
Multi-talented Dan Plews possesses one of the most beguiling voices of any singer/songwriter on the UK scene. Since cutting his professional teeth touring with the Kings of Calicutt and Mercury Prize nominee Eliza Carthy, on whose first album he played guitar, Dan has made numerous appearances on national radio and TV, and regularly tours solo in the UK, Benelux, Germany & Scandinavia . His guitar and bouzouki accompaniments are often singled out for praise - space for ideas to breathe, or driving rhythm and runs-as well as tunes. Peppered with anecdotes, his live concerts are typified by his incisive lyrics and stunning versions of trad songs and well-chosen covers, and feature some of the best 'acapella-singing-while-changing-a-string' you'll ever hear!
Over recent years Dan has formed a musical alliance with fiddler and drummer Guy Fletcher who also plays with Little Johnny England. Guy is a great straight ahead tunes player, but really comes into his own in songs where he can give his imagination full reign, building up a wall of sound through his use of effects.
MySpace
Phil Beer is best known for his multi-instrumental virtuosity in the UK's leading acoustic duo Show of Hands who have filled the Albert Hall and been nominated as best duo in this year's BBC folk awards. The Phil Beer Band are one of the most entertaining groups on the scene and are a big draw everywhere they play. His other musical involvements are no less prestigious - he has played with Mike Oldfield, The Albion Band, The Rolling Stones and The Arizona Smoke Review to name but a few. web site
Deb is one of the leading voices on the current roots scene and is also a member of the Phil Beer Band having first made her name as one half of the Aqua Sisters. Her long awaited first solo album "My Prayer" is a mix of classic traditional and contemporary songs and was released to much critical acclaim. "She's got a soft, breathy autumnal evening and raindrops voice of deceptive depth that is brimful of assured poise and the confidence of experience" - NetRhythms. web site | mp3
AMY WADGE
Amy is an inspirational live performer, with a vocal range that can be as intimate as a whisper or as powerful as gritty gospel shout and whose honest, unsentimental emotionally articulate songs have often been compared to Sheryl Crow.
She first came to national attention in 2002 when she won Best Female Solo Artist at the BBC Welsh Music Awards, ahead of Charlotte Church. She went on to win same award the following year (beating Cerys Matthews).
She has appeared at many festivals including Glastonbury and the Cambridge Folk Festival. In 2003, she was personally invited by the Welsh Prime Minister Rhodri Morgan to perform for the 'Wales Rocks Sydney' showcase in Australia during the Rugby World Cup. She has opened for the legendary Jeff Beck and played support to Van Morrison, Damien Rice, Brian Kennedy and Eric Bibb, among others.
Amy has just realeased her new album, "Bump!" She has four previous releases; "The Famous Hour" (2002), "Woj" (2004), "No Sudden Moves" (2006) and "Tougher than Love", (2007), by an all female, three part vocal harmony group called Hummingbird, in which Amy was involved and which toured extensively during 2006-7.
"with a rangy, tough-but-tender voice, Wadge is earthy poetry in sneakers" - Venue Magazine, "beautiful breathy, acoustic musings" - Big Issue. "Pint-sized poetess - with Valley-quaking voice." - Q Magazine.
web site | MySpace
Doug was born in New York City and was in his teens when his family moved to St. Louis where he first heard the blues. In the mid-60s he began to play acoustic country blues in coffee houses and following a return to these roots in 1977 he began to make his reputation as a superb guitar player performing with such blues giants as Pee Wee Crayton, Lowell Fulson, Big Mama Thornton, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, and Big Joe Turner.
Over the years Doug has appeared at many top blues festivals and continues to tour and play countless clubs throughout the world. He has shared the stage or toured with many current artists including David Honeyboy Edwards, John Hammond, Homesick James, Dave Alvin, Charlie Musselwhite, Keb Mo, Taj Mahal, Gatemouth Brown, and Shemekia Copeland.
The high calibre of Doug's compositions (now numbering nearly 350) is evident on his ten albums and the works of other artists. His songs have been recorded by Albert King, Albert Collins, Son Seals, Joe Louis Walker, Papa John Creach, Dave Alvin, Eva Cassidy, Coco Montoya, Tabby Thomas, Chris Thomas King, Sun Records veteran Billy Lee Riley and James Armstrong. His material continues to be found on the TV screen in numerous shows and made-for-television films. Several of his songs continue to be featured in the long-running hit series In The Heat of the Night.
"Doug MacLeod, now there's a man who can really play the blues"- David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Delta Blues Legend.
"Cross an extraordinary acoustic blues guitarist with a savvy singer/songwriter, and you've got Doug MacLeod."- Living Blues
"MacLeod is not a mere imitator of a style, but one of the vibrant voices that will keep this sound alive into the next century." - Blues Revue
"Compositions that substantially expand the blues repertoire and at times push it out of its traditional confines." - Acoustic Guitar
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Johnny Coppin is a singer/songwriter, composer and poetry anthologist. Formerly with the folk-rock band Decameron, his many solo albums include "Forest & Vale & High Blue Hill" (Songs of Gloucestershire), "Edge of Day" - a collaboration with world-famous writer Laurie Lee, "Force of the River", "A Country Christmas" "The Shakespeare Songs" and his most recent albums "Keep the Flame" and "The Winding Stair". His clear voice together with his ability to write fine songs make his music essentially English in character while having universal appeal.
Johnny has supported Gerry Rafferty, Jasper Carrott and The Albion Band on tour and has appeared at Festivals in Britain, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Holland and Belgium - including the prestigious Cambridge, Edinburgh, Lisdoonvarna and Nyon Festivals. He has played on the European folk scene for many years, and makes a long overdue return to Scotland this May before beginning a UK tour of "Edge of Day" - his tribute to Laurie Lee, the writer of "Cider with Rosie".
TV appearances include his own programme "Song of Gloucestershire" for the BBC, "Stars in a Dark Night" for Channel 4, and the recent "Music Writers on TV" for HTV, while his radio work includes "Kaleidoscope" for Radio 4, "West Country Christmas", the Arts Programme and "Folk on Two" for Radio 2, as well as many appearances on British local radio shows.
His music for theatre includes "Songs on Lonely Roads" (the story of composer/poet Ivor Gurney) with David Goodland, The Shrewsbury Theatre Guild's production of "Arthur's Plough", as well as writing and directing the music for the Festival Players Theatre Company and their touring productions of Shakespeare which culminate in the Three Choirs Festival. He has edited two poetry anthologies - "Forest & Vale & High Blue Hill" and "Between the Severn and the Wye" - poems from the border counties of England & Wales. His 3rd book was"A Country Christmas" - a collections of prose, poetry, carols, songs and folklore.
"Strong, clear vocals, and songs of substance" - Daily Telegraph
"One of the finest voices in its field" - Q Magazine
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Now based in Launceston, Cornwall, Mike Silver has been writing and playing music for more than 30 years, enjoying a quiet success story throughout the UK and in various territories around the world. Signed to Elton John’s Rocket Records in 1973, Silver was based in the States for a while and toured the USA with the likes of Dory Previn and Ashford & Simpson. His ability to write and perform songs, which transcend many guitar and musical styles, has been recognised by the likes of The Moody Blues’, Ray Thomas and Justin Hayward who recorded Mike’s song, “Maybe It’s Just Love?" on his solo album Night Flight.
Mike is a consummate guitarist and always catches his audiences by surprise with that little extra bit of dexterity, just when they least expect it. His voice is full and crystal clear and his skill with an audience is outstanding. His songs are of longing, love and loss, perceptive and thoughtful, with haunting melodies and heart stopping lyrics.
Mike has recorded several sessions for BBC National Radio (including two, Radio 1 “In Concert" programmes and has also made numerous appearances either in interview or playing live for many BBC and independent local radio stations. Mike was also delighted to represent the United Kingdom at the European Broadcasting Union festival in Kiel, Northern Germany.
Variously reminiscent of James Taylor, Phil Collins, even Sting, Silver matches the talent of his better-known peers; his beautifully restrained delivery is especially noteworthy. Silver produces the goods - something that will come as no surprise to his loyal fans. For anyone else, if songwriters who can really sing and play are your thing, discover Silver with haste.
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| HARPETH RISING Harpeth Rising is something new. Their sound, comprised of violin, banjo, cello and hand drums is both recognizable and undefinable. Jordana Greenberg (violin, vocals,) and Rebecca Reed-Lunn (banjo, vocals,) started the band as just a duo under the name Sisters Grimm, busking their way across the United States in the summer of 2007. Now based in Nashville the group became Harpeth Rising when Ruth Valente Burgess (cello) and Christopher Burgess (hand drums) became permanent members. The quartet performs regularly throughout the United States, drawing audiences in with music that is somehow timeless and still utterly unique. Their debut self-titled album, Harpeth Rising, is a collection of passionate, intricately arranged original songs, straight from the churning, hopeful belly of today’s social activists. They are crying for change, questioning the past, and tracking down the revolution, via delicate harmonies and blazing instrumentals. web site | MySpace |
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Rod Clements co-founded Lindisfarne at the age of 21, playing bass, slide guitar and fiddle. He went on to write some of the band's best-loved and enduring songs, including their Top Five hit "Meet Me On the Corner", "The Road to Kingdom Come" and "Train in G Major."
After the death of Alan Hull in 1995, Rod took on the mantle of frontman and main songwriter for the band, and Lindisfarne forged on, strengthened by Rod's assured contribution. In 1998, Lindisfarne released their classic comeback album "Here Comes the Neighbourhood". Produced by Sid Griffin, Rod contributed most of the material. Apart from his significant achievements in Lindisfarne, Rod's career reads like a who's who of contemporary British folk roots. In 1974 he played bass on Ralph McTell's Number One hit "Streets of London" and in the 1980s, Rod toured Europe and the USA with the legendary Pentangle. Collaborations with Bert Jansch, Kathryn Tickell and Thea Gilmore, along with his recent emergence as a superb instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, have more than earned Rod a reputation as "a fascinating mosaic which makes more than a satisfying whole" (Folk Roots).
Rod's first solo album "Stamping Ground" was released in 2000 and is a collection of contemporary and finely-crafted songs which owe much to Rod's blues roots, his love for the folk tradition, and the history of his native Northumberland in North East England.
"John Sebastian meets Ry Cooder meets Richard Thompson." Sing Out (USA)
"Superb...very rootsy...a great feel." - Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2
"A tremendous performer, Rod plays acoustic guitar and resonator guitar with real power and passion and has the songs and the voice to go with them.....a master of his trade at the peak of his powers." - Llangors Music Festival
web site | mp3
Charlie Dore has looked at the songwriter's art from both sides now. Initially a highly original, much vaunted solo artist (her self-written single Pilot Of The Airwaves reached number 13 on the Billboard chart back in 1980), she went on to ply her gifts for inspired melodies, big harmonies, and clever, quietly subversive lyrics in the wider commercial marketplace, and with great success: Tina Turner, Celine Dion, George Harrison, Lisa Stansfield, Jimmy Nail, Sheena Easton and Hayley Westenra are just a handful of the diverse artists to have had major hits with her compositions, or to have included them on platinum or multi-platinum-selling albums.
Originally trained as an actress, Charlie has worked in TV, Theatre, Radio and Film, starring opposite Jonathan Pryce In the award-winning "The Ploughman's Lunch", with Eric Idle in "Behind the Crease", and even improvising alongside Robin Williams at the Hurricane Comedy Club, which she co-founded and performed at regularly for seven years. After the 1979 debut album "Where to Now?", made in Nashville and London and it's successor two years later, "Listen", there was a thirteen year gap before the third album- "Things Change".
With Julian Littman she composed music for two series of "Two Thousand Acres of Sky" for BBC1, plus two films, "Roman Road" and "Under". A screenplay, two productions with The People Show, a short film, "Low Noise" and countless bespoke songwriting assignments later, Charlie found her own voice again, and in 2005 "Sleep All Day And Other Stories" was released. With this album Charlie hit a new vein of creativity, drawing freely on her acoustic folk/country roots. Written simply and organically with Julian Littman, the album drew unequivocal media praise and many new fans. Charlie says, "Sleep All Day'" opened up several avenues in terms of finally allowing myself to rinse out all commercial considerations (the complete opposite of what's required when I write for other artists) and dare to write more personal stuff."
Charlie will be joined by Graham Henderson on dobro and mandolin, and Dudley Philips on double bass.
"A clever songwriter with a dream of a voice that glides from folk and country to jazzy cabaret" - The Telegraph
"The surety of Dore's singing helps highlight the elegance and candour of her songs" - The Observer
"a genre that is original and entirely her own - Charlie Dore takes artistry to a whole new level" - Maverick
web site | MySpace
| TELEPHONE BILL & THE SMOOTH OPERATORS Telephone Bill & The Smooth Operators (previously known as The Burglars) are a jazz, country, swing, blues, doo-wop group. They all play lots of instruments and sing - really quite well. If you get Asleep at the Wheel, Ry Cooder, Dan Hicks, Howlin' Wolf, Chris Cox and Duke Ellington, you'll understand. The line up is Nick Barraclough playing guitar, banjo and bass; Steve Reynolds, accordion, guitar and bass; Robb Appleton, harmonica and bass; Chris Cox, bass, guitar and mandolin. “if it had come out of Austin, Raleigh or even Nashville, would be acclaimed as Americana of the highest order” - Maverick magazine ****. …"the vision is all encompassing and the production is a delight. With the minimum of overdubs, producer Spike Weinberg does himself and the Burglars proud…whimsical flourishes and Beatle-esque flair make this CD a sonic treat. There’s a “try anything once” approach that’s fresh and inventive. While some artists might poke you in the ribs to make sure you got it, The Burglars let it all float by, like a feather on the breeze. Chances are you’ll catch it" - Rock & Reel **** |
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American singer/songwriter Briana Hardyman has been compared to a diverse range of artists such as Stevie Nicks, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, and Lucinda Williams. She delivers emotionally injected, rootsy songs and performances with hints of blues, soul, folk, and country. A natural entertainer, Hardyman was formerly trained as an actor before dedicating herself to the craft of songwriting. A calm, charismatic performer, Briana touches a breadth of listeners in a personal-yet universal, sensitive-yet powerful, and gentle-yet stirring manner.
Raised on a farm in rural Wisconsin, Hardyman lived in New York City before moving to Nashville, where she has been actively performing and writing since 2006. Following many performances throughout the Southern USA in 2007/2008, Hardyman spent the latter part of 2008 touring the UK. Hardyman is currently performing with a variety of artists in the United States and England, and has just completed her second solo album “People Like Me”.
MySpace
Veteran singer/songwriter Mark Elliott has won honours at songwriter festivals from Florida to California, including winning the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Award. A Staff writer veteran of the Nashville hit factories; Mark Elliott is also a gifted performer. His latest release showcases his tight, witty lyrics, nimble guitar playing and especially his strong, soulful singing.
MySpace
Described by Time Out as a 'fretboard wizard', Benji Kirkpatrick is a gifted guitar player and an engaging and experienced performer. Over the decade or so that he has been working on the folk scene, he has honed a distinctive style which has rare energy.
