Folk, Roots & Traditional Music - Musicians' Union

Folk, Roots 

& Traditional Music 

Edition One 

Folk, Roots & Traditional Music 1

Folk, Roots 

& Traditional Music 

The Musicians’ Union is the largest union of musicians in the world and 

represents over 30,000 members working in all sectors of the music 

business. It provides a comprehensive range of services to members, 

including information and guidance on all matters relating to the music 

industry (see page 78 for more information). 

Project Manager – Bindu Paul 

The FRTM Section was established in 

1998 to better represent the interests of 

MU members involved in folk, roots and 

traditional music. The Section provides 

specialist advice and information, and is 

committed to enhancing and protecting 

members’ rights, both as performers and 

composers, through its work with other 

organisations such as PRS, PPL and the 

major engagers of UK folk musicians. 

As well as lobbying for more and better 

exposure for folk and traditional music in 

the media, the Section promotes the huge 

range of UK folk music talent at WOMEX 

and other national and international 

events, giving real assistance to UK folk 

artists in establishing an international 

profile. 

Providing support for new artists is an 

essential part of the Section’s remit and 

through its association with the BBC, the 

Union offers free MU membership for the 

winners of the BBC Young Folk Award 

and the BBC Scotland Young Traditional 

Musician of the Year Award. 

This first edition of FOLK, ROOTS & 

TRADITIONAL MUSIC contains a selection 

of some of the most exciting artists 

currently performing in the UK. So simply 

pick your artists, visit their websites and 

book them for your event... it’s that easy! 

Paul Westwell 

Secretary to FRTM Section Committee 

Musicians’ Union Frtm Section 

199 Newport Road, 

Cardiff, 

Wales, Uk 

Cf24 1aj 

W : www.musiciansunion.org.uk 

E : folk@musiciansunion.org.uk 

T : +44 (0) 2920 456 585 

Folk, Roots & Traditional Music 1

Bill Adair 

W : www.myspace.com/billadairmusic 

E : mail@billadair.net 

T : +44 (0) 7913 901 835 

Bill Adair is an accomplished singersongwriter 

based in Glasgow, Scotland. 

Equally at home playing blues from the 

Mississippi Delta or singing a traditional 

ballad, Bill has developed his own 

distinctive sound with his rich baritone 

voice and carefully crafted guitar picking. 

His original material draws on influences 

from traditional Piedmont and 

Delta Blues, and from contemporary 

writers and players like Ralph McTell, 

Stefan Grossman and Eric Bibb. 

Bill is in constant demand as a solo 

singer at festivals and folk clubs, 

and has gained a reputation as an 

innovative interpreter not only of blues 

but also the works of Burns, re-working 

and stripping back the original, 

familiar melodies to something which 

has more in common with the Delta 

cotton fields than the Ayrshire corn rigs. 

Mike McElya 

– Sunshine 

Drumming 

W : www.sunshinedrumming.co.uk 

E : macdaddy76@tinyworld.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7828 074 322 

Attend a drumming session with 

Mike McElya of Sunshine Drumming and 

something extraordinary happens inside 

your head. 

Mikes technique can turn a roomful 

of strangers into a cohesive group of 

friends in the time it takes to drink 

a hot cup of coffee. From small gigs 

to elaborate performances staged at 

festivals and public events around the UK, 

Mike’s Sunshine Drumming works with 

this ancient vocabulary to create a 

powerful sense of unity. 

Mike fully deserves his reputation as one 

of the most professional rhythm leaders 

in the business. 

Kirsty McGee 

W : www.kirstymcgee.com 

E : hobopop@mac.com 

T : +44 (0) 7880 607 043 

A maker of delicate yet stubborn 

songs; an instinctive traveller; a human 

scrapbook – Kirsty McGee has become 

something of a cult figure on the UK 

songwriting scene. Her emergence as a 

unique writing voice in acoustic music 

coincided with her now-famous early 

appearance alongside Suzanne Vega at 

Brampton Live festival in 2001. 

This has been followed by four 

acclaimed studio albums, two BBC 

award nominations (best newcomer and 

best original song), national airplay in 

several countries, collaborations with 

established names and a consistently 

busy international touring schedule. 

“One of the strongest and most unusual 

voices of her generation” 

– The Irish World 

“The kind of voice that stops you dead in 

your tracks” 

– BBC 

Reuben’s Train 

W : www.myspace.com/reubenstrain 

E : reubens.train@btinternet.com 

T : +44 (0) 7803 174 146 

Reuben’s Train are a duo performing 

mostly American songs, some traditional 

and some not so traditional, from the 

darker side of life. Mick Watson (vocals, 

eyebrows) and Keith Osborne (vocals, 

guitar, banjo and sideburns) have been 

performing together for ten years at 

festivals and folk clubs, dressing always 

in black as a mark of respect for the 

songs and stories they relate, and leaving 

audiences wondering. 

“...London’s most dramatic duo. 

Sophisticated, funny and weird...” 

– Islington Folk Club 

“Unusual English duo... with excellent 

harmony, guitar and banjo (plus frockcoats 

and impressive eyebrows)” 

– Time Out 

“...it’s a crime that we haven’t heard 

more of the supremely weirdly talented 

Reuben’s Train” 

– Both Sides of the Tweed 2 Music Festival 

2 Musicians’ Union Folk, Roots & Traditional Music 3

Branco Stoysin 

– Trio 

W : www.brancostoysin.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 20 8693 2398 

Branco is an extraordinary yet entirely 

natural-sounding acoustic guitarist that is 

so pleasingly distinctive. 

The blending of jazz, finger-style and 

Yugoslav folk, he pulls it off effortlessly. 

His evocative, neo-impressionistic writing 

has flowing warmth and elegance, 

while retaining an edge of energy and 

invention. 

With Leslee Booth on 6 string contra bass 

and Buster Birch on percussion this is a 

consistent trio with six acclaimed albums 

released. The interaction between the 

three musicians is excellent throughout, 

there is real musical intelligence behind 

their relaxing, Sun drenched music. 

Let a little Sun into your life and book the 

trio for your event (all UK/World covered). 

Tony Morris 

W : www.tonymorrispoet.com 

www.myspace.com/tonymorrismusic 

www.myspace.com/tonymorrisflutes 

www.myspace.com/tomlennard 

E : tonymorris@tonymorrispoet.com 

T : +44 (0) 7749 505 283 

Tony Morris, based in Whitby/York, 

is said to be, perhaps, one of only ten 

British Bards working in the Ancient 

Tradition, translating to, and for, the 

Modern World, entertaining with a varied 

mix of his own folk songs, poetry, music 

and story. 

He is known for his “Trappy Lad” CD 

of ironstone mining songs and songs 

about Captain William Scoresby of 

Whitby, originally written for a school 

film project on whaling. A specialist in 

multi-instrumental improvisation with the 

spoken word, he is a player and recording 

artist of Native American Style Flute, 

giving solo performances, ‘Fluting and 

Floating’. 

“Multi-instrumental Folk Legend” 

– Durham Book Festival Programme 2008 

Tony Morris is proud to be member of 

both EQUITY and the Musician’s Union. 

Emma Forman 

W : www.emmaforman.co.uk 

E : emma@emmaforman.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7813 251 686 

Emma Forman is a singer-songwriter 

based in Scotland. Previously she has 

performed with The Awkwards (guitar), 

and The Koshkas (bass), however she is 

perhaps best known as the former front 

woman of Bad Karma (guitar and vocals), 

Those Valentinos, and Baby Karma. 

In 2001 Emma performed her first solo 

acoustic gig and has since gone on to 

carve out a reputation for herself as a 

fine and much in demand singersongwriter. 

She has been compared with 

artists like PJ Harvey, Suzanne Vega, 

and Harriet Wheeler. 

Her first solo demo was recorded by 

Chris Thomson (formerly Love and 

money) and has gone on to support 

various artists including: 

Astrid Williamson, Duke Special, 

Fish, Frank Turner, James Grant, 

and Midge Ure. 

Groanbox 

W : www.groanbox.com 

E : groanbox@groanbox.com 

T : +44 (0) 7895 004 708 

Groanbox, the UK based North American 

trio of Michael Ward-Bergeman, 

Cory Seznec and Paul Clifford, are a 

musical hybrid of ideas and ideals. 

At first glance a roots band steeped in the 

traditions of American music, 

they play with all the guts of rock & 

roll and all the soul of the wandering 

troubadour. But somewhere along the 

way, that troubadour turned off the road 

and, setting sail from the melting pot of 

New Orleans, began a journey that would 

take their sound to new, unchartered 

territories with influences from around 

the world. 

Groanbox have toured extensively 

throughout the UK and the east coast 

of the USA. They have released three 

albums: Smokestack Trilogy, 

Fences Come Down and Gran Bwa. 


Abagail Grey 

W : www.myspace.com/abagailgrey 

E : claire@campbell04.wanadoo. 

co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7788 487 447 

Abagail Grey is fast becoming recognised 

as a band “not to be missed in 2009”. 

They are on the cusp of releasing their 

debut album produced by Chris Geddes 

(Belle & Sebastian). 

Abagail Grey is a six piece band fronted 

by Claire Campbell with vocals, piano and 

violin. The rugged voice of Stephen Obern 

sharply contrasts her delicate tone whilst 

‘the duplets’ add depth to the sound with 

their stereo harp, soaring harmonies, 

trumpet and piano. Drums and bass 

guitar provide a powerful backline. 

Their live shows are a rich and dynamic 

cacophony of musical soundscapes and 

intense lyrical imagery. 

“Serene, elegant and beautifully 

crafted... daringly simple” 

– The Scotsman, about an Abagail Grey song 

called ‘Love’ 

Emma Scarr 

W : www.myspace.com/emmascarr 

Emma Scarr is a singer-songwriter from 

Leytonstone, East London, writing folk 

music with an Americana flavour. 

Emma has been active on the live London 

scene for approaching two decades. 

A proficient player of the guitar, fiddle 

and banjo, in recent years she has 

concentrated on song craft. 

Recent appearances include The Tolpuddle 

in Islington Festival, Come Down and 

Meet the Folks, The Hove Folk Club, 

The Source Below, Watford folk club 

and The Leytonstone Festival. She also 

performs regularly at Folk in the Cellar, 

where she acts as compere. 

Character and place driven, Emma’s songs 

are grounded in first-hand experience 

and observation of the banalities and 

triumphs of everyday life. The understated 

narratives, forgiving and non-judgmental, 

have a sense of resignation but remain 

ultimately undefeated. 

Southern 

Tenant Folk 

Union 

W : www.southerntenantfolkunion.com 

E : info@southerntenantfolkunion.com 

T : +44 (0)7986 485 048 

Featuring ex-member of The Arlenes/ 

Coal Porters Pat McGarvey with former 

Peatbog Fairies Fiddler Roddy Neilson, 

Southern Tenant Folk Union are an 

Edinburgh based six piece folk bluegrass 

band that have developed into one of 

the most exciting groups recording and 

performing roots music in the United 

Kingdom. 

Recently picked in a top ten of 2008 

(Morning Star) their second album 

‘Revivals, Rituals & Union Songs’ is as 

rambunctious as it is infectious; 

weaving styles and genres effortlessly 

whilst haunting vocals command 

attention throughout. With excellent 

reviews in Mojo, Uncut and Maverick 

Magazine they’ve had airplay from BBC 

Radio 2 (Mark Lamarr and Steve Lamacq) 

amongst others. 

Expect up-tempo tunes, murder ballads 

and more from this unique band of 

soulful musicians. 

Dave Arcari 

W : www.davearcari.com 

E : margaret@thebuzzgroup.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7951 316 839 

Slide guitarist and songwriter Dave 

Arcari’s alt.blues sounds owe as much 

to trash country, punk and rockabilly as 

they do pre-war Delta blues and have 

been showcased via five internationallyacclaimed 

solo CD releases. 

With more than 150 UK dates a year 

plus shows in Finland, Estonia, France, 

Germany and Canada, Arcari is one 

of the hardest gigging live artists on 

the circuit. A series of shows with the 

mighty Alabama 3 (by personal request 

from the band), Seasick Steve, Son of 

Dave and Jon Spencer along with his 

relentless UK and European tour schedule 

have established Arcari as a formidable 

international solo performer who is fast 

building a media reputation as a... 

“hell-raising National guitar madman.” 


Clara Sanabras 

& The Real 

Lowdown 

W : www.clarasanabras.co.uk 

E : clara.sanabras@gmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7815 746 877 

Barcelonese singer-songwriter 

Clara Sanabras and her team of 

exceptional musicians in The Real 

Lowdown, formed this band in 2006. 

Based in London, they have performed in 

some of the most prestigious UK venues 

and festivals and released two highly 

acclaimed albums. 

Recently praised for her collaboration 

with Natacha Atlas, Clara’s song-writing 

skills and unique style of singing were 

described by the press as “utterly 

enchanting” and “pure delight… 

prompting the listener to wonder where 

songwriter/vocalist/ukeleleist Clara 

Sanabras has been hiding.” 

“You can imagine Clara Sanabras’ 

new group being a big hit with Radio2 

listeners, folkies, Prommers, Joolswatchers, 

Womad-goers and so on…” 

– John Walters (The Guardian). 

Roscoe 

W : www.myspace.com/krazyroscoe 

E : roscoesemail@yahoo.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7983 118 551 

Roscoe is a genre busting finger style 

guitarist, singer-songwriter. Has produced 

three self released albums and has 

performed widely in Britain and Europe 

from busking the terraces of the Albaizin 

in Granada to Glastonbury festival. 

Three of the songs from the album 

‘Prices of the Hollow Tree’ have been 

voted no. 1 in the listener’s chart of 

Radio Free Southwest and ‘Silver River’ 

gained world wide radio airplay. 

“Roscoe has an entirely unique lyrical 

style to his playing and tells delicate 

stories with each song in his old soul 

voice.” 

Mr Eugene 

W : www.myspace.com/mreugene1 

E : mreugene@hotmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7810 385 196 

International Sound Traveller Mr.Eugene 

is an independent folk musician who 

writes his own material. He lets rip on 

a number of issues and instruments: 

electric violin, acoustic and electric 

guitars. 

Expect Russian or Irish sounding fiddling, 

head nodding, and songs including 

humour, sex, social criticism, love, and 

alcohol. He pushes and pulls in various 

musical directions, mixing international 

influences (USA, Spain, Ireland, 

Brighton!) in his lively and accessible 

performance. People have compared 

Mr.Eugene with Shane McGowan, 

others have said David Byrne, 

Rory McLeod, The Levellers or even 

Leonard Cohen. Alternative International 

Folk; full-on songs about people, life and 

passion, great production, sound and 

arrangements. Mr.Eugene exploits effects, 

Irish spirit, English humour, and original 

exciting performance! 

Compagnie 

Giulia 

W : www.myspace.com/ 

compagniegiulia 

E : julia.21@dsl.pipex.com 

T : +44 (0) 7799 881 190 

Compagnie Giulia have been playing an 

exciting mixture of medieval music from 

all over Europe and music from the 

Near East since they formed in 2005. 

The band members bring a wealth of 

knowledge and experience of different 

musical traditions to form their unique 

sound. Bass viol player Mike Edwards 

was a member of ELO and now plays 

with Devon Baroque. Simon Cassell is a 

musicologist, and specialist in Turkish 

song and Middle Eastern percussion. 

Nick Millington (bouzouki) has studied 

Greek music. Howard Frey (mandolin and 

percussion) has a background in early 

and traditional music, and Julia Thomas 

(bagpipe, concertina, whistles, and voice) 

researches medieval music and has 

written new music to Middle English texts 

for the band. 


The House 

Devils 


thehousedevils 

E : thehousedevils@hotmail.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7762 316 111 

The House Devils are Matt Fahey – guitar, 

vocal, cittern; Andrew Dinan – fiddle; 

Mat Walklate – flute, harmonica, vocal, 

whistle, uilleann pipes; and Anthony 

Haller – double bass. We play Irish 

traditional songs and tunes plus a little 

American traditional music. 

Our new album, ‘Adieu to Old Ireland’ has 

its worldwide release in July 2009 cat. no. 

EUCD 2232 on the ARC Music label. 

Andrew is all-Ireland Senior fiddle 

champion and Mat is a British Blues 

Harp championship winner. The band 

is available to work as a three, four or 

five piece. The fifth member is Seamus 

O’Kane on bodhran. 

