folk, roots and traditional music - Musicians' Union
folk, roots and traditional music - Musicians' Union
folk, roots and traditional music - Musicians' Union
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<strong>folk</strong>, <strong>roots</strong> <strong>and</strong><strong>traditional</strong> <strong>music</strong>artists’ brochureedition 4Copyright © Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> 2012
Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional MusicEdition 4We hope you find this latest edition of the Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music Section ArtistsBrochure a useful tool in discovering some of the most exciting artists currently performing in the UK. Eachentry has an artist web site, which you can visit to see <strong>and</strong> hear the act you are interested in by clicking thelink. Then simply contact the artist directly by clicking their e-mail address to book them for your event.We have also included some useful guidance notes for <strong>music</strong> promoters, together with st<strong>and</strong>ard contractswhich can be used to book our members.The Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> is the largest union of <strong>music</strong>ians in the world <strong>and</strong> represents over 30,000 membersworking in all genres of <strong>music</strong>. It provides a range of services to its members, including £10m of PublicLiability Insurance, instrument insurance <strong>and</strong> legal assistance, as well as information <strong>and</strong> guidance on allindustry related matters.The FRTM Section was established by the <strong>Union</strong> in 1998 to better represent the interests of MU membersinvolved in <strong>folk</strong>, <strong>roots</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>music</strong>. As well as providing specialist services to its members, theFRTM Section is committed to promoting the huge range of UK <strong>folk</strong> <strong>music</strong> talent at both national <strong>and</strong>international events, giving real assistance to UK <strong>folk</strong> artists in establishing an international profile.With best wishes for a successful future.Paul WestwellSecretary to Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music Section CommitteeW www.theMU.orgE <strong>folk</strong>@theMU.orgT +44 (0) 2920 456585All rights reserved.No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong>.The information in this publication is provided without warranty of any kind, either express or implied <strong>and</strong> neither theMusicians’ <strong>Union</strong> nor any of the contributors to this publication or its production accept any responsibility for any losswhich may arise from any reliance upon such information nor for any typographical or other errors or omissions.Copyright Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> 2012PROJECT MANAGER – Delyth HarrisMusicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 2
Index9Bach 4Aaron & Nathon Jones 4Adjoa 4Alan Reid <strong>and</strong> Rob van Sante 5Alice Watts 5Alistair Russell 5Allan Yn Y Fan 6Amadou Diagne 6Amy Geddes Trio 6Andrew ‘Skatz’ Scattergood 7Andrew Gordon 7Angus Powell 7Annasach Ceilidh B<strong>and</strong> 8Anthea Neads & Andy Prince 8Anto Morra 8Anvil Ceilidh B<strong>and</strong> 9Attab Haddad Ensemble 9Babar Luck 9Bagpiper Bob 10B<strong>and</strong> of Two 10Barry Reeves 10Becky Taylor 11Belle Star B<strong>and</strong> 11Bellevue Rendezvous 11Belshazzar’s Feast 12Ben Paley 12Bill Adair 12Blackbeard’s Tea Party 13Bluegrass Beatles 13Boat B<strong>and</strong> 13Branco Stoysin Trio/Duet 14Breabach 14Brian Heywood 14Brian Inglis 15Buskalaska 15Caim 15Cathryn Craig & Brian Willoughby 16Celtic Confusion 16Cephalodidge 16Chalktown 17Cheyenne Brown <strong>and</strong> Seylan Baxter 17Chris Foster 17Chris Knowles 18Chris Newman’s Still Getting Away With It 18Chris Parkinson 18Ciara Considine 19Clanna 19Colum S<strong>and</strong>s 19Dai Thomas 20Dan Plews 20Dan Walsh 20Daniel J. Logan 21Daniel Macleod 21Danni Nicholls 21Dave Arcari 22Debbie Cassell 22Deferred Sucess 22Diana Johnstone 23Diaspora 23Dick Churchley 23Doudou Cissoko & Ancient Strings<strong>and</strong> Fabulous Things 24Dougie MacLean 24Douglas E Powell 24Eddie Walker 25Edwige 25Elaine Samuels (Kindred Spirit) 25Elsa Jean McTaggart 26Emilia Martensson 26Emma Black 26Fay Hield & The Hurricane Party 27Fil Campbell 27Fin 27fiona 28Firedaze 28FolkLaw 28Folkus Pocus 29Forro Porro 29Fraser Speirs & Eddie Walker B<strong>and</strong> 29Geoff Wright 30George P.J. Stevens 30Gina Mackey 30Groanbox 31Guy Rogers 31H<strong>and</strong> to Mouth Theatre 31Hanna 32Harry MacFadyen 32Hassan Erraji 32Heather Enid Wells 33Homebound 33Horizontal Sunday 33Hugh Stewart 34Indian Summer 34Inlay 34J Eoin 35Jake Manning 35Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective 35Jennifer Crook 36Joanna Weston 36Joe Lannon 36John Dipper 37John Malcolm 37John O’Connell 37John Vanek 38John Ward & Mario Price 38Johnny & The Prison Didn’t Help Boys 38Jon Maybey 39Jon Sterckx 39Jonathan “jayjay” Quick 39Jonathan Tarplee 40Julia Titus 40Julian Gaskell 40Karen Marshalsay 41Kate Doubleday 41Katey Brooks 41Kendrick & Needham 42Kieran Halpin 42Kim Lowings & The Greenwood 42Kiss The Mistress 43Laldy 43Leon Rosselson 43Lester Simpson 44Lime Quartet 44Lisa Fitzgibbon & the PowerFolk Quartet 44Litha 45Lochnagar Ceilidh B<strong>and</strong> 45London Klezmer Quartet 45Lou Gl<strong>and</strong>field 46Lucy Ward 46Maartin Allcock 46Mad Ferret 47Maggie Holl<strong>and</strong> 47Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman 47Maitre Samsou <strong>and</strong> The Beat Artistes 48Mambo Jambo 48Marguerite Griffiths 48Mary Humphreys & Anahata 49Maurice Condie 49Maxwell Watts 49Melissa James 50Mike The Piper 50Miss Megoo & the Yahman All Stars 50Missin’ Rosie 51Mock Hobby Horse 51Modeste Hugues 51Modhan 52Morgan Lee B<strong>and</strong> 52Mr.Eugene 52Nick Wyke & Becki Driscoll 53Nor<strong>folk</strong> Whirligig B<strong>and</strong> & Wendy Benefer 53North Atlantic Trio 53Nuala Kennedy 54O’Hooley & Tidow 54Old Blind Dogs 54Orla Murphy 55Parti Gungrog 55Patsy Seddon 55Paul Scourfield 56Pennie Gillis <strong>and</strong> Clif Barfield<strong>and</strong> The New Corona B<strong>and</strong> 56Pete Castle 56Pete Furnish 57Pete Quin 57Pete Townsend 57Peter Aston 58Peter Knight’s Gigspanner 58Peter Michael Rowan 58Phil Berthoud 59Phil Underwood 59Phillip Henry <strong>and</strong> Hannah Martin 59Pholk Law 60Pierre Vincent 60Pipe-Up! 60Playing Rapunzel 61Quicksilver Ceilidh B<strong>and</strong> 61Rab Noakes 61Rachel Taylor-Beales 62Raeven Irata 62Ravi & Adrian 62Ray Langton 63Reuben’s Train 63Rich & Famous 63Rich McMahon 64Rick Christian 64Ricky Romain – Sitar,Indian Classical Music 64Robb Johnson 65Robert Harbron 65Robin Campbell 65Rod Caird, Piper 66Rod Davis 66Roscoe Lipin 66Rosie Nimmo 67Rouhangeze & Michael 67Roy Clinging 67RSVP Bhangra 68Russian Balalaika! 68Sam Draisey 68S<strong>and</strong>y Brechin 69Sarah McQuaid 69Scottish Andrew 69Sheena Wellington 70Shinjig 70Simon Bradley Trio 70Skerryvore 71skyhook 71Somaye 71Southern Tenant Folk <strong>Union</strong> 72Spinach for Norman Ceilidh B<strong>and</strong> 72Stephen Bull 72Steve Tyler 73The Banjo Lounge 4 73The Black Diamonds Skiffle B<strong>and</strong> 73The Burdock B<strong>and</strong> 74The Cast 74The Dai Price Quartet 74The David Latto B<strong>and</strong> 75The Drystones 75The Halstead Clan 75The Hut People 76The Innocent 76The Jasmine Moon Ensemble 76The Kevin O’Regan B<strong>and</strong> 77The Linda Watkins B<strong>and</strong> 77The Oakl<strong>and</strong> Brothers b<strong>and</strong> 77The Paul McKenna B<strong>and</strong> 78The Silver Fish 78The Unusual Suspects 78The Wierdstring B<strong>and</strong> 79Threepenny Bit 79Tiptoe Hill 79Tom & Barbara Brown 80Tony Morris 80Two Left Feet 80Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer 81Waiting for Susan 81Wayne Robert Davies - Whitedog 81Wendy Arrowsmith 82Xenia Horne - Harpist 82You Are Wolf 82Zhok Hora! 83Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 3
9BachAaron & NathonJonesAdjoaSince forming in 2005, 9Bach have moved WelshLanguage Roots & Folk into an exciting new age.Their first album received many rave reviews in theBritish <strong>music</strong>, <strong>and</strong> national press, <strong>and</strong> many highprofile festival apperances followed, including,Celtic Connections, Womad UK, Womad Spain,<strong>and</strong> Green Man Festival. Since September 2011,thay have been working on ‘Mamiaith – MotherTongue’ with award winning Australian Indigenousgroup, ‘The Black Arm B<strong>and</strong> Company’ a showthat explores the b<strong>and</strong>s commom experiences,<strong>music</strong>al connections, <strong>and</strong> the preservation oflanguage <strong>and</strong> culture through <strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> song.Mamiaith was especially commisioned by theBritish Council, <strong>and</strong> performed at the CulturalOlympiad in London July 2012. 9Bach’s eagerlyanticipated 2nd album is due for release inMay 2013.Twin brothers Aaron & Nathon Jones play abeautiful mixture of <strong>traditional</strong> Irish, Scottish,English <strong>and</strong> American tunes <strong>and</strong> songs. They areheavily influenced by their Irish <strong>roots</strong> <strong>and</strong> haverecently started collaborating on original material,<strong>and</strong> some family favourites, for their forthcomingalbum. Aaron Jones plays bouzouki, guitar <strong>and</strong> isa fine vocalist <strong>and</strong> Nathon Jones plays resonatorguitar, acoustic guitar, banjo <strong>and</strong> vocals. Thosethat know the twins know how much passionthey have for the <strong>music</strong> they play <strong>and</strong> how muchenjoyment <strong>and</strong> pleasure they get from it, whichmakes their live performances a real joy.For UK singer-songwriter Adjoa, the enthusiasticreception she received at her performance witha b<strong>and</strong> at London’s famous Ronnie Scotts’ Clubwas a sign of things to come. The audience’sappreciation of her unique voice led to herworking with producer/writers including RobertGuerrier (Avatar, Da Vinci Code), Rollo Armstrong(Faithless), Clevel<strong>and</strong> Watkiss <strong>and</strong> Alex Wilson.She has appeared at venues including the RoyalAlbert Hall, Somerset House, <strong>and</strong> the Jazz Café,<strong>and</strong> was honoured to perform at a VIP receptionhosted by Dionne Warwick. Adjoa sings in English,French, Spanish <strong>and</strong> the Ghanaian dialect Twi. Analbum of her material including songs fused withAfrican influences will be released in 2013, with alive session EP available in December 2012.W www.9bach.comE bach@9bach.comM +44 (0)1248 601715W www.trad<strong>music</strong>.comE info@trad<strong>music</strong>.comT +44 (0)7872 037726W www.adjoa.co.ukE adjoa<strong>music</strong>@yahoo.co.ukT +44 (0)7950 833807Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 4
Alan Reid <strong>and</strong>Rob van SanteAlice WattsAlistair RussellAlan <strong>and</strong> Rob perform mainly Scottish <strong>music</strong><strong>and</strong> song on piano, guitars <strong>and</strong> accordion. Theduo is also known for their fine harmony vocals.Singer, keyboardist <strong>and</strong> songwriter Alan made 28albums with the renowned Battlefield B<strong>and</strong> till hisdeparture in 2010. Rob is noted for his singing <strong>and</strong>expressive open tuned guitar work. The duo hastoured <strong>and</strong> played festivals in the UK, Germany,Netherl<strong>and</strong>s, Italy, France, USA, Australia <strong>and</strong> NewZeal<strong>and</strong>. They have recorded three albums, thelatest on Scots born mariner John Paul Jones.The duo is available for concerts <strong>and</strong> festivals <strong>and</strong>for John Paul Jones performances (larger cast orduo workshops).” One of the brightest stars of London Town.”- Emerging Icons, 2012Alice’s <strong>music</strong> is a warm blend of soul-styled <strong>folk</strong>,layered with ‘a voice that could stop wars’ asone listener claimed. Critics compare her vocalstyle to Eva Cassidy, <strong>and</strong> with the gumption of PJHarvey she has developed a vibrant soul styled<strong>folk</strong> that will leave you inspired. The Borderline<strong>and</strong> London Olympics are a few venues thathave hosted this exceptional talent. Alice’s debutalbum ‘Your World’ saw her working alongsidetalented <strong>music</strong>ians including Mercury MusicAward nominee Nick Mulvey (Portico Quartet).Radio 2’s Lynn Parsons describes the album as“scrumptious!” More recently, she’s been débutingher new EP ‘Do Not Awaken Love’.Alistair has been a professional singer, guitarist,live sound <strong>and</strong> recording engineer/producer, tourmanager, stage manager <strong>and</strong> MC for over 30 yearsnow. Ex-Battlefield B<strong>and</strong>, with 14 albums, 2 videos<strong>and</strong> one tutor DVD to his name, his solo <strong>and</strong> duogigs (with Chris Parkinson) are entertaining inseveral languages, inclusive <strong>and</strong> non-stuffy. He isnow pleased to perform in any surroundings, toany audience, <strong>and</strong> to communicate his love forthe <strong>music</strong> in a good-humoured way. His materialis <strong>traditional</strong> Scottish/Irish, self penned <strong>and</strong> fromseveral other songwriters. See him perform soloon youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/user/AliMckenzieRussell There’s a link there to duovideos as well.W www.reidvansante.comE info@reidvansante.comT +44 (0)1360 622114W www.alicewatts.co.ukE alicewatts<strong>music</strong>@live.co.ukT +44 (0)7870 164062W www.alistairrussell.co.ukE info@alistairrussell.co.ukT +44 (0)7899 851815Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 5
Allan Yn Y FanAmadou DiagneAmy Geddes TrioAllan Yn Y Fan is a multi-instrumental <strong>and</strong> vocalquintet touring internationally since 2003. Ourlatest album is ‘Pwnco’.“Allan Yn Y Fan are doing much to redefine the place ofWales within Celtic <strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> Pwnco just makes it muchbigger. This is one of those albums that refreshes yourfaith in ‘<strong>traditional</strong>’ <strong>music</strong>, whether that be old or newsongs, Allan Yn Y Fan constantly challenge <strong>and</strong> surpriseexpectations. From the cut glass perfection of the vocalsto the ballsy changes of tempo <strong>and</strong> theme within thesongs it is a fun ride from beginning to end. So look outScotl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Irel<strong>and</strong>, a new Celtic Tiger is prowling”– Spiral EarthAmadou is from Ashlem, a suburb of Dakar,Senegal. Recently signed by World Music Networkhis debut solo album Introducing Amadou Diagnewas released in February 2012 <strong>and</strong> went straightto no.16 in the European World Music charts. Borninto a Griot family of Sabar drummers Amadou hasbeen surrounded by <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>folk</strong>lorefrom birth. Amadou sings soulful, bluesy songsdelivered with an honest intensity reflecting on thejoys <strong>and</strong> hardships of life in English, French <strong>and</strong>Wolof. He was a member of the Senegal NationalB<strong>and</strong> for seven years, during which time heplayed percussion for some of the world’s greatest<strong>music</strong>ians including Youssou N’Dour, CesariaEvora, <strong>and</strong> Jimmy Cliff.‘Exquisite songwriting …a burgeoning talent”– fRoots magazineRaised in Galloway, Amy is now at the forefrontof contemporary Scottish Fiddle playing as aperformer, teacher <strong>and</strong> composer. She has workedin the UK <strong>and</strong> abroad with Tannas, the ScottishStep Dance Company <strong>and</strong> many more. She hasjust released her solo album Messing with KevinMacKenzie (guitar), Tom Lyne (double bass) <strong>and</strong> IainCopel<strong>and</strong> (drums). Her fiddle style has developedover the years through playing with numerous<strong>music</strong>ians both at home <strong>and</strong> in places like Norway,Canada & India. This all converges to result in anassured fiddle style firmly rooted in Scotl<strong>and</strong>.“brilliant sensitivity <strong>and</strong> vigour of excellence, heightenedby a wealth of complementary colours <strong>and</strong> accents.”– The Sunday HeraldW www.ayyf.co.ukE geoff@ayyf.co.ukT +44 (0)7973 850289 / +44 (0)1495 240371W www.waulk<strong>music</strong>.co.uk/amadou-diagneE waulk<strong>music</strong>records@gmail.comT +44 (0)1803 864286W www.amygeddes.co.ukE amygeddes@mac.comT +44 (0)7968 009903Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 6
Andrew ‘Skatz’ScattergoodAndrew GordonAngus Powell‘Skatz’ is a multi-instrumentalist singer songwriterbased in the East Midl<strong>and</strong>s. He writes acoustic<strong>music</strong> flavoured with <strong>folk</strong> melodies, rich harmonies<strong>and</strong> world rhythms. Recently he wrote a play called‘Daniel Lambert’s Trousers’ featuring his songsabout heroes <strong>and</strong> legends from Leicestershirehistory. Skatz has supported many major artists,is guitarist <strong>and</strong> singer in two b<strong>and</strong>s, Woodstock<strong>and</strong> Bryter Layter, <strong>and</strong> will release his secondsolo album in 2013. He has also composedthe <strong>music</strong> for, <strong>and</strong> starred in, productions forBirmingham REP Theatre <strong>and</strong> Corby Core. Skatzis an experienced workshop facilitator <strong>and</strong> soundtherapist, working especially with children withcomplex special needs <strong>and</strong> in mainstream schoolsto encourage a more creative approach to literacy.Andrew has been performing since 1997 <strong>and</strong> hasplayed in The US, Canada, Germany, Denmark,Holl<strong>and</strong>, Norway, <strong>and</strong> all over Scotl<strong>and</strong>. His loveof <strong>traditional</strong> Scottish songs was influenced byThe Corries, Gaberlunzie <strong>and</strong> The McCalmans,although he has developed his own unique styleover his 18 year career.Andrew’s first performance at a local bar in Perth,hooked him on live performances. Andrew stillloves playing small bars <strong>and</strong> clubs, however thelast 5 years have seen more performances atlarger venues, festivals <strong>and</strong> town halls.The highlights of the last 2 years includesupporting Skerryvore <strong>and</strong> The Red Hot ChilliPipers, as well as Gladbeck Stadthalle, Folkival<strong>and</strong> The Heidel<strong>and</strong> Highl<strong>and</strong> Games.Angus Powell is a unique voice in the UK <strong>music</strong>scene. He has developed his particular styleover a number of years. Hugely multi-textural intheir construction, but with a misleadingly simplefeel, Powell’s tracks contain imagery that everylistener can relate to in a personal way. His songs‘connect’ in a rare, moving <strong>and</strong> precious way.Released in the in August of 2012, his debut EP‘Monsters’ is the result of an intensely focusedwriting <strong>and</strong> self-recording period in Wales.His tracks have been critically acclaimed <strong>and</strong>there is much anticipation for his upcoming album,which is nearing completion <strong>and</strong> is set for releasein the first quarter of 2013.W www.houseofscattergood.co.ukE skatz@btinternet.comT +44 (0)7890 741883W www.<strong>and</strong>rewgordon.co.ukE enquiries@<strong>and</strong>rewgordon.co.ukT +44 (0)7740 355216W www.anguspowell.comE angus@anguspowell.comT +44 (0)7846 184314Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 7
AnnasachCeilidh B<strong>and</strong>Anthea Neads &Andy PrinceAnto MorraAnnasach (Gaelic for unusual, unconventional)are a three-piece ceilidh b<strong>and</strong> plus dance caller<strong>and</strong> are available for all occasions. We have beenplaying for ceilidhs, parties, birthdays, weddings<strong>and</strong> <strong>folk</strong> festivals since 1990 from Aberdeen toZurich! The sound of the b<strong>and</strong> has a more <strong>folk</strong>based slant rather than <strong>traditional</strong> ceilidh with thecurrent line-up being fiddle (Katherine Stewart),keyboard (Andrew Elders) <strong>and</strong> bass (Colin Wilson).This provides an energetic, vibrant soundingfront line mixed with a forceful, funky piano <strong>and</strong>bass back line. Our dance caller <strong>and</strong> singer, TriciaWilson, (who is probably the most importantmember of the b<strong>and</strong>!) has years of experience <strong>and</strong>is guaranteed to calm any nerves <strong>and</strong> make surethat everyone enjoys themselves.Anthea <strong>and</strong> Andy’s sound is both innovative <strong>and</strong>reminiscent of English 60s <strong>folk</strong>-rock pioneers<strong>and</strong> the Californian summer of love. Anthea isa powerful <strong>and</strong> distinctive vocalist who deliversthe pair’s “love <strong>and</strong> peace with attitude” lyricswith integrity whilst Andy plays unique lyricalmelodies <strong>and</strong> stunning solos on the bass. Theirlive performances are uplifting, poignant <strong>and</strong>memorable; warmth, onstage humour <strong>and</strong>chemistry combine with passionate deliveryto draw onlookers in. Anthea <strong>and</strong> Andy’s lyricspaint vivid pictures of their travels, passions,experiences <strong>and</strong> ideals. Their debut album‘Penhayl’ (2011) was described by R2 Magazine as“English pastoral acoustic rock of the highest order (****)”<strong>and</strong> their anthemic new material strikes a chord,invariably enticing people to sing along.The son of Irish parents Anto Morra grew up inCentral London <strong>and</strong> his song writing, not onlyexpresses the social <strong>and</strong> emotional conflictof being between the two cultures, but alsoencompasses early Punk Rock sensibilitieswith story telling <strong>and</strong> the sing-a-long Music Halltradition. Morra has immersed himself deeply inFolk Music, spending seven years in a Ceili B<strong>and</strong><strong>and</strong> is a regular at the Singers Night at Cecil SharpHouse. Between 2008 <strong>and</strong> 2011, he organisedan acoustic <strong>music</strong> festival in Nor<strong>folk</strong> where hemet many artists who he continues to workwith. Recording a collection of his own songs isunderway <strong>and</strong> is due for release in August 2013.“Think Billy Bragg goes to Irel<strong>and</strong>” – www.<strong>music</strong>4children.orgW www.annasach.co.ukE info@annasach.co.ukT +44 (0)7768 563138W www.neads<strong>and</strong>prince.comE info@neads<strong>and</strong>prince.comT +44 (0)7739 321158 / +44 (0)7853 172331W www.antomorra.comE anto.morra@yahoo.co.ukT +44 (0)7956 621110Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 8