As well as being a soloist, Benji has also collaborated with peers and veterans of the scene on various ventures. He is one third of Faustus and has also worked with Nationwide Mercury Prize nominee Seth Lakeman. The two of them have played duo gigs together and featured on each other's albums. (Benji appears on Seth's Mercury Prize nominated; 'Kitty Jay' as well as top selling 'Freedom Fields'). Oysterband invited Benji to join them on their Big Session tours of 2001 and 2003, alongside Cara Dillon, Eliza Carthy and Jim Moray. He was a founder member of folk/funk/jazz/soul big band, Bellowhead, who are now established as one of scene's most popular live acts.
web site | MySpace
| MAWKIN:CAUSLEY Mawkin:Causley is a new collaboration between one of the best instrumental outfits to emerge in recent years, Mawkin, who already have a string of festival and concert appearances under their belt, and singer Jim Causley whose gorgeous baritone voice is the perfect foil for their cleverly textured tunes and energetic performances. Mawkin have played at over 50 festivals in the past 4 years, last year supporting Show of Hands, Eliza Carthy and Shooglenifty on their tours. They released their debut album “The Fair Essex” last September which has received brilliant reviews including a 4 star review from MOJO who described it as “Unconditionally Mighty”. Their guitarist was also this years BBC Radio Young Folk Award finalist. Their line up is Jamie Delarre: Fiddle, Melodeon, David Delarre: Guitar, Alex Goldsmith: Melodeons, Danny Crump: Bass Guitar, Piano Young Devon folk singer Jim Causley recorded his debut album, "Fruits of the Earth" in 2005 and was nominated for best newcomer at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2006. He has toured with Waterson:Carthy as part of their Frost & Fire Christmas Tour for four consecutive years and has joined them in the studio on their most recent album 'Holy Heathens and the Old Green Man' (Topic). Causley has become reknowned for his warm, rich and mature singing voice, his natural gift for interpreting traditional song and his wry and cheeky stage presence. He recently worked with Scottish musician John McCusker as part of the Celtic Connections/Cambridge Folk Festival commissioned project; 'Under One Sky'. web site | MySpace |
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Acclaimed singer Bella Hardy, twice nominated in the BBC Folk Awards 2008, has a voice marked as '...mesmerising' and '...faultless'. Having spent ten years playing some of folk's biggest stages with festival regulars The Pack and Ola, she launched her debut solo album Night Visiting in Autumn 2007 to overwhelming critical support. Bella has now established herself as one of the finest young folk acts around, singing unaccompanied ballads, or entwining her hypnotic voice with her own fiddle accompaniment to breathtaking effect.
In 2004 she entered the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards as a solo artist. She got through the semis as an unaccompanied singer and went into the finals as a fiddle singer. Bella launched her debut solo album Night Visiting with a big concert party at The Northern Stage in Newcastle in September 2007 and the album was met with great critical acclaim. She performed at this year's BBC Folk Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
For this performance she is joined by Chris Sherburn from 'Last Night's Fun'.
"...Bella Hardy is more than a new generation folk revivalist... Her potential is massive. Meanwhile this is an exciting, accomplished debut." - fRoots
web site | MySpace
Martha Tilston is an enigmatic singer songwriter whose pure voice has been described by critics as "sending shivers down the spine". Having grown up in an acclaimed musical family, she's emerged from the underground festival music scene over the last couple of years to forge her own distinctive style and career in the world of folk music.
Soon after leaving Drama school she was out on the London gig circuit. She formed acoustic duo Mouse with guitarist Nick Marshall and they enjoyed a couple of years touring all over the UK and Europe. This cult duo gained huge respect and a dedicated following both in the underground festival scene and also the contemporary acoustic culture. They released 'mouse-tales' the album which is still gathering rave reviews around the world.
At the end of 2002 Martha supported Damien Rice on tour round Ireland and this was really the start of her solo career. Since then she has headlined many gigs around the UK and enjoyed successful festival appearances at Glastonbury, Cambridge, Guilfest, the Big Green Gathering, Towersey, Broadstairs, among others as well as numerous radio shows.
'A sparkling repertoire of self-penned songs' -Time Out
'As political as often as she is romantic, her voice weaves magic... ...sounding redolent of wet leaves and spider-webbed hollows... ...The Tilston name seems fair set to dominate the English folk scene for another generation. ' - Netrhythms
'Martha Tilston is on her way to being considered one of Britains finest young singer-songwriters' - Orpheus magazine/Virgin
web site | MySpace
Northumbrian based song-writing duo Landermason are Fiona Lander (vocals, piano, saxophone, whistles, clarinet and recorder) and Paul Mason (vocals and guitars). Together they have developed a unique sound which combines both traditional and contemporary folk with jazz and other styles. They have recorded and produced 4 CDs to date. Their most recent albums "The Reason" and "Angel of the North" have both gained national airplay on BBC Radio 2 and 3 and their own striking version of "When the Boat Comes In" was included in the MOJO top 10 Playlist.
"Great album!" - Lucy Duran BBC Radio 3
"Strongly melodic, thoughtfully crafted, skillfully managed and admirably classy" - Froots
web site | MySpace
ADAM LEVY
Adam Levy is best known for his tenure as the featured guitarist in Norah Jones' Handsome Band. He played on her breakout 2002 disk Come Away with Me, her '04 follow-up Feels Like Home, and her latest CD Not Too Late. In his downtime between steady gigs with Jones, Levy has been onstage and/or in the studio with Rosanne Cash, Amos Lee, M. Ward, and up-and-coming Aussie artist Eran James.
In addition to Levy's skills as a player, he is a gifted songwriter. He penned "In the Morning" for Jones' Feels Like Home, and other artists have recorded his songs as well. There's no doubt, though, that the best way to hear Levy's folk/pop/blues gems is straight from the source.
web site | MySpace
Miranda Sykes is rapidly emerging as a major talent on the folk scene both as a bass player to some of its leading names and more recently fronting her own band. She is classically trained and played bass guitar in rock and country outfits until her roots in folk music lured her back and she toured Europe and America with folk-rock band Pressgang.
She continues to build up a solo repertoire of refreshingly unusual songs of her native Lincolnshire as well as traditional and modern material and is increasingly in demand both as a double bassist and singer. She has worked with Robb Johnson, Firebrand, Steafan Hannigan, Leon Rosselson, Bill Jones, Roger Wilson, Alan Burke, Reg Meuross and Kirsty McGee. She has toured with Show of Hands, with the Phil Beer Band, as the Miranda Sykes Band, featuring Maartin Allcock and Gareth Turner, and has recently joined Little Johnny England.
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Antje Duvekot is one of the fastest rising stars of the American folk scene and we are very lucky to have her play for us as part of a short trip that includes being Bob Harris’s studio guest on his BBC Radio 2 show.
She was born in Germany but America became her home at the age of 14 when her family moved there. After deciding to make music her career the big break came when the famous Irish group Solas decided to record an album of contemporary songs and included one of her hers. This led to Seamus Egan from the group producing her first studio CD, "Big Dream Boulevard" which The Boston Globe hailed as “the most convincing debut by any local songwriter since Dar Williams". The review went on to say that her “provocative, dark-eyed ballads are becoming the talk of the folk world.” Antje has won the New Folk Award at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas, just as Nanci Griffith and Steve Earle did and is now getting rave reviews everywhere she plays.
“Antje Duvekot could well emerge as the major find of 2006" - Maverick Magazine (UK)
web site | MySpace
A finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Tradition Award in 1993, Jennifer has appeared on national tv and radio, and worked in a variety of acclaimed acts. Her collaborations have ranged from the virtuosic hammered dulcimer and harp duo Cythara (who performed the soundtrack for BBC series ‘The Private Life of Plants’) to the festival mayhem of world-dance fusion band Elephant Talk, taking time to form the lively pop-folk outfit Madigan, and a top class duo with multi-instrumentalist Henry Sears along the way.
However, in a brave new departure, ‘A Few Small Things’ is Jennifer’s first completely solo project and the first to contain entirely original material. Her beautifully evocative songs are enhanced by her rather unconventional ensemble: Robert Harbron on english concertina, Bethany Porter on cello and Maclaine Colston on hammered dulcimer.
"A special talent" - Maverick
"Spellbinding"- Acoustic Magazine
"An enchanting album...repeatedly delights and captivates..." - fRoots
web site | MySpace
Rebecca is a young singer/songwriter who is causing heads to turn wherever she performs. Her career took off when Bob Harris invited her to play a live session on his Radio 2 show last year after hearing her first album. It was a homemade recording that displayed the poetry of Joni Mitchell, the pathos of Damien Rice and the vocal depth of Kate Bush
Her new album, "Morning Comes to Those Who Wait", features Rebecca on banjo, music box, singing bowl, classical and acoustic guitars and has songs that are rich with emotion, quirky melodies and passionate lyrics.
"I am quite entranced" - Jeremy Vine, BBC Radio 2
"It's a lovely CD, I'll be playing more..." - Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
"If Dido and Enya had a love child, and Tori Amos became the godmother in a ceremony on her English countryside estate surrounded by wood nymphs and fairies, chances are this amazing new being would be British singer-songwriter Rebecca Worthley" - Liza Monroy, Indie Music
web site | MySpace
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The simple yet moving music centres around the miraculous blending of two very different voices: that of Welsh songstress Emily Williams, who also sails through the mix with her violin and sets up chunky rhythms with her nylon-strung guitar, and that of Rebecca Sullivan of Utah who fingerpicks a sparkling steel-string, and breaks out the harmonica for a song or two. You could call it contemporary folk – with an edge – and the group has been compared to Indigo Girls, The Be Good Tanyas, Simon and Garfunkel, Tracy Chapman, Michelle Shocked, Rickie Lee Jones and Dead Can Dance.
"Original, off-the-wall and highly individual songs ... meltingly fine harmony lines ... breathtaking and exhilarating" - Taplas Magazine
web site | MySpace
Sheena Grobb made an unforgettable impact on the Canadian music scene in 2007 when the virtually unknown artist was nominated for Outstanding Pop Recording at the Western Canadian Music Awards for her debut EP Safe Guarded Space. That same year, Sheena was recognized by the Los Angeles Music Awards with a nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year, and she was a semi-finalist at the 4th annual Williamsburg Live Songwriters Competition in New York.
Inspired by the likes of Sarah Slean, Damien Rice, David Gray, and other literary performers, Sheena’s songs are underscored by vocals that rip and soothe simultaneously. She has honed her emotionally stirring performance style with an impressive repertoire of original songs. Her fan base has now exploded from her Manitoba roots and has forged throughout Canada and internationally into the USA, UK, and Australia.
web site | MySpace
Steve met Chris about six years ago when he turned up for a studio session for an album Chris was putting together. They found much in common and the magic was there. Their music is an eclectic mix of both original and cover songs from the last 80 years, although you may not remember the first time they were released they have timeless appeal.
The range of styles are beautifully packaged in a seamless roller coaster ride through traditional music. These international musicians have recorded and toured extensively over the last 20 years.
Chris Newman is an outstanding blues guitarist who started performing in the mid 70s, Chris has an impressive musical CV. He has been a member of the John Slaughter Blues Band, toured as support for the Climax Blues Band and been a member of the Soul Survivors with Vinnie Jones. In 2003 he played at the Cambridge Folk Festival with guitarist Eric Roche and harmonica player Steve Lockwood. He has recorded an acoustic tribute album to Rory Gallagher which got rave reviews and is now working on material for his own acoustic album. web site
Steve Lockwood’s achievements over the last 20 years include 50 albums as a performer and session musician. He has played with acts from Larry Adler to Screaming Lord Sutch and has recorded with both the Royal Philharmonic and the City of Prague Orchestra. Steve achieved a music degree from APU, Cambridge, specialising in harmonica and has gone on to compose and play music for film, television and radio. His dynamic and versatile playing incorporates both traditional and avant-Garde techniques to an amazing level. web site | mp3
This brilliant virtuoso guitarist plays a unique mix of jazz, blues, folk, ragtime, swing, country, calypso and baroque, all presented with good humour. He previously played for us as a duo with John Buckley but has now returned to a solo career.
Originally influenced by the English school of folk guitarists such as Nic Jones, Martin Carthy, John Renbourn and Gordon Giltrap it was in the mid-1980s that he discovered the jazz playing of Joe Pass and Martin Taylor. After a period of playing in Rock n Roll bands and doing session work he teamed up with John Buckley. This proved to be a successful formula and resulted in their being chosen by Bob Taylor himself to represent Taylor guitars in the UK. They did countless gigs and earned rave reviews but after seven years Pete decided it was time to spread his wings again and so he disbanded the duo.
Pete has done many prestigious gigs including Cambridge Folk Festival, London International Guitar Festival, Marbella Jazz Festival (Spain), Tommy Emmanuel`s Tommyfest Ullapool Guitar Festival, The Royal Festival Hall, The Royal National Theatre, The N.E.C, The I.C.C, The N.I.A, Olympia and Wembley Arena as well as making numerous radio appearances.
"Fantastic" - John Renbourn, "Pete and John played a set so fantastic that I cannot describe it with words." - Guitar Collector, USA. "prodigious talent, fluidity and style" - Andrew Hay, Solihull Guitar Society, "these guys have real talent” - Ric Sanders, Fairport Convention. "Smith & Buckley combine classical and jazz techniques to accomplish more on a pair of acoustic guitars than some big-band orchestras" - Guitarist magazine.
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UK based, Australian singer/songwriter LISA FITZGIBBON is putting the Power back into contemporary folk music. Currently writing her fifth album, her sound is soft centered but hard core, Power Folk with a tender heart.
Lisa Fitz has shared the stage with musical legends such as Arlo Guthrie, Roger McGuinn (from the Byrds), Chris Difford (from UK band Squeeze), Ani Difranco, Martyn Hayes and Denis Cahil. She has collaborated with Rob Hirst from Midnight Oil and Rick Grossman from the Hoodoo Guru's and her UK band, ‘The Power Folk Quintet’, features Jane Griffiths on fiddle, Colin Fletcher on bass, Jon Fletcher on guitar/mandolin/harmonica and Damon Sawyer on drums and percussion.
From the Acoustic Stage at Glastonbury Festival to the small folk clubs in the Midlands, from the front bar of Melbourne's famous Espy Hotel to London's Shepherds Bush Empire... Lisa is totally at home in every live situation.
"Raw... real... powerful!" -Metro, SMH. "When the world finds her she'll be ready." -Time Out.
web site | mp3
Polly Paulusma started playing her guitar- and piano-based songs on London's acoustic circuit in 2001 and never looked back. She was half-way through making her first album at home when One Little Indian signed her in 2003. The resulting debut, Scissors In My Pocket, came out in the UK in April 2004 to critical acclaim. Uncut Magazine described her as "the finest young British female singer-songwriter to emerge over the last 12 months". She has done support slots for Jamie Cullum, Marianne Faithfull and Coldplay and played at the Glastonbury Festival in 2005. Her new cd "Fingers & Thumbs" continues where her debut left off delivering ten warm guitar pop songs with her signature husk of a voice.
"complete, pure and personal" **** - Mojo
"outstanding...and passionate" - Daily Telegraph
"An enchanting debut of understated, intelligent folk pop" - Rolling Stone Magazine (USA)
web site | MySpace
Abbie Lathe is a versatile and accomplished multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and inspiring voice workshop leader. Having completed four national tours and two highly successful albums as one third of 'Maddy Prior and the Girls', Abbie is enjoying a flourishing solo career. She recently released her fourth album, "Low Summer", which she is showcasing at gigs around the country. Taking in folk, pop and highly original material, Abbie's distinctive vocal and guitar style hints at elements of Kirsty MacColl and Joni Mitchell, but Abbie transcends easy categorisation.
The musicians accompanying her on her new album and upcoming gigs are Jane Griffiths on violin, Colin Fletcher on bass and guitar and Claudia Gibson on vocals.
"A major new talent on the block ... we'll see a lot more of Abbie in 2004" - BBC Radio 2. "Abbie Lathe has delivered a charming, accessible debut, stacked with melancholy, charm and beauty as well as intelligence, melodically and lyrically" - Folk Roots.
"Looks like English folk just found itself another rising star" - NetRhythms
"Lathe mixes her own lively songs with assured interpretations of traditional classics. Highly promising." - Mojo
web site | mp3
One of the world's finest exponents of fingerstyle acoustic guitar Thomas Leeb was born in Austria in 1977 and has played more than six hundred concerts in Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, England, Ireland, Brazil and the USA since his first stage appearance at the age of fifteen.
He has also recorded four solo CDs and taught workshops and masterclasses internationally during these years. Although originally self-taught, he earned a BFA in Music from the California Institute of the Arts in 2003 where he studied guitar with Miroslav Tadic and Larry Koonse and Ghanaian dance/drumming with the Ladzekpo family.