The name ‘House Devils’ comes from the 

expression, “You’re an angel in the street 

but a devil in the house!” 

Rachel Taylor- 

Beales 

W : www.racheltaylor-beales.com 

www.myspace.com/ 

racheltaylorbeales 

E : info@racheltaylor-beales.com 

T : +44 (0) 7970 133 712 

Singer-songwriter Rachel Taylor-Beales 

has a talent for story telling with an eye 

and ear for the ‘real’ world around her. 

Moving between guitar and piano led 

songs she weaves quirky melody and rich 

harmony into her narratives, while the mix 

of Folk, Jazz, Roots and Americana blend 

to create a sublime sound that stops you 

in your tracks. 

Having toured extensively she is currently 

working on her third album, due for 

release early 2010. Her previous releases 

have gained recognition and praise from 

many areas of the industry including BBC 

Radio 2’s Bob Harris describing the latest 

album Red Tree as... 

“highly recommended!” 

Yard of Ale 

W : www.yardofale.net 

E : admin@yardofale.net 

T : +44 (0) 7742 015 606 

Yard of Ale are a trio from Edinburgh, 

playing folk, country and contemporary 

material. Guitars, banjos, mandolins, 

fiddle, harmonicas, some nifty three 

part harmony and good crack between 

numbers have established the band as a 

complete entertainment package. 

Yard of Ale formed originally in 1972 and 

won the TV Times ‘Pub Entertainers of 

the Year’ award, appeared on ITV’s 

‘New Faces’ and television and radio 

shows including STV’s ‘Thingummyjig’ 

and BBC Scotland’s ‘Scottish Radio 

Orchestra Roadshow’. They have 

supported Matt McGinn, Hamish Imlach, 

Billy Connolly and the legendary 

Tim Hardin. 

In 1992 the group reformed for a project 

in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with 

Bill Hill and since then have been in great 

demand in the UK and Ireland. 

Mambo Jambo 

W : www.mambojambo.co.uk 


mambojamboduo 

E : mamboandjambo@hotmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7770 475 278 

Mambo Jambo play a mix of original 

material and World/Roots styles, 

specialising in Cuban and Brazilian, 

influenced by the rhythms of Africa, 

the Caribbean, plus Bluegrass and 

Eastern Europe. These two musical 

explorers and multi-instrumentalists 

employ a wide array of instruments to 

create their joyous, rhythmic sound: 

harmony vocals, guitar, tres (traditional 

Cuban guitar), banjo, percussion, suitcase 

(!), sax, clarinet, flute, cavaquinho and 

occasional accordion! 

In 2008 they played, Musicport World 

Music Festival, Sidmouth Folk Week, 

Bridlington Arts Festival, Shetland, 

Broadstairs and Beverley Folk Festivals – 

and in previous years Miri International 

Jazz Festival (Borneo) and Voix Des Pays 

(France). They’ve featured on MTV Asia, 

and are regular guests on BBC Radio. 

They’ve studied music and dance in Cuba 

and Brazil. 


Fil (pronounced Phil) Campbell, from 

Co. Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, 

sings traditional songs that she learned 

as a child, has been writing songs 

since her school days, and is a master 

interpreter of songs. 

Fil has recorded four CDs of original 

and traditional songs and has written 

and narrated a six part TV documentary 

series, Songbirds, about the women 

and songs in Ireland in the 1930s. 

She now presents a concert of these 

songs with percussionist Tom McFarland 

and mandolin player Brendan Emmett. 

Fil has toured extensively for the past 

twenty years, as well as presenting her 

own radio and TV shows. 

A roots singer/songwriter/guitarist, 

writing and performing folk, blues, 

country, even pop and jazz influenced 

songs and instrumentals played with 

a sometimes sensitive, often dynamic 

fingerpicking guitar style. 

Appeared on TV, Radio, festivals, 

concerts, folk and acoustic clubs. 

Performed in Nashville, Music City USA 

including the world famous songwriter’s 

venue, The Bluebird Café. 

In 2002, BBC Radio Wiltshire presented 

an hour long special on his songwriting 

and live performance for BBC Music Live 

Day. He is also a very experienced festival 

and concert emcee. 

Fil Campbell 

W : www.filcampbell.com 

E : fil@filcampbell.com 

T : +44 (0) 7803 226 279 

Chico Holton 

W : www.chicoholton.com 

www.myspace.com/chicoholton 

E : chico@chicoholton.com 

T : +44 (0) 7773 661 965 

Modeste 

W : www.modeste.co.uk 

E : modestehugues@yahoo.co.uk 

modestehugues@gmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7949 361 856 

+44 (0) 7958 632 810 

Modeste’s music draws together the 

traditional sounds of the central southern 

part of Madagascar with some softer 

South African dance rhythms. 

Hugues is a pleasingly “smokey-toned 

singer and a fine guitarist”, able to play 

rhythm and lead all at once. 

“He’s so effective in this musical sleight 

of hand that audience members scan 

the stage in search of a (non-existent) 

second guitar player” 

– The Independent. 

Jo Freya Trio 

W : www.myspace.com/jofreya 

www.freyamusic.com 

E : music@JoFreya.com 

T : +44 (0) 7900 215 419 

With Jude Abbott & Neil Fergusson 

of Chumbawamba 

Traditional and contemporary songs 

and melodies. Features the writing of 

Jo Freya and the late great Lal Waterson. 

The trio create exquisite vocal harmonies 

embellished with guitar, piano, saxes, 

clarinets trumpet and euphonium. 

“A wonderful palette of sounds... 

the whole thing is a very satisfactory 

listen and presented with great humour. 

Jo Freya is truly an icon – her new trio 

with Neil and Jude from Chumbawamba 

was awesome last night. This was a 

typical example of her skill, passion, 

taste and perception. Neil and Jude were 

also nothing short of fantastic! 

Everyone should hear her work and 

become a fan...like me!” 

– Keith Kendrick, promoter (Old Oak 

Concerts) 


Forro Porro 

W : www.myspace.com/forroporro 

E : mamboandjambo@hotmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7770 475 278 

Accordion and drum-driven red hot 

South American sounds. 

Four talented musicians, well-renowned 

in the jazz, folk and World music scenes, 

come together to specialise in the fiesta 

sounds of Brazilian Forro and Colombian 

Vallenato & Cumbia. Joyful, infectious 

music guaranteed to raise the spirits and 

get folk dancing! 

Members are: 

Sam Pirt – accordion, vocal 

Gary Hammond – timbal drum and 

percussion 

Frankie Banham – sax, clarinet, triangle 

and vocal 

Pete Jack – zabumba drum & percussion, 

cavaquinho, guitar and vocal. 

Chalktown 

W : www.chalktown.co.uk 

E : mail@chalktown.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 1462 458 031 

Chalktown are an innovative English 

Ceilidh band, their style combining the 

various folk, rock and jazz influences 

of the band members to create a very 

danceable sound. Springing from the 

ashes of the legendary Gas Mark Five, 

Chalktown have now established their 

own name with fine original tunes and 

fiery improvisation from some of the best 

players on the scene. 

Imaginative arrangements of traditional 

tunes, together with haunting original 

pieces, have produced a set that is good 

to listen to as well as dance to. 

In recent years Chalktown have played 

at Sidmouth, Towersey and Bromyard 

festivals as well as the major ceilidh 

series up and down the country. 

As fRoots magazine said Chalktown are... 

“Good for the Feet!” 

Eddie Walker 

W : www.eddiewalker.net 

www.myspace.com/eddiewalker 

E : eddie.walker13@ntlworld.com 

T : +44 (0) 7905 638 788 

Solo or with Fraser Speirs 

‘Beyond The Blues’ and ‘Red Shoes 

on My Feet’ are concert presentations 

featuring old blues, ragtime guitar, swing, 

hillbilly country and roots folk suitable for 

festivals and arts venues World-wide. 

One of the British Folk and Acoustic 

Blues circuit’s long-time professional 

singer/guitarist/songwriters, Eddie 

Walker has toured his shows near and 

far for 30 years. Three Cambridge Folk 

Festival appearances, the Edinburgh 

Fringe and major events including Celtic 

Connections, Hong Kong, Auckland, 

Dan Danieli del Friuli, Inglemunster, 

Skagen and Pontardawe Folk Festivals. 

Raising the spirit of Mississippi John 

Hurt, Jimmie Rodgers, Blind Willie McTell 

and Bob Wills amongst many, he can 

provide Scottish harmonica virtuoso 

Fraser Speirs, currently with the Paolo 

Nutini Band, to join him for individual 

events and tours. 

Paul Scourfield 

W : www.paulscourfield.co.uk 

E : paul.scourfield@mad-river.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 1462 458 031 

Paul is a stylish melodeon player and 

singer, taking material mainly from the 

English tradition. 

In common with many of the new 

generation of folk performers, 

Paul was bought up surrounded by the 

folk music of his parents. Inspired to take 

up the melodeon after going to see 

John Kirkpatrick at the local folk club, 

Paul has since spent a year being 

mentored by the great man himself. 

Paul brings warmth and humour to any 

venue he visits, along with songs and 

tunes which alternately excite, move or 

make you laugh! 

“A wizard of the melodeon, a unique, 

innovative and intuitive style.” 


Rob Halligan 

W : www.robhalligan.co.uk 

E : info@robhalligan.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7812 666 225 

With a reputation for his passionate live 

performance and a new album produced 

by Sandy Jones (Wet Wet Wet), 

Rob Halligan is making his mark in the 

music world. 

While his sound carries hints of S 

teve Knightley and Bruce Springsteen, his 

songs tell stories of personal experience 

and are delivered with a rough spirituality 

and brutal honesty. 

He has played numerous festivals and 

venues over the past four years and is 

known as one of the busiest unsigned 

artists in the country. 

“Captivating… deserving of a nationwide 

audience. Check him out!” 

– Musician Magazine 

Moondance 

Ceilidh Band 

W : www.moondanceceilidh.com 

E : ams@roots66.net 

T : +44 (0) 7976 129 738 

Imagine the power of rock and funk 

coupled with the accessibility of 

traditional dance music. MoonDance 

provides a truly unique and inclusive show 

based on a mix of British ceilidh music 

and dance that appeals to a wide range 

of festival and other types of audience. 

The music is a powerful fusion of the best 

of traditional and modern dance rhythms 

and our caller (Roger Watson) raps the 

instructions over the groove in any of 

the major European languages to give a 

seamless dance based event. 

“superb” 

– Tony Scott (Guilfest, England) 

“… a rocking band. You certainly filled 

the bill and I was delighted with the 

audience response” 

– Steve Barnes (Fairbridge Festival, 

Australia) 

9Bach 

W : www.myspace.com/9bach 

E : martylove66@hotmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7930 393 358 

9Bach mix tales from Welsh folk’s dark 

heritage with melodies that conjure 

memories of long forgotten songs. 

They create a sweet, magical sound of 

vocal melodies, angelic harps and dreamy 

rhythms that has taken their musical 

journey far beyond their roots in the 

mountains of North Wales and the spoonplaying 

backstreets of North London. 

August 2009 sees the release of 9Bach’s 

album, and their mesmerising live show 

has been seen at Celtic Connections 

Festival, The Green Man Festival 

and Latitude Festival, among others. 

“This Welsh nu-folk act evoke the 

unearthly atmosphere of ancient music, 

while adopting an urgency that creates a 

sound that puts them at the forefront of 

pioneers mixing up folk” 

– Rock n Reel Magazine. 

Dan Walsh 


danbanjowalsh 

E : danbanjoman@yahoo.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7783 650 360 

Touted as the UK’s finest clawhammer 

banjo player, Dan Walsh is an exciting 

young musician breaking down the 

barriers of what can be done on a banjo. 

He takes in influences from bluegrass, 

British Isles folk, funk, jazz, blues, rock 

and various world musics to create an 

extraordinary and diverse sound together 

with an energetic live show which also 

includes his guitar and vocal talents. 

He has performed throughout the UK at 

festivals, theatres, folk clubs, pubs and 

functions both solo and with a multitude 

of collaborations including his regular 

bands Mother’s Ruin, 100 Man Orchestra, 

Land or Sea, the Christi Andropolis Band 

and duos with singer Kathryn Davidson 

and harmonica wizard Will Pound. 


Cheng-Ying 

Chuang 

W : www.cchuang.net 

E : cchuang@cchuang.net 

T : +44 (0) 7929 295 824 

Chinese Lutenist (Liugin/Zhongruan) & 

Countertenor – Leader of the band Musitonik 

Taiwanese lutenist/countertenor Cheng- 

Ying Chuang studied Chinese lutes since 

twelve and finished MMus at Birmingham 

Conservatoire in vocal performance with 

the Head Julian Pike, Christine Cairns, 

and Michael Chance. He won the 1st 

prizes of Taiwan Music Competition in 

Liuqin solo and Uni. Chinese Orchestra 

conducting, and the 4th Voice Competition 

of Taipei Philharmonic Foundation’s in 

2004. He was the first countertenor to be 

awarded as the Young Star 2008 of the 

Taiwanese National Concert Hall. 

Residing in London, he performs both 

Chinese and Western music in classical, 

contemporary and fusion styles in UK 

and Taiwan as a soloist or with his group 

Musitonik. He works with musicians like 

Eddie McGuire, Damon Albarn, 

Chamber Music Company, Silk String 

Quartet, iMAP Ensemble… 

Eilidh Steel & 

Mark Neal 

W : www.fiddleguitar.com 

E : info@fiddleguitar.com 

T : +44 (0) 7718 903 064 

Eilidh Steel and Mark Neal are a Scottish 

music duo playing traditional and 

contemporary tunes and songs with many 

of their own compositions on fiddle, 

guitar and vocals. 

Continuing in the traditions of Scottish 

music with many influences from 

Argyll and the West Coast of Scotland, 

they blend the historical and modern 

perspective using older and newer 

compositions. 

Both Eilidh and Mark are prolific 

composers writing tunes and songs, 

taking influences from a wide range of 

musical styles from piping and fiddling 

to indie/funk/jazz and everything else 

around. 

Gillian 

Maitland 

W : www.gillianmaitland.co.uk 

E : gillianmaitland@gmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7518 511 961 

Gillian is a marimba soloist who likes to 

concentrate on 6 mallet repertoire and 

has performed in venues worldwide. 

She studied at St Mary’s Music School 

and University of Miami. 

Past recitals include a solo recital to 

G8 Wife’s during the G8 summit of 2005 

in Glamis Castle, following this, 

Gillian was made Youth Ambassador of 

Angus. More recently, Gillian performed to 

Prince Charles at PSYBT 20th anniversary 

in Edinburgh. 

Gillian is also an avid composer and her 

compositions can be purchased from 

Southern Percussion and other retailers 

worldwide. 

Gillian concentrates on giving solo 

recitals, concertos, master-classes and 

clinics, further information can be found 

on her website. 

Alexandra Martin 

W : www.athenemusic.co.uk 

www.myspace/ 

athenemusicalexmartin.com 

www.alexandra-martin.com 

E : alexandra.martin@musicteachers. 

co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7747 432 242 

+44 (0) 7915 267 297 

Alexandra Martin is a singer/songwriter/ 

guitarist based in the North East of 

England. 

Her influences are broad and eclectic, 

she has worked as a singer-songwriter 

and producer in many fields including 

blues, jazz improvisation, rock, and funk 

and is now studying classical music. 

She has experience of working in the 

studio, on board ship, in duos, trios and 

bands, and has worked with childhood 

hero, US rock band ‘Boston’, guitarist 

Gary Pihl and pan pipe outfit Apu at the 

Metro arena Newcastle. 

Alexandra trained formally and in the 

field with renowned teachers such as 

Carol Grimes (Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club). 


String Driven 

Thing 

W : www.stringdriven.com 

E : www.myspace.stringdriven 

T : +44 (0) 7737 095 474 

String Driven Thing were pioneers of 

folk rock, stablemates of Genesis and 

Lindisfarne on the Charisma Label in the 

heady underground days of the early 

70’s. 

Founded by Chris and Pauline Adams and 

featuring virtuoso violinist Graham Smith, 

they made three cult albums, then like 

many in that crash and burn era, 

they folded. 

Fast forward 30 years and Chris reforms 

the band with a two guitar, bass and 

drum line up. The rootsy comeback 

album ‘Moments of Truth’, is well 

received, and in its wake comes 

‘Songs from another Country’ which picks 

up a five star review from Maverick. 