Anvil CeilidhB<strong>and</strong>Attab HaddadEnsembleBabar LuckThe Anvil Ceilidh B<strong>and</strong> offers a <strong>traditional</strong>Scottish Ceilidh with all the well known dances.They have a friendly professional caller to helpanyone unsure of any of the steps. Interspersedbetween the fast dances, the b<strong>and</strong> plays a rangeof <strong>traditional</strong> songs <strong>and</strong> tunes while you rest yourfeet. The b<strong>and</strong> is a compact unit made up of 4experienced <strong>music</strong>ians with a vast array of diverse<strong>music</strong>al tastes. In addition, we can also providea Disco using digital <strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> professionallighting, to end the evening. The b<strong>and</strong> isGlasgow based, but has played all over Scotl<strong>and</strong>,the UK <strong>and</strong> into Europe.W www.anvilceilidhb<strong>and</strong>.co.ukE info@anvilceilidhb<strong>and</strong>.co.ukT +44 (0)7825 794330Oud player Attab Haddad blends Flamenco,Jazz <strong>and</strong> Middle-Eastern influences to createan evocative <strong>and</strong> magnetic new <strong>music</strong>. Hisensemble features some of the UK’s finest<strong>music</strong>ians: Philippe Barnes (flute), Ben Davis(cello), Matt Ridley (double bass), <strong>and</strong> VasilisSarikis (percussionist) <strong>and</strong> they are cast across adiverse <strong>music</strong>al l<strong>and</strong>scape where improvisationis of central importance against a backdrop ofMiddle-Eastern Maqams <strong>and</strong> Flamenco rhythms.His debut album, Days Distinctive, illuminatesthe Oud’s versatility outside its <strong>traditional</strong> role<strong>and</strong> has been well received by critics. Haddadhas performed with much acclaim in Europe,USA, Middle-East <strong>and</strong> India. In 2010 he was thesubject of a documentary on Arabic TV ChannelAL-Fayhaa highlighting his innovative approach tothe Oud.W www.attabhaddad.comE info@attabhaddad.comT +44 (0)7884 433927Born in Pakistan & moving to London at the ageof 8, Babar Luck is one of the most refreshing<strong>and</strong> unique lyricists & performers around today.From Siberia to Italy, this notable soloist performsaround the globe, moving beyond tolerancelimits in terms of humanity & <strong>music</strong>al genres. Hisstraight from the heart style & realness, capturesaudiences, taking them on a journey of visions,dreams <strong>and</strong> hopes. As well as performing solo,Babar expresses himself in a variety of <strong>music</strong>alformations including ‘The Babar Luck WorldCitizen Folk B<strong>and</strong>. Citing influences to includeSalif Keita, Ali Farka Touré, Richard Thompson& Mohammed Rafi, Babar Luck has built hisspaceship & boldly going where no Pakistani hasgone before. Music for all peoples? Yes, indeed!W www.babarluck.comwww.thebabarluckworldcitizen<strong>folk</strong>b<strong>and</strong>.comE babarluck420@hotmail.comT +44 (0)7949 865154Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 9
Bagpiper BobB<strong>and</strong> of TwoBarry ReevesEx-Royal Air Force Officer with 30 years service,former Secretary of the Royal Air Force Pipe B<strong>and</strong>Association <strong>and</strong> experienced Bagpiper basedin Corsham, Wiltshire. Available for Television,Corporate Events, Weddings, Civil Ceremonies,Burn’s Nights, Funerals, Remembrance DayParades, Military Dining-In Nights, Birthdays <strong>and</strong>any other special occasion I can also organizeyour Burn’s Night Celebration, St Andrew’sDay Celebration or any event where you needa Scottish Theme <strong>and</strong> I can provide all of theevening’s entertainment as a singer <strong>and</strong> guitarplayer of Scottish <strong>and</strong> Irish Folk <strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong>have my own PA system I am willing to travelthroughout the UK <strong>and</strong> overseas to any event.I am a legitimate HMRC registered Sole Trader.Since 1993 Pete Fyfe (vocals/guitar/m<strong>and</strong>olin/tenor banjo) <strong>and</strong> Garry Blakeley (vocals/fiddle/guitar) has seen the goodtime Celtic <strong>music</strong> duoB<strong>and</strong> of Two performing at numerous concerts,festivals (Fairport/Cambridge etc), corporatefunctions <strong>and</strong> ‘<strong>folk</strong> dances’. With ‘Jigs to set youreeling – <strong>and</strong> songs to get you singing’ Garry (alsoa member of the celebrated Feast Of Fiddles) <strong>and</strong>Pete’s Tim Vine style jokes, you’re guaranteed aperformance of digital dexterity <strong>and</strong> humorousbanter.I have been playing guitar since I was 18 <strong>and</strong>writing songs for about the same time. Over theyears my song writing has become excellent.I am a very good singer. I have a geed repertoireof my own songs <strong>and</strong> UK <strong>traditional</strong> songs. I singunaccompanied too. Having played at variousFolk Clubs in London I run the Pinner Folk & BluesClub in NW London. I now live in Blaby, Leicester<strong>and</strong> can travel everywhere to play. Twice eachmonth I travel to Pinner for the club. I play a meanbottleneck guitar <strong>and</strong> am learning some tuneson the fiddle. Influences are The Dransfields,Nic Jones, Richard Thompson <strong>and</strong> FairportConvention.W www.bagpiperbob.co.ukE bob@bagpiperbob.co.ukT +44 (0)7791 332162W www.b<strong>and</strong>oftwo.moonfruit.co.ukE petefyfe@aol.comT +44 (0)20 8680 4302W www.barryreeves<strong>music</strong>.co.ukE iambarry<strong>music</strong>@gmail.comT +44 (0)7584 666907Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 10
Becky TaylorBelle Star B<strong>and</strong>BellevueRendezvousYorkshire’s Becky Taylor is one of the mostrespected female Uilleann Pipers of her generation,as well as being an accomplished NorthumbrianSmallpiper <strong>and</strong> Multi-Instrumentalist. In highdem<strong>and</strong> as both a solo performer, session <strong>music</strong>ian<strong>and</strong> teacher, her unique sound, broad repertoire<strong>and</strong> all-round <strong>music</strong>al versatility ensure she isrenowned both on the <strong>folk</strong> scene <strong>and</strong> beyond!Becky released her debut CD in 2002 to criticalacclaim, followed by The Becky Taylor tunebook(2003) <strong>and</strong> ‘Irel<strong>and</strong> Bridge’ (2008) which wasdescribed as “..sparky, much alive <strong>and</strong> of constantinterest.. ” by fROOTS. An internationally acclaimedperformer for over 25 years she continues to playthroughout Europe <strong>and</strong> the Russian Federation <strong>and</strong>is recording her 3rd album.The Belle Star B<strong>and</strong> sets many feet a-dancing,from Edinburgh to Berlin, Govan to Vicenza, <strong>and</strong>many points in between! Our <strong>music</strong>, stronglyrooted in the Scottish ceilidh idiom, reflectsmany other influences, such as New Engl<strong>and</strong>contradance <strong>and</strong> Jewish Klezmer. Our all-womenline up performs at festivals in the United Kingdom<strong>and</strong> abroad, as well as weddings, civil partnershipcelebrations, <strong>and</strong> parties – any event where peoplelike to dance! Members of the Belle Star B<strong>and</strong>include: fiddlers Gica Loening, Alison Cowie,Jenny Gardner, Sarah-Jane Summers, guitaristCathy Wood <strong>and</strong> bassist Lynn Sampsell.Bellevue Rendezvous are the inventive Scottishbasedtrio of Gavin Marwick (fiddle), CameronRobson (cittern, jaw harp) <strong>and</strong> Ruth Morris(nyckelharpa). Their collective CV encompassessome of Scotl<strong>and</strong>’s most fascinating outfits,including Unusual Suspects, Cantrip <strong>and</strong> IronHorse. They draw on <strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> traditions asdiverse as Serbia, Macedonia, Pol<strong>and</strong>, Canada,France <strong>and</strong> Finl<strong>and</strong>, alongside many of theirown compositions, to create the quirkily alluringinstrumental interplay that made their Salam<strong>and</strong>erCD one of the albums of the year. This acousticinstrumental trio can move from the blissful <strong>and</strong>relaxing to really packing a punch in their morefiery numbers. They have two critically acclaimedalbums, ‘Tangents’ (2007) <strong>and</strong> ‘Salam<strong>and</strong>er’(2010), released on their own independent labelthrough Proper Music Distribution.W www.beckytaylor.infoE becky@beckytaylor.infoT +44 (0)7980 600476W www.bellestarb<strong>and</strong>.co.ukE basslynn9@hotmail.comT +44 (0)7818 644483W www.bellevuerendezvous.co.ukE bellevue_rendezvous@yahoo.co.ukT +44 (0)7796 370146Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 11
Belshazzar’sFeastBen PaleyBill AdairPaul Hutchinson (accordion) <strong>and</strong> Paul Sartin(oboe, violin <strong>and</strong> vocals). If you like Mozart,Beethoven, Elvis Presley <strong>and</strong> The Spinnersavoid them – you’ve been warned! Paul Sartinis a member of BBC Radio 2 Award-winningBellowhead <strong>and</strong> trio Faustus. He also teaches,dabbles in academia, <strong>and</strong> regularly deputises withthe Choir of Winchester Cathedral, where he getsto wear a dress to work. Amonst other projects,Paul Hutchinson runs dance b<strong>and</strong> The PlayfordLiberation Front; composes, having recentlyreleased his tunebook Food for Thought; <strong>and</strong>is tutor for Folkworks, British Council, HalswayManor, Birmingham Conservatoire <strong>and</strong> Universityof Limerick. His favourite colour is pink.“...just about the best <strong>folk</strong> fiddler of his generation” –ƒRoots magazine. Ben grew up playing American<strong>traditional</strong> <strong>music</strong>, later discovering the Swedish<strong>and</strong> Irish traditions: his book ‘Swedish FiddleMusic: An Anthology’ has become the st<strong>and</strong>ardwork on the subject in English. His main project atthe moment is <strong>traditional</strong> acoustic four-piece TheLong Hill Ramblers with singer Laura Hockenhull,guitarist Tab Hunter <strong>and</strong> banjo-player Dan Stewart.Ben has worked with his father Tom Paley (seminalfigure of the American <strong>folk</strong> revival of the ‘50s<strong>and</strong> ‘60s, founder-member of the New Lost CityRamblers), Duck Baker <strong>and</strong> Maggie Boyle, SaraGrey <strong>and</strong> Kieron Means, McDermott’s 2 Hours,Damon Albarn, Michael Nyman, Murray LachlanYoung <strong>and</strong> the Levellers, among others.As well as being a fine guitar player Bill Adairis one of Scotl<strong>and</strong>’s most respected singer/songwriters. Described as “a Scottish <strong>folk</strong> legend” –Chop Yat Iron Forge Festival) <strong>and</strong> “a phenomenallypowerful songwriter” – Folk Roundabout), Bill’s<strong>music</strong> addresses universal themes of love, work,loss <strong>and</strong> redemption. Equally at home singing a<strong>traditional</strong> Scottish ballad, playing blues from theMississippi Delta, or performing one of his ownsongs, Bill’s performances are complemented bya thought-provoking <strong>and</strong> entertaining story-tellingstyle. To date Bill has released two albums for SadJeb Music, ‘Dusty Boots on a Gravel Road’ <strong>and</strong>the critically acclaimed ‘Along The Miners’ Rows’,<strong>and</strong> is currently working on new material for athird.BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Best Duo Nominees 2010W www.playpen<strong>music</strong>.co.ukE terry@playpen.fsbusiness.co.ukT +44 (0)1795 533551W www.benpaley.comE ben@spooty.netT +44 (0)1273 626366W www.billadair.netE mail@billadair.netT +44 (0)7913 901835Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 12
Blackbeard’sTea PartyBluegrassBeatlesBoat B<strong>and</strong>Funky <strong>folk</strong> tunes, saucy songs <strong>and</strong> an infectiousstage energy. Blackbeard’s Tea Party mix fiddles& squeezeboxes, guitar noise & synth bass, <strong>and</strong>a feast of international h<strong>and</strong> percussion to bringyou an unforgettable <strong>folk</strong>-rock extravaganza.Grounded in English traditions - but never afraid toexplore more exotic <strong>music</strong>al avenues - they createa sound that is equal parts tasty, dramatic <strong>and</strong>danceable. Blackbeard’s Tea Party have to datereleased an EP (heavens to betsy, 2009) <strong>and</strong> a fulllength album (Tomorrow We’ll Be Sober, 2011)to excellent critical acclaim <strong>and</strong> public response.They can be found at gigs, <strong>folk</strong> clubs, ceilidhs,concerts <strong>and</strong> festivals all around the country!Pip Williams is a <strong>music</strong> educator & former session<strong>music</strong>ian currently working at a performing artsacademy in South Wales. A Beatles fan from whenthey first appeared in 1962, he has always wantedto put a fun new interpretation on their <strong>music</strong>.Pip has teamed up with Kiwi Steve Tarner, wellknown jazz <strong>music</strong>ian, to produce the classicBeatles hits in a Bluegrass manner. With Pip onGuitar & Vocals & Steve on Tenor & 5 String Banjo,hear the your favourite Beatles numbers as youhave never heard them before.Traditional <strong>folk</strong> <strong>music</strong> (tunes <strong>and</strong> songs) fromall over, English, Cajun,Creole, Caribbean. KateBarfield (fiddle, trombone) Tony Weatherall (buttonaccordion) Greg Stephens (guitar, tenor banjo) plusfrequent guests. We play for listening <strong>and</strong> dancing,at pubs, clubs, halls, art centres, festivals. Fifteentimes at Glastonbury Festival, once at St KildaInternational Cajun Festival, all the usual <strong>folk</strong>festivals throughout UK, Irel<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> beyond.Subject of acclaimed BBC2 TV documentary. Tenalbums, mostly on Harbourtown Records. ‘Tripto the Lakes’ featured in fRoots playlist, MusicalTraditions Top 10 Albums etc. Kate also runsthree community choirs, Greg writes <strong>and</strong> directscommunity shows. “Refreshing honesty...straightahead drive...hypnotic arrangements...terrific” – fRoots.“Superb...strange <strong>and</strong> imaginative...extremely unusual...drive <strong>and</strong> momentum...absolutely delightful” – MusicalTraditions.W www.blackbeardsteaparty.comE blackbeard@blackbeardsteaparty.comT +44 (0)7530 526713W www.mayzmusik.co.ukE pip@mayzmusik.co.ukT +44 (0)1873 855050W www.myspace.com/boatb<strong>and</strong>ukE boatb<strong>and</strong>@yahoo.co.ukT +44 (0)1782 871691Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 13
Branco StoysinTrio/DuetBreabachBrian HeywoodWhen the Sun <strong>and</strong> shine, heart worming <strong>and</strong> lyrical<strong>music</strong> of great beauty are of an utmost importancethen this is the place! This much admired Londonbased trio comprise Branco Stoysin acousticguitar, Leslee Booth 6 str. contra bass <strong>and</strong> BusterBirch percussion. At present they’ve released 6albums <strong>and</strong> live DVD. What better to describe thetrio <strong>and</strong> their <strong>music</strong> than these two quotes froma numerous acclaim they have been receiving: ”A<strong>music</strong>al journey to warm the soul.” – Sarah Ward JazzFM “One of the most lyrical <strong>and</strong> original guitarist aroundtoday.” – Jack Massarik EVENING STANDARD Leta little Sun into your life <strong>and</strong> book Branco StoysinTrio (Duet) for your venue/event. All UK/Worldcovered.Hailing from the Highl<strong>and</strong>s of Scotl<strong>and</strong>, Breabachwere simultaneously nominated as Best Groupin both the BBC Radio 2 Folk awards <strong>and</strong> theScottish Traditional Music awards. Their uniquebr<strong>and</strong> of contemporary <strong>folk</strong> <strong>music</strong> is sensitive totradition, yet relevant to today. Powered by doublebagpipes, flute <strong>and</strong> fiddle, this uncompromisingforce is further fueled by the tight groove of doublebass, guitar <strong>and</strong> step-dance. Breabach comm<strong>and</strong>the stage with flare, charisma <strong>and</strong> a sound that isas expansive as it is distinct.“As disciplined as they’re fiery, as tasteful as they’reexhilarating, they blend the best of old <strong>and</strong> new in trulycompelling style” – ScotsmanSpecializing in edgy <strong>roots</strong> fusion <strong>music</strong>, previouswork has received comments such as “Just whenit seemed as if newer electric British <strong>roots</strong> b<strong>and</strong>s weregetting thinner on the ground - Very welcome <strong>and</strong> verygood.” – fROOTS Magazine (UK) <strong>and</strong> “... a rockingb<strong>and</strong> - I was delighted with the audience response” -Fairbridge Festival - (Australia).Brian’s solo show features a mix of original songs,<strong>traditional</strong> Australian <strong>and</strong> British <strong>folk</strong> material<strong>and</strong> the poetry of Kipling <strong>and</strong> Lawson in <strong>music</strong>alsettings. He has performed around the world<strong>and</strong> is just as at home on a big festival stage inoutback Western Australia as an acoustic <strong>music</strong>club in the heart of London.See website for all the options…W www.brancostoysin.co.ukE branco.stoysin@ntlworld.comT +44 (0)20 8693 2398W www.breabach.comE breabach@yahoo.co.ukT +44 (0)141 337 2062W www.brianheywood.infoE acoustic@brianheywood.infoT +44 (0)1582 475655Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 14
Brian InglisBuskalaskaCaimBrian Inglis singer/songwriter playing original,acoustic, Jazz, blues, pop <strong>and</strong> <strong>roots</strong>.Described as:“Awesome” – The Ostrich, Bristol, “You were reallygreat. A pleasure to listen to!” – The Spring Garden,Bristol, “Put me in mind of Ray Davies with each songtelling a story” – Mr Wolf’s Bristol, “Brian Inglis createsa full <strong>and</strong> exciting sound.” – Bristol RocksBrian’s song writing ability has been recognisedby: Roger Greenaway - Songwriter - “I like it, ‘TakeThat’ could have a hit with it.” David Ferguson - Chairof the BACS - “Result! This material could do well.”Cliff Jones - Front Man for ‘Gay Dad’ <strong>and</strong> cofounderof Guitarist Magazine - “Good stuff, verycommercial, could be a hit in there.”Paul Thompson, aka Buskalaska, is a singersongwriterfrom Norwich, Engl<strong>and</strong>. Describedby Acoustic Magazine as “a true romantic...whereblessed out Donovan meets John Martyn”, Paul isa modern day troubadour. His latest <strong>music</strong>aladventure, to promote his second album ‘A Leapof Faith’, took him alone through the wilds ofAlaska <strong>and</strong> Canada. Carrying just a rucksack,guitar, <strong>and</strong> a suitcase full of <strong>music</strong> gear Paulperformed in some of the remotest communities inNorth America, making friends <strong>and</strong> new audiencesalong the way, <strong>and</strong> returning to the UK armed withthe songs for his next album. Oh, <strong>and</strong> his guitarstill in one piece – just!Scotl<strong>and</strong>’s Heather Innes <strong>and</strong> Irel<strong>and</strong>’s Jacynth Hamillsing together as ‘Caim’. With <strong>music</strong> ranging from thelively to the meditative, ‘Caim’ aims to bring the depth<strong>and</strong> simplicity of Celtic <strong>music</strong> to a wide audience.Concerts include Scottish <strong>and</strong> Irish <strong>traditional</strong> songs,Gaelic song, stories <strong>and</strong> Irish dancing as well as Celticprayers. In services this beauty <strong>and</strong> simplicity can drawpeople into a receptive <strong>and</strong> reflective space. ‘Caim’ <strong>music</strong>touches the heart, bringing a sense of calm, uplift <strong>and</strong>peace. Caim are available for church services, meditativeretreats, conferences, workshops, concerts <strong>and</strong> ‘HouseConcerts’. ‘Live’ Jacynth <strong>and</strong> Heather sing a cappella <strong>and</strong>in harmony for a pure Celtic sound, with the occasionaladdition of the beat of the bodhrán.W www.m2s.org.ukE bwg.inglis@gmail.comT +44 (0)7971 966982W www.buskalaska.comE info@buskalaska.comT +44 (0)7774 871879W www.clunie<strong>music</strong>.comE clunie<strong>music</strong>@hotmail.comT +44 (0)7505 661591Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 15