Thomas' natural sense of rhythm and melody, combined with a tasteful use of gravity-defying extended techniques takes listeners on a National-Geographic-style musical rollercoaster.
He is still not entirely sure what kind of music he actually plays and has recently resorted to calling himself 'the bastard child of acoustic Fingerstyle'. Thomas is currently located in California.
"Thomas' technique and compositions have certainly put him into the 'world's greatest unknown guitarists' category ... He has to be seen to be believed. - Guitar Techniques Magazine
web site | mp3 | video (7.2mb Windows media File)
John Lester is an artist on the rise in Europe. Since relocating from San Francisco in 2003, he has gained the recognition and appreciation of audiences and critics in the UK, The Netherlands, France, and Germany. A gifted singer, bassist, and guitarist, he uses jazz, folk, blues, reggae, and world music to paint soundscapes for his well-crafted lyrics. His mastery of the upright and electric basses has also enabled him to create a unique performance style, whether it be with his band or as a solo act.
His album "Big Dreams and the Bottom Line" opened new avenues for John. He has been touring extensively supporting this album, as both a headlining act at smaller venues and as a support act for signed artists. He has created a strong and loyal following and has shared the stage with such talented and diverse acts as Grammy-nominated songwriter Gretchen Peters, funky jazz songstress Erin McKeown, punk rock’s poet laureate Patty Smith, bass virtuosos Michael Manring and Steve Lawson, and French pop singer Jacques Higelin.
"His bass/vocal approach is intriguing and innovative but never gets in the way of the song itself. Genre-defying music." - Gretchen Peters
"John Lester's voice is strong and well accompanied with his solo bass. More important than just having a great voice, he is a voice. Great songs that really communicate." - Russ Jennings KPFA Radio, Berkeley California.
“An extraordinary collection of beautifully crafted and perfectly executed songs.” - Bass Guitar Magazine
web site | mp3
This acoustic guitar supremo, 21st century blues master and gritty dylanesque singer/songwriter has really emerged as a force to be reckoned with on the scene over the last couple of years with tours as support to Lonnie Donegan, Jim Capaldi and Bob Geldof plus opening for Johnny Winter at the Vienna International Blues Festival. He has also supported Midge Ure, Kiki Dee, The Blues Band and Geno Washington, amazing audiences every where he plays.
His live shows are a showcase for his extraordinary gravel voice and dynamic guitar style and may include his own compositions and songs from the likes of Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, Neil Young, Nils Lofgren, Tom Petty, Gene Clark and many more.
Comments from his fellow performers have included: "Where the **** did you get a voice like that?" - Bob Geldof. "How do I follow that?" - Lonnie Donegan.
web site | mp3
Kellie is one of the most exciting and original singer songwriters in Britain today. Many have tried to pigeonhole her unique style as contemporary roots or folk-pop but have found it impossible to describe in just one or two words. The release of Kellie's debut solo album "Tenacious" in 2001 has brought her much critical acclaim and praise - not only from the folk/roots press but also from mainstream music magazines, national press and radio. Together with rave live reviews this has placed Kellie and her own modern brand of acoustic music high in the hybrid world of roots-based contemporary folk. Her songs have been described as 'fresh' and 'infectious' and her voice as 'effortless', 'classy' and 'timeless'. She is the lead singer with new folk supergroup Reel and Soul Association alongside the brilliant Thea Gilmore and has also sung with the Albion Band and e2K. "An impressive debut from someone with their sights set high" - Q album review. web site | mp3
The positive response to Julie Ellison’s debut solo CD, “At Last”, has cemented her position as one of Britain’s most exciting acoustic musicians. She has an impressive range of guitar styles; ragtime, country blues, jazz, classical, folk and rock, all on solo acoustic guitar. Combine this instrumental ability with a vocal style which has been compared to the likes of Joni Mitchell, then add her exceptional original songs and you begin to understand what sets Julie Ellison apart.
Julie started playing guitar at the age of 9 and gave her first public solo performance at the age of 11. Since then she has found an outlet for her talents in a number of folk, jazz, rock, country and indie bands as well in small theatre companies. However it is as a solo artist that she really shines. Her blend of original songs and guitar instrumentals, including innovative arrangements of guitar classics such as a ragtime version of the traditional Spanish classical piece “Romance”, have earned her a reputation as an outstanding contemporary acoustic artist.
She has appeared at Folk and Acoustic Music Festivals across the UK, including Cromer’s Folk on the Pier Festival, Holmfirth Folk Festival, the Arundel Fringe Festival and Gainsborough Folk Festival. She frequently holds guitar master classes and workshops as a precursor to a live performance. She has made live radio broadcasts since her teens, appearing for Radio Sheffield, Radio York, Radio Medway and BCB Radio Bradford as well as a TV appearance on Yorkshire TV’s Calendar magazine programme as part of BBC Music Live.
She has been asked to perform support to a number of leading performers including Ralph McTell, Steve Tilston, the late Isaac Guillory and her personal guitar hero, New York-based Woody Mann. For those new to Julie Ellison’s music, she can be justifiably described as a “real find”. A beautiful voice, compelling original songs and a mastery of the acoustic guitar which lifts her performances to another level.
"One of Britain’s most talented and versatile guitarists.” - Arundel Festival
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This twenty-eight year old guitarist and songwriter from Virginia, USA, first came to attention when singer/guitarist Kelly Joe Phelps took him on tour as his opening act and produced his album "Songs for Devon Sproule". Phelps said of him: "Paul's songs were incredible, the guitar playing was amazing". Capturing the spontaneity and power of Curreri's incredible live performances the resulting album is a freewheeling collection of stories, spirited wordplay and stunningly expressive finger-style guitar work. "Paul Curreri gives us what few other songwriters can - real stories to follow, real words to listen to, all bound tight in invigorating guitar" - The New Yorker.
web site | mp3
His music is a subtle blend of Blues, R&B, Jazz and Rock and throughout Europe he is considered to be one of the most exciting performers around today. In 1969, while living in his native America, he opened shows for Neil Young and Ritchie Havens on the East Coast which led to a European tour in 1971. Since then he has shared the stage with many great blues and folk musicians and recently worked with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings. He continues to gain fame as a solo artist, both for his fabulous voice and for his incredible acoustic work and was twice voted "Acoustic Artist of the Year" by the British Blues Connection and Blueprint Magazine. "On this form, Adrian Byron Burns could well be mentioned in the same breath as Keb 'Mo, Alvin Youngblood Hart and Eric Bibb"- Paul Jones. R&B Show BBC Radio 2. web site | Real Audio
Bob has earned a place in the landscape now called Americana Music having charted Top 20 in that genre with his last two CDs. Bob grew up in Memphis and got a soul full of music not only from the icons of his youth such as Elvis, Jerry Lee and Johnny Cash but also from his Mother, who was a radio star during the Great Depression performing with the Big Bands of that era. From an early age, Bob’s creative feet were firmly planted in Mississippi Delta mud, and his songs began to feature characters whose lives reflected the life style along the rivers of the South over the past hundred years. As a producer, publisher, singer, songwriter and seasoned performer, Bob has found his own voice spinning rootsy, blues-flavoured tales of the Delta in a conversational language of the heart. web site | Real Audio
In recent years Angie's potent mix of country, blues, and folk, served up with equal measures of aggression and tenderness, has led her to be called the British Lucinda Williams. Her music is now being championed by Bob Harris who recently chose her as one of only two female singer-songwriters on his recent Best of British show, calling her "one of the greatest British songwriters."
After spending her early years busking and travelling around Europe she met Paul Mason in Paris and struck up a songwriting partnership and together they wrote her album "romantica obscura". Her next CD "Road" was released in 2003 and featured songs that have strong European influenced narratives - philosophy, literature, cinema. From Mojo to Maverick the music press received Road with 4 and 5 star reviews and she has been compared by many with Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell thanks to lyrics described by reviewers as intelligent and literate.
Her new CD "Tales of Light and Darkness", which like "Road" made the long-cut for the Mercury Music Prize, is a more musically diverse record, with longer storytelling songs rubbing shoulders with shorter simpler songs about love, loss, and redemption, again drawing heavily on literature.
"a writer of considerable distinction...one to be played at regular intervals." - Mojo
"A lyrically sharp album with gritty vocals and powerful music that makes you sit up and listen! A wonderful diverse collection that should get her even more critical acclaim." - Maverick Magazine
web site | MySpace
Edwina Hayes is a singer/songwriter who has been a regular performer on the UK acoustic scene since 1999. Dividing her time between the UK and America, Edwina's second home is Nashville where she is also highly regarded as a songwriter and artist. One of the tracks from her debut album "I Want Your Love" was selected for the No.1 best selling album 'Acoustic Love'. In recent years Edwina has toured the UK with Van Morrison, Daniel Beddingfield, Loudon Wainwright lll, Roy Harper, Tommy Emmanuel and Ricky Ross as well as playing 26 shows with Jools Holland, 3 UK tours with Nanci Griffith and a private concert for Michael Parkinson. She has a song covered by Nanci Griffith on her new album and her own version of a Randy Newman song has been included in the film My Sister's Keeper.
"Haunting honeyed solo songwriter" - The Guardian
"A wonderful young woman, so gifted and full of song, with a voice as sweet as the angels" -Nanci Griffith
"A very talented young lady" - Michael Parkinson
web site | MySpace
Grammy Award winner and Solid Air Records (USA) recording artist, Amrit Sond has graced the same billing with the world's most renowned guitarists. He is an extraordinary fingerstyle guitarist who draws on elements of Jazz, Classical, Folk, Rock and New Acoustic techniques to create his unique melodically driven compositions. Whether tapping the neck with both hands, slapping the body to create percussion or using the unusual e-bow, his playing has to be seen to be believed. "Pink Guitar", the music of Henry Mancini CD that featured Amrit's version of the Mancini classic "Two for the Road", was awarded a Grammy in the Best Pop Instrumental category. "A virtuoso, New Age, acoustic guitarist." - Time Out.
web site | MySpace
A composer and player of the Classical Guitar, Steel String Acoustic Guitar, Dobro Slide Guitar, Mandolin, Electric Guitar and Synthesiser Guitar. Born in 1957, in Wollongong, Australia, Roland made his Sydney Opera House debut in 1988 and has since built a reputation as one of Australia’s master Guitarist/Composers. Since moving to the UK in 1997 he has presented Concerto, World Music and Chamber concerts with the Royal Liverpool Phiharmonic Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia and the Boston Symphony Orchestra as well as performing with the bles band Native Tongue.
"Tuneful, eclectic and energetic, the styles switch between English folk melody, South American syncopation and soft rock" - Classic FM Magazine, "fantastic compositions" - Tommy Emmanuel. web site | mp3
Derrin and David are from Australia and have now firmly established their unique soundscape of roots, folk, blues and country styles. Derrin writes and sings superbly melodic songs, plays astonishing acoustic guitar, while Dave supplies subtle, complimentary percussion. The result is a compelling and once seen, never forgotten act, which stuns audiences with the intensity and diversity of their music and charismatic stage presence. "excitement, brilliant guitar, dramatic drumming” - Live Wire, "sound that breaks the rules” - Blueprint web site | mp3
ARIEL THIERMANN
Vocalist, pianist, and songwriter Ariel Thiermann from the USA is a dynamic performer with a unique gift at blending fresh poetic imagery with evocative melody. On her latest CD, "Behold", she mixes pop, jazz, folk, and rock to create an authentic sound all her own.
She began performing at the age of five on stage alongside her mother, children's recording artist Linda Arnold and by the time Ariel was eight years old she was recording and touring nationally. At the age of twelve she performed on the Disney Channel and recorded for Walt Disney Records and at fifteen began branching out into her own musical pursuits in the a-cappella trio Mayim who performed their intricate harmonies all over the Bay Area.
She is now a seasoned performer who along with her solo performances has hosted and performed with symphonic orchestras around the Bay Areas and is the leader of four choirs. "songs of depth and passion married to nuanced musical arrangements" - Santa Cruz Sentinel.
web site | MySpace
A rising star from San Francisco, Kenon mixes powerful emotion and intricate guitar work in his superbly crafted songs. Fascinating to watch, Kenon is a fresh and exhilarating force on stage with the voice of an angel, superb musicianship and composition skills and maturity beyond his years. He is from a culturally rich heritage having African-American and American Indian parents and this makes his music a magical melting pot of endless possibilities.
web site | mp3
web site | YouTube Videos
Rebecca Hollweg is a London based singer and songwriter whose debut album of melodic pop songs "June Babies" was released to critical acclaim in 2001 and went on to get played on Jeremy Vine's BBC Radio 2 show. The same year she did her own headline tour of the UK as well as appearing on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour with Jenni Murray, and doing sessions for Janice Long on BBC Radio 2 and Tom Robinson on BBC Radio 6Music. Later in the year she supported Roger McGuinn of The Byrds on his UK tour, playing major theatres and concert halls.
In 2003 she supported Paul Carrack (formerly of Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics) on his UK tour, again playing major venues and 2008 saw the completion of a new album, 'Orange Roses' - 9 tracks of mellow, melodic songs with a country tinge.
She will be joined by Andy Hammill on bass.
"exquisite vocals..." - The Guardian
"A gifted tunesmith" - Q Magazine
"there is something of Mitchell in her soaring vocal lines and Vega in her confessional ones" - Sunday Times
web site | Myspace | YouTube Video
JOANNA EDEN
Joanna lives in Saffron Walden and being the daughter of a professional musician and a drama teacher and writer perhaps becoming a singer/songwriter was an obvious step. Her debut, "A Little Bird Told Me", was launched at Ronnie Scott's club in London and is an album which spans the gap between Joanna's love of jazz and the need to communicate in her own style. With a swung version of Simon & Garfunkel's "59th Street Bridge Song" and a funked up "Night & Day" Joanna showed she wasn't interested in simply re-creating the past.
The album also featured five original songs which were warmly welcomed by the media with Michael Parkinson instructing his listeners to "seek this one out".
The reviews were so positive that Joanna decided to make her second album, "My Open Eye", an all-original affair. With performances at prestigious venues such as the National Theatre Joanna Eden is rapidly establishing herself as a quality singer/songwriter who can also do justice to jazz standards. Joanna recently played to 10,000 people as support to Jamie Callum at Audley End.