But this is hardly surprising, 

for String Driven were always about 

songs, a currency that doesn’t devalue 

with the years. 

Doghouse Roses 

W : www.doghouseroses.org 

E : paul@doghouseroses.org 

T : +44 (0) 7719 375 950 

Doghouse Roses’ sound owes as much 

to Townes Van Zandt as it does to the 

Pentangle. They have released 2 EP’s, 

and most recently, a full length album, 

‘How’ve you been (all this time)?’ on their 

own label, Yellowroom Music, distributed 

by Proper Music. 

Formed in 2006 after Iona Macdonald 

attended a guitar workshop run by 

Tasker the duo discovered their mutual 

love of 60’s folk and rural blues music 

and started playing gigs when they were 

invited to tour with the Willard Grant 

Conspiracy in 2007. 

They have since returned to tour on 

mainland Europe as a headline band and 

will release a second album, provisionally 

titled ‘Here come the Sinners and the 

Liars’ in 2010. 

You Are Wolf 

W : www.myspace.com/youarewolf 

E : kerryyouarewolf@gmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7816 479 134 

You Are Wolf is an alt-folk/experimental 

act based in East London. 

She peddles both traditional British folk 

and originals through looped vocals, 

melodica, bass and whatever else she can 

lay her hands on. 

She weaves in spoken word and gentle 

touches of electronica and throws in a 

wild array of wild vocal techniques. 

She has been described as a mixture of 

Zap Mama, Rachel Unthank and 

Laurie Anderson. Elsewhere, as Kerry 

Andrew, she has a PhD in Composition, 

is a published choral composer and 

performs with adventurous a cappella trio 

juice and punky jazz crew DOLLYman. 

Cheyenne Brown 

& Seylan Baxter 

W : www.celloharp.com 

www.myspace.com/celloharp 

E : info@celloharp.com 

T : +44 (0) 7791 018 761 

The combination of Cheyenne Brown’s 

exuberant and sensitive harp playing, 

Seylan Baxter’s mellow natural singing 

and her creatively atmospheric cello 

playing forms rich and varied musical 

textures with distinctive style that puts a 

new twist on traditional Scottish music. 

Whether in slow airs, jigs and reels or 

traditional songs Cheyenne and Seylan 

bring precision and empathy to their 

quirky, innovative arrangements. 

Their energetic performances and warm 

stage presence dispel any stereotypes 

of stuffy instrumentalists and prove the 

effectiveness of this unusual line-up. 

Since the release of their debut album 

‘2: forty’ in autumn 2007, Cheyenne 

and Seylan have gone from strength to 

strength. They have performed extensively 

throughout Europe and the UK and have 

also founded the Scottish Harp and Cello 

Festival in Glasgow. 


Heather Enid 

Wells 

W : www.soundclick.com/ 

heatherenidwells 

E : travelling.records@btopenworld. 

com 

T : +44 (0) 1603 413 509 

I grew up in Hertfordshire and began 

learning guitar in my teens, before moving 

to Norwich to play bass professionally. 

I play many styles including pop, big 

band, classical, rock, jazz and blues with 

a wide variety of bands. 

In 1999 my interest in guitar and 

songwriting revived and, although I 

am not much of a singer, my first solo 

album, ‘Different Windows’, had some 

nice reviews and soon sold out. I’ve now 

completed most of the tracks for my 

second album, ‘Healing’, a disparate 

collection of songs and fingerpicking 

guitar instrumentals. 

I perform solo at festivals, clubs and 

acoustic-style venues, and also teach both 

guitar and bass guitar, mostly to adults 

from the more mature age-groups. 

Vulnerable 

Things 

W : www.bluesinlondonrecords.com/ 

vulnerablethings 

E : admin@bluesinlondonrecords. 

com 

T : +44 (0) 7751 503 592 

Highly influenced by blues artists but 

approaching things with a songwriting 

sensibility, Vulnerable Things have created 

a sound that is all their own. 

With influences ranging from Tom Waits 

and Black Keys to Dr. John and Ray 

Charles, their eponymous debut album 

has had radio play all over the world. 

Live shows have been the bands staple 

since forming 3 years ago. They form 

a tight unit, taking on the blues from 

a different angle and injecting a level 

of soul and feeling rarely achieved by 

contemporary artists. 

Currently in residence at Charlotte St 

Blues in London, they have performed 

throughout the UK and supported Wilko 

Johnson, Dr Feelgood and 

The Blockheads. 

Vulnerable Things are a band worth 

talking about. 

Pete Castle 

W : www.petecastle.co.uk 

E : steel.carpet@tiscali.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 1773 822 829 

Pete has been a professional performer 

since 1978. He started out purely as 

a folk club/festival artist but when he 

added storytelling to his repertoire he 

found himself playing to a much wider 

range of audiences. 

Now he divides his time between the 

folk and storytelling circuits and doing a 

mixture of the two art forms in all kinds 

of venues ranging from heritage sites to 

village halls and arts centres. 

Who is he like? Well, on the singing side 

he gets lumped in alongside Martin 

Carthy and Nic Jones and as regards 

storytelling one reviewer said “like Robin 

Williamson used to do.” Pete would also 

mention Garrison Keillor and Dave Allen – 

but with added music. 

Deferred Sucess 


deferredsucess 

E : deferredsucess@googlemail.com 

T : +44 (0) 77360 30 582 

Deferred Sucess (intentional spelling 

error!) are a 3-piece folk/punk/rock/ 

anything-goes band from the depths of 

Essex consisting of Doozer, Chris Davison 

and Richard Benfield. 

Honest, infectious lyrics with exceptional 

accompaniment on bass, guitars and 

harmonica. DS has toured all over the 

UK/Ireland and Europe as well as support 

for Scouting for Girls, The Klaxons, 

Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Million Dead, 

Bad Manners, Scroobius Pip, Pama 

International and The Levellers. 

The band pride themselves on their ability 

and passion to play everywhere and 

anywhere; car parks, squats, campfires, 

festivals, back of vans, queues, the street, 

the list goes on. 

In a download world of media solitude, 

DS like to give music back to the people. 


Simon Kohli 

W : www.sarodplayer.co.uk 

E : simon@sarodplayer.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7730 872 233 

Indian Sarod Musician 

Simon is a virtuoso Indian musician living 

in the South West of England. Simon 

specialises in the Sarod, a large string 

instrument similar to the Sitar. 

His teacher was Ustad Wajahat Khan. 

Simon has been performing since 

he graduated from the University of 

Winchester in 1998 with a BA Hons in 

World Music and English. 

Simon performs and teaches traditional 

North Indian music on the Sarod, 

both solo and accompanied by the Tabla. 

Simon is available for stage concerts, 

festivals, corporate and private bookings. 

Simon conducts lecture/demonstrations, 

workshops, improvisation workshops, 

and teaches Indian music privately or 

with small groups. He also teaches 

Indian music in schools to whole classes 

on harmonium, sitar and tabla and has 

fifteen Indian instruments available. 

The Coal Porters 


thecoalporters 

E : squidsite@blueyonder.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7717 436 786 

The Coal Porters are an acoustic 

bluegrass-styled band but they are much 

more than that. 

Led by ex-Long Ryder and Kentucky native 

Sid Griffin on mandolin they feature 

banjo virtuoso Dick Smith, fiddle whiz 

Carly Frey, guitarist Neil Herd and Andrew 

Stafford on doghouse bass. Based in 

London they recorded their most recent 

album Durango in Colorado USA with the 

legendary Ed Stasium producing. 

The Coal Porters are known for their 

exciting live act, having played many UK 

festivals including Glastonbury, Sidmouth, 

Perth American, Sesiwn Fawr and 

Belfast’s Open House. 

With a published author, a professional 

comedian and a solicitor in their ranks 

they are the only band who can sue 

themselves over copyright and joke 

about it. 

Ludwig O’Neill 

W : www.myspace.com/ludwigsongs 

E : ludwiginfo@yahoo.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7834 350 509 

Ludwig O’Neill writes and sings about 

real people and issues. Hewn from the 

murderous streets of North Belfast, 

his music is the very heartbeat, the life 

soundtrack of a city changing, growing 

into something fine and new and full of 

hope? 

This is poetry… melded with ‘warmly 

intoxicating’ acoustic orchestration that 

pulls at the very soul of the listener on 

many levels, a brand of folk-noir that 

sometimes mischievously touches on the 

strong undercurrent of rock and blues 

that flows through Ludwig’s psyche. 

Ludwig is pursuing a future touring and 

recording his music worldwide. This is a 

new Celtic heartbeat, the music of a city 

of saltwater and salty tears, of golden 

hills and grey estates where hope springs 

anew. 

Ed Sayer 

W : www.myspace.com/eddysayer 

E : eddysayer@uwclub.net 

T : +44 (0) 20 8883 4770 

Drums, Gongs, Percussionist, Composer 

Eddy’s music has been described as 

capable of inducing an other-worldly state 

of consciousness. Lights in a Fat City’s 

seminal recording somewhere reached 2 

slot in the NME world music charts. 

It was a revolutionary recording and 

literally took Jon Hassell’s fourth world 

estetics to the next level. World music 

hasn’t been the same since! 

Sonic explorations as a solo gong 

player attracted invites to appear on 

Lorraine Live and Richard & Judy. 

A Gong Symphony, commissioned by 

The Eye Music Trust, premiered at 

The Colourscape Festival on Clapham 

Common 2008. 

Eddy has played with: B.J Cole, 

Drummers of Burrundi, Lee Konitz, 

Olodun, Courtney Pine, Ni Made Pujawati, 

Ravi, Shankar, The Third Ear Band Byron 

Wallen and The Who. 


Sinsheen 

W : www.sinsheen.com 

E : contact@sinsheen.com 

T : +44 (0) 7808 588 545 

or Stoneyport Agency 

Barbara Dymock & Christine Kydd 

Sinsheen (sunshine) is a harmony singing 

duo from Scotland, fresh from recent 

success supporting the Donnie Munro 

Band in concert, and currently releasing 

a debut album entitled ‘Lift’ (sky) with 

Michael Marra in the producer’s seat. 

Sinsheen sings potent re-workings 

of traditional Scottish material plus 

contemporary songs from Scotland and 

beyond. Christine, award-winning singer 

and guitarist, is known for work with 

Janet Russell and Chantan. Barbara, the 

original singer with Ceolbeg, regarded 

as one of the finest traditional singers 

around, has worked with Fon a Bhord and 

Palaver. 

The Sinsheen blend is a special one. 

Their symbiotic vocal fusion brings light, 

life and lift to their material. 

As Michael Marra says... 

“The songs are the stars in the lift.” 

Craig & 

Willoughby 

W : www.craigandwilloughby.com 

E : brianwilloughby1@aol.com 

T : +44 (0) 7967 562 213 

American singer-songwriter Cathryn 

Craig sang with The Righteous Brothers, 

Shel Silverstein, Jorma Kaukonnen and 

Chet Atkins. Guitarist Brian Willoughby 

played with Strawbs, Mary Hopkin, Monty 

Python, Joe Brown and Roger Whittaker. 

They have both worked with Nanci Griffith. 

CDs include Craig’s ‘Porch Songs’, 

Cathryn Craig and Pigg River ‘Symphony’, 

Willoughby’s ‘Black & White’ and ‘Fingers 

Crossed’, the duo’s ‘I Will’, their plea for 

peace ‘Rumours of Rain’ and the 2009 

release ‘Calling All Angels’. 

They create an intimate atmosphere, 

showcasing their intricately crafted songs 

in a unique and dynamic way. Each song 

tells a story, earning Craig & Willoughby a 

reputation for powerful, literate, melodic 

material such as BBC favourite 

‘Alice’s Song’, dedicated to children with 

special needs. 

Sam Draisey 

W : www.myspace.com/samdraisey 

E : sam@draisey.com 

T : +44 (0) 7949 595 891 

Sam Draisey is a 21 year old singersongwriter 

from Wolverhampton, England. 

He brands his music as ‘acoustic folkpop’, 

with his songs telling stories that 

listeners easily relate to. 

Sam’s notable influences include 

Cat Stevens, Jack Johnson, Damien Rice 

and Frank Turner. 

He is currently selling his second ‘homestudio’ 

album ‘The Rumour Mill’ at gigs 

and online (Myspace, Nimbit). 

Sam is the host of a number of ‘open mic 

nights’ in his local area, where musicians 

of all abilities will come to ply their trade. 

For more information, or to get in touch 

with him for any reason, please feel free 

to contact Sam in any of the ways listed 

(left). 

Simon Jaymes 

W : www.simonjaymes.com 

E : simon@simonjaymes.com 

T : +44 (0) 7855 831 530 

Crouch End’s London based songwriter, 

singer, guitarist, Simon Jaymes is 

a creative entity and a charismatic 

performer, captivating his audience with 

his unique blend of lyrical and melodic 

honesty. His thought provoking lyrics 

come straight from the heart and leaves 

you feeling inspired. 

Simon will be shortly releasing his debut 

album ‘Wild Life’ and has also had the 

pleasure of recording/performing as 

a guitarist and singer for other artists 

including bands such as Rebel Control 

and songwriters Alex Meadows and Dana 

Kerstein. 

Indy Award Finalist of 2008 as Best Male 

Solo Act. 


Amigos 

W : www.amigos-wales.com 

E : amigos@ntlworld.com 

T : +44 (0) 1792 419 090 

You will probably never hear such a 

wide range of music as you would at an 

amigos concert. All played with virtuosity 

and buckets full of passion. 

Founded 20 years ago the line-up includes 

guitar/double bass/violin/accordion/ 

percussion, with a repertoire of a 1,000 

tunes including, Celtic, Cuban, Eastern 

European gypsy music, jazz, gypsy 

jazz, Spanish, French, tex-mex, calypso, 

samba, bluegrass, classical and more. 

Regularly receiving standing ovations at 

large scale festivals with their ability to 

instantly change their musical styles from 

all over the world. 

They have dazzled audiences with their 

spellbinding performances throughout 

UK, Europe and the USA. 

Kamara 

W : www.joliba-drums.co.uk 

E : david@joliba-drums.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7840 941 393 

Kamara are a West African Drum and 

Dance Troupe, its members come from 

Stoke on Trent, Chester, Leek, Guinee 

Conakry, West Africa, Barbados and 

London. 

They play the wonderful music from 

Guinee, West Africa, which is at times, 

fast and powerful and at times, melodic 

and beautiful, their performances can 

include a variety of authentic African 

instruments including drums, kora, 

balafon, bolon, gongoma, vocals, 

acrobatics and dance. 

They aim to represent all that is beautiful 

about West African music; members of 

Kamara have performed worldwide and 

have a wealth of performance experience 

which all add to the Kamara experience. 

Skyhook 

W : www.skyhookmusic.com 

www.myspace.com/skyhookuk 

E : info@skyhookmusic.com 

T : +44 (0) 114 232 0421 

+44 (0) 7714 761 869 

Cath James, Martin Harwood and 

Eoin Teather play traditional tunes and 

songs from Scotland, Ireland and 

Cape Breton Island, plus brand new selfpenned 

compositions. 

Cath (fiddle, viola) was a BBC Young 

Tradition Award finalist in 1995, 

featured on the first of the Evolving 

Tradition albums and was shortlisted in 

the 2008 inaugural Niel Gow International 

Fiddle Composition Award. Martin (fiddle, 

guitar, bouzouki) played with Caravanserai 

from 1996-2000. Eoin (vocals, guitar, 

bouzouki) has played on stage with some 

of the biggest names in Irish music, 

including master fiddler Tommy Peoples. 

Skyhook formed in Autumn 2005, 

and festival appearances so far include 

Broadstairs, Bromyard, Brigg fiddle festival, 

Wimborne, Off the Tracks, Spratton, 

Wheaton Aston, Wath, Sheffield, Celtic 

Connections, Cwlwm Celtaidd and Gower. 

Nathan Riki 

Thomson 

W : www.nathanthomson.net 

E : nathanrikithomson@mac.com 

T : +44 (0) 7941 558 756 

Australian double bassist and multiinstrumentalist 

Nathan Riki Thomson is 

a true musical polyglot and his beautiful 

debut explores a wide musical palette. 

‘Under Ubi’s Tree’ is released on the 

NAIM label and is inspired by Nathan’s 

travels through Africa, Australasia, 

Finland and the UK. 