Cathryn Craig &Brian WilloughbyCeltic ConfusionCephalodidgeCathryn Craig has worked with Chet Atkins,The Righteous Brothers, Shel Silverstein <strong>and</strong>Jorma Kaukonnen. Brian began his career withMary Hopkin, was Strawbs’ lead guitarist for25 years <strong>and</strong> played with Monty Python, RogerWhittaker, Jim Diamond, Joe Brown <strong>and</strong> Sweet’sBrian Connolly. Both Cathryn <strong>and</strong> Brian haveaccompanied Nanci Griffith. Their Alice’s Songwas an Aled Jones “highlight of the year” on BBCRadio 2. Cathryn was Simon Mayo’s star guest onBBC Radio 2Day 2012, live from Nashville.“If we hadn’t managed to book them, I would havetravelled to see them elsewhere.” – SaltburnFestival“...regularly re-booked the duo because we know thatthey will draw a good audience.” – Wath Festival“...Sublime guitar work <strong>and</strong> one of the finest voicesaround.” – Folking.com.Celtic Confusion are a Dorset based Irish b<strong>and</strong>,formed by classical violinist Gill Collins <strong>and</strong>talented guitarist John Reeks, who met in 2004whilst playing at various Irish <strong>music</strong> festivals in thesouth west of Engl<strong>and</strong>.They are joined by Richard Wirdnam (vocals/accordian) <strong>and</strong> Cat Lake (bodhran/drums). Richardis a highly experienced <strong>and</strong> well known <strong>music</strong>ian<strong>and</strong> composer in his own right. Cat Lake, anexpert frame drummer <strong>and</strong> percussionist, hastaught students to play the Bodhran <strong>and</strong> foundeda global forum back in 2001.The b<strong>and</strong> is available to hire for Barn Dances,Ceilidhs, Pub Gigs <strong>and</strong> Weddings. Their repertoirefeatures a variety of jigs, reels, polkas, hornpipes,waltzes <strong>and</strong> airs, as well as a few <strong>folk</strong>s songs!Cephalodidge are an Isle of Wight based tribal<strong>folk</strong> b<strong>and</strong> that play ‘totally enchanting <strong>music</strong>’based around the didgeridoo, djembe <strong>and</strong> lap/slide guitar. Many of their songs express a deeplove of the l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> ocean. Cephalodidge willbe performing at the Artemis Gathering thisyear <strong>and</strong> also Witchfest International. Last yearCephalodidge supported the Dolmen <strong>and</strong> Damhthe Bard. The Cephalodidge album ‘The Path’ hasreceived very favorable reviews <strong>and</strong> is a unique,atmospheric <strong>and</strong> enchanting journey. It is a workof love <strong>and</strong> creativity, the culmination of 18 yearsof playing the didgeridoo.W www.craig<strong>and</strong>willoughby.comE brianwilloughby1@aol.comT +44 (0)1932 221466W www.celticconfusion.co.ukE info@celticconfusion.co.ukT +44 (0)7821 130847W www.cephalodidge.webs.comE j_caudwell@yahoo.co.ukT +44 (0)7925 152833Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 16
ChalktownCheyenne Brown& Seylan BaxterChris FosterChalktown are an innovative ceilidh b<strong>and</strong> whocombine <strong>traditional</strong> British <strong>folk</strong> tunes <strong>and</strong> originalcompositions with rock <strong>and</strong> jazz influences tocreate a very danceable sound. Springing from theashes of the legendary Gas Mark 5, Chalktownhave now established their own name with theirwell received debut album, ‘You Never See theOne’. The b<strong>and</strong> is based in Hertfordshire <strong>and</strong>features Paul Scourfield on melodeon, DaveBlackmore on clarinets <strong>and</strong> saxophone, MichaelDavidson on bass, guitar <strong>and</strong> m<strong>and</strong>olin, <strong>and</strong>Rob Gifford on drums. In recent years they haveappeared at many festivals including Sidmouth,Towersey <strong>and</strong> Shrewsbury, as well as at majorceilidh series <strong>and</strong> on national radio. “Good for theFeet!!” – fRootsThe combination of Cheyenne Brown’s exuberant<strong>and</strong> sensitive harp playing, Seylan Baxter’s mellow,natural singing <strong>and</strong> her creatively atmosphericcello playing forms rich <strong>and</strong> varied <strong>music</strong>altextures with a distinctive style. Whether in slowairs, jigs <strong>and</strong> reels or <strong>traditional</strong> songs Cheyenne<strong>and</strong> Seylan bring precision <strong>and</strong> empathy to theirquirky, innovative arrangements. Their energeticperformances <strong>and</strong> warm stage presence dispelany stereotypes of stuffy instrumentalists <strong>and</strong>prove the effectiveness of this unusual line-up.Cheyenne <strong>and</strong> Seylan met while studying on theprestigious Scottish Music course at the RSAMD(now Royal Conservatoire of Scotl<strong>and</strong>) <strong>and</strong>performed for the first time together at Cowalfestin 2005.Chris Foster is a master of his trade, who gives“thoughtful, passionate, intelligent, nerve-janglingperformances of English <strong>traditional</strong> songs <strong>and</strong> ballads.”“Chris Foster merits legend status, one of the very best inthe second wave of the Brit <strong>folk</strong> revival … in the way hemodernised <strong>and</strong> invested <strong>traditional</strong> songs with inventiveguitar arrangements <strong>and</strong> potent vocal delivery.” – ColinIrwin fROOTS magazine. Chris also performs withIcel<strong>and</strong>ic singer Bára Grímsdóttir as the duo FUNI.They have toured <strong>and</strong> recorded widely in Europe,as well as China <strong>and</strong> USA. “Singly, each singer is agreat presenter of the <strong>music</strong> of a native isl<strong>and</strong>. As a duothey transform the <strong>music</strong> of their isl<strong>and</strong>s into universals.”(Folk Society of Greater Washington, USA).W www.chalktown.co.ukE mail@chalktown.co.ukT +44 (0)1462 458031W www.celloharp.comE info@celloharp.comT +44 (0)7584 041602W www.myspace.com/chrisfoster<strong>folk</strong>E chrisfoster.icel<strong>and</strong>@gmail.comT +354 659 1947Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 17
Chris KnowlesChris Newman’sStill Getting Away With ItChris ParkinsonChris has worked as a freelance <strong>music</strong>ian for 24years with celtic harp as his main instrument, witha varied repertoire but specialising in <strong>traditional</strong>celtic <strong>music</strong> including much Irish, Welsh, <strong>and</strong>Scottish material <strong>and</strong> also some Breton, Manx<strong>and</strong> Cornish <strong>music</strong>. He also plays some morecontemporary original & improvised <strong>music</strong>, <strong>and</strong>several other instruments including bouzouki,whistle, low D whistle <strong>and</strong> electric m<strong>and</strong>olin.As well as working solo, Chris has performed<strong>and</strong> recorded in a number of duos <strong>and</strong> b<strong>and</strong>s incollaboration with various artists including Welshsinger Heather Jones, fiddler Mike Lease, guitaristAnthony Griffiths, singer/songwriter Catrin O’Neill,<strong>and</strong> often plays in duos with multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter Ben Walker, <strong>and</strong> fiddler GaryMatthewson.As well as his work with Irish harper Máire NíChathasaigh, Chris Newman has been touringrecently with a new trio to promote his recentalbum ‘Still Getting Away With It’. The CD isa very personal statement – a sort of <strong>music</strong>alautobiography <strong>and</strong> includes influences rangingfrom English, Scottish, Irish, Swedish, American<strong>and</strong> Québecois <strong>folk</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>folk</strong>-rock, to country,latin, African, swing <strong>and</strong> modern jazz. The touringtrio features two outst<strong>and</strong>ing young <strong>music</strong>ians:Andy Watt (guitar & m<strong>and</strong>olin), a graduate of theNewcastle Folk Degree course <strong>and</strong> Dan Rogers(double bass) who graduated from Leeds Collegeof Music. Chris plays guitar <strong>and</strong> m<strong>and</strong>olin <strong>and</strong> isalso responsible for the tall tales...Chris has played <strong>music</strong> since the age of five,starting with harmonica <strong>and</strong> piano, then melodeon<strong>and</strong> piano accordion. He plays <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>and</strong>contemporary <strong>music</strong> of UK, Europe <strong>and</strong> beyond<strong>and</strong> was a founder member of the much travelled<strong>and</strong> highly acclaimed ‘The House B<strong>and</strong>’ from1984 to 2001. He is in great dem<strong>and</strong> for liveperformance <strong>and</strong> studio session work, <strong>and</strong>has worked with countless people from the <strong>folk</strong>scene <strong>and</strong> beyond – from Martin Carthy, NormaWaterson, Eliza Carthy, Ralph McTell, MikeHarding <strong>and</strong> John Kirkpatrick to Steve Phillips &Snake Davis. Chris has recorded 2 solo albums,6 with The House B<strong>and</strong> plus sessions on aboutanother 50 albums <strong>and</strong> a piano accordion tutorDVD for absolute beginners.W www.chrisknowles.orgE chris@chrisknowles.orgT +44 (0)7780 938046W www.stillgettingawaywithit.comE kevin@oldbridge<strong>music</strong>.comT +44 (0)1943 601049W www.chrisparkinson<strong>music</strong>.co.ukE c.parkinson.50@btinternet.comT +44 (0)1947 601971Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 18
Ciara ConsidineClannaColum S<strong>and</strong>sCiara Considine paused her career as a classicalpianist to explore her Irish <strong>roots</strong>, making herdebut album called ‘Ó Mo Chroí’- Irish for ‘OfMy Heart’ - in 2008. She sang <strong>and</strong> played allinstruments on the recording: piano, harps <strong>and</strong>flutes. Ciara’s second album ‘Beyond The Waves’brought talented Celtic <strong>music</strong>ians on board in2010. Alongside popular Celtic ballads <strong>and</strong> reels,it brings to life Irel<strong>and</strong>’s literary wealth, with poemsby Kavanagh, Yeats <strong>and</strong> Wilde in song. Producedindependently, with positive reviews <strong>and</strong> radioplay,both albums sell consistently online via allmajor distributors. As well as being a recordingartist, Ciara works as a conductor of choirs all overKent, regularly performing as a freelance pianist,flautist, singer <strong>and</strong> conductor.Clanna is a Northern Irish singer/songwriterwho now lives in London. Traditional Irish <strong>music</strong>played a major part when growing up <strong>and</strong> shetravelled around the UK <strong>and</strong> Europe in a family<strong>folk</strong> b<strong>and</strong>. Clanna collaborated in a song called‘Who’s to Say’ written about families <strong>and</strong> victimsof knife crime in London, the first song ever to bereleased online by the Government. Clanna haswon two national <strong>and</strong> international awards for hersong ‘Angels May Call’ which is on her new EP‘Shadows on the Moon’. This EP was produced byJohn Tilley( Kubb, Paulo Nutini,) Clanna recentlywrote a song for the Irish Olympic team called ‘Weare the Irish’ which is currently getting radio play.Colum S<strong>and</strong>s is a universal storyteller who drawson a long Irish tradition of poetic <strong>music</strong>ality toweave songs for the world. He has performed inover thirty countries <strong>and</strong> the power of his writingis further confirmed by countless cover recordingsincluding versions in German, Dutch, Danish <strong>and</strong>Hebrew. From portraits like ‘The Man with theCap’, to observations on the paranoia of differencelike ‘Whatever you say, say nothing’, his eightalbums contain songs crafted with sensitivity,insight <strong>and</strong> humour. Colum has also producedaround one hundred albums, working with young<strong>music</strong>ians <strong>and</strong> veterans like Joan Baez <strong>and</strong> PeteSeeger. He has received a Living Tradition Award<strong>and</strong> was shortlisted for three nominations for the2009 Grammy Awards.W www.ciaraconsidine<strong>music</strong>.comE considineciara@hotmail.comT +44 (0)7934 508057W www.clanna.orgE clanna@hotmail.co.ukT +44 (0)7866 824809W www.colums<strong>and</strong>s.comE colums<strong>and</strong>s@live.comT +44 (0)7730 513449Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 19
Dai ThomasDan PlewsDan WalshDai Thomas specialises in acoustic Blues <strong>and</strong> OldTimey played on a battery of fine, old instrumentsin a multitude of styles. His live performances arepowerful <strong>and</strong> spectacular <strong>and</strong> his obvious passionfor the <strong>music</strong> continues to delight <strong>and</strong> enthuse hisaudiences wherever he appears. Based in Salford,Dai mainly gigs in the North, but has playedvenues all over Engl<strong>and</strong> with forays into Scotl<strong>and</strong>,Wales, The Republic of Irel<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> the U.S. Hehas featured on several recordings including theinternational best-seller ‘No Such Place’ by DavidByrne protégé Jim White; he sang <strong>and</strong> playedslide guitar, m<strong>and</strong>olin, autoharp <strong>and</strong> banjo on thisrecord. His CD ‘Songs From The Ragged BacksideOf The American Dream’ is currently available.“Now I fillet truth from tales of pearls once prised by saltydogs with minds like rusty pocket knives; between eachh<strong>and</strong> they play they weigh those they let get away in thebalance of their lives.” (Hearts into Diamonds)Dan has performed a thous<strong>and</strong> solo gigsthroughout Europe <strong>and</strong> the U.S. as well as touringwith Jon Boden, Eliza Carthy <strong>and</strong> Dansaul. RichardThompson likened to Joni Mitchell his rare abilityto convincingly “pull off” the marriage of melody<strong>and</strong> poetic imagery.Dan teaches <strong>music</strong> at Northampton College <strong>and</strong>songwriting <strong>and</strong> <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>music</strong> at workshopsacross Europe <strong>and</strong> the UK, <strong>and</strong> plays withDansmall (Guy Fletcher), Dansaul (Saul Rose) <strong>and</strong>P4i, a European songwriting collective.“Energy <strong>and</strong> Genius” – Oxford Mail“Up with Carthy” – Folk RootsDan Walsh is an eclectic <strong>and</strong> exciting <strong>music</strong>ianwith a unique style taking in <strong>folk</strong>, funk, bluegrass,jazz, rock <strong>and</strong> even Arabic. Also a singer <strong>and</strong>guitarist, he has performed throughout the UKat festivals, theatres <strong>and</strong> <strong>folk</strong> clubs includingthe Southbank Centre, the Sage Gateshead,Broadstairs, Sidmouth <strong>and</strong> Towersey <strong>folk</strong> festivals,Solfest <strong>and</strong> the Barbican.Dan has recently formed the five-piece Dan WalshB<strong>and</strong>, which made a triumphant debut by sellingout Stafford’s Gatehouse <strong>and</strong> will be touring in2012. Dan also performs with American fiddler/singer Christi Andropolis, Northumbrian singerKathryn Davidson <strong>and</strong> Scottish trio L<strong>and</strong> or Sea.For more information contact simoncare<strong>music</strong>@hotmail.comW www.myspace.com/daithomasE d.thomas@talktalk.netT +44 (0)161 707 4063W www.aortas.org.ukE dan@aortas.org.ukT +44 (0)7801 796216W www.danwalshbanjo.co.ukE simoncare<strong>music</strong>@hotmail.comT +44 (0)1604 670192Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 20
Daniel J. LoganDaniel MacleodDanni NichollsAs a freelance percussion player, Daniel J. Loganis building up a growing reputation for his uniquefeel <strong>and</strong> solid performances. Working with singer/songwriters, Dan can enhance gigs with hispercussion set-up <strong>and</strong> style. Dan also plays forlarger line-ups (Thea Gilmore’s b<strong>and</strong>, The BearBeats B<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> others). Session credits includeBBC Radio 2, Radio 4 <strong>and</strong> Sky TV as well as manyfestivals <strong>and</strong> events. Having appeared on TheaGilmore’s albums ‘Murphy’s Heart’ <strong>and</strong> ‘Don’tStop Singing’ (a collaboration with the late S<strong>and</strong>yDenny) Dan has been in the studio again in 2012recording for Thea’s next release. Other workincludes performances with Jackie Trent, RodClements, Mike Heron, etc. See facebook.com/danieljlogan<strong>music</strong>ian for details.Scottish born <strong>and</strong> Birmingham based singer/songwriter Daniel Macleod is a new addition tothe acoustic guitar scene. Daniel composes <strong>and</strong>performs both instrumental <strong>and</strong> lyrical <strong>music</strong> ina style he describes as “fozz”: a mixture of <strong>folk</strong><strong>and</strong> jazz with a healthy dose of finger picking.This evolving style has been influenced by artistssuch as James Taylor, John Pizzarelli <strong>and</strong> TommyEmmanuel, amongst others. A versatile artist,Daniel’s earthy voice <strong>and</strong> unique style breathenew life into old jazz st<strong>and</strong>ards such as Georgiaon My Mind <strong>and</strong> April Showers. He has a widerange of soulful <strong>and</strong> upbeat compositions whichhe combines with a warm sense of humour for anunforgettable show.Danni Nicholls’ performances are guaranteed tomelt your heart <strong>and</strong> the soles of your cowboyboots. Her passionate delivery <strong>and</strong> charminglyengaging between-song banter compels you tofall under her spell. For the past five years this“hard-working sweetheart of the rodeo” has beenhoning her craft, touring the UK & USA wooingaudiences with her emotionally charged Americanasongs, pulling on <strong>music</strong>al references from Johnny& Elvis to Gillian Welch; Carole King to BonnieRaitt. Song topics range from unfulfilled dreams(Travelling Man) to lamenting lost love out in thewoods (Between The River & The Railway); <strong>and</strong>be prepared for the rocking foot-stompers thatdouble-dare you to stay in your seat. Debut albumdue for release Spring 2013.W www.thedanloganshow.co.ukE info@thedanloganshow.co.ukT +44 (0)7859 852225W www.danielgmacleod.comE danielgeorgemacleod@gmail.comT +44 (0)7708 482824W www.danninicholls.co.ukE danni_nicholls@hotmail.comT +44 (0)7890 577346Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 21
Dave ArcariDebbie CassellDeferred SucessSlide guitarist & songwriter Dave Arcari’s soundsowe as much to trash country, punk <strong>and</strong> rockabillyas they do pre-war Delta blues. His latest album,Nobody’s Fool, was released on French labelDixiefrog Records in Spring 2012. A new albumis scheduled for release on Finnish label BlueNorth in 2013. With regular shows across Europe<strong>and</strong> festival appearances including Cognac BluesPassions (France), Glastonbury (UK), Peer Festival(Belgium), Moulin Blues (Netherl<strong>and</strong>s); BluesAlive(Czech Republic & Pol<strong>and</strong>), <strong>and</strong> Blues Rules(Switzerl<strong>and</strong>) Arcari is one of the hardest giggingartists on the circuit. Shows with Steve Earle, TobyKeith <strong>and</strong> Seasick Steve along with his relentlessUK <strong>and</strong> European tour schedule have helpedestablish Arcari as a formidable international soloperformer.Debbie Cassell’s first solo album ‘Angel in Labour’received a 4* review in Q magazine. She has sincecollaborated on a wide range of <strong>music</strong>al ventures,including projects with producer Rod Bowkett(Corinne Bailey-Rae, Beth Rowley etc.), doublebass player Andy Baker, <strong>and</strong> the BournemouthSymphony Orchestra, as well working with herpartner Martin Ansell (as Woman Wants Tall Man),<strong>and</strong> another solo album ‘The Boatman’s WhiteDog’ in 2007. She was recently involved with theJoni Mitchell Project, led by Sally Barker, <strong>and</strong> sheis currently also working with cellist Kate Riaz,.Cassell also works in schools & on a variety ofoutreach projects.Deferred Sucess (intentional spelling error!) are a3,4 <strong>and</strong> sometimes 5-piece ska/<strong>folk</strong>/punk/rock/anything-goes b<strong>and</strong> from the depths of Essexconsisting of Paul ‘Doozer’ Short, Chris ‘Troop’Davison <strong>and</strong> Rich Benfield <strong>and</strong> either Steve‘Super’ Butler or Technohippy on cajon..Honest, infectious lyrics written by Doozer withexceptional accompaniment from Chris <strong>and</strong> Richon bass, guitars <strong>and</strong> harmonica, backup up witha cajon beat make for songs that can get stuck inyour head for days after seeing a performance.Deferred Sucess has toured across the UK<strong>and</strong> Europe providing support for FerociousDog, Abdoujaparov, Jimbob, Hobo Jones & theJunkyard Dogs, Leatherat, The Klaxons, GetCape Wear Cape Fly, Million Dead, Bad Manners,Scroobius Pip, Pama International & The Levellers.W www.davearcari.comE margaret@thebuzzgroup.co.ukT +44 (0)1360 870248W www.debbiecassell.comE debbie.cassell@virgin.netT +44 (0)7970 636683W www.deferredsucess.comE info@deferredsucess.comT +44 (0)7736 030582Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 22
Diana JohnstoneDiasporaDick Churchley“A fine singer/songwriter with a relaxing stageperformance” – Johnny Coppin BBC Folk Roots.Diana’s credits include writing material used byplaywright Willie Russell, performing at Port Eliot<strong>and</strong> Du Maurier Literary <strong>and</strong> St Ives Festivals inher native Cornwall, plus concerts, festivals <strong>and</strong>venues throughout the Southwest <strong>and</strong> beyond.Performing ‘The Songwriter Series’ with SteveTilston, Reg Meuross <strong>and</strong> Coppin & Silver,supporting artiste to Clive Gregson, Jim Diamond<strong>and</strong> others, Diana’s recent projects include ‘PottedHerring’ with actor/<strong>music</strong>ian Tim Lacock <strong>and</strong> ‘HereBe Mermaids’ with Jake Walton <strong>and</strong> Bob Sinfield<strong>and</strong> latest CD ‘The Troubled Heart’. With ‘fragile<strong>and</strong> delectable songs’, ‘polished fingerstyle guitar’<strong>and</strong> ‘clear as cut glass vocals’ Diana’s songs <strong>and</strong>performances are ‘simply delightful’.Diaspora has a repertoire that ranges acrossIrish ballads, classic Irish favourites, plus selfpenned including commedy <strong>and</strong> a sprinkling ofrock. For almost 20 years Diaspora entertianed intheatres, universities, clubs <strong>and</strong> a variety of privatefunctions. Their love of what they do is infectiousDescribed by the BBC as ‘Somerset’s favouriteIrish b<strong>and</strong>’ <strong>and</strong> the Times ‘as pure entertainment.’The b<strong>and</strong> play a variety of instruments (guitars,m<strong>and</strong>olins, bouzouki,violin, harmonicas, whistles,harmonicas <strong>and</strong> percusiion) <strong>and</strong> have made avariety of radio appearences.Many years experience performing <strong>and</strong>entertaining, but still energetic <strong>and</strong> young at heart.Wide variety of <strong>music</strong> solo <strong>and</strong> with various b<strong>and</strong>sincluding The O’Cajunal Playboys, Mind Your OwnBusiness, Br<strong>and</strong>y Wine Bridge <strong>and</strong> Accordion2Us.Medieval, Cajun, Music Hall, Irish/Scottish ceilidh,English/American barn dance. Folk song especiallyof west midl<strong>and</strong>s counties. Vocals <strong>and</strong> variousinstruments: piano accordion, m<strong>and</strong>olin, guitar,keyboard, cittern, etc. True to the spirit of the<strong>music</strong> but entertaining presentation. A varietyof recordings <strong>and</strong> broadcasts <strong>and</strong> experienceworking in a wide range of live venues, large <strong>and</strong>small, from Warwick Castle to BBC Children inNeed, <strong>and</strong> for different target audiences fromchildren to senior citizens.W www.dianajohnstone.comE diana.johnstone2@btinternet.comT +44 (0)7831 119693W www.diaspora<strong>music</strong>.orgE kevinshome@me.comT +44 (0)7884 280195W www.churchley.org.ukE rachurchley@totalise.co.ukT +44 (0)1527 892361Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 23