"a Martini-cool voice with something of the cookie wisdom of Rickie Lee Jones and a song-writing style to match" - Mojo.
web site | mp3
One of the most exciting new female artists to emerge from the Nashville scene in years. With a passionate, powerful and distinctively rich voice, Toni possesses a sound and style that is uniquely her own and has opened shows for Shawn Colvin, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Steve Earle. Toni recently released her debut album, "Heartache on the Run", featuring some of Nashville's most innovative session players.
web site
One of America's finest exponents of flat-picking guitar, banjo and mandolin. Based in Brooklyn, NY, his repertoire spans old-time, western swing, celtic and original songwriting in addition to more mainstream bluegrass and folk material. "Orrin Starr is one of the finest flatpicking guitarists in captivity" - Boston Globe, "Some of the sweetest rural southern music being made in America today ... a consummate showmen" - Boston Herald.
web site
With a repertoire drawn from across Europe, Mooncoin's diverse range of music encompasses many folk traditions as well as contemporary influences. With an unusual line up of two fiddles, guitar, electric bass, whistles, melodeon, and other assorted instruments, the 5-piece creates an exciting and unique sound. Chris Schwabe’s beautiful vocals are always clear and easy on the ear and her lovely whistle and melodeon have become so much a part of the Mooncoin sound. Bev Nichols, the new guitarist, has a distinctive driving style and with Cesar Camba’s syncopated bass they form the harmonic and rhythmic foundation of the band. Mike Naldrett, the other new member of Mooncoin, has a delightful lyrical fiddle style and a keen sense of musical harmony. Paul Keeler plays fiddle, bouzouki and percussion with a tuneful, rhythmic style and brings a diversity of musical influences to the band. So the new line-up promises to retain the engaging and entertaining qualities that have become the hallmark of Mooncoin’s performances over the last few years as well as, no doubt, a few surprises.
web site
A singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles who plays a smooth and sophisticated blend of jazz, blues, and pop influences that has been described as "Sting meets The Beatles". With a smooth, passionate voice, an unpretentious jazz-like virtuosity on acoustic guitar, eloquent lyrics, he leads the listener through tales of whimsy and romance, stories of life lived, and of love lost. All with a dash of wry humor and disarming honesty.
web site | MySpace
A 3-piece line up of vocals, guitar, bass and drums created in 2001 in New Orleans, they are inventing gypsy-torch-punk, pulling on jazz, latin, klezmer, mountain, delta, and rock and roll and are out to prove it's all one music. "fiercely talented, elegantly skewed" - Time Out, "One of the best songwriters around...oh, and she sings like a dream too!" - Froots, "a marriage of punk's irreverence with the refinement and emotion of the jazz torch singers of old...an exhilarating musical ride" - New Orleans Times, "album of the year! Myshkin is a giant among songwriters. well observed, unflinching, tender, bitterly funny songs." - City Life Magazine, Manchester web site | mp3
| COLVIN QUARMBY ColvinQuarmby are a four-piece band from the UK featuring the songwriting talents of Gerry Colvin, a man who has rubbed shoulders with some of the finest. The live show is spontaneous - often very lively and always amusing. To overstate the humour and tongue-in-cheek delivery style though would be to ignore the strength of this band and most importantly, Colvin's material. The songs are crafted with incredibly evocative lyrics which can touch the soul in a most powerful way. This power is the more enhanced due to the consistent performances of a great band featuring Dave Dutfield on guitars and backing vocals and Martin Fitzgibbon on drums and backing vocals. Founder member Nick Quarmby provides bass, acoustic guitar and backing vocals. With an increasing number of festival appearances such as Cambridge, Cropredy, Bridgnorth, Larmer Tree and Broadstairs this group are reaching the audience they deserve. "simply irresistable" - Folk on Tap. web site | mp3. |
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Miranda Sykes is rapidly emerging as a major talent on the folk scene both as a bass player to some of its leading names and more recently fronting her own band. She is classically trained and played bass guitar in rock and country outfits until her roots in folk music lured her back and she toured Europe and America with folk-rock band Pressgang.
She continues to build up a solo repertoire of refreshingly unusual songs of her native Lincolnshire as well as traditional and modern material and is increasingly in demand both as a double bassist and singer. She has worked with Robb Johnson, Firebrand, Steafan Hannigan, Leon Rosselson, Bill Jones, Roger Wilson, Alan Burke, Reg Meuross and Kirsty McGee. She has tours lined up with Show of Hands in the autumn, the Miranda Sykes Band - featuring Maartin Allcock and Gareth Turner - in the spring of 2005, the Phil Beer Band in March, and has just joined Little Johnny England and will also be touring with them in 2005.
Jenny Crook is best known for playing harp in a popular duo with Henry Sears but she is also a talented singer, songwriter and guitarist. Wherever she there's always something of a buzz around her like the proverbial bees on a honeypot. Out of this hubub, come exclamations like 'I've never heard the harp played like that before!'. In itself, such a statement might not explain much, but the animated enthusiam of the onlookers usually says far more. Still, if we're to deal with words, then 'sparkling', 'multi-faceted', 'vital', 'refreshing', 'sexy', 'funky' and 'groovy', are a few that are often used to describe her playing. She also has a singing voice to die for, used to great effect on her own and traditional material - John O'Regan of Folk Roots magazine described her recently as 'a vocalist of sublime power...luring the listener into a web of disarming surrender'.
web site | mp3.
When not backing Joan Baez and Natalie Merchant, New York duo Kill Henry Sugar - guitarist-songwriter Erik Della Penna and drummer Dean Sharenow - create a quietly bizarre and tuneful mix of lo-fi urban folk as the drum/dobro duo Kill Henry Sugar. The two met playing around town and discovered a shared obsession with the city’s corrupt beginnings and the frenzied ambition of its inhabitants. Kill Henry Sugar became the minimalist, streamlined vehicle for this ongoing discourse; think “Gangs Of New York” (book, not movie) meets “Metropolis” (movie, not book).
An early copy of their most recent CD made it to folk icon Joan Baez. She described the recordings as “exquisite compositions, stunningly performed without a net,” and was inspired to add two of the songs to her distinguished repertoire. Soon after, Ms. Baez saw the duo perform, and Kill Henry Sugar was asked to be the backing band for her 2007 world tour.
“Effortlessly beguiling.” - TimeOut NY
“Masterful low-fi storytelling.” - Washington Post
web site | MySpace
GUY TORTORA
His live set includes original songs and standards, a great mix of the old and new, ranging from blues to bluegrass. Like other American contemporaries, Guy refuses to be cooped up in any box, blue or otherwise.
Guy Tortora is a roots, americana and blues vocalist, songwriter and guitar player from Pasadena, California, but now living in London. He is a musical artist who may confound expectations; combining in his work elements of jazz, folk, blues and country music, both in his original compositions and in the songs he chooses to cover.
Guy plays both acoustic and electric guitars, with a fine line in bottleneck playing. His guitar work has been compared at one time or another to players from the well-known likes of Ry Cooder, to the more obscure such as Rainier. But, as one writer has said: "Comparisons are unnecessary: He is simply Guy Tortora"
web site | MySpace
The Roots Union are an acoustic roots outfit that have been travelling across the country dazzling audiences with their authenticity and originality. The bands unforgettable live show is unique and varied from laid back songs of love and life in candle-lit bars to explosive, high-energy acoustic rave -ups. This new band have already played at Sidmouth and Broadstairs folk weeks and larger festivals like Glastonbury and Beautiful Days. The line up is Tobias Ben Jacob: Vocals, guitar, Phillip Henry: Dobro, harmonica, backing vocals and Hannah Martin: Violin, backing vocals, Michael Sykes: drums.
MySpace
It was in 2002 when this Bristol based singer/songwriter decided to focus on her musical career full time. She recorded her first single, booked her first UK tour and together with local BBC radio interviews and live sessions began to build up her fanbase across the UK.
In 2003 she won the International competition 'Reach' and, supported by her band, toured Ireland with three other bands from the USA and Canada. She then went on to win both the UK and the International Song writing Competition, again with her single 'Blowing This Candle Out', in the singer/songwriter category which no less than 11,000 people entered.
Last year, she appeared on the arts program 'Earshot' for HTV and more recently her song 'Getting To Me' has been included on the soundtrack for the new Sony Television's DVD of the hit TV series 'Dawsons Creek'.
When her song "Fall on Me", from her debut album "Montpelier", was recently played on Johnnie Walker's Drive Time show on BBC Radio 2, he was inundated with e-mails asking him to play more. She did a live session for the Drive Time show in February.
"With a captivating voice and a twinkle in her eye she had us in the palm of her hand, as she played to a stunned silence from an audience completely enthralled ..."simply outstanding" - Get Rhythm
"Her bittersweet folk-pop odes take on a new dimension that demands to be universally adored." - Venue Magazine
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Flossie is a French singer with an extraordinary and beautiful voice who interprets songs in three languages, French, English and Spanish. After many years singing in France both solo and in bands she is now making a real impact on the UK folk scene singing a wide range of both contemporary and traditional material. Her most recent album "Hymne à l'amour" is a tribute to Edith Piaf's genius and sensitivity. "Flossie has a voice as clear and tuneful as a lark, with a pureness of quality to stop you in your tracks in the forest of a song" - Colum Sands.
web site | mp3
PJ Wright is best known as guitarist and lead vocalist with Little Johnny England, slide and pedal steel guitarist with the Dylan Project, and long time sideman with R'n'B legend Steve Gibbons. Feted as a guitar virtuoso, Wright is also a talented songwriter - compositions such as Johnny England and Forty Years On meld a poetic sensibility and an understanding of traditional song.
Pete Scrowther has released several acclaimed albums in his adopted country, Switzerland. fRoots was particularly impressed by Scrowther, lauding the use of: "..extra colours and passages of folk melody and rhythm" in this "very accomplished set." Their reviewer concluded: "It’s invidious to single out any of Scrowther’ songs since the standard is so high throughout." His songs have been covered by Little Johnny England and Fairport Convention.
As a duo, PJ and Pete perform a selection of original songs and a sprinkling of covers of classic songs. Their repertoire is loosely based in the folk genre but there are many other influences - everything from country and bluegrass to pop and R&B.
web site | mp3
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Currently taking the world by storm, Vicki and Jonny are rightly establishing themselves as one of the best young duos around on the folk scene today. Although best-known for their instrumental skills with Scottish Smallpipes, accordion and even Swedish Nyckelharpa, the duo are well recognised for their song arrangements too. With their blend of traditional material and contemporary interpretations, they have developed a sound that is both familiar and fresh.
Vicki studied the double bass at the Royal College of Music, becoming the principal double bass and winning the solo double bass competition. Alongside this Vicki has performed solo concertos with many different orchestras. Jonny is a composer and competition-winning guitar player.
web site | MySpace
Hungrytown is the new band name and album from celebrated American musical duo Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson.
Rebecca is an award-winning songwriter whose two previous solo albums were released to much critical acclaim. She was dubbed a "new folk classicist" by the Boston Herald. She now performs with Ken on bass and harmony vocals and together they create beautiful, harmony-drenched ballads which sound like they have been passed down from generation to generation.
"Hungrytown’s music offers such an aura of authenticity –it could be easily mistaken for original trad transcripts," - Performing Songwriter Magazine
"Hungrytown is American folk music at its zenith." - Feminist Review
web site | MySpace
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Pete has been performing his unique and involving style of music to audiences worldwide for nearly two decades. He sings from the heart delivering songs telling compelling stories and speaking of current events and the human condition in a totally original style. His stage shows are intense and dynamic but also good humoured and now include traditional folk songs performed with all the power that these dramatic tales demand.
"not only impressive but a revelation......totally original." -The Guardian,
"this guy is amongst the best the British roots music scene has produced in living memory" - Froots Magazine.
"the mature work of an artist in total control of his faculties, able to express social commitment, love and humour alike in a voice that's rich, warm and full of honest persuasion. - Glasgow Herald
web site
David Hughes is an acoustic guitarist and songwriter with four solo albums to his credit including, "Active In The Parish", which in 1997 was named by Q magazine as one of their albums of the year. His acoustic pedigree is impeccable having toured the UK and Europe with Bert Jansch, Pentangle and Fairport Convention and his sharp, sardonic vocal delivery and rhythmically-percussive fingerstyle guitar have earned him regular slots on BBC Radio Four's Loose Ends with Ned Sherrin. His most recent album, This Other Eden, released in the October 1999, featured long-time collaborators, Gerry Conway and Jacqui McShee, augmented by Spencer Cozens, Eddi Reader, Dave Mattacks, Dave Pegg and Danny Thompson. In 2001 he was the founder member of the St Agnes Fountain project which includes Chris Leslie, Chris While and Julie Matthews. He is also a writer and has published three books. web site
Emily Maguire is an independent singer-songwriter originally from London, now based on a farm in the Australian bush where she recorded her critically acclaimed debut album 'Stranger Place' followed 2 years later by 'Keep Walking'.
In March 2008, 'Keep Walking' was released through Universal in the UK and Ireland. The title track was playlisted on Radio 2 in the UK and on ABC Radio across Australia. From touring clubs and pubs in 2007, Emily was asked to support Don McLean on his UK tour, performing at all the major concert halls in the country including the Royal Albert Hall in London. In 2008 she played the acoustic stage at Glastonbury Festival and toured with Roddy Frame, Eric Bibb, The Blue Nile and Glenn Tilbrook.
Best-known for her strong, thought-provoking lyrics and "the kind of vocals that will melt your stereo" (Scene Magazine), Emily’s songs have won her fans across the globe. Her forthcoming third album will be out in spring 2009. She will be joined by Christian Dunham on bass.
web site | MySpace
The Carrivick Sisters are twins Laura and Charlotte Carrivick from South Devon, England. They play a variety of bluegrass instruments (mainly guitar, mandolin, banjo, dobro and fiddle) with vocal harmonies and are both songwriters. Although their background is in bluegrass, their music has a strong folk influence which is evident in their original songs, many of which are inspired by their local landscape and stories.
The Carrivick Sisters are experienced performers, having played all over the UK, in Europe, and in Canada. They have released three CDs so far: “My Own Two Feet” in 2006; “Better Than 6 Cakes” in 2007; and “Jupiter’s Corner” released in April 2009. They were finalists in the 2010 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards.
web site | MySpace
Bournemouth based singer/songwriter Lou Brown is making an increasing impact on the national acoustic scene. Her catalogue of self-penned material is extensive; from catchy melodies to classically crafted ballads.
In 2003, she won the Southwest's Young Achiever of the Year Award and subsequently won a grant from the Prince's Trust to fund her first major album project.
Her debut album "What Are You Singing About?" was released in 2006, and has received airplay on many regional UK radio stations.
After many years gigging extensively around the UK, Brown took the album to the USA in 2008, playing a series of dates in Chicago and Iowa. She also played UK support slots for Hazel O'Connor, Paul Young, Boo Hewerdine, Albert Lee, Clive Gregson, and Steve Tilston.
web site | MySpace
Folkfoot is American acoustic duo Bill Kelly and Michael Parrish straddling somewhere between the Louvin Brothers and the Glimmer Twins. With roots in Bluegrass, Country, and Rock n Roll, this guitar/mandola duo blends classic styles with their own tunes.
Bill Kelly is an accomplished Americana singer/songwriter from just outside New York with a huge list of film soundtrack appearances behind him and critically adored recorded efforts including the just-released "Bread on the Waters".
His soundtrack credits include feature films like the massive award winner Supersize Me, Subway Dreams and Whore, as well as TV shows like Northern Exposure and Ed.
Bill’s beautifully written and composed new album has had the likes of Buddy Miller, John Leventhal, Larry Campbell and Robert K Oermann getting excited; the songs were previewed here last May when Bill opened a number of shows for Jake Stigers and the Velvet Roots, who he writes and performs with regularly in the USA.
web site | MySpace
After graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston Sarah spent two years in London earning a living first as a blues singer and later performing jazz. After 2 years of building her chops and writing, she was ready to establish herself as a solo artist in Austin, Texas, starting out singing Jazz while she found players and gigs for her original music. She was voted one of the top 10 jazz musicians in the 2002 Austin Chronicle Music Awards. "one of the few truly talented and diverse vocalists on Austin's music scene" - Digital City Houston, "she's got all the right ingredients. This girl is smart" - Kevin Connor, Austin Morning Show web site
This British-born singer has been resident in Prague for 10 years since he stopped off there whilst touring and was quickly signed to a local record label. He has attracted attracted favourable comparisons to artists as varied as Jeff Buckley, Tom Waits and latterly Damien Rice. He has already racked up a Platinum album and consistently sells out shows across Central Europe from Dortmund to the Danube, Maastricht to Moravia, but has thus far remained unknown in the UK where his previous recordings have been unavailable. He has appeared on Austrian, Belgian, Czech, Dutch, German, Polish, Slovak and UK radio and television.
“The missing link between Jeff Buckley and Oasis” - Rolling Stone
“See him before the rush…he can hold any crowd’s rapt attention – anytime, anywhere, in any genre. Astonishing” - Sunday Express
Myspace
Lotte Mullan has had the Blues from a young age. Her rootsy songs are a captivating mix of soul, folk and country and tell stories of characters and experiences we know all too well. Weaving together the worlds of comedy and tragedy, Lotte hopes to raise a smile as well as pull on your heartstrings.