Nathan plays with the Antonio Forcione 

Quartet, Adriano Adewale Group and 

The Ian McMillan Orchestra and is a tutor 

at the Guildhall School of Music. 

Nathan is currently touring his own 

ensemble to promote the release of his 

album featuring an international line-up 

of multi-instrumentalists and vocals. 

“World music in the most Positive sense. 

lf it must be categorised file under 

‘Beautiful’” 

– Manchester Evening News 

“It’s a colourful and vibrant debut” 

– Songlines 


The 

Dambuskers 


thedambuskers 

E : dambuskers@yahoo.co.uk 

Fiddle fronted, high energy, folk rock 

4-piece. Three wild guys on bass, guitar, 

percussion, and one sexy fiddle diva, all 

the band sing. 

The Dambuskers blend original material, 

traditional song, jigs’n’reels and choice 

covers from heroes: Pogues, Levellers, 

Waterboys etc. – very much a live act, 

and a festival band at heart. 

“Watching their set at Brampton Live 

was like stumbling across a damn good 

party!” 

– Ken and Sue Bradburn (directors, 

Brampton Live Festival and Emerging Music 

“The Dambuskers are the most exciting 

folk rock band I have seen. Walk into one 

of their gigs and you will feel the buzz 

instantly” 

– Andy Knight (festival organizer, Bideford 

Folk Festival) 

Nuada 

W : www.nuada.net 

www.myspace.com/nuadauk 

E : ferrisjay@gmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7763 186 849 

Nuada are a trio with a distinct and 

unique sound. Not only do Ruth Bramley, 

Sam Burke and Ferris Jay play a fantastic 

amount of instruments between them, 

but their enthusiasm and flair for their 

music is infectious and it shows. 

Basically, they play what they like – 

and you’ll love what they play. They play 

a wide repertoire of Celtic, Folk and 

Early Music, some of which is traditional, 

yet increasingly the tunes and songs are 

self penned. 

Expect to hear songs and tunes with 

influences from France, Ireland, 

England and beyond and expect to see 

various bagpipes, whistles, the hurdy 

gurdy, lute and bouzouki amongst the 

instrumentation. 

Nuada are available for concert sets, 

workshops and costumed period 

performances. 

Rajan Spolia 

W : www.rajanspolia.co.uk 

E : fretless@btopenworld.com 

T : +44 (0) 7861 329 144 

On an instrument as widely played as 

the guitar it is rare to find a unique voice, 

Rajan has such a voice. He plays Indian 

instrumental music accompanied by a 

tabla player incorporating elements of 

Indian Classical music and jazz. 

He has played most of the major world 

music folk festivals in the UK including 

WOMAD; he has also featured in various 

world class line ups in various guitar 

festivals including Martin Taylors 

Kirkmichael International Guitar Festival. 

His last CD ‘Good Fortune’ received 

wide critical acclaim nationally and 

internationally. 

Rajan has received glowing testimonials 

from such luminaries as Martin Taylor, 

Eric Roche (the late and great), 

Colin Hodgkinson, and Indo jazz pioneer 

John Mayer. 

Sunday Driver 


sundaydriverinuk 

www.sundaydriver.co.uk 

E : music@sundaydriver.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7779 307253 

Sunday Driver produce a shimmering 

blend of Western acoustic and Indian 

influences. 

The line-up includes sitar, guitar and bass 

clarinet, and even spoons and concert 

harp, pairing classic songwriting talent 

with inventive arrangements. 

The band have played across the UK and 

in Germany. Sunday Driver’s album, 

‘In the City of Dreadful Night’ (BBR001) 

is available now, featuring songs ranging 

from the darkly comic to the mystical and 

hypnotic. Drawing on the band’s diverse 

musical and cultural backgrounds, 

the album takes its inspiration from the 

Victorian backstreets of London and the 

chaos of Kipling’s Calcutta – passing 

through the Antarctic and the courts of 

Henry VIII on the way. 


The Gentle Good 

W : www.myspace.com/gentlegood 

E : thegentlegood@gmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7849 829 806 

The Gentle Good is also known as 

Gareth Bonello, a Welsh songwriter 

and guitarist. His music is a blend 

of traditional and modern styles 

supplemented with gorgeous string 

arrangements, banjos and mandolins. 

The first two records, ‘Dawel Disgyn’ EP 

and a full length album ‘While you slept 

I went out walking’ were well received 

in the critical press, with Gareth being 

compared to Nick Drake, Martin Carthy, 

Bert Jansch, John Renbourn and Donovan 

by the likes of Mojo and the Guardian. 

A captivating live performer, 

The Gentle Good can enchant an audience 

with just a guitar and has performed 

at festivals such as Glastonbury, 

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, 

Celtic Connections, Lorient Interceltique, 

The Green Man, Latitude and South by 

Southwest. 

Elizabeth Fields 

W : www.elizabethfields.co.uk 

E : elizabethfieldsmusic@yahoo. 

co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7754 480 994 

Elizabeth Fields has been working as a 

singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist for 

over twenty years. 

Having played in bands and performed 

as a solo artist, she has developed a 

definitive style, but has maintained a 

unique and individual quality that is 

all her own. Think… Jazz/Funk/Blues/ 

Rock/Folk/Dance/Trance and you’ll be 

somewhere close. 

Elizabeth Fields’ first composition, 

‘Speak in Sympathy’, was single of the 

week on “Kiss FM”, it reached no. 3 in 

Jerusalem, and no. 8 in Denmark and 

Sweden, 2002. 

Following the success of ‘Speak in 

Sympathy’, Elizabeth Fields co-wrote the 

vocals for Solarstone’s, ‘Seven Cities’ 

which reached no. 44 in the UK Gallop 

charts, no. 2 in our Dance charts and 

no. 2 in the World Trance charts. 

Will Rumfitt 

W : myspace.com/ 

willrumfitttrombone 

I have been a trombonist for 32 years, 

inspired to play t’bone by a clown in 

a glittery suit and pointy hat. 

My background goes back to my school 

(military style) brass band... moving into 

orchestras and wind band through into 

the big band in my home town. 

I have played music for films, TV, shows, 

albums and many bands, my journey has 

currently got me playing with some great 

Latin groups and Balkan brass, also some 

dirty funk and dub. 

Keeping nice and busy I am loving my 

chosen profession, you can check out 

my playing on: 

myspace.com/willrumfitttrombone 

you can link to other bands I play and 

arrange for easily from there. 

Mary Humphries 

& Anahata 

W : www.treewind.co.uk/mha 

E : mary@maryhumphreys.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7773 314 168 

Mary Humphreys and Anahata are 

established on the British folk scene as 

enthusiastic and entertaining performers 

of traditional material. 

With extensive research, skilled 

musicianship and a huge variety of 

instruments they have unearthed and 

brought back to vivid life some rare gems 

of English song and music. 

They are continually busy at festivals and 

folk clubs, with concert performances, 

workshops and presentations. They have 

made four albums of their music, the 

latest ‘Cold Fen’, released in March 2009. 

Mary sings traditional songs, mostly in 

English and a few in her native Welsh, and 

plays banjo and concertina. 

Anahata accompanies with melodeons, 

concertina and cello, and they play 

instrumental arrangements, mostly of 

English traditional music. 


Dougie 

MacLean 

W : www.dougiemaclean.com 

E : admin@butterstone.com 

T : +44 (0) 7739 414 169 

“Dougie MacLean is Scotland’s preeminent 

singer-songwriter and a national 

musical treasure” (SingOut USA) who has 

developed a unique blend of lyrical, 

‘roots based’ songwriting and 

instrumental composition. 

He has built an international reputation as 

songwriter, composer and extraordinary 

performer which has led to concerts 

and festivals all over the world including 

New York’s Carnegie Hall, Glasgow’s 

Royal Concert Hall and London’s Festival 

Theatre. MacLean’s songs have been 

covered by hosts of artists, including 

Paolo Nutini, Amy MacDonald, 

Mary Black, Frankie Miller and 

Kathy Mattea. His song Caledonia has 

become one of Scotland’s most popular 

contemporary songs and his music has 

been used in Hollywood films (eg. Last of 

the Mohicans), TV Drama (eg. BBC’s 

A Mug’s Game) and he’s been the subject 

of three BBC TV music-documentaries. 

The 

Mangledwurzles 

W : www.mangledwurzels.co.uk 

E : band@mangledwurzels.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 1761 416 635 

The Mangledwurzels are a three-piece 

Scrumpy & Western band from Somerset. 

More than just an Adge Cutler tribute 

band, they play Wurzels songs, old and 

new, blended with self-penned original 

songs and parodies ‘Mangled’ in true 

Wurzels tradition. 

The Mangledwurzels are experienced 

musicians who have graced a variety 

of venues across the country. 

They effortlessly convey their innate sense 

of fun and humour both through the song 

lyrics and their performance, and can be 

guaranteed to satisfy any size of audience 

regardless of age, gender or musical 

preferences. With their second album 

‘Wurz’Ee II’ released on independent 

label Loose Records; The Mangledwurzels 

are set to bring their brand of Wurzelsflavoured, 

cider-fuelled Scrumpy & 

Western madness to an increasingly wider 

audience. 

Nick Wyke & 

Becki Driscoll 

W : www.englishfiddle.com 

E : englishfiddle@yahoo.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 1805 624 678 

Nick Wyke & Becki Driscoll are highly 

respected musicians, composers and 

workshop leaders from North Devon. 

Their passion for English traditional 

music has led to the development of their 

unique style. Becki’s melodic, emotive 

violin and viola blend with Nick’s driving 

fiddle chords and powerful vocals to 

create a rich, captivating sound. 

The duo’s compositions and their 

interpretations of traditional English 

tunes and songs are influenced by a 

wide range of musical cultures: “We are 

inspired by the people we meet and the 

places we’ve been. We like the idea of a 

global approach to the English tradition.” 

“...lovely, inventive playing” 

– fRoots 

“...passionate musicality and distinctive 

presence…” 

– the Living Tradition 

The Ballad 

of ‘White 

Mansions’ 

W : www.whitemansions.co.uk 

E : jimlee@blakewood.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7771 96 6435 

Jimmy Lee & Lee’s Company 

A tale of four people caught up in 

the American civil war. This powerful 

story of love hate and vengeance 

is brilliantly captured live on stage 

complete with narrative and sound 

effects. The amazingly full sound this 

small ensemble creates, transports you 

to the’ old south’ by way folk, folk rock, 

Americana, bluegrass, and orchestral 

music with outstanding vocals and 

superb musicianship. The format is easily 

adapted for festivals, theatres and small 

club venues. This work truly is something 

different! Some say great! For CDs, 

sample tracks, revues, publicity etc. 

please visit: www.whitemansions.co.uk 

“An emotional ‘tour de force’” 

– Dalton Dolan (American public TV) 

“This show is a must” 

– Southern country magazine 

“Rebooked immediately” 

–Tivoli theatre, Dorset 


Bob Smith 


bobsmithsinger 

E : bobmarksmith@hotmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7831 103 106 

Fought thru the Punk Rock War of 77’, 

wrote a hit called ‘No room for you’ 

for Demob, tired of punks dead end, 

set out with a guitar, earn a living as a 

singer-songwriter in the old fashioned 

way, Guthrie, Dylan, Gaughan, Russell, 

Springsteen, Waits. 

Travelled all over the USA, playing and 

writing songs for a few guys and bands. 

Rolled around France and Spain on 

a motorcycle with a guitar, bars and 

barbeques, food and drink was the fee. 

Back in the UK, wrote loads more songs, 

put out ‘This is the story’ my 8th album 

in 2008. 

Kendrick / 

Needham 

W : www.keithkendrick.com 

E : sylvia@kendrickneedham.com 

T : +44 (0) 7887 613 227 

Keith Kendrick and Sylvia Needham are 

no strangers to the Folk World, having 

been independent and passionate solo 

practitioners for many years. 

Both are strong singers with a well honed 

aptitude for harmony structure and 

between them they play all three versions 

of concertina English/Anglo/Duet. 

Their repertoire is mostly English 

traditional songs and tunes, but they also 

have a healthy respect for well known 

and newer writers and this is always 

reflected in any performance. Add to that 

the experience of the years and you end 

up with a freshness of combination and 

performance and a style of presentation 

that is both exciting and authoritative. 

Rick Christian 

W : www.rickchristian.co.uk 

E : rick.christian@virgin.net 

T : +44 (0) 7754 586 002 

Performing on 6 and 12 string guitars, 

singer-songwriter Rick Christian has 

played in folk clubs, at folk festivals, 

pubs, and other venues, both in the UK 

and overseas, including the world famous 

Bunjies Folk Cellar in London. 

He has recorded a number of albums 

over the years, featuring songs about love, 

relationships, and environmental issues. 

Appearances on local and national radio 

have helped him reach an even wider 

audience. 

As well as this he has presented folk 

music programmes for various radio 

stations, been a researcher for the 

Guinness Who’s Who Of Folk Music, 

and other music publications. 

For many years, he also ran a successful 

folk club, and folk festival, in his home 

town of Maldon in Essex. 

Ffynnon Duo 

W : www.ffynnon.com 

E : lynne@ffynnon.com 

T : +44 (0) 7789 743 815 

The Ffynnon duo Lynne Denman and 

Stacey Blythe have performed traditional 

and new Welsh, English and French 

songs for audiences on five continents. 

In America they were invited to record 

their second album Ffynnon by foremost 

roots and world music label Green Linnet 

Records. 

Songs from their third album ‘Adar 

Gwylltion’ (Wild Birds) along with 

especially composed music accompany 

Hunting the Giant’s Daughter the show 

they are currently touring with storyteller 

Michael Harvey. 

The five piece Ffynnon headlined this 

year’s Gower Folk Festival to rapturous 

applause. 


Barry Allen 


barryallensongs 

www.barryallenmusic.com 

E : info@barryallenmusic.com 

London born singer-songwriter 

Barry Allen has been performing his 

songs as a solo artist for many years. 

Performing at venues like the ‘12 Bar 

Club’ and the ‘Spitz’. 

Barry’s influences are folk and pop. 

Singing at an early age, Barry sang 

David Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’, 

in the school choir. 

After leaving school, he joined other 

choirs where he was lead singer. 

He then started playing Open Mic nights. 

Including ‘Bunjies’ and the ‘Lock Tavern’. 

Barry’s song ‘Do what you do for Love’, 

was a chosen track on the ‘Live at the 

Acoustic Trip’ compilation CD. This was 

sold at Tower Records. 

In 2008, Barry recorded his first CD 

‘In the Shade’. 

Zoox 

W : www.zoox.co.uk 

www.myspace.com/zooxmusicuk 

E : jo@zoox.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7973 721 260 

Linda Game, Jo May & Becky Menday 

Zoox are a superb trio serving up a 

cocktail of new melodies and traditional 

tunes with a delicate balance of strings, 

wind, percussion and voices. 

Be prepared for a fabulous array of 

instruments from contrabassoon to 

congas. Exciting arrangements, 

great musicianship and infectious energy 

typify the performances of Zoox in a show 

which is guaranteed to entertain and 

enchant. 

Their rich and varied influences include 

Celtic, Appalachian, Klezmer, African, 

Cuban, Rock and Classical. 

Zoox have been gigging for over 3 years, 

at Folk Clubs, Arts Centres and Festivals, 

including Towersey, Broadstairs, Crawley 

and Chippenham. 

Their debut album, ‘88’, was released 

in 2006. 

Alyth 

McCormack 

W : www.alyth.net 

E : info@alyth.net 

T : +44 (0) 7771 787 377 

Alyth is known for having a voice of great 

purity and beauty. 

She was born and raised on the Island of 

Lewis off the Northwest coast of Scotland 

and grew up immersed in the culture of 

these islands. 

A gifted performer from a young age she 

has appeared on 18 albums to date and 

is currently touring with The Chieftains 

as well as performing her own solo 

work. She has shared the stage with 

folk greats such as Martin Carthy and 

Norma Waterston, Eddi Reader, Moving 

Hearts, jazz singers Jacqui Dankworth, 

Sara Colman and Leanne Carol, Brazilian 

ensembles and Bulgarian voice choirs. 

Her new solo album ‘People like me’ is 

out now on Navigator Records. 

Bamjimba 

W : www.bamjimba.com 

www.myspace.com/bamjimba 

E : bamjimba@gmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7801 315 002 

Bamjimba AKA Jim Bamber (Drummer 

and Percussionist) produced his first CD 

in 2003. ‘! Love’ – a Charity project in 

aid of the UK Sickle Cell Society – was a 

great success! 