Doudou Cissoko& Ancient Strings <strong>and</strong>Fabulous ThingsDougie MacLeanDouglas EPowellAcclaimed Senegalese Kora maestro DoudouCissoko presents a sparkling fusion of ancestralinstruments from diverse cultures blended into athoroughly modern <strong>and</strong> eclectic vibe. Doudou’sdistinctive <strong>music</strong> – accompanied by a dynamiccast of international <strong>music</strong>al troubadours – weavesa magical spell to captivate audiences of any age.Sung in Wolof <strong>and</strong> M<strong>and</strong>inka, Doudou’s accessible<strong>music</strong> reinvents the family tradition of his famousfather (the ‘King of Kora’, Soundioulou Cissoko).Moving from soulful <strong>and</strong> mellow to uplifting <strong>and</strong>danceable, the group creates a world-class world<strong>music</strong> sound that effortlessly crosses continents.“Profound <strong>and</strong> spiritual, imbued with timeless wisdom,yet <strong>folk</strong>sy <strong>and</strong> sun-splashed. In Cissoko’s h<strong>and</strong>s, theKora seems to evoke the entire sweep of Creation”– The Guardian ****“Dougie MacLean is Scotl<strong>and</strong>’s pre-eminent singersongwriter<strong>and</strong> a national <strong>music</strong>al treasure” – SingOutUSA. He has built an international reputation assongwriter, composer <strong>and</strong> extraordinary performerwith concerts all over the world including NewYork’s Carnegie Hall, Sydney’s Opera House <strong>and</strong>London’s Festival Theatre. MacLean’s songs havebeen covered by Paolo Nutini, Amy MacDonald,Ronan Keating, Mary Black, Frankie Miller, KathyMattea etc. His “Caledonia” is one of Scotl<strong>and</strong>’smost popular contemporary songs, he’s been thesubject of three BBC TV <strong>music</strong>-documentaries<strong>and</strong> his <strong>music</strong>s been used in Hollywood films <strong>and</strong>TV Drama. Dougie’s received gold discs for albumsales, two prestigious Tartan Clef Awards, a placein the Scottish Music Hall of Fame <strong>and</strong> an OBE!Douglas E Powell is a songwriter, lyricist <strong>and</strong>performer based on the West Coast of the UnitedKingdom. Genre – Anglo Americana, alt-<strong>folk</strong>,alt-country Influences – Peter Bruntnell, Iron <strong>and</strong>Wine, Great Lake Swimmers, Dead Meadow, BillFay Albums – (2007) The Still <strong>and</strong> West, (2009) TheIron Coast, (2012) Hard to Fake Heart Ache Label– Twister Valley RecordsW www.reverbnation.com/doudoucissokosancientstrings<strong>and</strong>fabulousthingsE info@baobabtree.org.ukT +44 (0)207 738 3817 or +44 (0)7798 635566W www.dougiemaclean.comE admin@butterstone.comT +44 (0)1350 724281W www.douglasepowell.co.ukE douglasepowell@hotmail.co.ukT +44 (0)7890 397351Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 24
Eddie WalkerEdwigeElaine Samuels(Kindred Spirit)Old blues guitar ragtime swing hillbilly-country<strong>and</strong> <strong>roots</strong> <strong>folk</strong> for festivals clubs <strong>and</strong> arts venuesworld-wide. One of the British Folk <strong>and</strong> AcousticBlues circuit’s long-time professional singerguitarist songwriters with twelve albums Walkerhas toured shows near <strong>and</strong> far for 35 years.Three Cambridge Folk Festival appearancesEdinburgh Festival Fringe year-on-year <strong>and</strong>major events including Celtic Connections HongKong Auckl<strong>and</strong>-NZ San Danieli del Friuli-IInglemunster-B Skagen-DK <strong>and</strong> Siglufjordur-Icel<strong>and</strong> festivals. Raising the spirit of MississippiJohn Hurt Big Bill Broonzy Jimmie Rodgers <strong>and</strong>Blind Willie McTell amongst many... a seriouslyaccomplished guitar-picker singer songwriter <strong>and</strong>entertainer wearer of large hats <strong>and</strong> bright shirtsthat will illuminate any stage. See also FraserSpeirs <strong>and</strong> Eddie Walker.Edwige, (pronounced as Eduee(d)ge with thesecond d silent), one of the most original <strong>and</strong>inspired artists currently on the acoustic circuit hasjust released her fourth album ‘The Fourth Angel’.A singer/songwriter, she is very highly spoken ofnot only for the quality of her songs but for theuniqueness <strong>and</strong> beauty of her voice; whethersoaring in the higher octaves, or gently flowing inthe lower ranges her singing, Edwige cannot fail togive goose bumps. Inimitable, incomparable <strong>and</strong>exhilarating, she will lift your spirits.Elaine has been singing <strong>and</strong> playing guitar (cittern<strong>and</strong> banjo) in clubs (including the Cavern Club),theatres, arts centres <strong>and</strong> festivals including(Glastonbury <strong>and</strong> Guildford) since the early 1990s.A song-writer, Elaine plays both solo <strong>and</strong> withher duo/trio/b<strong>and</strong> ‘Kindred Spirit’. She has sunglive <strong>and</strong> been interviewed on television on severaloccasions <strong>and</strong> on radio many times. Her b<strong>and</strong> arecontemporary <strong>folk</strong> rock in style, mostly performingher powerful <strong>and</strong> intriguing songs <strong>and</strong> featuringElaine’s haunting <strong>and</strong> beautiful vocals, lovely b<strong>and</strong>harmonies, two lead instrument players (electricviolin, flute, electric guitar <strong>and</strong> saxophone) whoperform electrifying duels, bass, drums <strong>and</strong>percussion. They have been compared to CurvedAir <strong>and</strong> Fleetwood Mac but are really unique!W www.eddiewalker.netE eddie.walker13@ntlworld.comT +44 (0)1642 593780 / 07905 638788W www.edwige.co.ukE edwige_q@hotmail.comT +44 (0)7861 062389W www.elainesamuels.co.ukE elaine@elainesamuels.co.ukT +44 (0)208 898 6040Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 25
Elsa JeanMcTaggartEmiliaMartenssonEmma BlackElsa is an accomplished Scottish singer songwriter. She plays guitar <strong>and</strong> also writes <strong>and</strong>performs tunes for the fiddle <strong>and</strong> whistle <strong>and</strong> hasfrequently been likened vocally to Eva Cassidy,Joni Mitchel <strong>and</strong> Joan Baez..( a highl<strong>and</strong> version!!)The show consists of original compositions of<strong>traditional</strong> style...lively jigs, reels, hornpipes, airsetc, played on the fiddle, whistle <strong>and</strong> button box.Her songs, which would come under ‘world <strong>music</strong>’ranging from <strong>folk</strong> to contemporary, blues, Jazz <strong>and</strong>swing, are performed with the guitar. Elsa writesabout life, about spiritual <strong>and</strong> emotional aspects,<strong>and</strong> about people she has met on her travels. Eachcomposition has its inspiration, so short stories<strong>and</strong> anecdotes are all part <strong>and</strong> parcel to the show.Emilia Mårtensson is a London based singer ofconsiderable repute. Her critically acclaimedcontributions (both as vocalist <strong>and</strong> lyricist) tojazz’s newest stars, Kairos 4Tet no doubt helpedthem bring home a 2011 MOBO Award while herdistinctive voice led the Observer to claim her‘The New Face of British Jazz 2012’. For sure,the jazz vocal legends inform Emilia’s approach,yet it is the Swedish <strong>folk</strong> songs of her countrythat underpins who she is. Her pure, clear tonedintimate voice, at times deeply soulful, at othersethereal, blur the lines between <strong>folk</strong> <strong>and</strong> jazz.Emilia released her critically acclaimed debutalbum ‘And so it goes…’ earlier this year on ‘BabelLabel’, – a recording which shows a finely poisedblend of <strong>folk</strong> <strong>music</strong>, jazz <strong>and</strong> artful alt-pop.Emma Black is a troubadour of some note, ahard working <strong>music</strong>ian who tours in the UK,Germany, Netherl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> Belgium. She islooking to increase her audience <strong>and</strong> continueto work internationally. Here is part of just one ofthe reviews of her latest album Swimming in theMoon, from August 2012 R2 magazine, Britishnational press.. “Strong, smooth <strong>and</strong> captivating,Black delivers accomplished guitar <strong>and</strong> a grippingdissection of contemporary Britian.”W www.mctaggart.infoE garydavidlister@hotmail.comT +44 (0)7890 074307W www.emiliam.comE emiliamartensson_<strong>music</strong>@hotmail.comT +44 (0)7768 484 113W www.emmablack.comE cornflowerrecords@yahoo.co.ukT +44 (0)7737 298504Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 26
Fay Hield & TheHurricane PartyFil CampbellFinFay’s gift for unearthing rare <strong>and</strong> interestingmaterial is well represented through herperformances, including the obscure butbeguiling nursery rhyme ‘Naughty Baby’ <strong>and</strong>the feisty Lancashire mill-girl tour-de-force‘The Old ‘Arris Mill’. The 2012 season sees Fayconfidently fronting a stellar supporting cast; TheHurricane Party. Consisting of some of the finest<strong>folk</strong> <strong>music</strong>ians working today The HurricaneParty features; Andy Cutting (button accordions,melodeon), Rob Harbron (concertina, fiddle), SamSweeney (fiddle, cello, nyckelharpa) <strong>and</strong> JonBoden (fiddle, guitar, m<strong>and</strong>olin). Alongside herburgeoning performing career, Fay is also anacademic, lecturing in Ethno<strong>music</strong>ology at theUniversity of Sheffield.Fil has just released her 6th solo CD – a collectionof <strong>traditional</strong> Irish <strong>folk</strong> songs from a woman’s pointof view – this is the third CD in a series reflectingthe songs that were popular in Irel<strong>and</strong> in the30s <strong>and</strong> 40s as sung by women. Having cut herteeth on the <strong>folk</strong> scene in the 80s <strong>and</strong> 90s withpartner Tom McFarl<strong>and</strong>, Fil has toured in America<strong>and</strong> across Europe performing a mix of her ownsongs <strong>and</strong> <strong>traditional</strong> pieces – always with greatchoruses. A former presenter on BBC Radio Ulster,Fil has also presented TV shows for RTE TV inIrel<strong>and</strong>.Singer songwriter Fin offers a heady mix ofdreamy elegant <strong>folk</strong> <strong>and</strong> classic rock with an edgyacoustic twist. Poetic song writing <strong>and</strong> soaringvocals create an epic <strong>and</strong> atmospheric backdropfor lyrical themes to which everyone can relate. Allthis wrapped up tight in a dynamic <strong>and</strong> melodicdelivery. In 2011 having run a film company foryears Fin decided it was time to focus on <strong>music</strong>.He recorded <strong>and</strong> released his début album,‘These Words Aren’t Meant For Me’, through hislabel Written Records (Produced by Adrian Hall,Mastered by Jon Astley). He is now gigging <strong>and</strong>promoting the album online. It’s generating hypewith global radio play <strong>and</strong> great reviews. BBCIntroducing <strong>and</strong> NME.COM have featured Fin.“Her previous album Looking Glass was good,but Orfeo knocks it into a cocked hat” – fROOTSW www.fayhield.comE info@fayhield.comT +44 (0)7817 804467W www.filcampbell.comE fil@filcampbell.comT +44 (0)28 417 38052W www.finonline.co.ukE info@finonline.co.ukT +44 (0)7961 451912Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 27
FionaFiredazeFolkLawMusician/songwriter fiona was twice crownedBBC UK Choirgirl of the Year as a teen. Shesung with cult vocal group Anúna before touringthe world as lead singer in Riverdance. She hasperformed with Fairport Convention, JackquiMcShee of Pentangle <strong>and</strong> taken the stage at CelticConnections <strong>and</strong> Glastonbury. She exquisitelyblends the contemporary with <strong>traditional</strong> in herstunning debut album ‘fiona’ “New light shining onold st<strong>and</strong>ards” – Lyric FM, “fiona’s singing is peerless”– Net Rhythms. She performs with her all-femaleline up of top multi-instrumentalists fiona’sLegend. Emotive harp, fast paced fiddle, Celticwhistle <strong>and</strong> flute, earthy drums <strong>and</strong> voices inperfect harmony evoke the <strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> spirit ofBritain <strong>and</strong> Irel<strong>and</strong>. “An exceptional young talent”– Classic FM.Firedaze, writers <strong>and</strong> performers of original alt.<strong>folk</strong>,are currently evolving from their dance-<strong>folk</strong>-rockhybrid to a new sound driven by foot percussion<strong>and</strong> sampled drum loops while retaining thelively fusion of rock, <strong>folk</strong>, celtic fiddle melodies<strong>and</strong> rhythms to dance to. All of this augmentingsinger Steff’s distinctive <strong>and</strong> powerful voice. Withthis change in direction Firedaze are currentlyrecording their second album. The line up featuresSteff (vocals, guitar, foot percussion), String (bass,acoustic guitar, backing vocals) <strong>and</strong> Jen (fiddle,backing vocals). In addition to venues acrossthe Midl<strong>and</strong>s, Firedaze have played at numerousfestivals including: Cheltenham Fringe, Off theTracks, Leamington Peace Festival, Earlsdon,Riverside (Stamford), Kenilworth, <strong>and</strong> the FolkMoot (Donnington Le Heath).Nick Gibbs FolkLaw brings you unique, exhilaratingsongs <strong>and</strong> <strong>music</strong>, guaranteed to get feet tapping,minds thinking <strong>and</strong> festival crowds jumping!Acrobatic fiddling <strong>and</strong> earthy vocals are interwovenwith wonderfully distinctive vocal harmonies <strong>and</strong>the bodhran drum, delivered with a compellingenergized stage performance. FolkLaw’s debutalbum ‘Nations Pride’, described as ‘fantastic’ byStroud FM, contained songs which reached thesemi-finals of the UK song writing contest beforedelighting audiences at Arts Centers, FolkClubs<strong>and</strong> Festivals across the UK. Prior to formingFolkLaw, Nick performed with the Bleeding Heartsacross Europe <strong>and</strong> North America, supporting actssuch as the Oysterb<strong>and</strong>, Shane Macgowan <strong>and</strong> theLevellers.“Acrobatic Fiddling!” – Lymm Festival“Songs of social conscience” – fRoots“On the cusp” – R2 magazineW www.fionawight.comE info@fionawight.comT +44 (0)7999 639716W www.firedaze.co.ukE info@firedaze.co.ukT +44 (0)1926 421830W www.<strong>folk</strong>law.co.ukE nick@<strong>folk</strong>law.co.ukT +44 (0)1452 539175Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 28
Folkus PocusForro PorroFraser Speirs &Eddie Walker B<strong>and</strong>Folkus Pocus (Caroline <strong>and</strong> Dan Hollingshurst)are known for their inspirational <strong>folk</strong> dance <strong>music</strong>,blending exciting American contra tunes withlyrical Playford-style <strong>and</strong> <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>music</strong>. Overthe last decade they have become widely regardedas one of the best <strong>folk</strong> dance b<strong>and</strong>s in the UK.Their violin/piano combination has won themmany fans, including the Country Dance <strong>and</strong> SongSociety of America, who said their first CD ‘UnderNo Illusion’, contained “Some of the finest dance<strong>music</strong> you have ever heard”. Available for <strong>folk</strong>festivals, barn dances <strong>and</strong> other events, Caroline<strong>and</strong> Dan are also experienced teachers <strong>and</strong>workshop leaders. See their website or contactthem for details.W www.<strong>folk</strong>uspocus.comE info@<strong>folk</strong>uspocus.comT +44 (0)1782 641158This b<strong>and</strong> plays driving accordion & drum <strong>music</strong>– Brazilian Forró <strong>and</strong> Colombian Vallenato, Porro& Cumbia – <strong>music</strong> that raises spirits <strong>and</strong> fills updancefloors. Featuring accordion, zabumba <strong>and</strong>timbal drums, cavaquinho, viola, guitar, triangle,berimbau, flute, sax <strong>and</strong> clarinet. Plus they canplay on or off stage. The four members each havea wealth of experience on the Jazz, Folk <strong>and</strong>World Music scenes. Forro Porro have appearedat various festivals (Green Note Festival of LatinMusic in London, Henley, Beverley <strong>and</strong> Musicport)Plus various Rural Touring Schemes. Sam Pirt –accordion, vocal; Gary Hammond – timbal drum<strong>and</strong> percussion; Frankie Banham – saxophone,clarinet, triangle, vocal; Pete Jack – zabumbadrum <strong>and</strong> percussion, cavaquinho, viola, guitar,vocal.W www.myspace.com/forroporrowww.mambojambo.co.uk/?page_id=95E mambo<strong>and</strong>jambo@hotmail.comT +44 (0)7770 475278Fraser Speirs has returned from his recent worldwidetouring with Paolo Nutini the #1 single/album of summer 2009 appearances at IOWGlastonbury T-In-The-Park Hollywood Bowl <strong>and</strong>Jools Holl<strong>and</strong> Jonathan Ross <strong>and</strong> Graham NortonTV shows to re-join Eddie Walker <strong>and</strong> be theleading harmonica/acoustic guitar duo working theBritish Folk <strong>and</strong> Roots circuit right now. Red Shoes& Blues is their heady-mix show of guitar ragtimeblues swing <strong>and</strong> Walker originals <strong>and</strong> Speirsinimitable solo harmonica classics <strong>and</strong> the title oftheir debut CD together. Concerts are dynamiccolourful humorous <strong>and</strong> full-on with great <strong>music</strong><strong>and</strong> entertainment. Both teach their respectiveinstruments <strong>and</strong> can provide workshops on playingperformance arrangement <strong>and</strong> stagecraft. Full-timeavailability in Britain Europe <strong>and</strong> World-Wide.W www.fraserspeirs.co.uk/www.eddiewalker.netE fraser.speirs@btopenworld.comeddie.walker13@ntlworld.comT Fraser 07919 311870Eddie 07905 638788 / +44 (0)1642 593780Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 29
Geoff WrightGeorge P.J.StevensGina MackeyCounter-tenor layclerk in a cathedral choir,b<strong>and</strong>leader, piano accordionist <strong>and</strong> concertinaplayer. As a third-generation dance-b<strong>and</strong><strong>music</strong>ian, I have been b<strong>and</strong>leader of BrackenRigg B<strong>and</strong> for nearly 40 years, specialising inplaying for Scottish ceilidh as well as English barndances. I have also served my time playing forOld-Tyme <strong>and</strong> Modern around the Working-Mens’Club circuit. As well as the Scottish accordiontradition, I am steeped in the Northumbrian <strong>and</strong>Irish <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>music</strong> repertoire, with concertinabeing my other speciality, playing both Anglo<strong>and</strong> English concertinas. I am well-known aroundthe <strong>folk</strong>-sessions for leading tune-sessions<strong>and</strong> encouraging beginners in the various <strong>folk</strong>traditions. I also play timpani for a local brassb<strong>and</strong>.During 30 odd years of playing <strong>music</strong> I haveembraced, learnt from <strong>and</strong> been influenced bymany different genres of <strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> have playedeverything from heavy rock to jazz, reggae,<strong>traditional</strong> <strong>folk</strong>, Celtic, early <strong>and</strong> world <strong>music</strong> onnumerous instruments. Core instruments includebouzouki, Border <strong>and</strong> electronic bagpipes, variouspercussion. Current work includes: playingarrangements of original material as part of athree piece (with guitar <strong>and</strong> fiddle); promotingnew album on GPJ Records ‘A Toad in the H<strong>and</strong>’– a collection of <strong>music</strong> based around my owncompositions on bouzouki <strong>and</strong> Border pipes,also featuring other guests <strong>and</strong> instruments;composing a collection of original pipe <strong>music</strong> for apublisher based also in the southeast of Engl<strong>and</strong>.Winner of the All Irel<strong>and</strong> Feis Ceoil, Gina startedher career as a Harpist <strong>and</strong> Vocalist with thefamous Shannon Castle Singers at BunrattyCastle, Co. Clare, Irel<strong>and</strong>. She toured the USA,Canada, South East Asia <strong>and</strong> Europe with theGroup. In the early nineties, she came to London<strong>and</strong> took up the position of resident Harpist at theRitz Hotel. During this time Gina forged a careerfor herself as the leading Irish Harpist in London,performing for all the major Irish Organisations<strong>and</strong> Companies operating out of London. She hasappeared in Music Festivals throughout the U.K,radio <strong>and</strong> T.V shows <strong>and</strong> as the Harpist to the IrishAmbassador she has performed for Royalty <strong>and</strong>Heads of State.W www.brackenrigg.co.ukE brackenrigg@gmail.comT +44 (0)1302 784561 / +44 (0)7713 155416W www.gstevensluthier.co.ukE info@gstevensluthier.co.ukT +44 (0)1797 320152W www.ginamackey.co.ukE gina.mackey@btinternet.comT +44 (0)7971 671056Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 30