MySpace
Tammy is a singer/songwriter from Nashville whose unique sound fuses elements of rock, folk, bluegrass, reggae, and blues with a rich blend of exotic and traditional instruments. Her pure sweetness of voice and genuine lyrics take you on an authentic musical adventure. She has independently released 4 albums since 2000 and toured in 5 continents including performances at the 2000 World’s Fair and the World Cup Kickoff events in Germany.
web site | MySpace
David Celia, from Toronto, Canada is a world class musician who has played for audiences all over the Europe, U.S.A. and Canada. His music has been described as "roots-rock with hints of folk wrapped up in a pop package". David has received plenty of radio play on CBC Radio in Canada as well as on the BBC in the UK, featured "live in studio" recently on Radio 2's highly regarded Bob Harris Show. He has opened for The Divine Comedy, Elvis Costello and Badly Drawn Boy
"Excellent musicianship..... elegant and melodic" - Neil Hannon, The Divine Comedy
"This is Superb" - Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
web site | MySpace
Canadian singer/songwriter and author John Bottomley describers himself as “very fortunate to have worked with some great people". He has shared the stage with artists like Bill Haley and the Comets, Warren Zevon, Steve Earl, Leonard Cohen, Bruce Cockburn, Barenaked Ladies, Cowboy Junkies to name a few. He has also worked with great producers like T-Bone Burnett ( Brother where art though) and David Kershenbaum (Joe Jackson, Tracy Chapman).
Born in Toronto in 1960 he studied classical piano at the age of six and began his recording career in 1983 with the band Tulpa. Since embarking on a solo career he has released 6 CDs, the latest of which “Star in the Singing Grove” is a combined CD and book. He not only writes his own music and lyrics, but also has a talent for art and literature. In particular, he has illustrated his book, posters and CD covers. His work shows a sense of contemplation and stillness combined with a comical inclination of the surreal. Of his music, John says, "I try not to trap my music in any style since this can be very dangerous. My music is sometimes magical, sometimes exotic, but at other times, Frumious".
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Raised on Canadian folk music, dead teenager ballads from the 50s and the Beatles on a commune in rural Virginia, USA, the twenty-one year old Sproule began touring nationally at the age of sixteen both solo and with a rock band. She found a new direction with her third CD, "Upstate Songs", which features a collection of bright, sparsely arranged compositions and moves away from the grittier, electric sounds that gained her national recognition in the USA with the release of her previous two albums.
It is her live concerts that capture Sproule at her best - candid, poetic and with stage presence that is at once youthfully charming and self-possessed. Rolling Stone's "Critics Top Albums of 2003" called her latest album: "Perhaps the sweetest and most honest folk pop album recorded this year."
web site | mp3
Having worked with legends such as Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, Brian May, Roger Taylor and Paul Young, Susy Thomas is seen as a phenomenal new talent. Having been called "The Next Big Thing" by the BBC, Susy Thomas's debut album "In The Morning" has been critically acclaimed as exceptional. As a singer songwriter, Susy has built up a sizeable fanbase in London, New York and Los Angeles and now signed to Season Records, she is tipped to be one to watch.
web site | MySpace
Gilly has been singing in various guises for many years, thrilling audiences wherever she has appeared with the quality and range of her voice. She sings an eclectic mixture of music: contemporary and traditional folk, jazz, gospel, and original material written by Keith Donnelly especially for her. She has recently discovered a real talent for the blues which has resulted in some purely blues gigs. As part of the popular duo "Nothing By Chance" Gilly has supported many famous artists such as Van Morrison, Jasper Carrott, Phil Cool and Tori Amos to name but a few, and as such has appeared at almost every major venue throughout the UK and numerous times on T.V. and radio. This is a rearranged appearance after the one in May had to be cancelled. web site | mp3
Danny was born and raised in Austin, Texas and after dropping out of university spent years living in communes while he developed his love of music, working his way from heavy metal to blues and finally discovering the music of Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie which lead him to Dylan, Neil Young, Tom Waits and John Prine. Today he is a singer/songwriter whose poetic lyrics are winning him plaudits wherever he plays. We are delighted to have him play for us as part of his first UK tour. "one of life's treats" - Bill Bruedigam from Radio Sante Fe, "One of the country's best singer-songwriters has released yet another masterpiece." - Les Reynolds, Indie-Music.com.
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Ella Edmonson is a rising young singer/songwriter based on Dartmoor who is rapidly making a name for herself. In September 2007 she did a national tour as support for Jaqui McShees' Pentangle and has also opened for Midge Ure, the Ric Sanders group, the Dylan Project and many others. Her song “Breathe” was recorded for the BBC and featured in ȁJam and Jerusalem”. It was produced by John McCusker and had Kate Rusby on backing vocals. She has just finished recording her first EP called 'Blame Amy'.
MySpace
Acoustic Routes' own resident singer/songwriter mixes his English songwriting with the rhythms of the world to create a highly distinctive and original sound. His song "Beneath The Waves" has been included on the compilation CD "Someone Was Calling" alongside tracks by Fairport Convention, Show of Hands, the Oysterband and many others. He has released 6 CDs and opened for people such as Bert Jansch, Martin Carthy, John Renbourn, Clive Gregson, Isaac Guillory, Phil Beer, Colvin Quarmby, The Bills and Decameron.
"breezy folk-pop that is rich in melody, harmonies and is as catchy as possible" - Rock 'N' Reel, UK. "Lyrical attention to detail and unusually hypnotic musical interpretation make this a fine indie product with deep substance" - Independent Songwriter, USA
"exemplary singer-songwriter Bernard Hoskin brings thought provoking songs & flowing, often African-inspired, guitar work." - Acousticity
"a popular troubadour with an accomplished and individual guitar style, well constructed songs, good stage presence and ambition" - Mardles Magazine
"The lingering taste & perhaps the last thing to strike the listener is the sheer quality of the songs which, like the album as a whole, are memorable, highly accomplished & carefully crafted yet achieve an effortless feel." - NetRhythms, review of Notes in the Margin
web site | MySpace
A rising star of the British folk scene, Emily is a versatile guitarist and singer with an expressive voice soaked in character and soul. Her choice of material ranges from haunting renditions of traditional folk to the gutsy, hard-hitting style of her own compositions. She is also a member of the Phil Beer Band. "her own songs are outstanding, being extremely literate and well crafted examples of contemporary writing ... a major talent" - Traditional Music Maker. web site | mp3
Hartlepool born brothers Paul and David Mosley are purveyors of quality acoustic pop songs and harmony laden melancholia. Tonight they will be joined by Colin Smith and between them they will be playing guitars, piano, clarinet, flute and melodica. With good humour and superb musicianship they are one of the most entertaining live acts around. Their outstanding debut album "The Swimming Zoo" has been play listed by BBC Radio 2 and has received rave reviews. "Given a sunny summer's day this will fit the bill nicely" Johnny Black - Q, "gruff vocal elegance and stirring, warmly emotive, multi-instrumentalism." -Time Out web site | mp3
SIMON BARRON AND ROSALIND BRADY
Barron Brady combines the individual vocal and musical talents of Simon Barron and Rosalind Brady. The English song tradition is expressed strongly in their work, not only in their engaging arrangements of traditional songs with exemplary guitar, harmonium, melodeon, voices and harmonies, but also in the writing and arrangement of their self-penned songs. These two elements bring enormous variety to their performance.
Their upcoming Strange Harvest tour features songs from their new album. Previewed tracks which include contributions from Phil Beer and Pete Coe are already creating a stir with audiences and media alike. They bring to their performance musicianship, energy, humour and an assured stage presence garnered from 4 years of performing nationwide.
Their current songwriting emphasis is on the folklore of UK and Devon and on countryside and rural issues: the lives and stories of those in the working culture which have been written jointly with farmers, fisherman, sailors and older folk.
"Terrific... Good songs well sung... I kept hearing things- Incredible String Band, Nick Drake, John Martyn- lots of stuff and yet at the same time the music is very much their own... very very good - Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2
"Really beautiful songs" - Karine Polwart, winner Radio 2 Folk Awards
"Really beautiful music" - Bob Harris Radio 2
"Dripping in mellow whimsy and genteel harmonies" - Mojo
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This brilliant virtuoso guitar play a unique mix of jazz, blues, folk, ragtime, swing, country, calypso and baroque, all presented with good humour. They worked mainly in sessions and the theatre until the last couple of years when they decided their styles blended so well they would play together full time and since then they have thrilled audiences everywhere they have played. They have been compared to players as diverse as Django Rheinhart and Leo Kottke and between them have performed in just about every major venue in the UK including The Royal Festival Hall, The Royal National Theatre, The N.E.C., The I.C.C Olympia, Bingley Hall, Donnington Park...even The House of Commons! They have also appeared on numerous radio stations and have played alongside, amongst others, Tommy Emmanuel, Big Jim Sullivan, Ric Sanders, John Renbourn and Clive Carroll.
"Fantastic" - John Renbourne, "Pete and John played a set so fantastic that I cannot describe it with words." - Guitar Collector, USA. "prodigious talent, fluidity and style" - Andrew Hay, Solihull Guitar Society, "these guys have real talent” - Ric Sanders, Fairport Convention. "Smith & Buckley combine classical and jazz techniques to accomplish more on a pair of acoustic guitars than some big-band orchestras" - Guitarist magazine.
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Tessa Perry is a vocalist, guitarist, and writer whose sound is steeped in the country-blues and folk traditions. She's rapidly cultivating a loyal fan base on both sides of the Atlantic through her startlingly fresh songs with lyrics that are wistful and punch-in-the-gut candid. Whether playing to a sold-out 200-seat venue or an East Village dive bar, Tessa spins images and observations of the world around her into soulful, intimate communication with her audience.
Born in England and raised on the west coast of Ireland, Tessa hit the road at age 18 andthus began a career that would lead her to performing across Europe with headliners like Ani DiFranco, Damien Rice, the Indigo Girls, the Corrs, the Hothouse Flowers, andmany more internationally successful artists.
web site | MySpace
Liz Clark is a New York City-based singer/songwriter with a crystalline tone and charismatic stage presence that shine through her poetic pop songs. Her second album, "Hand On The Stove", garnered wide acclaim, and the video for her first single, "Who's Your Angel," went to #3 on MTV's Logo Network. Liz has opened for well-known musicians such as Joe Walsh, Ritchie Havens, Linda Perry, Bob Schneider, and The Counting Crows.
web site | MySpace
Paul Tiernan from Ireland was once singer with "Flex and the Fastweather", a band who in their heyday had a string of hit singles in Ireland and a top ten hit in Sweden. He has for the past ten years embarked on a solo career starting with the release of his debut album titled "Who's fooling who?" in 1995 in Ireland. As well as performing solo, Paul has also toured internationally as a guitarist with the famous '60s legend Donovan, Welsh Breton songstress Katell Keineg, Kieran Halpin and platinum selling Irish singer Sinead Lohan whilst also guesting with the HotHouse Flowers, Mary Black, Christy Moore and Beth Orton.
Paul's third album 'god knows I love a happy ending' in 2002, was an enthralling, swirling mixture of strings and voices and is at the moment working on his fourth album. Recently he appeared on the Irish television series 'Other voices' featuring the best of Irish singer songwriters. One of Paul's songs 'Belle' has been included in the top ten Irish album of the same name.
"a compelling and delightfully off centre style of articulation and delivery. "Who's fooling who?" gets his wayward genius on CD" - Folk Roots
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Pamela is an American singer/songwriter and guitarist who has attracted international attention with her mesmerizing Celtic-influenced folk music. She has a vocal style that ranges from lilting sensitivity to urgent callings and her inventive modal guitar work has been described as "a tiny chamber orchestra working in unison at the end of her hands." She draws inspiration for her compositions from the magic found in British artifacts and psychedelic folk music.
Her debut CD, "Nature's Bride", received rave reviews with American magazine Dirty Linen describing it as "an inspiring blend of styles...the title tune is a dynamic, danceable tour de force...[Pamela's] inflections recall the power and emotional intensity of Buffy Ste. Marie...". Her new CD, "Courting Autumn", is a sonic almanac burnished with melancholy, its wistful vocals floating above slinky and delicate hand-spun guitar, windswept and weather-worn by plaintive string and recorder arrangments.
"a very special, seriously beautiful album" - Froots
web site | MySpace
Voted as one of the top 10 folk artists in Austin, Vanessa Peters is already well known in her home state of Texas. In the last two years, she has criss-crossed America twice and toured all over Italy, Holland, Germany, and the Czech Republic, both as a solo artist and with her Italian band, Ice Cream on Mondays. But touring hasn’t stopped her putting pen to paper either; she released “Thin Thread” in 2005 to glowing reviews in the States and in Italy, and released her 4th and 5th albums (Blackout and Little Films) in 2006.
Little Films, released in September 2006, chronicles the redemptive and destructive powers that our own personal films have in our lives. Early buzz says this is Vanessa’s best album yet, showing off her 1-2-3 punch of startling lyrics, catchy melodies, and a voice that stays with you for days – likened by one reviewer to “a voice that you could obtain by mixing the earthiness of Lucinda Williams, the witty youthfulness of Beth Orton, and the problematic grace of Suzanne Vega.” The album is a blend of various genres, covering the Americana-rock of Wilco and the Jayhawks, the folk-tinged songs of Patty Griffin, and the pop-rock of Aimee Mann.
web site | MySpace
Canadian born, of Dutch descent, Melanie Dekker's live shows are complete with wonder, giggling, teasing and sweating. She’s performed for President William J. Clinton, shared the stage with Diana Krall, Faith Hill & Bryan Adams, and she was nominated for humanitarian artist of the year and video of the year at the LA MUSIC AWARDS 2008. Songstress Melanie Dekker is now touring with her four albums in tow throughout Europe & North America. She delivers playful and often potent messages in her songs, which explore the ups and downs of love and energize her audiences world-wide.
web site | MySpace
Heart wrenching, warm, poignant, yet laced with acrid wit, the rusty voice of Kreg, accompanied by his country blues-steeped guitar, echo the long-gone tradition of the rambling singer/songwriter. His wanderlust has taken him to every corner of America and the characters he has met have given him insights into the darkness, hope, and humour of the everyday person's life. "This guy is good...he is writing some great stuff" - Taj Mahal. web site | mp3
A young singer/songwriter from New York who has been taking her unique blend of folk, soul and acoustic pop across the USA and Europe over the last few years. Her songs have a refreshing mixture of vulnerability and courage, melancholia and optimism. "Washing Day" (co-written with Adam Levy of Norah Jones' Band) won first place of 15,000 entries in the International Songwriting Competition (Lyrics). The music video for the song was selected as one of 20 to be officially screened at the prestigious SXSW event.
Her highly anticipated debut album, 'Something New' pre-sold out of its first pressing before the CD was released. It's a mix of upbeat pop, soft acoustic ballads, a new orleans dixie style dirge, and everything in between.
MySpace
Formed in 1999 this very English sounding group play melodic, rolling songs with the emphasis on dynamics and organic sounds. They are lyrically cynical, occasionally dark but not without a glimmer of optimism. James Hibbins' spartan acoustic guitar and rich vocals are now accompanied by Bernard Hoskin on acoustic bass, guitar and mandolin. Their second album "Motes of Dust" was described by Mike Harding on BBC Radio 2 as "an interesting mix of traditional & original songs...I really like it". "I get to hear a lot of bands on my travels: every so often, one really stands out. Pavlov's Cat stood out: they play well, sing well and write very good songs. Highly recommended!" - Clive Gregson.
web site | MySpace
Jenni Alpert performs her self-penned songs in a style that mixes jazz, soul, and rock. She combines the best of Fiona Apple, Norah Jones, Jeff Buckley, Billie Holiday, and Joni Mitchell in a way that is truly unique. Her rich compositions, performed on both piano and acoustic guitar, and a captivating stage presence reveal deep languorous moods that will take you on an unexpected journey of sublime discovery. Alpert has independently released five albums and two live recordings. Originally from Los Angeles, Alpert has toured in 14 countries and recently opened for Loudon Wainwright on his US tour. Her music has been used in a number of American TV shows.
web site | MySpace
Singer/songwriter Jann Klose was born in Germany, raised in Africa and now lives in New York. His multicultural background is evident in his music which evokes a global pop sound that draws comparisons to Sting and Jacques Brel. His songs are characterised by intelligent lyrics and contagious rhythms sung with a gentle and soulful voice. Before he committed himself to his career as a singer/songwriter he found work in the cast of the Broadway national touring company of Jekyll & Hyde and thereafter in the cast of the European tour of Jesus Christ Superstar.