Jim was given an Award for Individual 

Fundraising @ No 10 Downing Street. 

In 2006 he released ‘Routes’ (a personal 

journey through reggae) – the CD was 

voted ‘Best Reggae Album’ in 2006 by 

David Katz in Black Echoes magazine. 

A serial charity fundsraiser the latest 

Bamjimba music can be downloaded on 

iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster etc. All in aid 

of the rehabilitation of ‘Child Soldiers’ or 

UK Charity Plan UK. 


Wicker Sunday Formed in 2008 from the 

corners of Middle England, 

uniting Ben Liverman (Guitar and Vox), 

Rebecca Liverman (Saxophone and 

B.Vox), Eddie Hodgkinson (Drums) and 

Dave Coxon (Bass). 

Playing an infectious cocktail of Post- 

Punk Rock, Wicker Sunday create their 

sound with progressive sax breaks, 

creative bass lines, aggressive drums and 

then top it all off with effervescent guitar 

riffs and thought provoking lyrics. 

Corrina is a singer/harper from the 

Highlands of Scotland, now resident 

in Edinburgh. She has a stunningly 

individual voice, dark and emotional, 

which resonates with Scotland’s musical 

tradition. 

Nominated Instrumentalist of the Year 

2004 at the Scottish Traditional Music 

Awards, Corrina has toured across the 

world, combining traditional-style music 

with contemporary attitude. She codirects 

the 22 piece Scottish Folk big 

band ‘The Unusual Suspects’ with 

David Milligan, nominated for Best Live 

Act 2005, while also touring with 

Kathryn Tickell and a vocal trio with 

Karine Polwart & Annie Grace due to 

release an album within the year. 

A versatile and exciting musician, 

performer and composer, she loves 

collaborating and is always looking to 

push the boundaries of expectation and 

ability. 

Wicker Sunday 

W : www.wickersunday.com 

www.myspace.com/wickersunday 

E : info@wickersunday.com 

T : +44 (0) 7980 633 609 

Drawing their influences from bands 

including The Levellers, Alterbridge, 

The Cult, The Who, X-Ray Spex and 

Rage Against The Machine, Wicker 

Sunday burn brightly with their eclectic, 

musical background. With standout 

tracks like ‘Rotaway Town’, The Father’ 

and ‘The Funny Thing is’ look out for 

Wicker Sunday, it’s the best day of the 

week. 

Corrina Hewat 

W : www.corrinahewat.com 

www.myspace.com/corrinahewat 

E : info@corrinahewat.com 

T : +44 (0) 7711 512 692 

Tinderbox 

W : www.tinderboxacoustic.com 


tinderboxacoustic 

E : info@tinderboxacoustic.com 

T : +44 (0) 7984 302 191 

Tinderbox are an acoustic folk/pop duo 

featuring Monique Houraghan with a 

distinctive ‘honey-like’ vocal, and 

Dan Tucker with an intricate finger style 

guitar technique. 

After 4 creative years living in Dublin 

between 1997 and 2001 the duo spent 

2 years travelling the world. During 

this time they performedd in countries 

ranging from Germany, Hong Kong 

and Fiji, to New Zealand, Australia and 

Thailand. May 2008 saw the release 

of Tinderbox’s third Studio album. 

‘Golden’ was launched at Centre Stage 

in Bournemouth, to a record-breaking 

audience. and has already received 

numerous excellent reviews. 

Maverick Magazine recently described 

‘Golden’ as “Quite inspirational really... 

a bit of a masterpiece”. Maverick went on 

to describe Tinderbox as “Poised to ignite 

the acoustic folk world”. 

The Unusual 

Suspects 

W : www.unusualsuspects.uk.com 


unusualsuspectsscotland 

E : info@unusualsuspects.uk.com 

T : +44 (0) 7711 512 692 

+44 (0) 7702 073 077 

Scotland’s Folk Big Band 

The Unusual Suspects are a phenomenon 

all to themselves. “A beautiful noise. 

A jigging, reeling juggernaut... brilliantly 

arranged – the putative ‘Scottish National 

Folk Orchestra’ walloped off the main 

auditorium stage in sound waves that 

thumped into your chest with the impact of 

a benign piledriver” according to The Herald. 

With a group ranging in numbers from 

17 to 32, with fiddles, pipes, accordions, 

harp, piano, guitars, voices, trumpets, sax 

and trombone, drums, percussion and 

bass, what more could you want from 

an extravangantic big band such as the 

Unusual Suspects. 

“What a total, massive, glorious blast it 

turned out to be... awesome power – 

a harmonious, often uproarious dance 

between full-throttle rampage and 

orchestrated finess.” 

– The Scotsman 


Matt Seattle 

Band 


mattseattleband 

E : theborderpiper@gmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7905 535 514 

“Music with a Border heart, welling forth 

in muckle springs from watershed ridges 

thrown skywards from the Earth’s fiery 

depths to where Alba and Albion touch 

shoulders.” 

Melodies of strength, passion and 

beauty which weave new strands into 

the tapestry of tales and tunes of bards 

and minstrels, from Thomas the Rhymer 

of Earlston to Rattlin Roarin Willie 

Henderson of Teviotdale. 

Our sound – pipes, accordion, guitar and 

Middle Eastern percussion – has been 

described as Border lamb with Moroccan 

spice! 

Music from here, enhanced with the 

finest natural ingredients from around the 

world. 

Barry Reeves 

W : www.northwestlondonblues.co.uk 

E : barry@northwestlondonblues. 

co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7979 975 406 

Songwriter, Singer & Guitarist 

Barry reeves is a songwriter, a talented 

and very versatile guitarist and a fine 

singer. He writes very high quality and 

adaptable songs which can be performed 

in all styles and by new or established 

performers. 

His songs are varied, frequently non 

gender specific, commercial and catchy. 

Although he arranges them to suit his 

own performances, he is fully aware that 

the songs can be interpreted, arranged 

and performed in many other styles. 

His songs are of sufficiently high quality 

to allow this. Barry can and does play 

2 hour solo sets of his own songs at 

festivals, with no need to resort to playing 

covers of other people’s songs. 

This indicates the wider public 

appreciation of his songs. 

The Sex Pirates 

from Hell! 


thesexpiratesfromhell 

E : crowsnestmusic@yahoo.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7939 631 249 

Good-time pirate punk/folk crew saw 

their fiddles, bash banjos, squeeze-boxes, 

hammer guitars in a global stomp of 

musical mayhem! 

From the fiddle players Russian roots to 

the bass players west country wrecking 

dance tunes this family friendly group 

of pirate musicians take the audience’s 

feet to the dance floor and heads into the 

Great Unknown. 

Playing numerous UK and European 

festivals, group members have played 

and supported amongst others Ralph 

Mctell, Mungo Jerry, Oysterband, Dixie 

chicks, etc. as well as a 4 years playing at 

Disneyland France. Their music has been 

broadcast on France 1, Channel 4, Radio 

4 and numbers used for choreography by 

the Ballet Rambert. 

So never mind the rollox... here’s the 

Sex Pirates! 

Ailsa Mair 

Hughes 


ailsamairhughes 

E : ailsamairhughes@gmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7825 870 019 

Ailsa Mair Hughes is a cellist/singer/ 

composer based currently in Aberystwyth, 

Mid Wales. She performs her own solo 

material for cello and voice – singing and 

playing simultaneously – and improvises 

upon traditional Welsh folk music, in both 

cases innovating her classical training 

with extended techniques to create a 

listening experience that is both exciting 

and lyrical. 

Ailsa, who freelances as a cellist with 

other musicians on both the classical and 

folk scenes, only began writing music for 

her own performance in October 2008. 

She already released her first EP, 

‘Tuning Seed’ (April 2009; made to 

order), and has brought her songs to 

several small stages at the 2009 Sunrise 

and Glastonbury Festivals, with more gigs 

lined up over the coming months (please 

see her MySpace page for listings). 


Stacey Cohen 


staceycohenmusic 

E : staceycohenmusic@yahoo.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7920 002 951 

New artist from London, living in the 

Welsh mountains. Singer-songwriter 

spanning many genres: From nu-folk/ 

blues, to comedy and more. 

Playing three kinds of set: more uptempo 

with a band. Solo sets, suited to 

folk festivals and acoustic nights. And 

experimental dance with Nunshead 

Robotsbody. 

Described as ‘Unique Dark, Earthy, Welsh 

blues/folk with distinctively urban roots.’ 

Her voice is often likened to Beth Orton. 

In ‘09 Stacey launched her debut album. 

Review by ‘The Absurd’... 

“What immediately strikes you is the 

maturity and strength of her lyrics. 

From the hilarious ‘Your Caravan’, 

to the emotional conflict in ‘Darling 

Love’.This first album pushes the 

benchmark high for other solo female 

artists. The only thing that tops this is 

seeing Stacey live!” 

Maps Campbell 

W : www.mapscamp.co.uk 

E : maps@mapscamp.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7754 400 206 

Maps Campbell is a singer and songwriter 

from the West of Scotland, 

whose strong, bell-clear voice brings life 

and lustre to traditional folk songs from 

Scotland, England and Ireland. 

Her own songs combine strong melodies, 

tumbling rhymes and colourful images 

of clouds of starlings, cold bright skies, 

parades of cats and the white west sands 

of home. 

Maps believes a performance isn’t 

about the singer or musician on stage 

– it’s about everyone in the space who 

is listening, clapping, dancing, singing 

along. Folk music is about people, 

together, tracing out the lines that 

connect us to each other and the world 

around us. Singing out together the songs 

that matter and mean. 

Lucinda Sieger 

W : www.myspace.com/lucindasieger 

E : info@lucindasieger.com 

T : +44 (0) 7968 308 726 

International singer-songwriter Lucinda 

Sieger has a distinctive and melodic 

voice producing acoustic songs of folk 

flavoured pop latin/jazz. She Works with 

Neil Barnes (Leftfield) Nick Van Gelder 

(Jamiroquai), Winston Blissett (Massive 

Attack) and world music producer 

Dubulah (Temple of Sound). Several 

highly acclaimed albums, featured in the 

award winning documentary ‘A Portrait of 

Great Britain’ by TBS, USA. 

A cult figure in Japan, she hit the limelight 

with number one dance hit ‘40 Miles’ 

with dance act Congress, appearing live 

on ‘Top of the Pops’. Lucinda is due to 

release her new single ‘Falling in Love’ a 

cinematic ballad with strings by Scottish 

film composer Malcolm Lindsey and coproduced 

by Dubulah. 

“Chill out ambient-folk from Scottish 

songstress” 

– Q magazine 

Leo Whiskey 

W : www.leowhiskey.com 

E : leowhiskey@yahoo.com 

Coat Of Arms: Three Crownes – Coork, 

Pabianice. 

Claims to be from a few places. 

Recently from Nottingham (UK), 

previously in Germany, the Netherlands, 

Belgium, France, Italy, Denmark and few 

other places. 

For more info, please contact your local 

Scotland yard, FBI and CIA. 

Unfortunately, no records by Stasi nor 

KGB. 

Performs music of Woodstock and old 

American traditions. 

Found no dangerous to CS (controlled 

society). 


Lucy Ward 

W : www.myspace.com/lucywardsings 

E : lucywardsings@hotmail.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7976 754 611 

Lucy Ward is a young folk singer and 

songwriter with the ability to still an 

audience with the strength and purity 

of her voice. A recent reviewer said 

“Lucy… is set to be one of the great song 

interpreters of the new generation of folk 

artists”. 

Lucy is beginning to make her mark 

around the festival and folk club 

circuit and crowned her first year as a 

professional by reaching the finals of the 

BBC’s Young Folk Awards (2009). 

“Lucy Ward is something rare. 

Originality in a somewhat threadbare 

world will bring her the success she so 

richly deserves” 

– John Tams 

“Lucy is one of the few genuinely 

talented newcomers to the folk scene” 

– Richard Grainger 

La Tipica 

W : www.flamencolatipica.com 

www.myspace.com/tipicalia 

E : palosanto86@gmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7967 785 895 

La Tipica is a contemporary flamenco 

company founded in London in 2008. It 

is an international collaboration between 

Chilean guitarist Jorge Bravo and dancer 

Natalia Garcia, Spanish singer Ulises 

Diaz and percussionist Demi Garcia, 

and English violinist Meg Hamilton, 

all dedicated to expanding flamenco’s 

musical and choreographical structures, 

combining elements of contemporary 

dance, theatre, classical music and jazz. 

‘Desde El Silencio’, La Tipica’s first 

original work was showcased at 

theatres in London including 

The Place (Resolution dance festival 

2009). The company toured Chile in 

2009 with performances at Santiago’s 

Theatre Telefonica, Theatre Oriente and at 

Municipal de Vinia del Mar. 

Future projects include the audiovisual 

work about inmigration, and a suite 

inspired by nature for guitar and dance. 

She’Koyokh 

W : www.shekoyokh.co.uk 

www.myspace.com/shekoyokh 

E : info@shekoyokh.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7779 320 73 

She’Koyokh is London’s award-winning 

klezmer ensemble bring a fresh, 

passionate energy to an extensive 

repertoire of soulful Ashkenazi and 

Sephardic melodies and original 

compositions, infused with exhilarating 

Balkan music. Established with the 

support of a Millennium Award through 

London’s Jewish Music Institute, 

this dynamic band is at the forefront of 

Eastern European roots music in the 

UK. Highlights include performances 

at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, 

international festivals such as 

Glastonbury, Edinburgh, the Jewish 

Cultural Festival in Krakow, Buskers’ 

Bern and Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw. 

She’Koyokh won first prize at the 

International Jewish Music Festival 

competition held in Amsterdam in 2008 

and has recently been awarded Scottish 

Arts Council funding. She’Koyokh has two 

albums – ‘Sandanski’s Chicken’ released 

on the ARC label and ‘Buskers’ Ballroom’. 

Kosmos 

Ensemble 

W : www.kosmosensemble.com 


kosmosensemble 

E : kosmos@kosmosensemble.com 

T : +44 (0) 7891 232 768 

(Harriet Mackenzie) 

Kosmos is an innovative string trio 

performing its own compositions, 

arrangements and improvisations. 

Inspired by traditional music, 

the ensemble offers a unique sound 

free from borders and labels. 

Kosmos explores the boundaries of 

Western Classical and Contemporary 

music with Arabic, Gypsy, Balkan, Jazz, 

Klezmer and Tango influences. 

Prepare to be intoxicated by entrancing 

dance rhythms, soulful improvisation and 

gypsy passion delivered with inimitable 

panache and virtuoso technique. 

Recent Highlights include live broadcasts 

on BBC Radio 3, Classic FM, Radio London, 

performances at the Royal Albert Hall 

(Ignite Series), Leeds International 

Concert Season, West Road Concert 

Hall, Wales Millenium Centre, the Vortex, 

Portello River Festival in Padua 

(on national television), Chichester, 

Ryedale, Swaledale, Hexham, Oundel, 

Wales International and Pulse Festivals. 


“Piggery Jokery”: This intriguing, 

whimsical, highly visual and musical show 

has been seen all over the world from 

Seattle to South Korea, and is a great 

addition to any festival. 

It is a 30 minute perambulation through 

the seasons touching on the circular 

nature of time, as told by the Green Man 

and the hurdy-gurdy playing Droning 

Crone and their troupe of rag-bag 

characters. 

It is both emotionally engaging and 

sublimely silly, and is guaranteed to 

appeal to all ages. 

A dynamic, exciting fiddle-driven roots 

rock band featuring Stephanie Graffitti 

(electric fiddle), Mik Parker (electric 

guitar), Jim Bean (Bass) and Paul Castle 

(drums). 

The band have played numerous festivals 

across the UK and Europe including 

Glastonbury (twice), Solfest, Henley, 

Thames river festival, Richmond’s edge 

fest, Wallingford bunkfest, Brittany and 

France festivals. 

Their foot to the floor driving dance 

tunes reflect their London base, but with 

global themes, at times dark, humorous, 

political, state of the nation songs, 

but always danceable and enjoyable. 

An East of Ealing gig swiftly becomes a 

world party as they cross continents and 

musical styles convincingly with fun and 

passion. 

Hand to Mouth 

Theatre 


handtomouththeatre 

E : htmtheatre@btopenworld.com 

T : +44 (0) 2380 555 392 

A video clip can be seen on our MySpace 

page. 