GroanboxGuy RogersH<strong>and</strong> to MouthTheatreGroanbox, the North American trio of Paul Clifford,Cory Seznec, <strong>and</strong> Michael Ward-Bergeman, is a<strong>roots</strong> b<strong>and</strong> steeped in <strong>traditional</strong> American <strong>music</strong>with rock <strong>and</strong> roll’s guts <strong>and</strong> a troubadour’s soul.Anchored in the melting pot of New Orleans, theirsound encompasses world influences. With 5albums, numerous tours, <strong>and</strong> live sessions onBBC 3, Groanbox continue to blend accordion,strings <strong>and</strong> junk-yard percussion into a greatstomping live show.“Groanbox are pluralists in the truest sense, stirring theirdeep southern blues with liberal earfuls of Cajun <strong>music</strong>,European gypsy reels, <strong>and</strong> woolly mountain <strong>folk</strong>. Thatit trips along so convincingly is testament to both theirskillful chops <strong>and</strong> a raw production that makes everythingsound vividly alive…” – UNCUT MagazineGuy Rogers has been performing on the acoustic<strong>music</strong> scene for close on 40 years. Originallycaptivated by the thriving <strong>folk</strong> scene in the earlyseventies Guy soon got drawn into bluegrass<strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> has pretty much been playing it eversince. Guy sings <strong>and</strong> plays an eclectic mix of<strong>music</strong> ranging from Bluegrass, Folk, Americana<strong>and</strong> Country, from murder ballads to humour, allplayed on a variety of instruments such as flatpicked guitar, 5 string banjo <strong>and</strong> m<strong>and</strong>olin. Guyalso writes his own songs <strong>and</strong> instrumentals. Guyis currently working on a number of collaborativeprojects as well as working on a solo CD.With their combination of hurdy-gurdy <strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong>rag-bag puppets, Su Eaton <strong>and</strong> Martin Bridle havebeen intriguing <strong>and</strong> entertaining families in forests<strong>and</strong> castles, <strong>and</strong> at festivals <strong>and</strong> celebrationsaround the UK <strong>and</strong> abroad since 1980, <strong>and</strong>are guaranteed to deliver a <strong>music</strong>al, witty <strong>and</strong>enchanting performance.‘Piggery Jokery’ <strong>and</strong> ‘The Dragon’s Tale’ add asprinkling of weird spice for the festival zeitgeist,<strong>and</strong> have been hugely popular for family audiencesat Towersey, Shrewsbury, Festival at the Edge,Wickham <strong>and</strong> Bromyard Festivals.New for 2013 - ‘The First Banana in Engl<strong>and</strong>!’W www.groanbox.comE groanbox@groanbox.comT +44 (0)7895 004708W www.guyrogers.infoE guy@guyrogers.infoT +44 (0)7961 061489W www.h<strong>and</strong>tomouth.co.ukE htmtheatre@btopenworld.comT +44 (0)2380 292203Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 31
HannaHarryMacFadyenHassan ErrajiHanna is an accomplished multi instrument/ singersongwriter <strong>and</strong> her fresh <strong>and</strong> original compositionsencompass a range of styles <strong>and</strong> moods, fromsoulful ballads, uptown grooves, chilled-outambience to deep-felt spirituality. Hers is a talentinformed by a broad <strong>music</strong>al heritage <strong>and</strong> roadtestedextensively, touring throughout the UK <strong>and</strong>Europe. Her voice’s range from sexy soulful to airyambience <strong>and</strong> her <strong>music</strong>al is a clear <strong>and</strong> powerfulemotional expression that has already gained hera considerable following since moving to Brighton.She has produced two solo albums <strong>and</strong> currentlyfinishing her third <strong>and</strong> 9 albums with previousb<strong>and</strong>s. She is an integral member of a <strong>folk</strong> funkb<strong>and</strong> ‘The fold’ <strong>and</strong> has her own b<strong>and</strong> ‘Angels ofelsewhere.I am a professional entertainer based in Glenshee<strong>and</strong> I have regular gigs at local hotels <strong>and</strong> alsoparticipate in the <strong>music</strong> for hospitals schemebased in Edinburgh. I am happy to travel <strong>and</strong>I have full PA equipment. Recently played at awedding in Germany. I have three strings to mybow in that I can produce a solo act or as a duowith an accordionist <strong>and</strong> also the front man for aceilidh b<strong>and</strong>. I play guitar, m<strong>and</strong>olin <strong>and</strong> bagpipes<strong>and</strong> I sing Scottish, Irish, 50s <strong>and</strong> 60s as well assome country. I am also a songwriter <strong>and</strong> haverecorded several of my compositions with manymore in the pipeline.Hassan Erraji is a Moroccan Master Musician– a singer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist <strong>and</strong>storyteller of international reputation. He performsas a soloist or in collaboration with other artists,tells <strong>and</strong> writes stories, has released severalprofessional CDs, composes film <strong>music</strong>, hasperformed in major international festivals suchas Frankfurt Guitar Festival, Teatro di Polverigi(Italy), Inroads Africa (New York), Glastonbury,Womad, Sidmouth, Folkeast,Tales of Graz (Austria)…to name but a few! Currently he performs inarts venues, festivals <strong>and</strong> private parties, givesdarbouka, b<strong>and</strong>ir, melody <strong>and</strong> master-classworkshops, composes <strong>and</strong> produces <strong>music</strong> forfilm <strong>and</strong> theatre.Discography: several professional CDs distributedworldwideW www.hannaburchell.co.ukE hannaburchell@hotmail.co.ukT +44 (0)7814 711531W www.harrymacfadyen.co.ukE info@harrymacfadyen.co.ukT +44 (0)1250 882316W www.myspace.com/hassanerrajiE fann2000@btinternet.comT +44 (0)7762 260797Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 32
Heather EnidWellsHomeboundHorizontalSundayI grew up in Hertfordshire <strong>and</strong> began learningguitar <strong>and</strong> banjo in my teens, originally taughtby Derek Brimstone, before moving to Norwichto play bass professionally. A few years agomy interest in guitar <strong>and</strong> songwriting revived<strong>and</strong>, although I don’t have a great voice, mysolo album, ‘Different Windows’, had some nicereviews <strong>and</strong> soon sold out. I’m currently writing<strong>and</strong> recording more original songs <strong>and</strong> fingerstyleguitar instrumentals, some of which, with lyrics,pictures <strong>and</strong> guitar tab, can be found via myTravelling Records website. I perform solo onguitar at festivals, clubs <strong>and</strong> acoustic-style venues,in between playing a lot of bass gigs with differentb<strong>and</strong>s.Homebound creates an intensely spellbinding<strong>music</strong>al experience with a combination ofbagpipes, voice, harp, cello, guitar, tabla<strong>and</strong> drums. Their unique sound is created bytransforming a variety of <strong>music</strong>al cultures intoa sensational new concept which has beendescribed as “surely the coolest new <strong>music</strong>genre around” (Arts Journal). The bagpipe isthe uniting instrument in this diverse potpourriof cultural variety. With its hypnotic drone, thisancient instrument is the link between medievaldance tunes, Indian textures <strong>and</strong> Gaelic <strong>music</strong>from Scotl<strong>and</strong>. Since Homebound was founded in2005 by Thomas Zöller, the b<strong>and</strong> has performedat festivals throughout Europe, including CelticConnections, Piping Live!, InterkeltischesFolkfestival <strong>and</strong> Gaelic Crossroads. “Engaging<strong>music</strong>” – ScotsmanHorizontal Sunday are <strong>folk</strong> trio based in Newcastleupon Tyne <strong>and</strong> have been gigging regularly since2010. They have achieved much acclaim in thistime having performed with high profile artistssuch as Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham, HaraldHaugaard <strong>and</strong> KAN, they have been booked atseveral festivals <strong>and</strong> venues including BeverleyFolk Festival <strong>and</strong> at The Sage Gateshead.Their debut album ‘It’s Complicated’ has beenwarmly received by an increasingly growing fanbase. Horizontal Sunday perform sumptuousarrangements drawn from the b<strong>and</strong>’s collectivetraditions <strong>and</strong> experiences from across the BritishIsles <strong>and</strong> have been described as ‘captivating’ <strong>and</strong>‘magical’. “Spellbinding tunes, lushly arranged. A trio atthe forefront of a new generation of precociously gifted<strong>music</strong>ians” – Aidan O’Rourke.W www.travellingrecords.co.uk/heatherE heather.e.wells@btopenworld.comT +44 (0)1603 413509W www.homebound.euE info@homebound.euT +44 (0)7791 018761W www.horizontalsunday.co.ukE horizontalsunday@hotmail.co.ukT +44 (0)7929 577894Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 33
Hugh StewartIndian SummerInlayHugh Stewart is a Scottish singer/guitarist.He performs as a soloist or in a duo with AlanMorley (of UK <strong>folk</strong> <strong>music</strong> website.) Hugh is also amember of the popular Midl<strong>and</strong>s Folk-Rock b<strong>and</strong>,JigeryFolkery, in which he plays the m<strong>and</strong>olin.Hugh enjoys taking old Scots songs <strong>and</strong> trying outnew melodies for them, usually including a chorusfor people to join in: he never actually performssolo: the audience is there too! Hugh plays bothin the Midl<strong>and</strong>s of Engl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> in Scotl<strong>and</strong>, ashe <strong>and</strong> family have a flat in Glasgow <strong>and</strong> a housenear Derby. Hugh is an excellent <strong>and</strong> experiencedperformer who has taken on over 300 gigs in thelast 4 years.Indian Summer are an unusually versatile b<strong>and</strong>.One incarnation is as a <strong>folk</strong>–rock b<strong>and</strong> with aheavy dose of funk – the rhythm section alsoworks in fusion b<strong>and</strong>s! We play <strong>traditional</strong>mediaeval <strong>music</strong>. And we play <strong>traditional</strong> Ceilidhs -Irish/Scots/English dances – reels, jigs, hornpipes,polkas; ideal for weddings <strong>and</strong> birthdays. Ournearest relatives are Pentangle, Steeleye Span<strong>and</strong> Clannad. We cover songs by all these b<strong>and</strong>s,also Scots, Irish <strong>and</strong> English <strong>traditional</strong> ballads<strong>and</strong> broadsheet songs; we perform a wide rangeof Appalachian <strong>and</strong> Cajun songs, <strong>and</strong> producea great deal of original material. Available forconcerts, ceilidhs, <strong>and</strong> workshops. Ideal forweddings, christenings, parties of any description.We can also play for you in your own home.Inlay are a collaborative four-piece <strong>folk</strong> group,formed in 2010 whilst studying <strong>music</strong> in Norwich.Drawing upon elements of each individual’s<strong>music</strong>al background, Inlay play a mixture of both<strong>traditional</strong> <strong>and</strong> original material. With the aid of:violin, accordion, guitar, 5-string banjo, slideguitar, bodhrán, percussion, m<strong>and</strong>olin <strong>and</strong> vocalharmonies; Inlay endeavor to produce a rich <strong>and</strong>full-bodied sound from a small ensemble. Overthe past year, Inlay have performed across theUK, sharing stages with the likes of: Uiscedwr,Calan, Dervish, Emily Portman, Lucy Ward, JoeBroughton & Kevin Dempsey…W www.myspace.com/hughjstewart01E hughstewart101@aol.co.ukT +44 (0)7536 058582W www.indiansummer<strong>folk</strong>.co.ukE enquiries@indiansummer<strong>folk</strong>.co.ukT +44 (0)1733 310968W www.inlay<strong>music</strong>.co.ukE inlay<strong>music</strong>uk@gmail.comT +44 (0)7904 314619Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 34
J EoinJake ManningJamie Williams& The Roots CollectiveIrish born <strong>folk</strong> singer <strong>and</strong> guitarist J Eoin settledin London in the 1990’s. His new album ‘Acrobat’produced by Gerry Diver (Lisa Knapp – ‘Wild <strong>and</strong>Undaunted’) is scheduled for release throughCrescent Moon Records. Previous album releasesinclude the critically acclaimed ‘Exiles’ (2005)which featured the song ‘Sean One Shoe’. Writtenas a tribute to the ‘Irish Navvies’ it has been usedin both RTE <strong>and</strong> BBC productions. “A truly giftedsongwriter” – Irish Post whose <strong>music</strong> is “steepedin Irish history <strong>and</strong> mythology” – The Guardian whileretaining a “totally modern <strong>and</strong> enchanting edge”– Musician Magazine. An experienced performer<strong>and</strong> accompanist, J Eoin is renowned for hisinterpretation of the Irish Tradition. He is currentlyworking with flautist Jacquelyn Hynes.A talented singer songwriter who plays mellow<strong>and</strong> original modern <strong>folk</strong> <strong>music</strong>. Jake’s sound<strong>and</strong> performance have been likened to DevendraBanhart, The Incredible String B<strong>and</strong>, BenHoward, James Taylor <strong>and</strong> Dougie MacLean. Hiscontemplative lyrics can be amusing or poignant,soothing or exhilarating <strong>and</strong> his intimate singing isbolstered with accurate, strong picking on twelvestring guitar, <strong>and</strong> a little freewheeling harmonica.Jake’s debut EP was produced in 2012 at PaulEpworth’s Wolf Tone studio, London. A captivatingperformer who has created a unique <strong>and</strong> hauntingsound all his own, “Jake crafts quirkily brilliant <strong>and</strong>cleverly understated songs, staged with a gentleness thatdoesn’t totally obscure the firm steel beneath” – RodWarner, The (plexus) Collective.‘Jamie Williams & the Roots Collective’ one of themost refreshing new b<strong>and</strong>s to emerge from the UKalt country/Americana scene for a long time. Theirexplosive energy, infectious songs & immense joyin playing make them firm favorites with audiencesboth in venues & at festivals where they alwaysget the crowd up on their feet dancing. 2012 sawthem play at play Cosmic Puffin; StowBlues Fest;Wix Boogie Country Rock Festival; BrightlingseaFree Music Festival & the Cambridge Rock Festivalamongst others. The b<strong>and</strong>’s debut CD ‘Feet onthe Ground’ has received good reviews & theyare now back in the studio working on their followup, working title ‘Bad Loser’ due for release early2013.W www.j-eoin.comE info@j-eoin.comT +44 (0)7949 472961W www.jakemanning.comE jakemanning@hotmail.comT +44 (0)7508 542007W www.jamiewilliams<strong>and</strong>the<strong>roots</strong>collective.co.ukE jamiewilliams4870@gmail.comT +44 (0)7841 938818Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 35
Jennifer CrookJoanna WestonJoe Lannon“Utterly beguiling… irresistible songs <strong>and</strong> a clearengaging vocal style” – Properg<strong>and</strong>a“Amazing… gives modern <strong>folk</strong> a good name.” – Zeitgeist“Beautiful” – Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2Jennifer has been enjoying a growing followingsince her latest release ‘Merry-Go-Round’ whichconfirms her status as an exceptional songwriteras well as one of the UK’s top harp players.Produced by Boo Hewerdine (<strong>and</strong> includingguests Eddi Reader <strong>and</strong> Darrell Scott), the vividstorytelling, beautiful imagery, <strong>and</strong> infectiousmelodies have earned her excellent reviews,national airplay <strong>and</strong> a live session with Bob Harris.Whether performing solo with guitar <strong>and</strong> harp, orbeautifully accompanied by cellist Bethany Porter(Eliza Carthy B<strong>and</strong>) <strong>and</strong> Mike Cosgrave (JackieOates) on accordion/guitar, Jennifer is“A class act” – R2.Joanna’s songs weave beautiful melodies aroundhonest, heart on sleeve stories about life, love<strong>and</strong> loss that are delivered in a hypnotic sopranovoice that’s both gutsy <strong>and</strong> fragile. Her intimateperformances draw you in close <strong>and</strong> leave youwanting more. You’ll find her performing solo orwith her b<strong>and</strong> at some of the most prestigious<strong>music</strong> venues <strong>and</strong> festivals in the UK <strong>and</strong>overseas. Joanna’s EP ‘Pieces Of The Puzzle’is now available. Her <strong>music</strong> is taking the <strong>folk</strong>scene by storm <strong>and</strong> receiving critical recognitionby all who have acoustic flavour blood. Riding awave in 2012: new album <strong>and</strong> wider internationalaudiences… who knows what may come next?Joe Lannon is a singer songwriter, guitarist <strong>and</strong>a peripatetic guitar tutor. He examines for Guitarwith the London College of Music/RGT. Hegained a prestigious Finalist position in the UKSongwriting Contest (Brit Trust) in 2007. He has aGuitar Teacher’s Diploma from the London Collegeof Music <strong>and</strong> a Grade 8 Distinction in guitar. Hewrites soulful lyrics with a laid back acoustic style.In a previous life he was a research engineer <strong>and</strong> aMinister of Religion; with a PhD in Theology froma British University. It’s no wonder he sings aboutmelancholic themes of darkness <strong>and</strong> light <strong>and</strong>his songs contain echoes of Nick Drake <strong>and</strong> CatStevens. He is currently producing his first album.W www.jennifercrook.comE info@jennifercrook.comT +44 (0)7771 906422W www.joannaweston.comE jo@joannaweston.comT +44 (0)7801 515852W www.myguitartutor.co.ukE lannonjoe@googlemail.comT +44 (0)7584 078995Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 36
John DipperJohn MalcolmJohn O’ConnellPlaying the violin, concertina, guitar <strong>and</strong> singing,John is a respected <strong>and</strong> established performer,composer <strong>and</strong> teacher. His unique playingstyle, <strong>and</strong> his compositions convey a deepunderst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>and</strong> passion for the indigenousculture of Engl<strong>and</strong>. As an experienced workshopleader <strong>and</strong> teacher, John’s knowledge, experience<strong>and</strong> enthusiasm combine to make him a muchsought-after tutor in academic institutions,festivals <strong>and</strong> <strong>music</strong>-camps/schools. With hisknowledge of the construction <strong>and</strong> physicsbehind the workings of the violin, <strong>and</strong> his<strong>music</strong>al knowledge <strong>and</strong> approach, he is able tooffer a unique insight into the world of <strong>music</strong>.John performs in several different groups <strong>and</strong>ensembles including The English AcousticCollective, <strong>and</strong> the ground-breaking string quartet:Methera.John Malcolm is a singer/songwriter guitaristperforming self-penned <strong>and</strong> <strong>traditional</strong> songs. Hehas been performing for many years <strong>and</strong> producedtwo cds ‘Bridges’ <strong>and</strong> ‘S<strong>and</strong>s of Time’ onindependent label available on Amazon <strong>and</strong> itunes.You can see him perform on his YouTube site atwww.youtube.com/johnclmalcolm/user/videosHe also performs as part of the three-pieceScottish <strong>folk</strong> group Cruachan famed for theirentertaining performances at concerts <strong>and</strong>ceilidhs at home <strong>and</strong> abroad. John is also aguitar tutor at Glasgow Fiddle Workshop <strong>and</strong>teaches songwriting in his local schools in SouthLanarkshire.Formerly ‘Groundpig’, singer songwriter JohnO’Connell has featured 3 times on Folkscene(BBC Radio Merseyside); finished 2nd in twoInternational songwriting competitions; toured withStephen Bishop; had ‘Out on the Vine’ selected asthe theme <strong>music</strong> for the British Film ‘A WeddingMost Strange’; <strong>and</strong> twice performed at theInternational Guitar Festival of GB. His reputationhas been established through his precision playing<strong>and</strong> live performances. There are many guises tohis repertoire, including his Simply Dylan project,but it is his own original songs mixed with timelessclassics that reflect his talent. Playing nylon <strong>and</strong>steel string-guitar, 5 string-banjo <strong>and</strong> harmonica;it is his early influences of Grossman, Jansch <strong>and</strong>Renbourne that delicately resonate through his<strong>music</strong>.W www.johndipper.co.ukE johndipper@mac.comT +44 (0)7980 917449W www.john-malcolm.comE info@john-malcolm.comT +44 (0)1357 529906W www.johnpig.comE info@johnpig.comT +44 (0)7932 350297Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 37
John VanekJohn Ward &Mario PriceJohnny& The Prison Didn’tHelp BoysJohn Vanek is a London underground busker,songwriter <strong>and</strong> performer. John’s songs haveprovided soundtracks for short films relatedto <strong>music</strong>, health <strong>and</strong> recovery. John regularlyperforms In London, Liverpool <strong>and</strong> Derry innorthern Irel<strong>and</strong>. As a <strong>music</strong>ian John is noted forhis slide guitar, keyboard <strong>and</strong> harmonica skills.These are featured on songs like ‘Slipstream’<strong>and</strong> ‘Hear the voice of the Bard’, which is acollaboration with words by the poet <strong>and</strong> visionaryWilliam Blake.Singer <strong>and</strong> multi instrumentalist, John Ward,has released six critically acclaimed albums <strong>and</strong>played extensively across Engl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> overseas.John <strong>and</strong> his <strong>music</strong>al partner, Mario Price, on violincomprise a long st<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>and</strong> exciting acousticduo. Together they perform a highly eclecticmix of john’s original compositions, st<strong>and</strong>ard<strong>and</strong> <strong>traditional</strong> songs <strong>and</strong> beautiful, high energyinstrumentals. John’s most recent album, East ofthe Sunrise is a collection of songs from his nativeEast Anglia which has gained excellent reviewsThought provoking, often humorous, alwaysentertaining, (a full b<strong>and</strong> is also available) “a singer<strong>and</strong> guitarist to watch out for” – The Times;“ Excellent” – Folk Roots ; “Excellent” – Grapevine“..powerful tales...canny depictions...” – Living Tradition“ Excellent lyrics, beautiful tunes” – FolRoundaboutJohnny <strong>and</strong> the Prison Didn’t Help Boys grewout of the back room of that legendary Sheffield<strong>music</strong> pub - Fagan’s - when Johnny 2 GuitarsFuller’s early songs quickly attracted the <strong>music</strong>altalents of Telecasting Trev Thomas, Fretless WillHiorns, Fingers Chris Coates, Smiley Dave Young<strong>and</strong> Country Dave Chang. After a victorious Battleof the B<strong>and</strong>s contest, several bookings followedthroughout the North <strong>and</strong> Midl<strong>and</strong>s, <strong>and</strong> thus theb<strong>and</strong>’s unique br<strong>and</strong> of New-Old-Timey-Country-Rock-Folk-Rock-Blues slowly evolved into thelegendary live act it has become, with an eclecticrange of songs which are by turn pithy, comic,moving <strong>and</strong> tub-thumping fun. And there’s sometunes for dancing...W www.reverbnation.com/johnlvanekE johnvanek@londonbusker.comT +44 (0)7771 507423W www.johnward.org.ukE info@johnward.org.ukT +44 (0)1502 588137W www.johnny<strong>and</strong>theboys.co.ukE johnny2guitars@blueyonder.co.ukT +44 (0)7590 456477Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 38