"Ear-grabbing pop singer-songwriter with tints of soul gospel and Afropop rhythms."
- Philadelphia Daily News
web site | MySpace
Stephanie Lambring is an award-winning singer/songwriter based in Nashville, whose music has reached ears around the world. Her songs and intimate performances reflect a world-weariness and awareness that reflect artists such as Patty Griffin and Jewel.
MySpace
Navaro combines the talents of singer/songwriters Beth Navaro, Pete White and Steve Austin. Now a beautifully formed trio they create a melodic 'singers collective' where the sound is about voices and the song is the star. Their debut album "Under Diamond Skies"' is about to be released and is charaterised by strong melodies, beautiful harmonies and songs you just want to sing along with. Beth's affection for roots music, Pete's flair for anthemic melodies and Steve's love of British and American folk all find their place in the Navaro mix. The trio share lead vocal duties and combine in ways determined by the song. In some respects they follow in the tradition of Crosby, Stills and Nash.
MySpace
A native Arizonan and lifelong victim of wanderlust, Mulligan recently settled in San Francisco. His album, "The Late Great Southwest", made the Freeform Americana Radio Charts, received review and airplay on college, independent and internet radio stations in North America and Europe. He now lives in a Dodge van and tours throughout the western United States, playing venues from Arizona to Alaska, and independently building a large network of friends and fans along the way.
"Mulligan’s music captures the expanse but subtle lushness of his Arizona roots. Mulligan immediately wins you over with his observational lyrics. His hushed voice is pensive, maybe even sad. The music is rich and thick, but never overwhelms the singing. The songs might reference local Arizona landmarks, but the themes are universal. A stellar debut album for late nights…” - Miles of Music.
web site | MySpace
With an addictive stage presence and truly versatile voice, this highly talented vocalist is sure to entrance any listener. A classically trained musician, Sara's passion for music has taken her in many directions over the years. She now draws on the multitude of vocal styles she has been captivated by to create her own unique sound as a jazz and soul singer, performing regularly with some of London’s top session musicians.
As a choral singer she has sung on various CDs, film and TV soundtracks and radio broadcasts. Memorably, aged seventeen Sara featured as the singing voice of Cinderella in the BBC Christmas Pantomime, composed by Howard Goodall and broadcast by Radio 4 on Christmas Day to millions of listeners.
Recent highlights include Edinburgh Fringe performances with Scottish jazz pianist Paul Kirby, an acclaimed soul/r&b residency with pianist John Turville and their band ‘The JT Collective’ at La Raza, Cambridge, and the debut performance of her original songs at The National Portrait Gallery’s concert series.
For her appearance at Acoustic Routes Sara was accompanied by guitarist Franky Frullone.
“Sara Mitra…sang attractively, truly, boldly” - Times Literary Supplement
“One of the best singers on the UK scene at the moment, her songwriting is powerful, strong and yet retains a level of sensitivity and intimacy which leaves you believing that she is speaking only to you” - Explorer Magazine
“An excellent vocal performance from Sara Mitra” - Cambridge Evening News
“Definitely someone to watch as a vocalist…she’ll go a long way” - Red Pages
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Rae was once the lead singer and songwriter of the Toronto alt-country band, Crybaby, Rae is now established as a singer/songwriter with a strong, passionate voice infused with melancholy who writes songs that are subtly-crafted gems. Her debut solo album had the critics reaching for superlatives with Toronto's Now magazine awarding it 4 stars and Eye magazine calling it "full of wide open spaces and bittersweet emotions". "a dusky voice that nicely articulates longing and desire" - Nashville Scene. web site | mp3
Tristan Seume is one of UK’s most promising new solo fingerstyle guitarists. His compositions, which draw on folk, jazz and classical styles, show a maturity that belies his youth. He has performed at such events as Bath International Guitar Festival, Kirkmichael International Guitar Festival and Ullapool Guitar Festival, and has shared the stage with such players as Gordon Giltrap, Eric Roche, Clive Carroll, Colin Reid and Hugh Burns. He is currently promoting his first CD, "Friday Street" and also writes for Guitarist Magazine.
In 2000, Tristan was a finalist in Guitarist Magazine’s Acoustic Guitarist of the Year Competition, held at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre. He has since been performing regularly with the winner of the 2002 competition, Stuart Ryan.
"His compositions have a maturity that belies his youth - I believe he is one the finest of the new acoustic generation". - Gordon Giltrap.
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Matt hails from Sutton-in-Ashfield, near Nottingham and has been the chief acoustic demonstrator for CORT Guitars in the U.K. & Ireland since 2006. During that time he has gained a world-wide reputation as an innovative guitar virtuoso in the style of such greatplayers as the late lamented Eric Roche, the amazing Tommy Emmanuel, Pierre Bensusan, Christophe Godin, Erik Mongrain, Antonio Forcione, Preston Reed, Andy McKee and Gordon Giltrap - to mention but a few! As well as teaching, Matt can be seen at most of the Guitar Shows around the U.K. & Ireland, amazing folk with his digital dexterity and sheer musicality.
MySpace
Sylvia Powell is a singer/songwriter with a that voice invites comparisons with Sade, Morcheeba and Nina Simone, but listen closely to her songs and you’ll hear the influence of Paul Simon, Nick Drake and Carole King too.
Her first album Revue attracted lavish critical praise from the likes of Music Week, who called it “a classy collection of tracks which takes in a myriad of folk, funk and R&B influences”, and Q Magazine, who described it as “a fresh, sparky debut”.
Sylvia has made a sumptuous new album, The Script. The songs are confident and mature, fresh yet timeless. They borrow from different genres including folk, jazz and soul, but maintain a recognizable stylistic and melodic continuity. Sylvia’s voice is versatile and expressive, at times vulnerable, melancholy and defiant, but always soulful.
web site | MySpace
Solan emerged in 1999 from amongst a number of musicians playing sessions together in Shetland. From this base they toured extensively in Norway, Holland, Denmark, Germany and mainland Britain playing Shetland, Scottish, North American, Irish and original tunes and songs. Solan are now performing as a duo and feature Frances Wilkins on English concertina and Richard Chaff on guitar and vocals. Anyone hearing them for the first time will be astonished at their ability to switch from a stomping set of reels to a stunningly beautiful slow air or a finely-crafted song arrangement. The secret of their appeal is good traditionally-rooted acoustic music well played with passion, commitment, style and above all soul. "intelligent artistry and thoroughly engaging presence" - Rock 'n' Reel web site | mp3
This American singer/songwriter was a recent Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist and recipient of numerous songwriting awards, Christene's down to earth approachability and heart-warming songs are quickly winning the hearts of both fan and industry alike.
Armed with a map, the road ahead, an acoustic guitar, infectious laughter and a gift for storytelling, Christene LeDoux travels the world compelled to deliver her songs and stories. All of which are true tales of those she has met along the way as well as a candid glimpse at what her full-time life on the road, both living and touring in a vintage Airstream trailer, was like.
No longer based in any one place, while in America, Christene toured the countryside as an invited guest at various festivals, conferences, radio stations and venues in her "house on wheels." Recently, Christene has parked her Airstream and has begun part-time living in Austin, Texas. The rest of the time, Christene lives abroad. While in Europe, Christene bases herself in London, England. Along the way, she continues to pick up songwriting awards and to date, has sold nearly 6000+ copies of her Debut CD, "little lighthouse" since its release in 2003.
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An outstanding blues guitarist who started performing in the mid 70s, Chris has an impressive musical CV. He has been a member of the John Slaughter Blues Band, toured as support for the Climax Blues Band and been a member of the Soul Survivors with Vinnie Jones. In 2003 he played at the Cambridge Folk Festival with guitarist Eric Roche and harmonica player Steve Lockwood. He has recorded an acoustic tribute album to Rory Gallagher which got rave reviews and is now working on material for his own acoustic album.
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| MANNISH BOYS Recently reformed after a 9 year break The Mannish Boys are some of Cambridge's most experienced acoustic musicians who over the years have played with many of the finest local bands. They perform an eclectic mix of acoustic blues and RnB - you can expect Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters and many more all given the Mannish Boys treatment. The line up is Myke Clifford (vocals, saxophone, flute, percussion), Terry Stoodley (vocals, guitar), Andy Webster (guitar) and Bernard Hoskin (acoustic bass). |
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The Machine Breakers are a powerful contemporary English folk trio based upon the songwriting talent of singer/guitarist Julian Pollard with Simon Othen on lead guitar and Mark Platt on vocals, whistle and percussion. During his songwriting career Julian has won praise from many, including artists as diverse as Ray Davies and Steve Winwood. Many of his songs are written from the perspective of a disillusioned Englishman coming to terms with the realities of life, although often with an infectious sense of humour and optimism. "a fine songwriter whose talent is well worth discovering" - Traditional Music Maker.
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Cicero Buck is a musical collaboration between American singer/songwriter Kris Wilkinson and English bassist/songwriter Joe Hughes. Kris started performing in Mississippi in the mid 1980s and then moved on to Nashville. Joe was part of the English pop duo, the Lover Speaks, in the mid 1980s and one of their songs, "No More I Love You's", became a massive hit for Annie Lennox in 1995. Now based in the UK they are blending alt-country and acoustic rock to create a sound that is all their own. Their album Delicate Shades of Grey is a fine showcase for the duo's original songs and Kris's outstanding voice. "Once in a while an album comes along which takes you completely by surprise and knocks you sideways with it's brilliance, and this is one of those albums." - Classic Rock Society web site | mp3
Maddie is from Bristol and began writing at an early age inspired by strong female artists such as Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks and Suzanne Vega. Her music contains elements of both folk and country but retains a broad appeal and fans of classical music, RnB and even dance music enjoy her songs. Maddie's extraordinary voice blends like another instrument to create songs that stay with you for days afterward. "a woman who has both innate musical sensibilities and the ability to write songs that cover a wide range of subjects and emotions" - Venue Magazine. "this album has quality stamped all over it" - Netrhythms. web site | mp3
Singer/songwriter Sara Spade performs a uniquely diverse set of songs that flits through smoky jazz, gutsy syncopated blues and floating folk/pop with uncompromising, well-aimed lyrics.
She grew up in Daventry and was a natural performer from an early age. At 14 she taught herself to play the guitar and wrote songs. She developed a love of such jazz greats as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Bessie Smith, whilst also admiring mainstream artists such as Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, and Eddi Reader. Later on, Nick Drake proved a fascination to her, as did Joni Mitchell, Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, Dan Bern and P J Harvey.
She went on to take a Degree in acting at Rose Bruford College in London and started performing her songs in London’s acoustic venues. She then moved to America where she played a residency in Key West, Florida and toured New York and Texas. During this time she honed her eclectic set and picked up some American country and blues influences. She has played at Leicester’s Summer Sundae Festival, as support for Kyle Eastwood and Katie Buckhaven and has toured the UK as support for Jim Moray.
web site | MySpace
Combining Folk, Americana, Roots and Acoustic traditions the Irish-born singer-songwriter Gareth Davies-Jones demonstrates that the legacy of well-written, descriptive music laid down by the likes of Woody Guthrie still lives on here in the UK. Compelling you to listen to each word sung and every note strummed his powerful and strong lyrics bring affecting stories, social and political observations which wouldn’t sound out of place in a 1960s Greenwich Village coffee shop or in any contemporary folk acoustic platform.
His songs have been featured on BBC Radio 2, 3 & 4, BBC Local Radio across the UK, Radio Britfolk, The Acoustic Stage and FolkRadio UK. Gareth also uses his music to support various organisations fighting for social justice such as Traidcraft and Casa Alianza. Alongside solo tours, other collaborations include tours with Yvonne Lyon, Megson and Rob Halligan and support work for Karine Polwart, Phil Beer, Waterson Carthy, Paul Field and Coco Mbassi.
"Very beautiful music...can thoroughly recommend this album"
- Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
"intelligent songs which make a point gently and invoke sympathy...someone to be taken seriously" - fROOTS
"Rich and soulful vocals, a fine ear for melody & masterful acoustic guitar playing"
- Rockn’Reel Magazine
web site | MySpace
Recently described by one UK Festival as 'A Serious Musician Moving Seriously Fast', Cole Stacey is a singer/songwriter hailing from Devon, England. His rapidly growing reputation has led him to have airplay on BBC Radio, perform at many festivals nationwide and support great acts such as 'Lau' (Radio2 Folk Award Winners), Steve Knightley, ColvinQuarmby & Megson.
With Two released EP's bringing airplay and acclaim already under his belt, Cole's debut album ' Changing Faces' will be hitting the market in January 2010 to co-inside with his first UK Tour.
Cole will be accompanied on '2010 Tour' by Winchester based musician Scott Ward whose incredible musicianship as a percussionist, pianist and guitarist brings about a performance full of versatility, originality and entertainment at all of the wide ranging venues they perform at.
web site | MySpace
BOB COLLUM
This roots-rock-pop-singer-songwriter from Tulsa, Oklahoma is a great favourite at Acoustic Routes. His latest album "The Boy Most Likely To" has been heralded as some of Bob’s finest work to date and features thirteen carefully crafted songs with strong melodic hooks and those famous Collum lyrics that refuse to leave your head and make you realise you’ve just heard something truly special. His previous release "Low Rent Romeo" got rave reviews and he was described by Fish Records as "one of the very best singer/songwriters around".
Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts are an exciting upcoming acoustic act, blending contemporary singer-songwriter styles with complex rhythmic arrangements to create a new kind of roots fusion. With a wealth of original material in both vocal and instrumental genres, they combine sharp musical ability and considered harmonies with a fresh slant on today's folk scene.
Katriona (vocals, violin and guitar) has an extensive track record of performance ranging from the smallest folk clubs to backing The Troggs at the Royal Albert Hall with a string quartet and is currently also playing with Tiny Tin Lady. Since teaching himself guitar at the age of fifteen, Jamie has been experimenting with different percussive styles and tunings and his playing is constantly evolving to fit in with his own compositions.
web site | MySpace
| SARA SPADE AND THE JOYFUL NOISE Sara Spade’s solo gigs were a uniquely diverse set of songs that mixed smoky jazz, gutsy syncopated blues and floating folk/pop with uncompromising, well-aimed lyrics. After early performances on the UK acoustic scene she went to America where she played a residency in Key West, Florida and toured New York and Texas. During this time she honed her eclectic music and picked up some American country and blues influences. She recently formed the Joyful Noise to expand the line up to a 4 piece with guitar, banjo, bass and mandolin. The new band’s music is fun and upbeat. If they had a mission statement it would simply be to feel good and spread the vibe around. web site | MySpace |
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James Chadwick, finalist in BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award for 2006, is an astonishingly accomplished singer-songwriter. His dazzling bluesy guitar-playing and hauntingly beautiful songs make his live performances spellbinding. James is a songwriter who cites influences from Bob Dylan, Jeff Buckley, Nic Jones, Radiohead, Steve Knightley and Robert Johnson to Rachmaninov.
This year James’s support slots have included opening for Jim Moray, for Chumbawamba, for Rachel Unthank and The Winterset and for Karine Polwart. James has also performed on several Folkwit Records tours.
"... a lad I admire greatly myself; he writes brilliant songs." Mike Harding
"Lovely fully formed songs, rich singing and really sharp guitar playing. A bit like Nick Drake meets Nic Jones... Great." Karine Polwart.