East of Ealing 

W : www.eastofealing.co.uk 

E : info@eastofealing.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 208 7032 6133 

Andrew Gordon has been performing 

since 1994 and has specialised in 

Scottish Traditional and Celtic music 

since 2001. 

During his career he has performed in 

The USA, Canada, Germany and all over 

Scotland. 

Accompanied by guitar or bodhran, 

Andrew sings a variety of battle songs, 

ballads, sing-a-longs and comedy songs. 

Having performed over 350 gigs in the 

last three years, Andrew likes nothing 

better than getting in front of a mic, 

no matter if it is a small intimate bar or 

large concert hall. 

Shir is the complete Jewish music 

quartet: Klezmer, Israeli, Yiddish, 

Sephardi, Mizrachi, Ladino and Simcha 

instrumental and vocal music. 

Coming from different musical 

backgrounds (classical, jazz and gypsy 

folk), the musicians of Shir provide 

a spontaneous, energetic and soulful 

musical experience, performing regularly 

at concerts and charity events in the UK 

as well as fulfilling the original function 

of the Klezmorim – entertaining at 

parties. Shir performs regularly in Spain: 

festivals in Madrid (Veranos de la Villa) 

and Cordoba (Casa Sefarad), Santander, 

Manresa and Barcelona. Recently Shir 

was invited to play at the Salute to Israel 

in Trafalgar Square, the Kindertransport 

70th Reunion and the Maccabi GB70th 

Gala. 

The group has recorded 2 CDs ‘From The 

Heart’ and ‘Israeli Songs’ (ARC). 

Andrew Gordon 

W : www.andrewgordon.co.uk 

E : enquiries@andrewgordon.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7740 355 216 

Shir 

W : www.shirmusic.co.uk 


shirjewishmusic 

E : ivor@shirmusic.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7905 355 022 


Clare Cairns 


theofficialclarecairns 

E : clarecairns@yahoo.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7704 714 607 

Clare is a twenty four year-old singersongwriter 

from Edinburgh. She has played 

professionally in a number of venues across 

Scotland including ‘The Liquid Rooms’ 

and the BeanScene stores. 

Most recently Clare was one of the five 

finalists (selected from thousands of 

applicants) to perform at the Forth- 

One-to-Watch-Awards competition 

in November 2008. Clare’s music 

also reaches many community radio 

stations including Blackdiamondfm 

who featured her as their “Local-Hero”, 

where her single ‘Such Is’ was played for 

5 days during drive time – boosting her 

website by 4000 hits. The Evening News 

(Edinburgh) also featured Clare on a front 

page spread and as their “Ten Questions” 

star. 

Clare is currently recording new material 

and planning a tour around Australia for 

December 2009. 

Harmony 

Ensemble 

W : www.harmonyensemble.co.uk 

E : eddiemcguire@talktalk.net 

T : +44 (0) 141 334 8580 

The Harmony Ensemble perform 

traditional Chinese music – and, 

with composers in their ranks always 

include improvisation and new pieces. 

Their six members use a range of vocal 

styles and Chinese instruments to 

present concerts that often soothe and 

contemplate but also rouse with the pulse 

of dances. 

Zheng (zither), Yang Qin (hammered 

dulcimer), Bamboo Flute, Violin and 

Percussion blend with the unique voices 

of Fong Liu (soprano) and Cheng-Ying 

Chuang (counter-tenor). 

Based in Scotland, they have performed 

throughout Britain at festivals and music 

societies. They featured in BBCTV’s 

‘Silk Screens’ events leading up to the 

Olympics in 2008. 

The Whistlebinkies are a seven member 

ensemble performing traditional Scottish 

music as well as new compositions in that 

style. 

A rich blend of Small Bagpipes, Small 

Harp (clarsach), Flute, Concertina, Violin, 

Double Bass and Percussion has thrilled 

audiences throughout Britain and around 

the world. They were the first Scottish folk 

group to tour China (in 1991) and have 

performed in Europe and USA. 

Currently taking the world by storm, 

Vicki and Jonny are establishing 

themselves as one of the best duos 

around on the folk scene today. 

Although best-known for their 

instrumental skills with Scottish 

Smallpipes, accordion and 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. 

Strong believers in letting the music 

tradition live and breathe through and 

sensitive interpretation, Vicki and Jonny 

allow the melody to sing without any 

constraints. Their albums have earned 

recent coverage on both Radio 3’s 

Late Junction and on Mike Harding’s BBC 

Radio 2 show. 

The 

Whistlebinkies 

W : www.whistlebinkies.net 

E : eddiemcguire@talktalk.net 

T : +44 (0) 141 334 8580 

Three successful recent CDs have been 

issued by Greentrax Recordings and a 

new one is due for release early in 2010. 

Vicky Swan & 

Jonny Dyer 

W : www.swan-dyer.co.uk 

E : smallpiper@mac.com 

T : +44 (0) 7721 519 719 


Hi my name is Alex Hel; I’m ginger which 

is nice. I write pop folk songs about being 

in love, getting dumped and making 

friends, you know the usual stuff. 

I’ve been gigging for 3 years, and have 

played everywhere from theatres to 

living room shows, I love to connect with 

the audience and have been known to 

completely unplug and jump in the crowd 

to get a heartfelt sing along going in the 

crowd. 

My music is about people for people. 

Joe le Taxi are the premier Zydeco band 

in the UK. Zydeco is the music of the 

Creole people of Louisiana, USA and is 

closely related to Cajun. Joe le Taxi have 

taken this super-charged accordion led 

dance music and given it their own unique 

twist to create a sound that has set the 

dance floors alight all across Europe. 

Red-hot two steps, blistering blues and 

sleazy shuffles guarantee an unforgettable 

Zydeco Party! 

Rees Wesson Zydeco – Accordion 

Sue Reid – Scrub-board 

Kev Torne – Guitar 

Jacqui Savage – Bass 

Andy Watson – Drums 

Alex Hel 

W : www.myspace.com/alexhel 

E : alexhl@hotmail.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7875 017 076 

Joe le Taxi 

W : www.joeletaxi.co.uk 

E : rees@melodeons.com 

T : +44 (0) 7980 258 038 

The Roving 

Crows 

W : www.rovingcrows.com 

www.myspace.com/therovingcrows 

E : therovingcrows@hotmail.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7896 327 069 

+44 (0) 7912 014 636 

The Roving Crows were formed in 

2007 and have toured extensively and 

successfully in the south west of England, 

France and Ireland. 

Music offered by The Roving Crows is 

funky and upbeat – guaranteed to get 

your feet tapping. The Roving Crows 

are Guitar, Voice, Fiddle, Drums and 

Bass. The mix of instruments and the 

integration of traditional with modern 

sounds make for an upbeat, entertaining 

experience. 

With roots in traditional Irish music and 

influences ranging from country to rock 

and blues we generate an exciting and 

charged atmosphere. 

Orla Murphy 

W : www.orlamurphy.com 

www.myspace.com/ommurphy 

E : orla@orlamurphy.com 

T : +44 (0) 7947 355 989 

Orla is a London-based Jazz Vocalist – 

active on the city’s jazz scene over the last 

five years. 

Orla completed a very successful Jazz 

Services-funded tour in England in May/ 

June 2008 which launched her debut 

album ‘Wishful Thinking’ (released on 

FMR Records on the 1st May 2008). 

Orla has performed in Italy, Ireland and 

throughout the UK at the Derry Jazz 

and Big Band Festival (May 2007 and 

2009); the Glasgow International Jazz 

festival (June 2007 and 2009) and 

Swansea Jazzland, Wales (July 2007 

and May 2008). In 2005 and 2006 Orla 

performed with two of Europe’s leading 

jazz guitarists, Sandro Gibellini and Mike 

Nielsen, in Italy and Ireland respectively. 


Jo Lannon 

W : www.myspace.com/joelannon 

E : jandblannon@aol.com 

T : +44 (0) 7532 157 943 

Joe Lannon is a singer-songwriter 

who lives in North East England. 

His combination of fingerstyle guitar and 

sonorous melodic vocals is a delight to 

hear. 

His influences range from Nick Drake 

to Cat Stevens and his guitar work is 

intricate, vibrant and accomplished. 

He is both a qualified teacher and a guitar 

tutor and is a licentiate of the London 

College of Music. He holds a distinction 

at Grade 8 in Electric Guitar and a 

songwriting diploma. He is a multiple 

Semi-finalist winner in the UK Songwriting 

Contest (Brit Trust) and in 2007 he went 

on to gain a Finalist position for one of 

his guitar instrumental pieces. 

He is currently putting together his first 

album. 

(LLCM(TD) – PGCE) 

Joseph 


drjosephmusic 

E : joyikona@aol.com 

T : +44 (0) 7956 038 198 

+44 (0) 1284 713 000 

(Work, via switchboard) 

I am a Zambian-born artist based in 

the UK hoping to introduce the World to 

genuine Zambian music especially a type 

called Kalindula, an exciting rhythmic 

percussion based sound with guitar and 

bass accompaniments. 

I remain versatile with ability to play 

different music genre like country, jazz, 

rhythm and blues, OK Jazz rhumba and 

South African Mbaqanga. 

When I am not engaged in my music, 

by day I am a Consultant Physician in 

Internal Medicine and Geriatrics based at 

West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, 

Suffolk, England. 

My Sunset Jam Album is on my website 

and a very good example of a World 

music admixture. I am married with two 

children, a son and daughter. 

Sarah McQuaid 

W : www.sarahmcquaid.com 

E : sarah@sarahmcquaid.com 

T : +44 (0) 7999 868 758 

Madrid-born Sarah McQuaid was raised 

in Chicago, studied philosophy in France 

and spent many years in Ireland before 

pitching up in Penzance, Cornwall, in 

2007. 

Drawing on the traditions of Ireland, 

America and the UK, her music is sublime 

and compelling, characterised by warm, 

velvety vocals and a distinctive acoustic 

guitar style. She has released two solo 

CDs, ‘When Two Lovers Meet’ and ‘I 

Won’t Go Home ’Til Morning’, in addition 

to ‘Crow Coyote Buffalo’, an album of 

songs co-written with Zoë Pollock (author 

of 1991 hit single ‘Sunshine On A Rainy 

Day’) under the band name Mama. 

Sarah is also the author of a highly 

regarded guitar tutor, The Irish DADGAD 

Guitar Book. 

Laura Victoria 


lauravictoriamusic 

www.lauravictoriamusic.com 

E : lauravictoriamusic@gmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7989 254 908 

A voice and a cello – that’s about it. 

Pop meets traditional folk: Intense, 

edgy, light hearted, melodramatic and 

honest songs brought to life by unusual 

cello playing that veers between moving 

melancholy airs, punchy rock riffing and 

slap bass. 

Songs tell of love affairs, ship wrecks, 

imaginary worlds (and cups of tea). 

Laura is attracting attention for her 

fearlessly adventurous cello arrangements 

and live performance style. 

Debut EP ‘Acting Up’ available now. 


Underground acoustic sensation 

Sam Sallon is a young veteran of the 

stage. His lucid no-frills songwriting has 

won him the support of a loyal following. 

Notable gigs include opening for 

Rodrigo y Gabriela at the City Varieties 

Music Hall, Lyle Lovett at the Royal 

Festival Hall, Nouvelle Vague at the 

Pigalle, Fionn Raegan at the Luminaire, 

Kamila Thompson at the Troubadour, 

Nick Harper at the 12 Bar, Johnny Flynn 

at Matt & Phred’s, Son of Dave at the 

Barfly and Pete Doherty at the Royal 

Albert Hall. 

Lanarkshire singer/songwriter 

John Malcolm has an accomplished and 

long-standing career in the Scottish Folk 

Music Scene. 

As a solo performer and member of 

the long established Scots Folk Group 

Cruachan John’s eclectic mix of Scots, 

Irish and American songs continues to be 

warmly received by audiences throughout 

Scotland and mainland Europe. 

John’s song writing ability was recognised 

during Glasgow’s Year of Culture when 

he won a competition at the “world 

famous” Scotia Bar in the city. 

John’s new album ‘Sands of Time’ was 

selected album of the week by Celtic 

Music Radio in February 2009. 

During the last few years John has been 

passing on his song writing skills to pupils 

in schools in South Lanarkshire. 

Sam Sallon 

W : www.myspace.com/samsallon 

E : bjorn@pivotalpr.co.uk (radio) 

naomi@elasticartists.net (bookings) 

In May 2009, Sam won the Exposure 

Music Award for best folk song. 

Sam’s first album is expected this winter. 

He is currently touring the UK. 

John Malcolm 

W : www.john-malcolm.com 


johnclmalcolm 

E : info@john-malcolm.com 

T : +44 (0) 1357 529 906 

Caim 

W : www.cluniemusic.com 

www.myspace.com/celticcaim 

E : cluniemusic@hotmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7505 661 591 

Heather Innes & Jacynth Hamill 

Music to take with you on life’s journey 

and as an aid to your travelling. 

Caim are Scotland’s Heather Innes and 

Ireland’s Jacynth Hamill. With music 

ranging from the lively to the meditative, 

Caim aims to bring the depth and 

simplicity of Celtic music to a wide 

audience. Concerts include Scottish and 

Irish traditional songs, contemporary 

folk songs, Gaelic song, stories and Irish 

dancing as well as Celtic prayers. 

Caim music touches the heart, bringing a 

sense of calm, uplift and peace. Caim are 

available for church services, meditative 

retreats, conferences, workshops and 

concerts (including ‘House Concerts’). 

Live Jacynth and Heather sing a cappella 

and in harmony for a pure Celtic sound, 

with the occasional beat of the bodhrán. 

Weapons of 

Sound 

W : www.weaponsofsound.com 


weaponsofsound 

E : info@weaponsofsound.com 

T : +44 (0) 7855 273 091 

The UK’s greenest band have been 

thumping out their brand of junk 

percussion on shopping trolleys, 

plastic barrels, gas pipes and kitchen 

sinks since 1993! They promote and 

celebrate that Global Green message 

of Reduce – Reuse and Recycle to 

Festival, Corporate, Environmental and 

Educational audiences. 

Past bookings include street corners to 

stadiums, from Glastonbury to opening 

of the Commonwealth Games. WOS also 

facilitate junk percussion workshops for 

all ages and abilities which adds to the 

fantastic festival experience. 

WOS have recently lent their music and 

videos have been added to the UN 

“Seal The Deal” campaign. WOS now 

offset all their carbon emissions through 

Tree Appeal and have recently recorded 

Eco Hop tracks with Akil and 

Domanique Larue. 


Hjaz 

W : www.myspace.com/hjaz 

E : hjazsounds@googlemail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7971 339 398 

Hjaz is collaboration between jazz 

pianist/composer Alcyona Mick and 

Egyptian/German singer Merit Ariane 

Stephanos. Exploring Arabic and Jazz 

traditions through improvisation and 

experimentation, they draw on material 

from Lebanese Legend Fayrouz, Arabic & 

Andalusian Mwashahat, Sephardic songs 

and write their own music. 

Merit works with renowned vocal 

ensemble The Clerks, the Al Farabi 

ensemble, medieval group Joglaresa, 

her own Arabic/Jewish group Jaljala and 

teaches at the Royal College of Music. 

Alcyona, a founding member of London’s 

Loop Collective, has released two critically 

acclaimed albums, ‘Around the Sun’ 

(2006), and ‘Blink’ (2008). 

“Middle Eastern intonation, elegance 

and emotional intimacy… built to a 

cinematic depth” 

– Vortex Jazz Reviews 2008 

Fiddle Faddle 

Concert & 

Ceilidh Band 

W : www.fiddlefaddlemusic.moonfruit. 

com 

E : fiddlefaddlemusic@msn.com 

T : +44 (0) 7962 227 579 

Specialists in performing traditional 

music from around the globe and 

particularly from the British Isles and 

Europe. 

Experienced musicians and callers who 

are ready to perform at a variety of 

venues for all occasions. 

Fiddle Faddle enjoy playing for ceilidhs, 

weddings, corporate or private functions 

and are in popular demand for Burns’ 

Night and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. 

Last Days of 

Lorca 


lastdaysoflorca 

Last Days of Lorca make postIndie... 

• To light up all lights 

• To silence our little hearts 

Last Days of Lorca are putting the 

finishing touches to the debut album 

‘To Silence Our Little Hearts’ due at 

the end of 2009, and so will only play 

‘special’ shows until November 2009, 

when we will be back for a lengthy UK 

tour. 