Jon MaybeyJon SterckxJonathan“jayjay” QuickAcoustic Guitarist <strong>and</strong> m<strong>and</strong>olin player fusingacoustic <strong>roots</strong>, <strong>folk</strong>, jazz <strong>and</strong> blues with loops<strong>and</strong> FX. Whispering tales of many cultures <strong>and</strong>experiences through his instruments, Jon Maybeybreathes life <strong>and</strong> vibrancy into <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>and</strong>contemporary <strong>folk</strong> <strong>music</strong>. Instrumental <strong>music</strong>for the heart, head <strong>and</strong> tapping toes! Jon alsoperforms, writes <strong>and</strong> produces with electro-<strong>folk</strong>b<strong>and</strong> ‘Elephant Talk’.Jon Sterckx is a UK based percussionist withover 20 years experience of playing worldpercussion. Trained in Indian tabla in India & UK,Jon also plays Middle Eastern & West Africanpercussion. He performs Indian classical <strong>music</strong>with Sitar player Ricky Romain. Together theyhave developed a reputation for their on stagerapport <strong>and</strong> dynamic performances that begin withslow, meditative melodies unfolding into complexexciting rhythmical interplay. Drumscapes - hissolo multi percussion performance is a synthesisof <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>music</strong>ianship <strong>and</strong> contemporarylive electronics. Drums from India, Africa <strong>and</strong>the Middle East sit alongside vocal percussion<strong>and</strong> cutting edge technology, bringing <strong>traditional</strong>world percussion together with 21st centuryperformance tools.Jonathan “jayjay” Quick is an experienced multiinstrumentalist,playing mostly in the <strong>folk</strong> <strong>and</strong>jazz genres. His main instruments are fretlessbass guitar <strong>and</strong> double bass, but he is also am<strong>and</strong>olin <strong>and</strong> m<strong>and</strong>ola player, <strong>and</strong> is competenton charango <strong>and</strong> 6-string guitar. Recent recordingcredits include albums by Chara, Nicky Johns,Richard G Burley, Carnival Girl, Velveteen Rabbit,Billy Br<strong>and</strong>t <strong>and</strong> Sarana Verlin, with Verlin’s 2010album Bats & Butterflies (to which he contributedas a songwriter as well as a player, arranger <strong>and</strong>producer) winning the Outst<strong>and</strong>ing Acoustic/ FolkRecording category at the 2011 Detroit MusicAwards.W www.jonmaybey.co.ukE jonmaybey@gmail.comT +44 (0)1823 662358W www.jonsterckx.co.ukE jon@jonsterckx.co.ukT +44 (0)7913 665595W www.jjquick.comE jj.quick@takisunchis.comT +44 (0) 7715 849 913Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 39
JonathanTarpleeJulia TitusJulian GaskellWhat others have said; “Rare vocal tone” – RadicalsRising, “Powerful voice, quirky <strong>folk</strong>-rock” – HereComes The Flood, “Beautifully crafted songs with bite<strong>and</strong> edge” – Mind, Body & Boogie festival, “Powerfullyrics <strong>and</strong> absorbing melodies” – Nigel Stonier.Jonathan’s <strong>music</strong> has been used by the both theBBC <strong>and</strong> the SAS (surfers against sewerage!)He has supported the likes of Nick Harper &Attila The Stockbroker solo on their UK tours, anaccomplished guitarist who has written hundredsof songs <strong>and</strong> played live at The InternationalEisteddfod, The Nantwich Jazz Festival, The MindBody & Boogie Festival, The Middlewich Boat &Folk Festival, Alex<strong>and</strong>er’s Jazz Theatre & manyother great venues, festivals & even coffee bars.I am a singer/songwriter <strong>and</strong> perform my owntracks <strong>and</strong> also covers in a Blues B<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> alsoin a Reggae/Lovers Rock b<strong>and</strong>. I try not to bepolitical, but true to the emotions <strong>and</strong> responsesto the happenings in the World. I prefer singing livebut have recorded a few tracks in the Studio; mymost memorable being for the victims’ families ofthe Twin Towers disaster called ‘I forgot to say Ilove you’ I just love singing.The sound of a tumbledown world of gypsypunkaccordion, surf klezmer, speak-easyragtime, intellectual drinking <strong>and</strong> protest songs,romantic piano torch ballads, sweet musettewaltzes, weeping country laments, violent tangos<strong>and</strong> stomping balkan skiffle beats. Singer <strong>and</strong>songwriter, multi-instrumentalist <strong>and</strong> nomadicone-man-garage-orchestra Julian Gaskell howls<strong>and</strong> hollers his way through a global cacophony,leaping from cockney cowboy drawling to barelyuttered murmurs of eloquent discontent, alldelivered with a sharp, lyrical edge. Havingscoured the world as a silent-movie style pianist<strong>and</strong> cabaret accordionist in theatre shows, heis now back in Cornwall gigging <strong>and</strong> recordingwith his loose collective of ‘Ragged TrouseredPhilanthropists’– a home-grown tour-de-force of<strong>music</strong>al <strong>and</strong> lyrical recklessness, the wall-of-thriftsound.W www.jt<strong>music</strong>.blogspot.co.ukE jtarplee@hotmail.comT +44 (0)7906 225 002W www.juliatitus.comE julia.titus55@gmail.comT +44 (0)7899 764717W www.juliangaskell.co.ukE mail@juliangaskell.co.ukT +44 (0)7718 893800Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 40
KarenMarshalsayKate DoubledayKatey BrooksKaren Marshalsay is a master of <strong>traditional</strong>Scottish harp <strong>music</strong>. Specialising on all threeScottish harps – the wire- <strong>and</strong> gut-strung models<strong>and</strong> the baroque bray harp with its buzzing sitareffect – Karen has appeared throughout the UK,Europe, America <strong>and</strong> Australia. Career highlightsinclude the Edinburgh International Festival,Celtic Connections, <strong>and</strong> the Australian NationalFolk Festival. She has also worked in African <strong>and</strong>Paraguayan <strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> on multi-cultural projectsincluding Yatra, which premiered at the EdinburghMela in 2008. As a composer, Karen has producednew works for Celtic Connections’ New Voicesseries <strong>and</strong> the Distil showcase concerts for theScottish Traditional Music Trust <strong>and</strong> has publishedher own series of harp <strong>music</strong> books.Quite often i like to tuck myself away on a movingtrain on the cambrian coastline - i’m happy there.sometimes i forage for songs in the hedgerows,put them into preserving jars <strong>and</strong> wait for themto mull. A bicycle takes me on journeys to secretgardens where people <strong>and</strong> plants seem to growwell together. The migrating birds teach me aboutfinding ‘home’ <strong>and</strong> keeping close to warm airwhere flying becomes a little easier. Wild <strong>and</strong> tinyhabitats seem to make good performing placesto share singing stories <strong>and</strong> watch the seasonschange through the evening light.“It’s lie-down-in-a-darkened-room-to-drink-it-all-in good”– Venue Magazine. ‘Folked-Up Soul’ Bristol singersongwriterKatey Brooks has been captivatingaudiences with her rich vocal depth <strong>and</strong> style inthe UK <strong>and</strong> abroad, earning herself an AmazonFolk Chart No.1 with her self-released debutalbum ‘Proof Of Life’, BBC Bristol Introducing’s‘Album of the Week’; <strong>and</strong> Venue, <strong>and</strong> ShakenstirMagazine’s Top Albums of 2010. Brooks featureson BBC 2’s Children in Need Album ‘B<strong>and</strong>agedTogether’, recorded at Abbey Road; has performedat Glastonbury, <strong>and</strong> WOMAD; headlined the BBCIntroducing Stage at Wychwood; <strong>and</strong> receivedairplay on BBC Radio 1 <strong>and</strong> 6 Music. The futureis bright for Miss Brooks, with songs ready forthe next album, <strong>and</strong> the plan to take the Folk/Americana world by storm!W www.karenmarshalsay.comE info@karenmarshalsay.comT +44 (0)7710 496730W www.katedoubleday.comE kate@katedoubleday.comT +44 (0)7941 908891W www.kateybrooks.comE katey@kateybrooks.comT +44 (0)7557 790970Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 41
Kendrick/NeedhamKieran HalpinKim Lowings &The GreenwoodKeith <strong>and</strong> Sylvia sing mainly English <strong>traditional</strong><strong>and</strong> <strong>traditional</strong>ly influenced contemporary songs<strong>and</strong> work extensively all over the UK, Europe <strong>and</strong>beyond.Both have a very wide ranging repertoire,strong voices <strong>and</strong> uncannily compatible <strong>and</strong>complimentary styles of delivery, affording anexciting enhancement in duo <strong>and</strong> between themproduce a striking acapella harmony sound. Witha formidable history of performing experiencebehind them, their recorded work is matchedonly by their live gigs which are always a vocal<strong>and</strong> <strong>music</strong>al revelation as well as a hoot! Theyaccompany themselves <strong>and</strong> play lively dancetunes on three different systems of the only Englishinvented <strong>music</strong>al instrument – the Concertina.Since 1979 Kieran Halpin has recorded 19 albums,one live DVD <strong>and</strong> published 2 songbooks. He is asuccessful songwriter with many songs coveredby other artists. He has recorded in his nativeIrel<strong>and</strong>, Scotl<strong>and</strong>, London, Nashville, Oxford <strong>and</strong>Sydney. Whilst his albums are eagerly awaited, it islive on stage is where Halpin shines. Powerful <strong>and</strong>passionate, intimate <strong>and</strong> intense, he is impossibleto ignore. He has managed to marry intelligent<strong>and</strong> thought provoking lyrics with great melodies<strong>and</strong> has developed over the years into a writerwith a unique voice. All of this is underscored byan incisive <strong>and</strong> surprising wit. Halpin is equallyat home playing to a small <strong>folk</strong> club as a largefestival.Kim Lowings & The Greenwood are a collective of<strong>music</strong>ians from Stourbridge in the West Midl<strong>and</strong>s.Kim is a <strong>folk</strong> singer & songwriter <strong>and</strong> together,with the b<strong>and</strong>, she weaves <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>folk</strong> songsfrom the British Isles <strong>and</strong> original contemporarymaterial. The unique sound of The Greenwood isperhaps partly due to the sound of the mountaindulcimer which Kim often uses to write <strong>and</strong>perform her songs. Their debut album ‘This Life’was released August 2012 <strong>and</strong> has been receivingrave reviews.W www.keithkendrick.comE keith@keithkendrick.comT +44 (0)7885 345367W www.kieranhalpin.comE kieran@kieranhalpin.comT +44 (0)175020619W www.kimlowings.comE kim.lowings@gmail.comT +44 (0)7734922160Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 42
Kiss TheMistressLaldyLeon Rosselson“Intriguing trio with unusual instrumental combination.The dynamic <strong>music</strong>ianship embodies a restless, unbridledenergy that propels them skillfully through tunes withinventive time -signatures <strong>and</strong> vocal tracks that embraceretold legends <strong>and</strong> Gaelic waulking songs” –fRootsThe unique combination of lyrical ‘cello/voice,driving chromatic button accordion <strong>and</strong> melodicbodhran creates a sound that is compelling <strong>and</strong>engaging. Their material is delivered with passion<strong>and</strong> precision influenced by Celtic <strong>roots</strong>, EasternEuropean <strong>and</strong> Rock. The recently exp<strong>and</strong>ed lineupincludes; flute/whistle, guitar <strong>and</strong> Afro Cubanpercussion, introducing a World Music element totheir new material. Their debut CD ‘About Time’has been well received gaining excellent reviews<strong>and</strong> radio air play. “Just wonderful” – BBC RadioShropshire Sunday FolkLaldy (Morag Christie <strong>and</strong> Sarah Edwards) play<strong>folk</strong> <strong>and</strong> original acoustic <strong>music</strong>. Morag grew upin Edinburgh playing guitar <strong>and</strong> singing Scottish<strong>traditional</strong> songs, then started playing <strong>and</strong> singingat <strong>folk</strong> clubs. Morag now writes her own songs<strong>and</strong> sings regularly at <strong>folk</strong> clubs in Nottingham.Sarah spent her childhood in France learningflute <strong>and</strong> guitar then moved to Nottinghamshire,where she returned to the guitar <strong>and</strong> whistle <strong>and</strong>began song-writing. She met Morag in 2006 <strong>and</strong>they’ve been playing together ever since. Laldyhave played at venues including <strong>folk</strong> clubs inBeeston <strong>and</strong> Mansfield, the Maze, the Lion pubin Nottingham, Dunkirk <strong>and</strong> Lenton Festival <strong>and</strong>Nottinghamshire LGBT Pride.Leon Rosselson has been at the forefront ofsongwriting in Britain for over 50 years. His songsrange from the lyrical to the satirical, from thepersonal to the political, from the humorous tothe poignant. ‘Tim McGuire’, Don’t Get Married,Girls’, ‘St<strong>and</strong> Up For Judas’, ‘The Neighbours’Cat’, ‘Conversation on a Mobile’, ‘Skin’, ‘MyFather’s Jewish World’, ‘The World Turned UpsideDown’, (which has become an anthem for protestmovements) – no other British songwriter haswritten so many finely crafted songs over somany years covering such diverse subjects <strong>and</strong>using such a variety of forms. He has published 2songbooks <strong>and</strong> released 12 CDs plus a 4CD boxset of 72 songs spanning 50 years of songwriting.W www.kissthemistress.co.ukE kissthemistress@googlemail.comT +44 (0)7788 101659W www.myspace.com/laldy<strong>music</strong>E laldy<strong>music</strong>@gmail.comT +44 (0)7800 868085W www.leonrosselson.co.ukE leonrosselson@mac.comT +44 (0)20 8902 0655Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 43
Lester SimpsonLime QuartetLisa Fitzgibbon& the PowerFolk Quartet“Some of the best song writing in Britain” – AndyKershaw BBC Radio 1“Shed loads of talent” – Mike Harding BBC Radio 2“Lester Simpson also proves himself an exceptionalsongwriter” – MojoBBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2011finalist with theinternationally acclaimed ‘Coope Boyes <strong>and</strong>Simpson’ best group, best album. Works as asoloist with; vocals, melodeon, ukulele <strong>and</strong> pipes,Numerous recordings, UK, USA <strong>and</strong> Europe.Sessions BBC Radio 1,2,3,4. Film <strong>and</strong> theatreinclude The Royal Shakespeare Company ‘TheBarbican’ <strong>and</strong> National Theatre London withMichael Murpurgo. Film scores commissions.Soundtrack “In Fl<strong>and</strong>ers Fields” Museum Belgium.Leader of three harmony choirs. Harmonyworkshops in the UK <strong>and</strong> Europe. Collaborativework with classical guitarist James Boyd.London has always resonated with the sounds<strong>and</strong> songs of the world. The Lime Quartet weavesa modern <strong>music</strong>al tapestry from these diversethreads with banjo, violin, guitar, concertina,hammered dulcimer, assorted percussion <strong>and</strong> solo<strong>and</strong> ensemble vocals. Come travelling with themthrough medieval <strong>and</strong> baroque Europe, the MiddleEast <strong>and</strong> even the backroads of America; a richvariety of textures evoking London past <strong>and</strong> theghosts of those who have passed through it. Tight,bright, melodic, mournful at turns; every word youthink of feels right, until you hear the next song.This is <strong>music</strong> that doesn’t rely on lyrics to conveyemotion, as every emotion you can think of issomehow contained in the vibration of the strings.UK based, Australian singer/ songwriter/ guitaristLISA FITZGIBBON is putting the Power back intocontemporary <strong>folk</strong> <strong>music</strong>. “When the world finds hershe’ll be ready.” – Time Out. Lisa Fitzgibbon <strong>and</strong>the PowerFolk Quartet features Jane Griffiths onfiddle, Colin Fletcher on bass <strong>and</strong> Jon Fletcheron guitar/m<strong>and</strong>olin <strong>and</strong> harmonica. They haveshared the stage with <strong>music</strong>al legends such asArlo Gutherie, Roger McGuinn (the Byrds), ChrisDifford (SQUEEZE), Ani Difranco, Martyn Hayes<strong>and</strong> Denis Cahil, Eliza Carthy & The Waifs. Fromthe Acoustic Stage at Glastonbury to the <strong>folk</strong> clubsin the Midl<strong>and</strong>s, to London’s Shepherds BushEmpire... Lisa <strong>and</strong> the PFQ are totally at home inevery live situation. “Raw... real... powerful!” – Metro,SMH: AUSW www.nomasters.co.ukE lestersimpson@hommelarts.co.ukT +44 (0)1629 820256 / +44 (0)7951 390789W www.reverbnation.com/limequartetE dulcimerkate@yahoo.co.ukT +44 (0)7791 328168 / +44 (0)7973 721260W www.lisafitzgibbon.comE julieanne@lisafitzgibbon.comT +44 (0)7960 360995Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 44
LithaLochnagarCeilidh B<strong>and</strong>London KlezmerQuartetLitha showcases four well renowned <strong>and</strong>successful <strong>music</strong>ians, two from Scotl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> twofrom Germany, all with a passion for Irish, Scottish<strong>and</strong> German <strong>folk</strong> <strong>music</strong>. This highly original<strong>music</strong>al combination has discovered the commonground <strong>and</strong> kinship between two great traditions<strong>and</strong> blended them into a new <strong>and</strong> excitingsound. Litha have been wowing both audiences<strong>and</strong> critics alike since their formation with their<strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> song. Their passion, experience <strong>and</strong><strong>music</strong>ality have proven to be a huge successwith both audiences <strong>and</strong> promoters <strong>and</strong> this yearthey followed up their critically acclaimed debutCD ‘Until the Cows come Home’ with the brilliant‘Dancing of the Light’.Lochnagar is a fun, vibrant Scottish ceilidh b<strong>and</strong>based in London <strong>and</strong> South-East Engl<strong>and</strong> (butwill travel further afield). It plays lively <strong>and</strong> exciting<strong>traditional</strong> <strong>music</strong> for Scottish dancing. The b<strong>and</strong>’susual line-up is accordion, fiddle <strong>and</strong> drumsplus caller. Ceilidhs are all about participation:Lochnagar chooses dances that everyone canlearn on the night – no previous experiencerequired. The skilled <strong>and</strong> experienced caller’s roleis to encourage the guests onto the dance floor<strong>and</strong> teach them the steps. Lochangar plays forceilidhs, parties, corporate events, reels, Burns<strong>and</strong> St Andrews Nights, birthdays <strong>and</strong> weddings.Its members have been playing together for morethan a decade at all sizes <strong>and</strong> types of venues.The London Klezmer Quartet presents a heady mixof <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>and</strong> original melodies. The all-femaleb<strong>and</strong> takes audiences on a Jewish Odyssey fromEastern Europe to Australia <strong>and</strong> America via theBalkans, Turkey, Iraq <strong>and</strong> London. Their <strong>traditional</strong>sound evokes a fervour <strong>and</strong> joy reminiscent of theJewish minstrels who kept people dancing, crying<strong>and</strong> laughing in the shtetls of eastern Europe forhundreds of years. From toe-tapping bulgars tofestive freylekhs <strong>and</strong> sorrowful doinas, the LKQentrances audiences, “bringing a wealth of knowledge,experience <strong>and</strong> excitement to their performances” –Frank London, Klezmatics. Ilana Cravitz (violin),Susi Evans (clarinet), Carol Isaacs (accordion),Ruth Goller (double bass).W www.litha-<strong>music</strong>.comE gudrun@artes-konzertbuero.deT +49 (0)7158 931911W www.lochnagarceilidhb<strong>and</strong>.comE enquiries@lochnagarceilidhb<strong>and</strong>.comT +44 (0)7791 865567W www.londonklezmerquartet.comE info@londonklezmerquartet.comT +44 (0)7825 510881Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 45
Lou Gl<strong>and</strong>fieldLucy WardMaartin AllcockBorn Brighton 1948. Studied composition withHelen Glatz & sitar with Ustad Imrat Khan. Cofounded& toured with IOU Theatre as <strong>music</strong>ian,actor & writer 1973 - 2001. Many Europeanfestivals & tours plus numerous contributionsto BBC Radio 3 & 4. Currently busy gigging<strong>music</strong>ian (piano & guitar, especially slide & lapsteel) & songwriter across genres (mainly <strong>folk</strong>/jazz/blues styles). Also private teaching, buildingguitars <strong>and</strong> writing about <strong>music</strong> for Times LiterarySupplement.Lucy Ward began 2012 by winning the BBC Radio2 Folk Horizon (Best Newcomer) Award. Followingthe 2011 release of her highly acclaimed debutalbum ‘Adelphi Has to Fl’”, Lucy as become asuccessful headline act at festivals <strong>and</strong> clubsaround the UK.Lucy plays guitar <strong>and</strong> concertina but considersher voice to be her first instrument. Her sets arean eclectic mix of <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>and</strong> modern <strong>folk</strong>songs interspersed with her own sensitive originalsongs. Lucy has the ability to still an audience withthe strength <strong>and</strong> purity of her voice <strong>and</strong> breathtaking delivery. She’s a brilliant performer whowows audiences with her genuine <strong>and</strong> sparklingpersonality, her own br<strong>and</strong> of banter <strong>and</strong> thatstunning voice!Maartin Allcock is a multi-instrumentalist with 35years experience <strong>and</strong> has played on over 200albums by artists including Robert Plant, BethNielsen Chapman, Beverley Craven, Ralph McTell,Kieran Halpin, Dan Ar Braz <strong>and</strong> Yusuf Islam. Hewas a member of Fairport Convention for elevenyears <strong>and</strong> Jethro Tull for four years, <strong>and</strong> has touredextensively with many other artists. He is gaininga reputation as a sought-after record producer,<strong>and</strong> is currently touring in the UK with songwriterHuw Williams. Maart is also known in Italy as aprog-rock guitarist with Roman b<strong>and</strong> OAK. Hehas transcribed several songbooks including the3-volume Richard Thompsongbooks, The S<strong>and</strong>yDenny Complete Songbook <strong>and</strong> three FairportConvention songbooks.W www.lougl<strong>and</strong>field.comE gl<strong>and</strong>field@gmail.comT +44 (0)1825 722579W www.lucywardsings.comE lucywardsings@hotmail.co.ukT +44 (0)1332 771931W www.maartinallcock.comE maart1@mac.comT +44 (0)1766 780939Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 46