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A singer/songwriter from Cambridge whose music has been inspired by Tori Amos, Jeff Buckley, Gillian Welch and Billie Holiday. She started out singing in various collaborations before picking up the guitar. This new path has led to gigs all over the UK as well as dates in Australia and New Zealand, including Cambridge Folk Festival, The Mean Fiddler, Strawberry Fair, Small World Festival and Ely Folk Festival, having won the Ely folk festival competition in 2007.
MySpace
Paula Wolfe may be slotted into the female singer songwriter category but she constantly pushes that boundary, not only through her solo performances, where her dynamic guitar playing, incredible voice and solid stage presence do indeed ‘command your attention’ (peoplesound.com) but also in her recorded work where she creates a sound that forms a beautiful backdrop to her songs which seem to have that rare quality of drawing you in to listen to the point of dropping everything else.
A stark realism emerges from the themes and characters in her songs. With a spotlight on characters living on the fringes, she tells urban tales about joyriders, bored kids on unfashionable street corners, faces hardened by struggling too much and drinking too much. But she also sings about love with an idealism that takes her narrators far above a somewhat harsh reality.
Paula will be joined by Cath on keyboards, percussion and backing vocals and Philip on cello.
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MICHAEL BERK
For the last 10 years Michael Berk has been stunning audiences around the UK, performing over 200 shows with little more than a guitar and the occasional percussionist.
London's famous 12 Bar Club calls him "one of the few truly gifted acoustic guitar players around… a true virtuoso". Michael has already been compared to the likes of Michael Hedges, Adrian Legg and Preston Reed, and the intricate compositions on his debut CD "Organized Chaos" certainly invite comparisons with these masters. The album displays technical mastery, a robust, commanding acoustic guitar tone and a passion for the sensitive side of guitar playing. His new album "Unashamedly Questionable" has taken his playing and composing to a new level.
web site | MySpace
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Adrian is an exceptional singer, songwriter and guitarist with influences that include Richard Thompson, Mark Knopfler, Bruce Cockburn and Isaac Guillory. His love of nature, travel, mountains and the sea all shine through in his well-crafted songs accompanied by a guitar style that is infectious, rhythmic and uplifting.
web site | MySpace
Adriana's music is what she would call Americana-Celtica - a curious slant on the Americana and singer/songwriter genres, going beyond the usual with her unique, soaring vocals and evocative lyrics. She has worked this style into a diverse range of songs, from the introspective to all-out rock and roll. Working entirely independently, Adriana has already taken her music into Europe and the US, as well as having performed extensively in her native Scotland.
"Adriana’s voice has that floaty, dreamy touch to it that makes it oh so appealing... the songs venture into deep, thought provoking notions which are beautifully written."
- Maverick Magazine
web site | MySpace
Rachel has spent the last few years gigging in and around her home town of Cardiff and South Wales building a strong reputation for her unique voice, insightful lyrics and skilful guitar playing which have led to comparisons with Jewel and Alanis Morrisette. A highlight of her career to date was performing to 50,000 people at the Manic Street Preachers concert at the Millennium Stadium. "one of the holy trinity of the UK acoustic movement" - Uncut magazine. web site | mp3
Half Dutch, half Indonesian, half Barnsley, Rosalie Deighton started music at 4, touring with The Deighton Family for 15 years and recording 5 albums including an Album Of The Year on National Public Radio (USA). She released her first solo album, "Truth Drug" in 2001, and an EP, "Another Woman In A Bikini" in 2002. Following tours and festivals in the US and UK in 2003, her latest recordings are on "More Flesh For Success", a new EP with the same stripped back sound to showcase Rosalie's unique voice and songwriting talent. She has recently toured with Boo Hewerdine as both support act and backing singer. web site | mp3
Mark and Brenda have been playing together for fifteen years and have established themselves as two of New Zealand's finest singer/songwriters. They play guitars, mandolin, rowan lute, harmonicas and percussion have a repertoire that has developed into a fairly eclectic mix of ballads, reggae, blues and new country. web site
Clare is a singer/songwriter based in London who plies her trade as a busker. Her first album - "The Unquiet Brave" - was entirely of unaccompanied traditional folk songs exactly as she sings them all over the country on the street - yes, you might even have seen her in Cambridge. She lived for many years in Bologna, Italy where she began writing and recording her own songs, as well as indulging a growing interest in the traditional music of the UK.
The Clare Mee trio came together in 2004 to promote Clare's second album "The thing about clouds" which includes contributions from an eclectic mix of musicians, poets and singers. Out of this a trio emerged with Annie Moss and Mel Green joining on piano, cello, and vocals.
Their performance will include elements of both folk and jazz influences in a blend of traditional and original songs - both Clare's own compositions and some carefully chosen cover versions."
“Astute singer-songwriter” - Guardian. “Cool jazz grooves and folky warmth from this talented songstress” - Time Out
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Kiss The Mistress is a trio whose sound has been described as 'exciting', 'mysterious', and 'really different'. The unique combination of cello/voice (Ginny Davis) and chromatic button accordion (John Ramirez) underpinned by the driving rhythmical counterpoint of bodhran (Roy Jones) creates music that is both unique and engaging. Their tunes are tightly and intelligently arranged, delivered with the passion and fire associated with Gaelic music. Their influences come from Brittany, Scotland, the Balkans, Cape Breton and Ireland, and their rapidly growing repertoire of self penned material reflect these diverse musics.
MySpace
Armed with just a guitar Jon Gomm from Leeds creates the sound of a whole band by beating out driving drums, grooving basslines and sparkling melodies simultaneously. His original songs are influenced by everything from jazz-funk to blues-rock to drum 'n' bass while his cover versions transport old songs to totally new places. He has opened for some of the most-respected names on the acoustic circuit such as Tommy Emmanuel (Australia), Nick Harper and Woody Mann (USA).
web site | MySpace
After nearly a decade of writing songs and studying music Cathy's self-produced debut album was released last year and revealed a writer and performer of great promise with a strong commercial sound. She has supported Delirious? on tour, recorded with Elton John producer Gus Dudgeon and worked with Paul Stathan, writer of Dido's hit "Here With Me". She is now established as one this country's most gifted singer/songwriters. web site | mp3
Best known as one of this country's finest actors Doug only began performing his songs in the Oxford area over the last couple of years where he has built a strong reputation for lashing out his own particular brand of poignant satire. His songs range from the hilarious Woodie Guthrie-esque ‘ I think I’m living next door to a Terrorist’ to the full belt heartbroken ‘This Civil War’ - surveying the wreckage of a relationship. He is a singer songwriter with a clutch of new songs full of yearning, dripping with feeling and take no prisoner lyrics.
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An outstanding guitarist who blends many different playing styles and influences into something quite unique and personal. Traditional tunes are often led into unusual musical territory while his own compositions constantly evade comparison or familiarity. Rob has a long history of professional music making, composing and recording in diverse fields of contemporary dance, theatre and film. web site | mp3
The Famous Four, all famous in their own right, play an eclectic mix of music with pop, jazz and folk influences. Jon Betmead is a legend, a professional singer/guitarist, now famously enthralling hospital audiences up and down the country.
Lynne Olney was a member of the world famous Nick Nick & the Nickettes, subsequently Telephone Bill & The Smooth Operators, then bass player/vocalist with popular gypsy jazz outfit, the Usual Suspects.
Multi-talented Philip Rundall, artist and ace blues guitarist, famously the founder of the Backyard Band and Free Agents, and is much in demand for his dazzling sounds on a broad musical landscape.
Dave Olney is a freelance musician and the most famous of all! From X Factor to Strictly Come Dancing, from Parkinson to Dame Edna Everage, he has modestly played with just about everyone in the industry.
Memorable pop songs, rich vocal harmonies, accompanied by two guitars, double bass & bass guitar, presented with panache and humour. Musical magic!
Singer/songwriter from Chicago who tours extensively throughout the U.S performing at folk clubs, festivals and coffeehouses. "..a modern version of the great masters like Tom Rush, Tom Paxton, and Fred Neil." - Rootstown Magazine, USA, "...A true treat of modern, adult, acoustic balladry" - Cincinnati City Beat.
web site | mp3.
Phil Watts is a singer/songwriter with a unique depth and creative style. With passionate melodies and strong heartfelt lyrics he lends a fresh and intelligent slant to a love song or makes thought provoking social comments with equal conviction.
His influences are drawn from the likes of: Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, Jeff Buckley, Paul McCartney and Chris Cornell but he adds a different perspective, edge and intensity to the new era of gifted male singer/songwriters like James Blunt, Daniel Powter, Damien Rice and David Gray. “Clarity” is Phil’s first solo release, nine songs performed live which capture the essence and talent of a great singer-songwriter alone with an acoustic guitar.
He also fronts the rock band 68days co-writing their album with guitarist Ben Marvin and once again proving that he has immense ability to produce integrity,diversity and professionalism in any area of his work. His songwriting skills don’t end there either. Having written dance music that was aired all over Europe and a massive success in Ibiza it now features on the Ministry of sounds clubbers guide 2005.
There is no end to his talent! Some people write songs and sing them. Phil writes songs and feels them, delivering an amazing sound with truly impressive use of chords, lyrics and vocals. The kind of stuff that gets the hair at the back of your neck standing...Truly moving!
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Ox is Mark Browning from Canada who springs from a folk background and has a sound cultivated in the fertile soils of the Canadian and American heartland, with the experience of miles of highway, years of greyhound bus touring, and a multitude of adventure, Woody Guthrie style to draw upon. What has emerged is a reflection of middle-America - where trash and beauty meet. An ‘ox’ show is an eclectic performance which will leave a distinct flavour of dust in your mouth. "With a voice broken, weary and elegant, Vancouver songman Ox plys a sensitive but scuffed, delicate but twisted variant on the cracked alt-country thing. ... he is a significant talent" - Time Out. web site | mp3.
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Influenced by musicians such as Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell and Tori Amos, 19-year old Cara’s song writing draws on her studies in English, Philosophy and Religious Ethics for inspiration. After finishing her A-levels in 2004 she began work on her first album "Butterfly". Featuring 10 songs written during the previous year, she is joined on the album by a number of friends on cello, percussion and voice. Cara’s music has been described as "atmospheric, emotional and evocative, a fairytale told with a mature and compelling voice".
She has performed regularly around the Bishops Stortford and Cambridge area as well as in London and has recently supported Amy Wadge and Rickie Ross (Deacon Blue) and headlined at the Stortford Music Festival. Cara is currently working on songs for a second album.
"a heartening and memorable debut that delivers much and promises even more" Toby Allanson (Observer)
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| PIEFINGER One of London’s more absorbing acoustic acts, the countryfolk harmony band ‘Piefinger’, deliver their unique blend of poetic lyrics, intriguing melodies and three-part harmonies to a increasingly wider audience. ‘The band have been pulling large and excitable crowds to their London shows for the last couple of years,’ says Rich Barnard in his EP review for Acoustic Music website, the Virtually Acoustic Club (www.thevac.co.uk). With their mixture of ‘wry lyrics, infectious violin pizzicato and a trademark slow build-crescendo-aftershock arrangement, their vocal harmony and counterpoint often scrapes the genius of the Indigo Girls’ inspired interplays. |
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| The band formed initially as a duo in Vienna when acoustic singer-songwriter Glynne Steele met vocalist Jana Carpenter whilst working at the English Theatre. In the subsequent three years, the band has steadily evolved into a dynamic and original fourpiece with the addition of classical violinist Rachel Steadman and singer-songwriter David Sherwood on bass. More recently, the band have also added percussion to the mix. Piefinger have released two EPs under their own label – ‘Here inside the night’ (2004) and ‘Time alone’ (2005). Their first album, 'Where You Might Go' is due for release in July 2006. ‘What’s most impressive is that Piefinger refuse to take refuge in the lush array of sounds they are able to make,’ continues Barnard. ‘There are no duff lyrics swept under gorgeous vocal scrunches or flashy string runs, although both of the latter are on offer in the right places. web site | mp3 |
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Although influenced by the likes of Ben Harper, John Martyn, Richard Thompson and Shawn Colvin, Ecki's songwriting is infused with a very distinctive flavour that's all its own. Originally from Bungay in Suffolk, Ecki consistently refuses to accept labels being placed on his brand of singer-songwriting, instead electing to realise his ideas and commit them to tape, beginning with his debut release, Punchdrunk. Such ideas have been perfected via gigs in and around London and his current hometown of Cambridge, together with performances at the Cambridge Folk Festival and for Tom Robinson and BBC 6 Music, and Punchdrunk captures the desire and spirit of such performances, as underlined by early reviews: "Ecki is clearly a man whose muse operates primarily in shades of blue but that includes open sky as well as dark, oceanic depths. A promising debut." - The Independent
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This young singer/songwriter from Brooklyn, NY is often compared to Nick Drake, Tim Buckley and Donovan due to his emotive, airy vocals and generally pensive qualities. He crafts his songs like watercolor paintings - intimate and introspective, his gentle yet colourful melodies are graceful and resonate long after the last note fades.
Rolling Stone magazine described his voice as "sweeter than incense and peppermints." Billboard magazine said "Berkeley may have what it takes to win wide appeal... his melodies are fresh and sweet...his lyrics, often captivating."
"Berkeley sings in a lustrous melancholy voice...as his melodies ascend to become benedictions and consolations, the music shimmers and peals." - The New York Times
web site | MySpace
Singer/songwriter Abi has played intimate venues from her home town to festivals and stadiums of 15,000 people: including the London Palladium in 2002, BBC 6 Radio Summer Sundae Weekender in 2004 and The Huddersfield Galpharm Stadium in 2005. She sings, plays guitar, piano, violin and mandolin and released her critically acclaimed debut album of original material "The Aftermath of '96" in 2006, along with a CGI video to the single "The Prophecy (Part I)." Her heartrending lyrics are wrapped up neatly inside a nostalgic melody, delivering a package that leaves her audiences breathless. She has opened for the likes of Midge Ure, Jim Moray, Lau, Jonatha Brooke, Edwina Hayes and the Coal Porters. She is supporting 10CC on their current tour.
web site | MySpace
James Varda was born and grew up in London and it was in London in the 1980’s that James began writing songs and playing live. It was during a performance at Clapham Folk Club that James was spotted by Roy Harper. Following this James recorded his first album, "Hunger" in 1988 in Harper's own studio. The record garnered excellent reviews and established James’ distinctive and individual songwriting and guitar style.
During this period James performed extensively both in his own right and also supporting other artists (he supported Roy Harper on his 1988 tour). Other appearances included the Cambridge Folk Festival (1989), Reading Festival (1990) and various TV and radio performances.
Moving to Suffolk in the 90’s James took a break from performing but continued to write. Some of this material was finally heard when James re-emerged in 2004 with a new album "In the Valley". An almost entirely solo record, the album is different in sound and feel to Hunger but the distinctive songwriting is still very much in evidence. Ross Fortune writing in Time Out commented; "This album is a quietly wonderful return. Its tender and introspective, consummately unassuming, and achingly affecting."
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The Indigo Road are a new London based band lead by chief songwriter and guitarist Mark Herbert and featuring Heidi Jo Hines. Heidi is the daughter of Denny Laine who was in The Moody Blues and Wings. Their first single, "Goodbye To You", is a gorgeous stripped down, soulful acoustic number featuring beautiful vocal harmonies, strings, pattered percussion and stunning finger picked Spanish style guitar. Heidi's performance on this record has received fantastic reviews and proves her to be one of the most exciting female rock vocalists to come out of England in a long time.
My Space
Hakin's talent as a multi-instrumentalist has resulted in a sound that is highly melodic and instrumentally diverse, gaining comparisons to artists like Ron Sexsmith, Radiohead and Paul McCartney. Jason's songs are as memorable, lovely and wistfully melancholy as anything this side of Ron Sexsmith.
Released in the fall of 2007 under Saturnine Records, "Writing Home" is the first major full-length release for this Ontario born songwriter. The songs "Warm", "Listless" and "Stars" were released as singles in early 2006 and generated considerable interest in the album's impending release. Subsequent shows in Canada, England and France fostered a trans Atlantic fan base and an enthusiastic reception to the full length album.