“Last Days of Lorca do their thing, 

creating a jagged racket not far off At the 

Drive-In topped off with Matt Bellamy 

vocals, and it’s an affecting blend” 

– Kerrang 

“Floods of jagged guitars set off like 

an emergency alarm while a sense 

of urgency persists throughout their 

records” 

– ‘How to Make it in Music’ guide ones to 

watch 

Hot Lips & 

Chilli Fingers 


hotlipschillifingers 

E : lipfinger@hotmail.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7786 256 178 

Internationally renowned musicians 

Steve Lockwood and Chris Newman met 

during a recording session 10 years ago, 

it was obvious there was real musical 

chemistry between them. 

The rare combination of true virtuoso 

harmonica playing and world class roots 

and blues guitar eventually led to them 

forming Hot Lips & Chilli Fingers so they 

could explore their passion for traditional 

American music styles further. 2010 

promises to be even more successful with 

bookings for concerts doubling as people 

become more aware of their unique 

sound. 

In a culture saturated by average blues 

musicians, their exceptional abilities 

clearly stand out. To provide music for all 

budgets and occasions they have added 

the option of a 4 piece band with bass 

and percussion. 


Thunderbridge 

Bluegrass Boys 

W : www.thunderbridgebluegrass.com 

E : mail@thunderbridgebluegrass. 

com 

T : +44 (0) 7812 384 293 

One of the most progressive acoustic 

bluegrass acts to emerge from the UK 

in recent years, the Thunderbridge 

Bluegrass Boys combine tight and 

uplifting four-part vocal harmonies with 

an all-unplugged back line of upright 

bass, mandolin, banjo, guitar and dobro. 

They always perform around a single 

microphone, which gives them amazing 

clarity of sound as well as causing a 

thrilling onstage choreography. 

Their gigs are a non-stop ride through 

stories of love, loss, trains and drugs, 

all delivered with such emotion and 

heartfelt conviction that it is hard not to 

appreciate what they do. 

With two albums and a live DVD under 

their belts, Thunderbridge have come a 

long way down a long road, and are loving 

every mile. 

Iron Broo 

W : www.ironbroo.co.uk 

E : charlieabel@ironbroo.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7802 831 390 

+44 (0) 131 444 2801 

Iron Broo are an Edinburgh and Aberdeen 

based Ceilidh band, performing traditional 

Scottish music with a reputation as one 

of the liveliest and fun Ceilidh Bands on 

the traditional Scottish music scene. 

As a Ceilidh band, Iron Broo have played 

their traditional Scottish music far and 

wide both at home and abroad and have 

often been seen at well known festivals 

such as ‘T in the Park’, ‘The Glassel 

Gig’ and many a folk festival, the ‘Broo’ 

have played many sell out ceilidhs at the 

Aberdeen Music Hall. 

They are in huge demand to play ceilidhs 

throughout Scotland. Recent gigs have 

taken them to Norway, Ireland, Germany, 

Spain, Italy, and Latvia. 

Simon Harris 

& The Bright 

Size Gypsies 


brightsizegypsies 

E : brightsize@gmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7800 548 706 

The Bright Size Gypsies possess the rare 

combination of virtuoso musicianship, 

skilful composition, inspired arrangements 

and a magical stage presence. 

Originally inspired by the music of 

Django Reinhardt, The Bright Size Gypsies 

perform an infectious blend of quirky 

original material, funked up gypsy tunes 

and a healthy portion of masterfully 

re-worked classics by artists such as 

Michael Jackson and Schubert! 

Their take on Billie Jean is rapidly 

becoming something of an urban legend 

and is not to be missed! 

Since forming in 2005 the band has 

played with such international artists as 

Tchavolo Schmidtt and Natty Bo. 

The Bright Size Gypsies have astounded 

sell-out audiences at numerous venues 

including Shambala Festival (2008) and 

Symphony Hall. 

Abi Moore 

W : www.abimoore.com 

E : abi@abimoore.com 

T : +44 (0) 7786 548 337 

Abi Moore’s music harks back to those 

times when things were hand-crafted and 

made to last. 

With her foundations rooted in 

acoustic music, Abi’s songs are well 

crafted, accessible and full of warmth, 

reminiscent of the 60s/70s songwriters 

– Elton John, Sting, Jon Mitchell and Bob 

Dylan. Add in modern day relevance, 

cynical grit, a glance to Sheryl Crow and 

Karine Polwart and lace it all up with 

thought provoking, observational, truthful 

and socially aware lyrics. 

Staunchly independent, Abi self-released 

both ‘The Aftermath of ’96’ in June 2006 

and ‘Thins We Should’ve Said’ in March 

2009 and is currently on a huge 70 date 

tour as ‘Artist of the Month’ with the 

highly respected coffee chain Caffe Nero. 


Rowland 

Sutherland 

W : www.rowlandsutherland.com 

www.myspace.com/1creativeforce 

www.reverbnation.com/creativeforce 

www.myspace.com/inkimbe 

E : rowlandsutherland@hotmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7850 215 687 

Flautist Rowland Sutherland has an 

international career in music. He regularly 

performs in non-Western groups, 

new music ensembles, jazz groups, 

symphony orchestras, pop outfits and as 

a soloist. Rowland’s experience in non- 

Western and jazz music has led him to 

work with US saxophonist/bass clarinetist 

David Murray; African master drummer 

Gaspar Lawal; the ‘Rebirth Brass Band’ 

– New Orleans; Pops Mohamed, master 

percussionist – Southern Africa; 

Frank Wess, Ali Ryerson, Airto, Joyce, 

Dom Um Romao, Flora Purim and many 

others. 

Rowland’s Project ‘Creative Force’ six piece 

Caribbean influenced group, features Orphy 

Robinson on vibes. His ‘Rowland Sutherland 

Sextet’ plays jazz with Caribbean sounds. 

Rowland Sutherland’s Mistura, performs 

Brazilian music. Rowland’s quintet 

‘In Kimbe’ with Filomena Campus plays 

Mediterranean and Brazilian sounds. 

Megson 

W : www.megsonmusic.co.uk 

E : stu@megsonmusic.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7815 449 245 

Stu Hanna and Debbie Hanna, 

the husband and wife duo Megson, are 

fast becoming “hot property” 

(The Guardian Jan 09) on the folk/roots 

scene. Their three albums have chronicled 

that blossoming talent. 

Formed in 2004 the couple have played 

across the country at folk clubs and 

festivals supporting bands like Show 

of Hands and Seth Lakeman and more 

recently selling out their own tours. 

Their talent was recognised with a 

nomination for Best Duo in the 2009 BBC 

Radio 2 Folk Awards. The Guardian gave 

their latest album ‘Take Yourself a Wife’ a 

4-star review followed by a major feature 

and the Independant has listed Megson in 

their 5 Gigs to See section on no less than 

three occasions. 

Dragonsfire 

W : www.dragonsfire.uk.com 

E : music@dragonsfire.uk.com 

T : +44 (0) 7850 486 466 

Dragonsfire, the vocal and multiinstrumental 

quartet, performs regularly 

throughout the United Kingdom and 

Europe, and past engagements have 

taken them to Canada, Scandinavia and 

the Middle East. 

The group has made several recordings, 

appeared on radio, television and in 

feature film, and they have composed 

and performed music for both radio and 

theatrical productions. Their performances 

are known for their unique blend of 

informal yet highly professional presentation, 

beautiful harmonies, haunting melodies, 

infectious fun, colourful costume and 

breathtaking versatility. 

They play a huge array of instruments 

and each musical item is arranged by 

a member of the group, ensuring their 

highly individual style which will appeal 

to all music lovers, including the nonspecialist 

and the family audience. 

Kate Westall 

W : www.myspace.com/katewestall 

E : katewestall@yahoo.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7739 833 810 

Born in the Breacon Beacons, 

Welsh singer-songwriter Kate Westall grew 

up absorbing a large tradition of Welsh 

and World Music at Eisteddfods. 

Her career began at 16 singing for Swing/ 

Jazz Big Band ‘The Skyliners’. 

Ever since, Kate has embraced many 

genres of music and lent her versatile 

voice to sing and co-write with a diverse 

mix of UK artists, DJs and producers. 

Since moving to London to further 

her music career, Kate developed her 

songwriting, collaborating with musicians 

of Celtic, Continental and Classical 

backgrounds. 

Kate’s band provide a unique acoustic 

sound flavoured with folk, soul, blues and 

rock. Topped with uplifting melodies and 

a purely beautiful voice, Kate Westall gives 

a warm performance you will be delighted 

to experience. 


Tiptoe Hill 

W : www.reverbnation.com/tiptoehill 

E : anna@purebreeze.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7784 192 526 

Carl Bakewell, singer-songwriter, born in 

1969. From the age of 9 he accompanied 

his father to local Folk Clubs making his 

debut performance at the age of 14. 

A familiar face on the local music scene, 

he ran Market Harborough Folk Club in 

Leicestershire for a number of years. 

Despite a Love/Hate relationship with 

Folk he has now returned – thanks to an 

unforeseen chain of events sparked by 

a BBC Radio Competition and airplay of 

one of his songs on Folkwaves. 

This led to the formation of Tiptoe Hill 

with Anna Sagona (Keys) and Pete Russell 

(Bass Guitar), writing and recording 

original contemporary material from 

‘The Dark Side of Folk’. 

Máire ní 

Chathasaigh & 

Chris Newman 

W : www.oldbridgemusic.com 

E : mail@oldbridgemusic.com 

T : +44 (0) 1943 602 203 

The “brilliant, innovative harping” of Máire 

Ní Chathasaigh, Irish Traditional Musician 

of the Year 2001, and the “astonishing 

virtuosity and versatility” (Songlines) of 

England’s premier flatpicking guitarist, 

Chris Newman, have been heard world-wide. 

Their performances are an enticing cocktail 

of dynamic Irish dance-music, moving 

airs, evocative songs and their own striking 

compositions, spiked with exhilarating 

shots of hot jazz and bluegrass and Chris’s 

“subversively witty introductions”. Of their 

sixth CD together, FireWire, the critics said: 

“An eclecticism and spirit of adventure 

that is quite thrilling” – The Times 

“In a class of their own” – The Guardian 

“Takes one of the most effete 

instruments in traditional music and 

breathes a fire into its belly” 

– The Irish Times 

“Dazzling virtuosity” 

– The Daily Telegraph 

Robert is a gifted, inspiring and 

highly qualified bagpiper, performing, 

composing and teaching in the traditional 

Scottish style and Scottish piping with a 

more contemporary twist. 

Whether harmoniously combining 

contrasting musical elements from 

Piobaireadhd to Pipehop, Robert always 

respects the great legacy of the Scottish 

pipers and the thriving evolving tradition. 

As a leading innovator of traditional youth 

music, Robert’s Scottish Cultural Events 

and Education organisation, TRAD-ARR 

is currently the delivery partner for 

Aberdeenshire Council’s Youth Music 

Initiative, Bagpipe and Drum Programme. 

His role as Director of Music Pipes and 

Drums, Fulda Military Tattoo 2009, 

Germany, demonstrates his place in 

major national and international events. 

Trad to funky, Robert inspires with his 

own unique touch of magic. 

With early training in classical music and 

through a detour studying social sciences, 

Lily Shea re-emerged as a folk-rock 

songstress and made her new home in 

London. 

With soulful, intimate songs and a unique 

voice, writing under influences from 

Nick Drake to Tori Amos and Feist, 

Lily Shea has been playing around the 

capital touching those paying attention. 

Robert Aitken 

W : www.tradarr.com 

E : info@tradarr.com 

T : +44 (0) 7801 973 096 

Lily Shea 

W : www.myspace.com/lilyshea 

E : lilysheamusic@googlemail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7894 242 764 


Malinky 

W : www.malinky.com 

E : info@malinky.com 

T : +44 (0) 7736 775 009 

With their stunning fourth album 

‘Flower & Iron’, Malinky celebrate 

their tenth anniversary and introduce 

a newly revamped line-up, meanwhile 

underscoring their reputation as one 

of Scotland’s most distinctive and 

accomplished folk bands. 

While retaining their hallmark song-based 

repertoire, performed by three superb 

lead vocalists and arrayed with tastefully 

inventive instrumentation, Malinky today 

unite seasoned maturity with sparkling 

freshness, casting their musical net wider 

than ever. 

“Should be one of the folk bands of 

2009” 

– The Guardian 

John Warde & 

Mario Price 

W : www.johnward.org.uk 


johnwardionmusic 

E : info@johnward.org.uk 

An accomplished singer-songwriter 

and musician, John has released five 

critically acclaimed albums and played 

extensively across England and Europe. 

He performs both solo and with his long 

standing musical partner, violinist Mario 

Price, together they make an exciting and 

sought after duo. 

Performing a highly eclectic mix of John’s 

original compositions, standard and 

traditional songs and Mario’s beautiful 

and high energy instrumentals they are 

sometimes thought provoking, 

often humorous, always entertaining. 

“A singer and guitarist to watch out for” 

– The Times 

“A Songwriter of maturity and depth” 

– Time Out 

“Excellent” – Folk Roots and Grapevine 

“An exciting talent” – Folk On Tap 

Sild 

W : www.sildmusic.com 

E : silleilves@hotmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7969 892 306 

Sild (Estonian word for bridge) formed 

their unique Welsh-Estonian collaboration 

shortly after the 2001 Viljandi Folk Music 

Festival. Since then they have developed 

a truly original fusion of two different 

musical cultures, rooted in tradition yet 

thoroughly modern, they create new 

music from the ancient edges of Europe. 

Sild brings together two young 

internationally acclaimed musicians: from 

Estonia the exquisite singer, fiddler and 

hiiu-kannel (Estonian bowed harp) player 

Sille Ilves and innovative Welsh guitarist 

Martin Leamon. 

Sild have released two albums with the 

respected Fflach Trad label and have 

earned a reputation for breathtakingly 

intimate, powerful live performances. 

Pure Blarney 

W : www.pureblarney.com 

E : andymcg@talktalk.net 

T : +44 (0) 7729 346 832 

Pure Blarney’s aim is to bring the sounds 

of party folk music to the public. 

With a line up which includes, vocals, 

guitar, uilleann pipes, highland pipes, 

fiddle, whistles, bass and drums, and the 

clever arrangements of all the classic folk 

tunes Pure Blarney are sure to keep you 

in the party mood. 

Paramount for a function, concert or pub 

gig, we can provide the perfect music 

accompaniment for the making of an 

exciting and electric atmosphere. 

No fillers here folks, just feet on the floor 

and nights being made. To quote one 

experience... 

“Best show I have been at in a long 

time. Well presented, entertaining and 

brilliant music” 

– Brian McCart, Chairman of Gig‘n the Bann 

Festival 


Karine Polwart 

W : www.karinepolwart.com 

www.myspace.com/karinepolwart 

E : abm_ceri@btinternet.com 

info@karinepolwart.com 

Scots songwriter Karine Polwart 

combines the economy and universality 

of the folk storytelling tradition with a 

probing intellect and compassionate 

lyricism. 

Twice winner of “Best Original Song” at 

the UK-wide BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, 

and a former winner of Best Scots Singer 

at The Scots Trad Music Awards, she’s 

a former member of Scots-Irish quintet 

Malinky and folk stalwarts Battlefield 

Band. 

She’s collaborated with English folk 

maverick Chris Wood, indie musicians 

King Creosote and Roddy Woomble, 

bluegrass ace Tim O’Brien and the BBC 

Scottish Symphony Orchestra. 

Her most recent releases are ‘Fairest 

Floo’er’ (2007), an album of Scots 

trad songs and ‘This Earthy Spell’, a 

bittersweet collection of her own writing. 

Elephant Shelf 

W : www.elephantshelf.com/roots 

E : band@elephantshelf.com 

T : +44 (0) 7960 020 398 

+44 (0) 7952 073 026 

Elephant Shelf is a five piece band 

playing a dynamic mix of original 

acoustic and electric roots/blues and 

country based material. The band plays 

acoustic or electric sets and is led by 

guitarist vocalist Vicky Martin and brilliant 

multi instrumentalist Diana Stone who 

features on jazz violin, mandolin, and 

piano. 

Described by Gavin Martin of The 

Independent as “…a truly dynamic live 

act” the Shelf is noted for its energetic 

and entertaining performances. 