Mad FerretMaggie Holl<strong>and</strong>Máire NíChathasaigh& Chris NewmanMad Ferret are becoming the premier Scots <strong>folk</strong>duo - guaranteed to rile a crowd <strong>and</strong> energize aroom! For two years they have been performingtheir original, hard-hitting blend of <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>and</strong>contemporary <strong>folk</strong> <strong>music</strong>. Their lively, energeticperformances are packed with “blisteringly fastm<strong>and</strong>olin solos”, tight harmonies, driving Cajonbeats <strong>and</strong> earth-moving guitar sounds! Mad Ferrethave performed over 130 gigs in the last 9 months,filmed 2 live DVDs, starred in various live radiosessions across Scotl<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> performed multipleinternational tours. Crowds both young <strong>and</strong> old aredrawn to the fast-paced, hard-hitting sets, wherefoot-stomping <strong>and</strong> h<strong>and</strong>-clapping are guaranteedto ensue! Definitely not to be missed, they are theonly b<strong>and</strong> that is… Mad FerretMaggie Holl<strong>and</strong> was born <strong>and</strong> raised in Hampshirein Southern Engl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> became involved in thelocal <strong>folk</strong> club scene in the late 1960s. She hasplayed in Hot Vultures, the English Country BluesB<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Tiger Moth amongst others but hasbecome better known in recent times as a soloperformer <strong>and</strong> songwriter. She plays acousticguitar, five-string banjo <strong>and</strong> bass guitar. Severalof her own songs have entered the repertoires ofnotable artists such as Martin Carthy <strong>and</strong> JuneTabor <strong>and</strong>, in 2000, Maggie received the BBCRadio 2 Folk Awards ‘Best Song of 1999’ for hersong ‘A Place Called Engl<strong>and</strong>’. Since 1993 shehas made her home in Edinburgh.This celebrated partnership of “one of the UK’smost staggering <strong>and</strong> influential acoustic guitarists” –(fRoots) <strong>and</strong> “the doyenne of Irish harpers” – Scotl<strong>and</strong>on Sunday, has presented its unique <strong>music</strong>alvision in twenty-two countries on five continents- a breathtaking blend of <strong>traditional</strong> Irish <strong>music</strong>,hot jazz, bluegrass <strong>and</strong> baroque, spiced withstriking new compositions <strong>and</strong> Chris’s delightfullysubversive wit. ”Brilliant, innovative harping <strong>and</strong> guitarplayingof astonishing virtuosity <strong>and</strong> versatility”–Songlines “An eclecticism <strong>and</strong> spirit of adventure thatis quite thrilling” – The Times, “In a class of their own”The Guardian “Chris is amazing... one of our greatest<strong>music</strong>ians” BBC Radio 2 “I’m fully conscious that I’min the presence of greatness” The Living Tradition“Dazzling virtuosity” – The Daily TelegraphW www.myspace.com/themadferretb<strong>and</strong>E themadferretb<strong>and</strong>@googlemail.comT +44 (0)7890 619099W www.maggieholl<strong>and</strong>.co.ukE info@maggieholl<strong>and</strong>.co.ukT +44 (0)131 554 5776W www.oldbridge<strong>music</strong>.comE kevin@oldbridge<strong>music</strong>.comT +44 (0)1943 602203Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 47
Maitre Samsou& The Beat ArtistesMambo JamboMargueriteGriffithsMaitre Samsou <strong>and</strong> The Beat Artistes are agroup of West African Percussionists led by thelegendary Maître Samsou from Guinea Conakry,West Africa. He was a teacher <strong>and</strong> performer inLes Ballets Africains, the very famous AfricanBallet Troupe of Guinea Conakry, his performancesare breathtaking.Maître Samsou is supported, on stage, by thevery best percussions from the North of Engl<strong>and</strong>,students of Maître Samsou who have travelled toWest African countries, studying this wonderful<strong>music</strong> tradition for over 15 years.We perform with up to 9 drummers, with extradancers if required. More Fire!Acoustic <strong>roots</strong> duo, Mambo Jambo, will takeyou on an intriguing <strong>and</strong> joyous <strong>music</strong>al journeymixing elements <strong>and</strong> sounds from world, <strong>roots</strong>,<strong>folk</strong> <strong>and</strong> jazz, featuring <strong>music</strong> from New Orleans,Cuba, Brazil, the Caribbean <strong>and</strong> Eastern Europe,plus bluegrass, <strong>and</strong> their own compositions.Pete Jack is on guitar, vocal, banjo, percussion,tres (<strong>traditional</strong> Cuban guitar), brazilian ukulele(cavaquinho), accordion, suitcase(!) <strong>and</strong> FrankieBanham is on saxophone, clarinet, flute, guitar,vocal, percussion. Mambo Jambo have beenmaking a name for themselves at festivals, artscentres <strong>and</strong> acoustic venues nationally. In the lastfew years they’ve played Shetl<strong>and</strong>, Sidmouth,Broadstairs <strong>and</strong> Beverley <strong>folk</strong> festivals, Cork JazzFestival, Musicport <strong>and</strong> Miri, Borneo. They’vestudied <strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> dance in Cuba <strong>and</strong> Brazil.I’m a songwriter/composer who writes <strong>music</strong> inmany genres including <strong>folk</strong>, ballad, a touch of jazz<strong>and</strong> ambient classical. My love of storytelling,people <strong>and</strong> nature are all part of my sound. Iespecially enjoy writing to brief for commissionedsongs, choir pieces <strong>and</strong> instrumental <strong>music</strong>. Withfrench, dutch, danish <strong>roots</strong> <strong>and</strong> educated in Spain<strong>and</strong> Yorkshire, sound are an integral part of me.I’m as happy playing my <strong>music</strong> quietly in thebackground as performing my Seven Deadly Sinsfor Folk <strong>and</strong> ballads up front <strong>and</strong>, writing songs<strong>and</strong> composing <strong>music</strong> for you.W www.joliba-drums.co.ukE david@joliba-drums.co.ukT +44 (0) 1683 300380W www.mambojambo.co.ukE mambo<strong>and</strong>jambo@hotmail.comT +44 (0)7770 475278W www.margueritegriffiths<strong>music</strong>.comE margueritegriffiths@googlemail.comT +44 (0)7768 981490Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 48
Mary Humphreys& AnahataMaurice CondieMaxwell WattsMary Humphreys <strong>and</strong> Anahata are enthusiastic<strong>and</strong> entertaining performers of <strong>traditional</strong> material.With extensive research, skilled <strong>music</strong>ianship <strong>and</strong>a huge variety of instruments they have unearthed<strong>and</strong> brought back to vivid life some rare gems ofEnglish song <strong>and</strong> <strong>music</strong>. They perforn as a duo<strong>and</strong> in various b<strong>and</strong>s, both locally <strong>and</strong> nationally(Fendragon, Ethel’s Cats, Four H<strong>and</strong> B<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong>English Rebellion.) They work in the UK <strong>and</strong>internationally at festivals, house concerts <strong>and</strong><strong>folk</strong> clubs, with concert performances, workshops<strong>and</strong> presentations. They have made five albums,the latest A Baker’s Dozen on the Treewind label,Anahata’s own studio,where he records <strong>and</strong>masters albums of our own <strong>and</strong> others’ <strong>music</strong>.Maurice is a <strong>folk</strong>singer <strong>and</strong> guitarist, who alsoplays Cittern, M<strong>and</strong>olin Banjo <strong>and</strong> Hurdy-Gurdy.He has been playing for forty-five years performingat <strong>folk</strong> clubs <strong>and</strong> festivals. He was thereforeobviously playing before he was born. He playedfor ten years in the 1980’s with rock b<strong>and</strong> 7toMidnight, (3 albums). He worked with GillianTolfrey between 2000 <strong>and</strong> 2007, (one album,‘Balanced Books’ 2006). Maurice has taught guitarsince the 1980s, from 2000 to 2009 for Folkworks.In 2009 Maurice, with friends, launched PhoenixFolk, which provides <strong>folk</strong> <strong>and</strong> acoustic <strong>music</strong>tuition at the Ouseburn Farm in Byker. http://www.phoenix<strong>folk</strong>.co.uk Maurice performs solo but alsoin a duo with singer guitarist Adam Holden <strong>and</strong>occasionally with singer Rachael Leisk.Maxwell Watts is the alter-ego of Colin Crichton,a Belgian born <strong>music</strong>ian from a classical <strong>music</strong>background who moved to Manchester in 1998,drawn by the <strong>music</strong> scene. Always interested intravelling <strong>and</strong> multicultural influences, Maxwellopened his house to <strong>music</strong>ians from across theworld. He built a Recording studio <strong>and</strong>, takinghis influences from everything from Bob Dylanto Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat, began work on his firstalbum; Out of the Blue. Featuring <strong>music</strong>ians fromMozambique (Elias Kacomanolis – also recording/touring drummer for MoBo, Best African Act,nominated Waldemar Bastos) <strong>and</strong> Switzerl<strong>and</strong> aswell as Engl<strong>and</strong>, Scotl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Wales, Out of theBlue is a deep, lush mix of influences as varied asthe people who made it.W www.maryanahata.co.ukE mary@maryhumphreys.co.ukT +44(0)1638 720444 / +44 (0)7773 314168W www.mauricecondie.co.ukE condie74@btinternet.comT +44 (0)7971 016547W www.myspace.com/maxwellwatts<strong>music</strong>E maxwatts@hotmail.co.ukT +44 (0)7966 390707Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 49
Melissa JamesMike the PiperMiss Megoo & theYahman All StarsHot on the heels of the release of her debut album,Day Dawns, singer-songwriter, Melissa James,is causing a stir at her live shows <strong>and</strong> attractinga steady army of followers with her earthy <strong>and</strong>soulful sound. Think Lizz Wright meets AmosLee <strong>and</strong> you’d be getting very close. Fusing herlove of blues, <strong>folk</strong> <strong>and</strong> jazz in a bundle of soul, hersongs take you on mini detours, opening you upto the sometimes raw elements of her innermostthoughts. Combined with the velvety powerthrough which she delivers, expect a performancewhich will leave your spine tingling.Quality Scottish piper <strong>and</strong> /or ceildh b<strong>and</strong>available to play at your special event or festival.Mike the Piper has a strong following on highl<strong>and</strong>pipes as a Wedding Piper as well as in theceilidh b<strong>and</strong> “Clapshot” playing smallpipes. Mikeperforms mainly solo generally <strong>and</strong> has a wideselection of tunes <strong>and</strong> will turn out in full highl<strong>and</strong>dress including kilt. Recently appeared ‘FestivalCelta – Rock’ ,Castellon & Peniscola Castle, Spain.Fees – £85 to £600Megumi Project Presents ‘Miss Megoo & theYahman All Stars’. The concept has been createdby saxophonist <strong>and</strong> composer Megumi Mesakuaka Miss Megoo who from japan. Her “Yahmans”are international world wide <strong>and</strong> have all cometogether in London. To create a unique blend ofJapanese cumbia,Jamaican ska <strong>and</strong> township jive.“They don’t write ‘em like that anymore...except theydo. Superb singer in classic mould.” – Tom Robinson,BBC 6 MusicW www.melissa-james.comE info@melissa-james.comT +44 (0)7779 631317W www.miketurpieart.comE miketurpie@aol.comT +44 (0)7952 611416W www.megumiproject.co.ukE megumiproject@hotmail.co.ukT +44 (0)7828 405480Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 50
Missin’ RosieMock HobbyHorseModeste HuguesMissin’ Rosie hail from Wiltshire but their <strong>music</strong>shows their passion for <strong>music</strong> with a celticinfluence. They blend a unique mixture of<strong>traditional</strong> <strong>folk</strong>, rock, pop <strong>and</strong> jazz into their everincreasing sack of chaotic fun filled numbers. Theirrepertoire includes some <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>folk</strong> tunes thatyou may recognise <strong>and</strong> some that have been giventhe ‘Missin’ Rosie’ treatment. Songs of drinking,love <strong>and</strong> life to <strong>traditional</strong> anecdotes referring tolegless pirates <strong>and</strong> fairies the b<strong>and</strong> bring you onan engaging lyrical journey! The 4-piece line upcomprises Joe Rendall on guitar <strong>and</strong> vocals, MikeRendall on bass, Tim Downes-Hall on drums <strong>and</strong>Jason Hull on whistles <strong>and</strong> flute. Dance till yourlegs fall off with Missin’ Rosie.Mock Hobby Horse were established in 1995<strong>and</strong> specialise in medieval <strong>and</strong> tudor <strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong>song from the British Isles.They are based inSouth Devon but their w<strong>and</strong>ering minstrel <strong>music</strong>has taken them as far north as Trondheim <strong>and</strong>as far east as Krakow.The three members have abackground in <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> are originalmembers of the medieval b<strong>and</strong> Compagnie Giulia,who perform <strong>music</strong> from all over Europe, <strong>and</strong> theNear East, with their own original compositions.Mock Hobby Horse are Howard Frey - m<strong>and</strong>olin,percussion, guitar, voice, Nicholas Millington -bouzouki, baglama, guitar, voice <strong>and</strong> Julia Thomas- bagpipes,whistle, recorder, concertina, voice.They play at historical events, for theatre, leadworkshops <strong>and</strong> compose <strong>and</strong> arrange for specialoccasions.Modeste is an award winning singer songwriter<strong>and</strong> guitarist from Madagascar whose <strong>music</strong> is aunique blend of <strong>traditional</strong> Malagasy sounds. Hecreates beautiful melodies & rhythms with hypnoticguitar playing & vocals <strong>and</strong> is known for hisincredible live performances. As the Independentsaid, ‘He’s so effective in this <strong>music</strong>al sleight ofh<strong>and</strong> that audience members scan the stage insearch of a (non-existent) second guitar player’.Modeste has been featured <strong>and</strong> played live oncountless BBC radio programmes <strong>and</strong> events,performed at many venues <strong>and</strong> festivals includingthe Royal Festival Hall, London Jazz Festival,WOMAD (UK <strong>and</strong> abroad) <strong>and</strong> more. He’s releasedtwo albums with the third coming out September2012.W www.missinrosie.co.ukE missinrosie@gmail.comT +44 (0)7775 677703W www.mockhobbyhorse.co.ukE mockhobbyhorse@yahoo.co.ukT +44 (0)1803 864674W www.modeste.co.ukE katura@westway<strong>music</strong>.comT +44 (0)7795 076112Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 51
ModhanMorgan LeeB<strong>and</strong>Mr.EugeneModhan’s <strong>music</strong> is boldly infectious. With a soundborn of multiple influences, they fuse jazz, funk &rock together with fresh grooves <strong>and</strong> Europeanmelodies. Upholding a respect for their Scottish<strong>roots</strong>, Modhan’s diverse style is completelyunique. The b<strong>and</strong> released their latest album ‘TheAdmiral’s Fireworks’ in early 2012 <strong>and</strong> have beenpromoting it with shows <strong>and</strong> appearances atfestivals around the country. The album has alsoreceived radio play on BBC Scotl<strong>and</strong>’s ‘TravellingFolk’. As professional <strong>music</strong>ians, members ofModhan regularly tour Australia, New Zeal<strong>and</strong>,North America <strong>and</strong> the UK with such diverseartists as The String Contingent, Kat Healy, KobiOnyame, Lucy Wise <strong>and</strong> the B’Gollies, <strong>and</strong> NewTime Ensemble.The Morgan Lee B<strong>and</strong> is a five piece GlasgowBased group consisting of male <strong>and</strong> female vocals,guitar/dobra, fiddle <strong>and</strong> bass .We are particularlyinterested the alternative edge of the <strong>folk</strong> <strong>music</strong>scene. Our repertoire ranges from the more<strong>traditional</strong> Banks o’ the Spey (J. Scott Skinner)appearing alongside the Dylan classic ‘Make YouFeel My Love’ as well as the self-penned ‘FallenAngel’. We class ourselves as a ’Celtic EclecticB<strong>and</strong>’We have performed at the Arran Folk festival. <strong>and</strong>perform regularly round the Glasgow <strong>folk</strong> scene.We are working towards our first album <strong>and</strong> hopeyou like our <strong>music</strong>.Mr.Eugene lets rip on a number of issues &instruments including fiddle, vocals & differentguitars. After more than thirty years of playing<strong>traditional</strong> <strong>and</strong> original material he presents aconfident figure on stage, often improvising, withIrish spirit <strong>and</strong> English humour, solo or with simpleaccompaniment. Mr.Eugene, of Irish parentage,is now based in Brighton <strong>and</strong> London, (previouslyBerlin, Sevilla, County Clare) he’s an InternationalSound Traveller; a mixture of Eastern or Irishfiddling <strong>and</strong> head nodding beats, Spanish guitar<strong>and</strong> Eastern melody is often in the repertoire,sometimes enhanced by electronics. Instrumentsare pushed <strong>and</strong> pulled in various <strong>music</strong>aldirections, the Blues influence comes from a threeyearjourney across the USA, the <strong>music</strong>al energycomes from Mr.Eugene himself!W www.modhan.comE info@modhan.comT +44 (0)7855 743727W www.morganleeb<strong>and</strong>.co.ukE <strong>music</strong>@morganleeb<strong>and</strong>.co.ukT +44 (0)7932 724807W www.eugenemccloskey.wordpress.comE mreugene@hotmail.comT +44 (0)1273 600662 / +44 (0)7810 385196Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 52
Nick Wyke &Becki DriscollNor<strong>folk</strong> WhirligigB<strong>and</strong> & WendyBeneferNorth AtlanticTrioNick Wyke & Becki Driscoll are highly respected<strong>music</strong>ians, composers <strong>and</strong> workshop leaders fromNorth Devon. Their passion for English <strong>traditional</strong><strong>music</strong> has led to the development of their uniquestyle. Becki’s melodic, emotive violin <strong>and</strong> violablend with Nick’s driving fiddle chords <strong>and</strong>powerful vocals to create a rich, captivating sound.“...lovely, inventive playing” - fRoots. The duo’scompositions <strong>and</strong> their interpretations of <strong>traditional</strong>English tunes <strong>and</strong> songs are influenced by a widerange of <strong>music</strong>al cultures: “We are inspired by thepeople we meet <strong>and</strong> the places we’ve been. We like theidea of a global approach to the English tradition.”“...passionate <strong>music</strong>ality <strong>and</strong> distinctive presence.”- the Living Tradition.I am a singer/songwriter/<strong>music</strong>ian <strong>and</strong> <strong>music</strong>teacher, who has recorded three solo originalCDs <strong>and</strong> am currently working on my 4th. I amalso in Whirligig the Nor<strong>folk</strong> based Ceilidh b<strong>and</strong>,we play Ceilidh’s/Barn Dances for weddings,parties etc... We also do gigs as a four piecefunction b<strong>and</strong>, happy to play at parties <strong>and</strong> eventswith a mixture of covers, <strong>folk</strong> tunes <strong>and</strong> someoriginal songs. Whirligig Duo is also available withWendy <strong>and</strong> Chris from the b<strong>and</strong> playing acousticguitars, m<strong>and</strong>olin <strong>and</strong> violin. Please check out ourwebsites for more details.The North Atlantic Trio combine Irish, Scottish,Old-Time Appalachian <strong>and</strong> Bluegrass <strong>music</strong> withtheir own original compositions in a unique crossgenrebricolage. Formed in 2009 around a fireplacenorth of Glasgow, this unusual marriage of harp,Dobro <strong>and</strong> esoteric percussion has been warmlyreceived by audiences at festivals throughoutEurope <strong>and</strong> in venues across Scotl<strong>and</strong>. Recentengagements included Didmarton BluegrassFestival, the Interkeltisches Folkfestival in Germany,<strong>and</strong> headlining the Porto Celtic Festival, Portugal.Their debut album is due for release in Autumn 2012.W www.englishfiddle.comE englishfiddle@yahoo.co.ukT +44 (0)1237 478515W www.whirligig<strong>music</strong>.co.ukwww.wendybenefer.co.ukE info@wendybenefer.co.ukT +44 (0)7787 156837W www.northatlantictrio.comE info@northatlantictrio.comT +44 (0)7791 018761Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 53