"Startlingly compelling pop" - Scene Magazine.
"There is multi-level, smart, dreamy pop in these four love songs. I've been listening to Jason's single Warm over and over. - The London Free Press.
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Jon Betmead, a veteran of the Cambridge and national acoustic music scene, together with guitarist Philip Rundall, founder member of Backyard Band and Free Agents, play a laid back mix of folk, blues and country music. Jon’s soft, soulful voice, his sensitive guitar work combined with Philip’s bluesy licks makes for a musical treat not to be missed.
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Beth Walthew, originally from Sunderland, started out in life as a classically trained pianist and singer. Beth sang with the London Symphony Chorus, and also performed in public opera recitals around the UK, including performing at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2001 and 2003.
Since starting live performances of her own tunes in 2007, Beth's music has swayed towards a soul-jazz fusion, which supports Beth's silky smooth voice, reminiscent of Dusty Springfield's 60s sound. Performing around the UK, Beth has performed sizzling solo acoustic sets as well as performing with her full band.Walthew
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Put together a multi-instrumentalist singer songwriter and an extremely talented bass guitar and electric upright double bass player and you have the unique duo Linda Watkins and Godfrey. Welsh valleys girl Linda sings and plays passionately whilst gentle Englishman Godfrey Yeomans's expert bass playing threads itself through each carefully crafted piece.
Linda has always written poetry and songs and now, coupled with her interesting musical arrangements, rhythmic style and powerful vocals, which some say are reminiscent of Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, her performances have entertained audiences from Coventry to Kent with the occasional appearance in Europe.
The recent addition of electric bass to Linda's act has created something far greater than the sum of its parts. Godfrey Yeomans is an experienced bass player, formerly with the band Skywyne in the 70s making their mark at The Marquee Club in London as a regular support band. After the dissolution of this band and several intervening years in the musical wilderness Godfrey joined local Folk Rock band Penda's Fen which sadly came to an end as band members moved away to more remote parts of the country.
Now he is back on stage and unusually for a bass player is an equal part of this fine duo. Sit back and let their magic wash over you……
web site | MySpace
Born in Bellflower, Los Angeles in 1981 to Greek-American and Anglo-Welsh parents, Liz has lived for most of her life in the English Midlands and is a truly versatile folk/contemporary artist. Much of her music and lyrics is her own original work though traditional songs often feature in her performances. Her multi-instrumental skills add atmosphere and texture to her solo work, and her distinctive, bell-like vocals easily encompass the demands of her varied material. Her latest album "On the Neon Highway" fulfills the promise of her earlier recordings amd marks this young singer/songwriter as a name to watch out for. "This clearly talented multi-instrumentalist/singer is the latest in the Kate Rusby/Bill Jones continuum" - Froots magazine
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Since launching her new album, "Lost for Words", this former Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts student has made ardent strides towards a successful solo career. In this album Amy manages to weave poignant life-path lyrics, through a weighty collection of heartfelt tribulations. Her eclectic style, fused with an insanely dextrous guitar capability, has put her in the arena of festival gigs, including Glastonbury, Goldcoast Oceanfest and Llama. "A clutch of appealing sel-penned songs, sensual voice, impressive rhythm guitar and warm engaging personality. Amy Newton has the whole package" - North Devon Journal
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The Askew Sisters are a young fiddle and melodeon duo, playing and singing traditional English music in a dynamic and exciting style. Their sheer energy and musicality is quickly leading them to become one of the up and coming stars of the new English music revival. From their rhythmic, foot stomping tunes, to Hazel’s powerful songs and ballads, they win fans wherever they play.
They have been Semi-Finalists in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award and won the New Roots competition 2005. After releasing their debut E.P. “Six By Two” on WildGoose Records last autumn they have enjoyed a year of gigging, the highlights of which include: Sidmouth FolkWeek, Cheltenham Folk Festival, and a joint tour of the North-East with XYZ. Their playing is always guaranteed to engage the audience and their enjoyment and love for the music is infectious.
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Songs from the Blue House has turned into some sort of polyglot acoustic orchestra with as many as 14 members on occasions.
SftBH can and will try their hands at almost anything, and frequently do. Sometimes folky, sometimes country, part acoustic pop and partly windswept 'big music', the band's breadth of material either confuses or delights, but as musicians from very varied backgrounds, and not being overly ambitious people, they're quite happy with that. They are known for more than their musical sluttishness though - their often bewildering onstage banter can entertain as much as the music. These guys have a confidence bred from experience but comfortingly, they're not too big for their boots.
"This is music to be enjoyed in good company. It is also about as far from shallow, meaningless and soulless entertainment as you could get, it is warm and full of life. It's is the kind of music non-musicians dream about making. Instead of being ornate, fussy and unnecessarily over emotional, the delicate shades of folk, roots, country and perhaps the merest whisper of bluegrass combine to create a diamond." Mike Mee, netrhythms.co.uk
"Fantastic - I would recommend them to anybody" - Mark Ellen, Editor - The Word magazine.
web site | MySpace
A singer/songwriter based in Leeds who has been performing his own solo material for a year or so now. His excellent debut album 'Ric Neale Hasn't Heard Of You Either' was recorded last summer and since then he has been touring to promote it, both on his own and with his backing band. web site | mp3
Hailing from the Shires but latterly residing in the thriving hub of East London, 22-year old Dan has carved himself a place at the heart of the acoustic singer-songwriter scene. With an impassioned melodic stance bolstered by an occasional smattering of fiddle and banjo and a dose of honky-tonk blues harmonica, his sound evokes imagery that would not look out of place in the annals of pre-war Britain nor antebellum USA, yet his lyrical observations are acute and timely. Folk is the umbrella term under which he shelters, although undeniably his dark and introspective side has been touched by great bluesmen such as John Lee Hooker and his sensibility flecked by the likes of Miles Davis, Gram Parsons, and Richard Thompson.
Former frontman of hip scenesters The Sunbirds, Dan Raza has played all over the world as a solo performer singing songs of hard work, injustice, disillusionment and fond farewells. Audience reaction has been almost overwhelming at times, from rollicking, foot-stompers such as 'Who's That Knocking?' - a tale of time catching up to the plaintive and heartfelt message of 'Every Little Dog,' an informed and acute study of the motives behind London's infamous July 7 bombings which has been featured on Neil Young's Living With War website where it has enjoyed thousands of plays.
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Brought up against the harsh yet dramatic landscape of the Cambridgeshire fens, Joanne Louise Parker’s forte is a cappella. Silence has been known to roll like mist through a chattering room during a performance. Fans have said that she has a voice which “makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck”.
Joanne's musical apprenticeship has been rich and varied ranging from classical, through folk and jazz to popular music. She sang in Opus XVI, a London Chamber Choir for 5 years before moving onto backing vocals for the trip hop band Auburn. In 2001, while nursing a hot chocolate in a Tofino coffee house, she re-discovered Joni Mitchell.
After a 9 month search for musicians prepared to work with Mitchell’s de-tuned compositions; she staged a sell out concert of Mitchell’s earlier works in a remote 12th Century Church. Joanne’s folk roots blues style encompasses elements of this varied musical background with lyrics which combine observation of the natural, spiritual and emotional. A regular on the open mic scene in the UK and overseas, she has travelled extensively and performed her songs to audiences great and small from the West Coast of the US to as far east as Russia.
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IRENE RAE
Almost 3 years on, it is her voice that stays in audience's memories and won her 2nd place in a local Cambridge Battle of the Bands competition. Being the only solo act out of 85 entrants, it seemed an unbelievable task to even get through one heat opening many doors for live gigs, and live radio broadcasts for Irene, and from gig to gig both her fan base and confidence has grown, hand in hand. However the most important aspect of playing live to Irene Rae is still the feeling and emotion that can be and should be conveyed.
web site | MySpace
Hannah is a young singer/songwriter who began performing in late 2005 at her local acoustic nights in Suffolk. In 2006 she released her debut album, “Till Angels Fall”. The musicians on the album include Mark Flanagan, guitarist with Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.
"Heartfelt material, a distinctive voice and wonderful piano playing make Hannah a unique talent" - Steven Foster, BBC Radio Suffolk
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Stella Hensley's haunting vocals teamed with John Wright's exceptional guitar playing produce songs that vary in style suiting all tastes from slow soulful blues, simple folk melodies to upbeat acoustic songs. They bring an exciting freshness to their songwriting and perform with real emotion and feel.
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Clara Kousah is a singer/songwriter from Cambridge with a wonderfully rich, spell-binding voice and a writing style that staggers from the deeply emotional to a light and trouble-free carelessness.
She has been described as sounding like a cross between Joni Mitchell and Siouxsie and the Banshees, with hints of Evanescence, All About Eve and Ani DiFranco in the mix, and describes her own influences as ranging from the likes of Suzanne Vega to metal heads Megadeth.
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As soon as she began performing in her native Western Australia in 1995 Nat made an immediate impression on audiences with her gutsy, passionate, acoustic style. Her debut album "Universe" has received rave reviews and is a fine showcase of her rare songwriting ability, with a voice that could tear your heart out with its power and vulnerability, coupled with intricate, accomplished guitar playing. She is now bringing her music to Europe and America. "A stunning collection of skillfully crafted songs" - Express magazine. web site
Lucy is a harpist and singer who has performed many times as a classical soloist but has recently been seen at the acoustic clubs around Cambridge performing sets that include a mixture of original acoustic material and folk song covers - a genre she says feels like her musical home. In 2007 Lucy met musician, film composer and producer Julian Wiggins, who agreed to record and produce a CD for Lucy. 'May the rain fall softly' was released to coincide with a gig at King's College Chapel in January 2008. Since then tracks from the CD have been played on Radio Cambridgeshire, Radio Wales and by Aled Jones on his Radio 2 show.
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An entertaining singer/songwriter from Philadelphia whose story-songs and character portraits are crafted with the same measure of genuine sympathy and unflinching honesty that make the songs of Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen resonate. web site
This duo are Janis Haves and Tony Carling, two very different singer/songwriters from London who have teamed up again following their very successful 'Chalk and Cheese' tour put on a show that combines their talents. Tony's hilarious London street poet style of songwriting brings to life characters from the London building trade and more besides with Janis providing a more delicate richly lyrical feminine touch.
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Originally from Devon this gutsy singer/songwriter has already made a name for herself on the London scene and has also toured in the USA, Switzerland and Slovenia. She is currently promoting her debut release "Bootlace" which is a collection of intelligent songs that form an honest and lyrically intense document of her life. Her live performances can grip an audience with her sleek and raspy vocal tone. web site | mp3
An acoustic troubadour from Liverpool whose debut solo album "It Just Is" was co-produced by Martyn Campbell of the Lightning Seeds and received rave reviews. Radio sessions and tours are now bringing his classic pop songs to a wider audience. "Steve's album arrived in the office and we all fell in love with it. A beautiful record " - Janice Long, BBC Radio 2. web site | mp3
Janis has toured most of Britain with her band the Ice Garden and later as one half of the infamous Nott Sisters, an upfront 'girlpower' country influenced singer/songwriter project. Her 2002 album with guitarist/producer husband Geoff Haves received a rave review in Country Music People Magazine who said: "Their music is anchored in American forms but has a slight British accent that enhances the distinctiveness and originality of their sound.....Together they have recorded an enjoyable, subtle album that given the exposure would have no difficulty cutting it against the likes of Beth Neilson Chapman or Mary Chapin Carpenter". web site
Originally from St. Louis, Emmett cut his musical teeth travelling the USA and singing in bands in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York. While his influences run the musical spectrum of punk, rock, hip-hop, country and soul, it was in New York City that he found his calling as a solo acoustic artist. "Emmett Williams is an incredibly compelling performer and his lyrics are remarkably poignant" - KCAW Radio, Alaska web site | mp3
No ID are a group of young musicians from Cambridge who play tunes and songs from Ireland and have an average age of just 15. They formed in the summer of 2002 but had been playing together for about two years before that in the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann Groupai Cheoil competition. They became a band after they won the All Britain competition in June of 2002. They were booked for the Club Tent at the Cambridge Folk Festival in 2003 and in 2004 made their debut on Main Stage 2.
The band members have won countless All-Britain and All-Ireland honours and Adam Brown is currently All-Ireland Bodhran champion. The line up is Erin Ella Brown (vocals and fiddle), Seán Clery (fiddle and banjo), Adam Brown (bodhrán and bouzouki), and Alan MacLeod (button accordion, melodeon and bodhrán).
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With a playing style strongly reminiscent of Jon Martyn's ‘Solid Air’ days and a writing style heavily influenced by the same, with generous helpings of Todd Rundgren, Joni Mitchell, World Party and Nick Drake, Al’s true calling has always been the live performance of his original jazz, blues and folk tinged set. Following a slot at the Cambridge Folk Club supporting the late great virtuoso guitarist Eric Roche, Al was given a much needed metaphorical kick up the behind both from the headline act himself and the audience, who urged him to commit his material to tape and release an album as soon as possible. Further support slots with artists including Martin Carthy continued to generate a fantastic audience response to Al’s charming and polished set, finally convincing him of the potential within his material.
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John is a singer/songwriter based in Cambridge whose songwriting is influenced by many of the artists he has listened to over the years, including Christy Moore, John Lennon, Ray Davies, Eric Bogle, Bruce Springsteen and Roy Harper. Many of his songs draw upon personal experiences such as growing up in Rochdale and missing the last bus in Leeds! He released his first CD, The children of the sea, in December 2005, and his second, Powder of the Stars, in January 2007.
web site | MySpace
The Floozies are Daisy Windsor: guitar and vocals, Paula Welham: sax and flute, Sue Szymanski: bodhran and ethnic percussion. Based in Suffolk, The Floozies play mainly original acoustic material with unusual combinations of instruments. If you like Eddie Reader, Beth Orton, Karine Polwart then this is the band for you. The Floozies are well known for their energetic contemporary folk, melting sensitive lyrics with cool jazzy riffs and ethnic percussion.
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Gus MacGregor is the former front man of Loman and is an accomplished singer/songwriter whose style has been compared to Paul Simon, Don McLean, Damian Rice and Bob Dylan. As an actor he was nominated for an Olivier Award in 2000. Since then he been writing, performing and recording with a range of artists including Judie Tzuke, KD Lang, Ray Lamontagne, Nizlopi and Glen Tillbrook.
"Intelligent songwriting of the highest order. New folk has never sounded so good." - Folking.com
"[Gus's] knack for an unusual metaphor, spine-tingling harmony or heart-breaking lyric won’t let you go." - Nottingham Evening Post.
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Although she seemed set for pop stardom early in her career this singer/songwriter from Norwich is now playing acoustically as a solo artist and recording her own songs. "The brilliant Lisa Redford combines acoustic sensibilities, a unique melodic style and stunning vocals" - Norfolk & Norwich fringe festival."brilliant! Lisa has a great voice" - Glenn Tilbrook, Squeeze web site | mp3
Lee Westwood is a Brighton-based guitarist and composer who exploits the instrument's many facets to create eclectic modern lullabies for the steel strung acoustic guitar, using new dynamics and approaches in his pieces.
Lee's debut album "To Sleep (Farewell Songs)", released in 2006, was met with rave reviews with Guitarist Magazine describing him as "...an emerging acoustic instrumentalist with blazing technique, ensuring the fingerpicking tradition remains in safe hands." Acoustic Magazine called him "...a brilliantly talented young artist, with a broad palette of styles mixed seamlessly together"
web site | MySpace | YouTube Video
Karin is a singer/songwriter who performs edgy, country rock with gospel roots. She was born in Japan, raised in New York and now lives in Nashville. Karin has entertained audiences around the world with her original music. With three independent CDs to her credit and several singles released to radio she has touched millions with her honest lyric and uplifting melodies. Besides being a stellar performer, Karin is also a songwriting instructor teaching in Nashville. Think John Mellancamp meets the Judds with a touch of Joni Mitchell.
web site | MySpace
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