With 500 plus live shows to their name 

and a new album the band is a tried 

and tested unit. The music shows 

various influences – from blues, swing 

and country, to manouche, reggae and 

vaudeville. 

Elephant Shelf – exciting, entertaining 

and constantly surprising. 

Grace Hewat 

Polwart 

W : www.myspace.com/girlytrio 

E : hegri@me.com 

T : +44 (0) 7740 306 784 

Vivacious and inventive all female Scots 

vocal harmony trio featuring former 

Iron Horse front-woman Annie Grace 

(vocals, Borders pipes, whistle), 

co-director of barnstorming Scottish 

Big Band The Unusual Suspects Corrina 

Hewat (vocals, harp) and BBC Folk 

Award winning songwriter Karine Polwart 

(vocals, guitar, shruti). 

Joyous and witty percussive re-workings 

of trad Lowland Scots dance songs, 

intertwined with dark and disconcerting 

lullabies and laments and original 

compositions steeped in the storytelling 

tradition. 

“Give fresh definition to the world 

ballsy” 

– The Scotsman 

Jonathan 

Beckett 


jonathanbeckett 

E : beckettjonathan@aol.com 

T : +44 (0) 7954 995 932 

Jonathan Beckett is a solo artist based 

in Derbyshire, England. He is a singer, 

guitarist and keyboard player. 

He draws on a wide range of influences, 

encompassing pop, rock, folk, post-punk 

and electronic music. He gigs solo, with 

a band and as a duo with London-based 

singer and dulcimer player Indi Kaur. He 

has released two self-financed CDs and is 

working on a third. 

Jonathan’s philosophy on music is 

simple: to incorporate all of his musical 

influences into his work. This may 

arguably make his songs difficult to 

pigeonhole and harder to market, 

but Jonathan believes that there are only 

two types of music, good and bad. 

He hopes that he manages to make the 

former most of the time. 


Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, 

the Electric Avenue Band presents an 

original genre-defying vision: late-night 

sounds inspired by New York, Lisbon, Rio 

and Shanghai. 

Here is timeless poetic rock for today. 

Jazz, bossa nova, and Chinese folk 

music are all part of the brew. Here is a 

spirit that refuses to be limited with the 

vagaries of musical boundaries. 

We invite you to listen, off the grid but on 

the heartbeat! With Ailsa Bates, 

Jean-David Caillouët, Iain Campbell, 

and Lynn Sampsell. 

Fiona from the Scottish Highlands is one 

of Scotland’s top Gaelic Singers and is 

unique in the style in which she performs, 

‘Classic Gaelic’ – Celtic music with a 

contemporary twist. 

Her latest release ‘A Good Suit of Clothes’ 

on Greentrax (July 2009), arranged by 

Irvin Duguid, has been described as “the 

most moving Celtic Music I have ever 

heard” – Folk.eu, and “most exquisite 

arrangements, remaining faithful to the 

spirit of the material, whilst gracing them 

with an overall sound that manages to 

be subtle, sumptuous and elegant” – 

M Wilson. 

Fiona is a Mod Gold Medallist and the 

partnership with Duguid has produced a 

new genre of Gaelic. Solo, recital or band, 

this is Celtic music at its most effecting. 

Electric Avenue 

Band 

W : www.electricavenueband.co.uk 


theelectricavenueband 

E : info@electricavenueband.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7818 644 483 

Fiona J 

Mackenzie 

W : www.fionamackenzie.org 

E : fiona@fionamackenzie.org 

T : +44 (0) 7818 630 616 

Lou Noble’s music has had as its 

influence, swing, jazz, and well-crafted 

folk songs. It has been described as 

‘sultry jazz-folk’ and contains a grit and 

depth of emotion which reflects Lou’s 

attitude to life and her experience. 

Lou Noble is a solo singer/guitarist 

although she also performs with her 

band ‘The Source’. Her song, ‘Reached 

a Point’ gained success in 2007 on 

the unsigned Independent web station, 

‘PulseRated’, reaching semi-final stages 

of the UK Songwriting and UK Unsigned 

Competitions in the same year. She has 

an evocative stage presence and ability 

to express the diverse, resulting in many 

captivating live performances! 

Beautiful melodies, often with a rhythmic 

swing compliment songs which carry 

messages from a wise soul! 

Singer and guitarist J. Eoin has over 

20 years experience as a live performer. 

Moving between Ireland and New York in 

the late 80’s, he settled in London where 

he established himself as part of the 

thriving Irish Folk scene at that time. 

Early releases ‘Ribbonmen’ and ‘Sean 

One Shoe’ defined J. Eoin’s ‘song poetry’ 

writing style and received critical acclaim 

for their historical relevance. The release 

of the 2001 album ‘Exiles’, a collection of 

songs relating to the personal experience 

of relocation, received regular radio play 

in Ireland. 

J. Eoin has a new album ‘Songs from 

the Green Wood’ scheduled for release 

in Spring 2010 and is currently in 

production with Gerry Diver (Lisa Knapp – 

‘Wild and Undaunted’). 

Lou Noble 

W : www.myspace.com/lounoble 

E : lounoble@hotmail.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7877 654 185 

J. Eoin 

W : www.j-eoin.com 

E : jeoinmusic@googlemail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7949 472 961 


Rab Noakes 

W : www.rabnoakes.com 

E : rab@rabnoakes.com 

T : +44 (0) 7802 403 033 

Not that you would know it from his lean 

rock’n’roll physique but Rab Noakes is 

now in his sixties. His four decades of 

involvement in music have been marked 

by two recent releases: a second album 

with his occasional band The Varaflames, 

titled ‘Unlimited Mileage’, and the release 

on CD for the first time of his debut 

album ‘Do You See The Lights?’, which 

first saw the light of day in 1970. 

“Showcasing an exemplary taste in 

covers alongside his own songwriting, 

a Noakes show is a decidedly non-fusty 

lesson in the history of popular music” 

– Glasgow Herald May 09 

Rab is available solo, with Fraser Speirs, 

with The Varaflames and paired with 

fellow songwriter, Allan Taylor. 

Thistle Brass 

W : www.thistlebrass.com 

E : thistlebrass@hotmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7719 263 523 

Thistle Brass are an exciting brass quintet 

based in Glasgow, Scotland. The group 

is fast making a name for itself as the 

UK’s most exciting and innovative young 

chamber ensembles. 

Thistle Brass has performed in a highly 

diverse range of settings and contexts, 

from the Shetland Isles to the Great Wall 

of China, from major music festivals to 

state and civic occasions. 

Thistle Brass has built a reputation for 

concerts presented in its own inimitable 

and entertaining style. The group has 

an expansive and diverse repertoire and 

is equally at home performing classical 

to jazz, from serious to lunatic, whether 

performing new commissions from 

composers of today, or loosening its ties 

in a selection of its distinctive lighter 

repertoire. 

The James 

Asher Group 

W : www.james-asher.co.uk 

E : starfield@btopenworld.com 

T : +44 (0) 1323 638 123 

+44 (0) 7742 225 155 

Featuring Mahesh Vinayakram 

Acclaimed producer James Asher brings 

together a world class lineup for live 

performance. As vocal collaborator on the 

album Bravado Masala, carnatic singer 

Mahesh Vinayakram is a charismatic 

frontman for the band. The rest of the 

lineup includes James and colleagues 

on drums/percussion, the extraordinary 

flautist Navin Chandar and British 

musicians including electric violinist Tom 

Fairbairn. 

Mahesh and Navin are currently enjoying 

increasing attention outside of India, with 

The Laya Project (“A winning combination 

of the exotic and the familiar – strikingly 

beautiful” fRoots) and through their work 

for AR Rahman, including playing on the 

Oscar winning score to the film Slumdog 

Millionaire. Plans are in progress for the 

group’s first European tour which will take 

place in May 2010. 

Linda Watkins 

W : www.lindawatkins.co.uk 

www.myspace.com/lindawatkins 

E : lindawat1@hotmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7808 258 223 

Linda is first and foremost a multiinstrumental 

singer-songwriter with a 

passion for melody and with a guitar 

style that ranges from delicate folk 

accompaniment through to more strident 

and percussive contemporary pieces. 

Lyrically she is drawn to comment on 

life and love, but is also adept at writing 

verse about current events when she feels 

passionate enough to put pen to paper! 

Growing up in the heart of South Wales 

amidst a musical family with Irish 

connections means she also has a very 

healthy interest in Celtic traditions and 

songs and sings beautifully in both 

English and Welsh. 

Her latest Album, ‘Emily’s Rainbow’, 

produced by singer song-writer and 

arranger, Mike Silver is currently receiving 

well deserved radio airplay. 


Nordic Tone 

W : www.myspace.com/nordictone 

E : maccasnakers@yahoo.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7909 741 302 

Nordic Tone started in May 2009 – 

an innovative Trans-Nordic project 

culminating in a performance at Shetland 

Folk Festival. According to The Scotsman 

“A sizeable Scandinavian contingent 

highlighted Shetland’s hybrid cultural 

heritage, which bore abundant fruit in 

the shape of Nordic Tone, a project that 

brought together 22 aspiring musicians, 

aged 16-25, from Sweden, Norway, 

Denmark, Finland and Shetland, together 

with professional tutors, for a week’s 

intensive rehearsal before they opened 

Saturday’s main concert in Lerwick, 

where their performance displayed a 

polish and sophistication that testified 

to some seriously hard work, talent and 

enthusiasm.” 

The project was funded by the Nordic 

Culture Fund and the Shetland LEADER 

programme – thanks to all who made it 

possible! Photo: Lieve Boussauw (www.blieve.be). 

Boka Halat 

W : www.bokahalat.co.uk 

E : roger@bokahalat.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7825 777 687 

Boka Halat has been one of Britain’s top 

intercultural band’s for a decade. 

Well respected English folk singer/ 

melodeon player Roger Watson joins 

forces with Gambian master percussionist 

Musa Mboob, creating effortless grooves 

to dance to and joyous choruses to sing! 

The rest of the band includes Ousman 

Beyai (ex Ifang Bondi) on guitar/bass 

and Tom Fairbairn (ex Whapweasel) on 

bass/fiddle. Previous members of the 

band include Juldeh Camara and the 

four piece lineup is regularly joined by 

other musicians from the UK and beyond, 

including saxophonist Thomas Christen. 

Be amazed at how naturally an English 

ballad sits with rhythms from West Africa, 

or how a song based on the Mandinka 

rice harvest can move smoothly into a jig 

from Wessex! 

With the Mbalahal Drummers 

& Zimba Dancers 

Gambian master drummer Musa Mboob 

(now based in Brighton, England) 

presents a dynamic new show, featuring 

an ensemble of ten top performers – 

a group of sabar drummers, lion dancers, 

a British bassist and drummer, and a 

contemporary dancer. 

This form of dancing is rarely, if ever, 

seen outside of Africa. However, under 

the leadership of one of the best loved 

exponents of mbalax music, the group 

is now available for festival appearances 

worldwide, including workshops to teach 

drumming and dancing. 

Musa is currently recording a long awaited 

follow up to his last solo album ‘Takka Gi’ 

and also remains a regular member of 

saxophonist Alan Skidmore’s band Ubizo; 

his playing and compositions feature on 

the band’s recent album ‘50 Journey’s’. 

Anne writes songs, sings them, 

tells stories and runs workshops. 

She’s based in South Wales but tours 

extensively in the UK, the US and Ireland 

and her distinctive songs have featured in 

the repertoire of many other performers 

on the folk circuit. 

The songs take traditional stories from 

her own UK heritage as well as some 

myths and legends from Greece and 

Brittany, and put a contemporary twist on 

the re-telling. 

Musa Mboob 

W : www.youtube.com/user/ 

tamtambeat 

E : tomfairbairn@yahoo.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7745 997 199 

Anne Lister 

W : www.annelister.com 

E : anne@annelister.com 


Steve Tyler 


daughtersofelvin 


misericordiamedieval 

www.myspace.com/stephenjtyler 

E : sj.tyler@virgin.net 

T : +44 (0) 7522 041 630 

As well as promoting his own music, 

Steve Tyler is also involved in: 

‘Misericordia’ and ‘Daughters of Elvin’. 

Anne Marie Summers and Stephen Tyler 

create the duo Misericordia and the 

musical direction distinctly medieval. 

Vocals were added to the formerly wholly 

instrumental sound, and in 1999 they 

won first prize for duets at Saint Chartier 

festival. ‘Daughters of Elvin’ present early 

music in a new and exciting way, 

reaching out to a diverse audience. 

Evoking the spirit of Medieval Europe 

with music, masks, dance giant stilt 

puppets with powerful displays of colour, 

movement and sound. They bring to life 

images inspired by medieval paintings, 

carvings and literature. 

“Excellent, utterly charming” 

– Alan Lee, Oscar winning Artistic Director, 

Lord of the Rings 

Kalia 

W : www.myspace.com/kalia7 

E : kalliopy.music@gmail.com 

Kalia is a singer and Nay player 

(Arabic flute), specialising in modal 

music of the Mediterranean and Middle 

East. She works with music from Greece, 

Turkey and the Arab world. 

Through her performance and singing 

style one connects with the deep sense of 

longing and nostalgia characterising the 

music of these areas. 

Half English/Greek, she grew up in 

Greece, learning traditional music on the 

island of Crete where she is from. 

She then went to London to study 

BA Music at the School of Oriental and 

African Studies, and later a Masters. 

She also trained in classical flute and 

attained an ABRSM Diploma. 

She currently lives in London, doing radio 

work, teaching, and performing with 

various groups. 

Jacquelyn 

Hynes 


jacquelynhynes 

E : jacquelynhynes@gmail.com 

T : +44 (0) 7946 574 274 

Jacquelyn is fast gaining a fine reputation 

on the Celtic World music scene. With an 

Arts Council Award in 2007 for her World 

music project TARABA (Time Out Critic’s 

Choice) featuring Britain’s finest multicultural 

performers including Najma 

Akhtar and Aidan Burke, she is a recipient 

of the Kathering McGillivray Awards for 

2008/9. Currently completing her debut 

CD ‘She Moves Through The Fair’ which 

filters mesmerising Celtic melodies 

through American Old-time, Arabic and 

Indian influences. She has supported 

some of Ireland’s leading players 

including Martin Hayes and Denis Cahill, 

and Michael McGoldrick. 

Headlining at Hammersmith Irish Centre 

September 5th 2009. 

“Inventive” 

– Time Out 

“Outstanding” 

– Folk and Roots online 

John Wright 


johnsimonwright 

E : john_s_wright@btinternet.com 

T : +44 (0) 7828 833 690 

My first recording project was in 2002, 

an EP called ‘Careless Dreams’. All the 

songs were all written and produced by 

myself at The Depot Studio in Coventry. 

Cross Rhythms review gave it 9/10. 

I completed my second project 

‘Harvest Sky’ in September 2004 at 

‘RainDance Music’ in Stourbridge. 

I won an award for ‘Best Male Newcomer’ 

category in Gospel Entertainment Music 

Awards in Birmingham, which got me a 

mention in the local paper. I get airplay in 

the UK and internationally. 

Recent session work includes 2 months 

with The London Community Gospel 

Choir, Db Studios in Lincoln, Grapevine 

Conference. 

If anyone is interested in hiring me for 

backing and lead vocals, or if you would 

like to purchase either one of my EP’s 

please email me. 


Lyra Celtica 

W : www.lyra-celtica.co.uk 

E : info@lyra-celtica.co.uk 

T : +44 (0) 7879 034 187 

Three-piece traditional band featuring 

Lynn Tocker on accordion, Frank McGuire 

on bodrhan, percussion and vocals, and 

Mark Canning on guitar and bouzouki. 

Lynn was the first winner of the BBC Young 

Traditional Musician of the Year Award and 

toured extensively throughout the world 

aged 17, representing Great Britain at the 

European Broadcasting Union convention 

in Yugoslavia along with Kathryn Tickell and 

former Folk on Two presenter Jim Lloyd. 

This was broadcast live throughout Europe. 

Her unique style of playing has earned 

her a reputation as an unrivalled exponent 

of the accordion and as one of the finest 

players on the scene. Frank, who recently 

performed on a series of BBC programmes 

with such musicians as Karen Mathieson 

and Julie Fowlis is a highly respected 

bodrhan and percussion player and has 

performed with such reputable artists 

as the Alison Brown Quartet and Ritchie 

Havens. The band has earned a reputation 

for fantastic live performances. 

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