Nuala KennedyO’Hooley &TidowOld Blind DogsNuala Kennedy is an internationally acclaimedflute player <strong>and</strong> singer. Touted as “spellbinding”<strong>and</strong> “a delight,” by the Irish Times, her liveperformances over the last few years inspiredher return to the studio to record Noble Stranger(Compass, available Aug. 28 2012), a road-testedcollection of innovative originals <strong>and</strong> <strong>traditional</strong>songs recorded with her b<strong>and</strong>. Kennedy uses her<strong>traditional</strong> <strong>music</strong> background as a springboardfor the new album which offers a 12 song set onwhich her adventurous repertoire <strong>and</strong> progressiveinstrumentation shine.“the unique <strong>music</strong> they make shows an amusedmodernism, cut to suit with creatively coloured minimalistphrasing <strong>and</strong> walloping conjunctions, <strong>and</strong> all playedwith a rippingly assured instrumental confidence.”Journalist Norman Chalmers on ‘Noble Stranger’“Best Act of Cambridge Folk Festival 2012” – TheGuardian. Belinda O’Hooley (Rachel Unthank& The Winterset, now The Unthanks) <strong>and</strong> HeidiTidow are the chamber-<strong>folk</strong> duo behind ‘TheFragile’; the follow up to their debut ‘Silent June’,one of MOJO Magazine’s Top 10 Folk Albums of2010. The duo’s beautifully unusual songs touchon everything from dark <strong>folk</strong> tales, ecology <strong>and</strong>cross-dressing historical figures through to theinvisibility of the elderly, rumour-mongering <strong>and</strong>the global economy. Championed by <strong>folk</strong> legendNic Jones, Radio 2’s Mike Harding <strong>and</strong> 6 Music’sCerys Matthews; expect an irresistible blend ofthought-provoking songs, lush harmonies <strong>and</strong>striking arrangements, tempered by cheekyNorthern banter.For over twenty years Old Blind Dogs have stoodon the cutting edge of Scotl<strong>and</strong>’s <strong>roots</strong> revival. Theb<strong>and</strong> has developed its own trademark style withan energetic mixture of songs <strong>and</strong> tunes. Dynamicpercussion, polished vocals, soaring fiddle <strong>and</strong>stirring pipes fuel the delicately phrased melodies<strong>and</strong> <strong>traditional</strong> songs. The Dogs are currentlytouring their eleventh studio album ‘WhereverYet May Be’ on Nashville’s Compass Recordstravelling extensively around the globe <strong>and</strong> flyingthe flag for Scottish <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>music</strong> whereverthey go. The only group to win ‘Folk B<strong>and</strong> of theYear’ twice at the BBC Scots Trad Music Awards,their last album ‘Four On The Floor’ also picked upthe IAP ‘Best Celtic CD’ Award.W www.nualakennedy.comE info@nualakennedy.comT +44 (0) 7775 558841W www.ohooley<strong>and</strong>tidow.comE bel<strong>and</strong>heidi@talktalk.netT +44 (0)7708 698219W www.oldblinddogs.co.ukE office@oldblinddogs.co.ukT +44 (0)1683 300380Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 54
Orla MurphyParti GungrogPatsy SeddonNorthern Irish, London-based Jazz Vocalist, OrlaMurphy, released her much anticipated secondalbum ‘Wonderous Visions’, in March 2012. Thisalbum presents new jazz arrangements of StevieWonder songs, primarily chosen from StevieWonder’s works of the 1970s. Orla performsregularly at various reputable jazz venuesthroughout London <strong>and</strong> the UK. She has alsoperformed at various Jazz Festivals <strong>and</strong> venues inGlasgow, Derry, <strong>and</strong> Sligo; as well as in Italy <strong>and</strong>Malaysia. Orla embarked on her second Jazz-Services-funded tour of the UK in May <strong>and</strong> June2012, beginning in Belfast at the 13th CathedralQuarter Festival. ‘Wonderous Visions’ has receivedgreat praise from jazz critics <strong>and</strong> <strong>music</strong>iansalike, with notable reviews in Jazzwise, London’sEvening St<strong>and</strong>ard <strong>and</strong> The Irish Times.Parti Gungrog. This mesmerising b<strong>and</strong> bringlife <strong>and</strong> meaning to ancient Welsh songs witha mix of <strong>folk</strong> <strong>and</strong> reggae rhythms. Lead singer,Sioned Camlin hails from the Banwy Valley inMontgomeryshire - a fertile breeding ground forartists <strong>and</strong> <strong>music</strong>ians. Combining Welsh <strong>and</strong>English lyrics, she embraces the tradition whilemaintaining a feisty stance on burning issues ofthe day. The b<strong>and</strong> are available with or withouta drummer. Sioned Camlin - vocal, ukelele,percussion. Rees Wesson - melodeon, guitar,vocal. Clovis Phillips - bass. George Jackson -drums. At the end of the day, it’s all about thegroove. No stress, no mess.Patsy Seddon – at the forefront of the ScottishHarp (Clàrsach) for over forty years. One ofScotl<strong>and</strong>’s most innovative harp players <strong>and</strong>singers she is known for her performances withthe duo Sileas, the group The Poozies <strong>and</strong> otherensembles including Clan Alba <strong>and</strong> has recordedover 12 CDs. Her latest project is the singing trioMadge Wildfire with Gerda Stevenson <strong>and</strong> KathyStewart. Patsy is an active teacher includingat the Edinburgh International Harp Festival, atFeisean, at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotl<strong>and</strong><strong>and</strong> Kodály <strong>music</strong>ianship for NYCoS. She has anHonours degree in Celtic Studies <strong>and</strong> was one ofthe first <strong>music</strong>ians in residence at the School ofScottish Studies at Edinburgh University.W www.orlamurphy.netE orlamariamurphy@gmail.comT +44 (0) 7947 355989W www.gungrog.comE rees@melodeons.comT +44 (0)1938 552309W www.patsyseddon.comE patsy@patsyseddon.comT +44 (0)131 6605559Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 55
Paul ScourfieldPennie Gillis <strong>and</strong>Clif Barfield &The New Corona B<strong>and</strong>Pete CastlePaul is a stylish melodeon player <strong>and</strong> singer, takingmaterial mainly from the English tradition. He hasappeared at major festivals including Sidmouth,Whitby, Warwick, <strong>and</strong> Towersey, as well as <strong>folk</strong>clubs around the country. Paul is also a wellrespected workshop leader, running sessions atmany festivals, giving insight into the mysteriesof the melodeon <strong>and</strong> inspiration to participants.He has recently released a new album ‘FreshlySqueezed’ featuring songs <strong>and</strong> tunes from his solorepertoire. Paul brings warmth <strong>and</strong> humour to anyvenue he visits, along with songs <strong>and</strong> tunes whichalternately excite, move or make you laugh!!“A wizard of the melodeon, a unique, innovative <strong>and</strong>intuitive style”Pennie Gillis works mainly with the New CoronaB<strong>and</strong>. The b<strong>and</strong> play for Barn Dances withtheir resident caller Kaz <strong>and</strong> are popular with 18year olds <strong>and</strong> 80 year olds alike. Pennie playsmelodeon, there are also bass, rythmn guitar <strong>and</strong>sometimes banjo, dulcimers clarinet <strong>and</strong> otherblowdowns contributing to the b<strong>and</strong>. She alsoworks with Clif Barfield as a singing duo <strong>and</strong> playsguitar <strong>and</strong> banjo as well as melodeon to Clif’sAppalatian dulcimers <strong>and</strong> blowdowns. Penniewrites a lot of her own material but is mainlyinterested In playing <strong>traditional</strong> tunes <strong>and</strong> Old Timetunes <strong>and</strong> songs. She is the one on the right in thephoto.Pete Castle has been around the <strong>folk</strong> scene formost of his life. He’s been a professional <strong>folk</strong>singer <strong>and</strong> storyteller for well over 30 years <strong>and</strong>has worked all over the UK <strong>and</strong> occasionallyabroad <strong>and</strong> built up an enviable reputation asa fine interpreter of <strong>traditional</strong> English songs, aspellbinding storyteller, a good guitarist, <strong>and</strong> agenerally dependable man to book for your event.Pete has worked at all kinds of venues <strong>and</strong> he’s ashappy playing to 1000 people at the SmithsonianFolklife Festival as he is entertaining 10 at a localvillage hall. He edits Facts & Fiction storytellingmagazine <strong>and</strong> has written both the Derbyshire <strong>and</strong>Nottinghamshire Folk Tales books for The HistoryPress.W www.paulscourfield.co.ukE paul.scourfield@mad-river.co.ukT +44 (0)1462 458031W www.newcoronab<strong>and</strong>.co.ukE penniegillis@yahoo.co.ukT +44 (0)7801 812431W www.petecastle.co.ukE steel.carpet@tiscali.co.ukT +44 (0)1773 822829Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 56
Pete FurnishPete QuinPete TownsendPete performs solo Double Bass <strong>and</strong> Vocal setsbut he is also happy playing in groups or backingsolo performers. In the 1960s he played in theScottish <strong>folk</strong> group ‘The Isl<strong>and</strong>ers’ on TV, Radio,Folk Clubs <strong>and</strong> Theatres. Pete toured with the‘White Heather Club’ with George Chisholm <strong>and</strong>Robin Hall <strong>and</strong> Jimmy McGregor. He plays allforms of Jazz, Klezmer, Bluegrass <strong>and</strong> Gypsy Jazzin the Tony Oreshko Trio. Pete plays in an amateurSymphony Orchestra for sight reading practise.With Stewart Hardy Karen Tweed, Kevin Dempsey,Carolyn Robson <strong>and</strong> Jo Freya, he was recentlyinvolved in setting up the Folk Course of the Musicfor You Summer School having previously taughton the Jazz Course.I grew up <strong>music</strong>ally in the 60s Folk Boom, then gotseduced by the songwriters from the US, <strong>and</strong> sangtheir <strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> produced my own. I discoveredpiano ragtime, which is fun to play on the guitar,<strong>and</strong> led to the early jazz guitar greats, <strong>and</strong>…yes, I’m a mixed bag <strong>and</strong> hate trying to describewhat I play. I believe <strong>music</strong>’s job is to delight <strong>and</strong>entertain audiences, so if I can leave them singing<strong>and</strong> laughing, with the odd guitarist asking me howto play ‘that bit’, I feel I’ve done okay. And I’m stilldoing it on the Gibson I bought 45 years ago – butit’s time I changed the strings…With influences ranging from Roy Harper, PinkFloyd, Crosby, Stills, Nash <strong>and</strong> Young, Tom Petty<strong>and</strong> Miles Davis, it is inevitable that Pete’s bassstyle has been called “individually melodic”! Acreative <strong>music</strong>ian who enjoys exploring the spacebetween notes, Pete has contributed the low notesto a wide range of <strong>music</strong>ians covering everythingfrom jazz to jug-b<strong>and</strong> <strong>music</strong>. He currently addsa touch of depth to the Folk-Americana b<strong>and</strong>,Borderline Crossing, amongst other collaborations.W www.myspace.com/578228801E peter.furnish@btinternet.comT +44 (0)1626 356906W www.petequin.comE pete@petequin.comT +44 (0)117 9190099W www.petetownsend.co.ukE tuppworth@mac.comT +44 (0)7921 501371Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 57
Peter AstonPeter Knight’sGigspannerPeter MichaelRowanPeter Aston is the founder, guitarist, vocalist <strong>and</strong>caller with Dorset-based ceilidh b<strong>and</strong> CottageIndustry. The b<strong>and</strong> was formed to celebrateH.M.’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 <strong>and</strong> just kept going!Cottage Industry <strong>music</strong> includes material fromEngl<strong>and</strong>, Scotl<strong>and</strong>, Irel<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Brittany plusoriginal material. Career highlights have includeda medieval banquet live on BBC radio, playingaboard a schooner for an exiled Cuban goldminerwith a crew of ten Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian girls <strong>and</strong>performing in many prestigious venues across theUK plus theatres, hotels, clubs <strong>and</strong> pubs acrossthe UK – <strong>and</strong> (inevitably) leaky barns! Peter is alsoa solo singer/songwriter, a w<strong>and</strong>ering minstrel<strong>and</strong> presents ‘Forest Folk’ on Forest FM92.3 onMonday evenings – <strong>and</strong> he’s pleased to receiveCDs for review <strong>and</strong> airplay!Hailed by Songlines magazine as “another milestonein <strong>folk</strong>’s rebirth of cool” <strong>and</strong> now established as apowerful presence in its own right, Gigspanner’sunique approach to <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>and</strong> world <strong>music</strong>is attracting the attention of a wide variety of<strong>music</strong> venues <strong>and</strong> festivals. A Bedrock of British<strong>traditional</strong> <strong>music</strong> is to be expected from SteeleyeSpan’s legendary fiddle player, but Gigspanner’s<strong>music</strong>al reach experiments audaciously withEastern European, French, Cajun, African <strong>and</strong>even Aboriginal influences. Gigspanner’s DebutAlbum ‘Lipreading the Poet’ was named by TheWire as one of the best 15 Global Albums of2009, a distinction reflecting the outst<strong>and</strong>ing<strong>music</strong>ianship which is the hallmark of their liveperformances.“WOMAD quality” John Pasco,Hastings Folk Festival OrganiserFollowing a long stay in Scotl<strong>and</strong>, singer/songwriter/fiddle player Peter Michael Rowanrecently moved to Penrith. His time in Edinburghsaw a collaboration with Holly Tomas (DonnieMunro B<strong>and</strong>) <strong>and</strong> 2 years’ fiddling with Balkanb<strong>and</strong> Fanattica. He has shared the stage withDarts, Silly Wizard, Glenn Tilbrook, Donnie Munro,worked live with Martyn Campbell (LightningSeeds), Karine Polwart, Rob Peters (Everything ButThe Girl) <strong>and</strong> recorded with Runrig, Chris Rainbow(Camel, Alan Parsons Project), Andy Stennett(Manfred Mann, Neneh Cherry). An accomplishedsolo <strong>folk</strong>/contemporary acoustic performer, he isalso an expert showcase <strong>and</strong> open-mike organiser<strong>and</strong> MC, an in-dem<strong>and</strong> accompanist (fiddle,m<strong>and</strong>olin, guitar, whistles) <strong>and</strong> an experiencedacoustic <strong>music</strong> sound engineer.W www.peter-aston.co.ukE peter@peter-aston.co.ukT +44 (0)1202 825195W www.gigspanner.comE mail@gigspanner.comT +44 (0)7974 842950W www.reverbnation.com/petermichaelrowanE mail@rbl<strong>music</strong>.comT +44 (0)7920 866542Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 58
Phil BerthoudPhil UnderwoodPhillip Henry <strong>and</strong>Hannah MartinBorn in Zimbabwe in 1966, Phil is a self-taughtguitar, fiddle, bass guitar, m<strong>and</strong>olin <strong>and</strong> tenorbanjo player. He has been playing for over 30years <strong>and</strong> teaching for over 20. Phil has writtenmany books on instrumental playing (particularlyIrish fiddle <strong>and</strong> m<strong>and</strong>olin) published by MelBay <strong>and</strong> Spartan Press. He works as a teacher,performer <strong>and</strong> session <strong>music</strong>ian specializingin <strong>folk</strong> (mainly Irish but many other traditionscovered), rock <strong>and</strong> pop (from 50’s to presentday) <strong>and</strong> flamenco. Phil also composes <strong>and</strong> hasseveral <strong>folk</strong>-inspired pieces for small ensemblespublished. Phil lives in Devon <strong>and</strong> offers lessonsfrom ½ hour to intensive one-to-one teaching daysfor those who live further away.Phil Underwood is an experienced multiinstrumentalist singer songwriter performing <strong>folk</strong><strong>roots</strong> <strong>music</strong> on melodeon, concertina, fiddle,guitar <strong>and</strong> percussion. His eclectic repertoireincludes influences from the English, Irish,European <strong>and</strong> American traditions <strong>and</strong> he hasgained international awards for his performancesof Louisiana <strong>music</strong>. He has performed at manyvenues <strong>and</strong> festivals in the UK, Europe <strong>and</strong> theMiddle East. He also teaches Cajun <strong>and</strong> Zydeco<strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> dance. His current b<strong>and</strong> is Colin <strong>and</strong>the Crawfish, specialising in Cajun <strong>and</strong> Creole<strong>music</strong> from Louisiana. Highlight gig for 2012 is aperformance at the National Theatre’s Watch ThisSpace series.Described as, “Authentic, haunting <strong>roots</strong> <strong>music</strong>from a first class duo” – Seth Lakeman, Phillip<strong>and</strong> Hannah combine influences as diverse asEnglish <strong>folk</strong>, Indian Classical <strong>and</strong> American Bluesto create <strong>music</strong> that is “textured, hypnotic, <strong>and</strong>utterly captivating” – Steve Knightley. Using slideguitars, fiddle, banjo, vocals, <strong>and</strong> even beatboxharmonica, their debut album Singing The Boneshas garnered praise from the likes of Mike Harding(BBC Radio2), Fiona Talkington (BBC Radio3), <strong>and</strong>fRoots magazine. They have played everywherefrom the Royal Albert Hall <strong>and</strong> Maida Vale Studios,to Nashville, Tennessee; from Glastonbury Festivalto Sidmouth Folk Week.“I was completely knockedout by this duo...just a terrific album” - Mike Harding,BBC Radio 2, 4/5/11.W www.pb<strong>music</strong>.co.ukE philberthoud@hotmail.co.ukT +44 (0)1548 853593W www.cajun<strong>music</strong>.co.ukE tphil@cajun<strong>music</strong>.co.ukT +44 (0) 7546 974009W www.philliphenry<strong>and</strong>hannahmartin.co.ukE info@phhm<strong>music</strong>.co.ukT +44 (0)7854833081Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 59
Pholk LawPierre VincentPipe Up!We are a fine example of what a modern Irish<strong>folk</strong> ballad b<strong>and</strong> should be. With over 75years combined experience in Traditional Irish<strong>music</strong>,ballads & <strong>folk</strong> tunes. We are equally at homeplaying large festivals, weddings or small informalsessions. Our driving force is our Passion for ournative <strong>music</strong>. Pholk Laws line up is Des O’ Neill onvocals, guitar or Bodhran. Paul Collins on Hyl<strong>and</strong>or Uillean pipes,whistles or low whistles. PaulPartridge on 5 string or tenor banjo.“Melodic <strong>and</strong> charming. A genuinely original voice inthe young English Roots scene”- Steve Knightley,Show of H<strong>and</strong>s. Pierre Vincent is a British singersongwriter,currently based in northern France.He achieved prominence with indie <strong>folk</strong> groupThe Dealers, who released 4 independent albums,before the b<strong>and</strong> folded in 2011. Having branchedinto a solo career, Vincent has become knownfor the sheer passion he puts into his songs <strong>and</strong>energy at his live shows. Armed with just his voice,his words <strong>and</strong> his acoustic guitar, Pierre is anauthentic timeless troubadour. Through nearly 500live performances, his <strong>music</strong> has taken him to thefarthest reaches of the UK, France, Belgium <strong>and</strong>Germany from the smallest pub to the LondonOlympia.We love to play for ceilidh dancing. Our line-upincludes: Bagpipes, Flute, Whistles, Accordion,Keyboard, Guitar <strong>and</strong> a broad range of Percussion.We will perform professionally for any event withsome of the most highly regarded <strong>music</strong>ians onthe <strong>folk</strong> <strong>music</strong> scene. We integrate dance <strong>music</strong>rhythms <strong>and</strong> sounds from Scotl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> around theworld. We play both <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>and</strong> original piecesof <strong>music</strong> for dancing. We will help you through thedances at your event if you require any calling.W www.pholklaw.co.ukE pholklaw@hotmail.co.ukT +44 (0) 777 4026985W www.pierrevincent.co.ukE pierrevincent@live.comT +44 (0)1227 392690W www.pipeuptheceilidh.comE info@pipeuptheceilidh.comT +44 (0)7798 710943Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 60
PlayingRapunzelQuicksilverCeilidh B<strong>and</strong>Rab NoakesPlaying Rapunzel are an energetic <strong>folk</strong> duo whoshare, in powerful harmony, songs of story <strong>and</strong>myth. Mich Sampson (piano, voice) is a lively EastLondoner - Tori Amos meets Joni Mitchell witha splash of Yiddish. Marilisa Valtazanou (guitar,voice, m<strong>and</strong>ola, flutes, percussion, <strong>and</strong> anythingelse she can find) celebrates her multinationalbackground by having a song in an obscurelanguage for every occasion. If you’re looking for ab<strong>and</strong> that combines beautiful <strong>and</strong> emotional <strong>music</strong>with a gentle, humorous manner, Playing Rapunzelis for you!Born out of Islington & Chestnuts Folk Clubs in thelate 80’s <strong>and</strong> still going strong. The core line upof Mike Ruff on Accordion with Chris Haigh <strong>and</strong>Bernard O’Neill (ex-Zumzeaux) on fiddle <strong>and</strong> bassbring bags of experience, variety <strong>and</strong> virtuosity forsmaller venues. Star names like Graeme Tayloron guitar <strong>and</strong> Andy Dewar on drums are addedfor the big events. Regular callers Alan Simpson<strong>and</strong> Clare Lindley, as well as Mike, add style <strong>and</strong>pizazz. Most of Quicksilver’s work is at privatefunctions, <strong>and</strong> as a b<strong>and</strong> they have few festival<strong>and</strong> public ceilidh credits for the last 20 years butindividually <strong>and</strong> with other b<strong>and</strong>s you will havealready seen them onstage. Does this make thema supergroup? Versatile, competitive <strong>and</strong> available.You might have been forgiven for imaginingthat there was a portrait in Rab Noakes’s attic,because the bloke who arrived on stage herewas supposed to be in his sixties. Looking <strong>and</strong>sounding about half that age, he embarked on athoroughly engaging journey through 40 years ofsongwriting. So began a Herald review of Rab’sshow at this year’s Celtic Connections festival atthe end of January. Rab has two albums released,on the Neon record label, in Summer 2012. A Liveone, more demos plus a br<strong>and</strong>-new studio one willfollow. Rab is available solo, with harmonica-aceFraser Speirs, with his b<strong>and</strong> The Varaflames <strong>and</strong> ina unique two-h<strong>and</strong>er show with Allan Taylor.W www.playingrapunzel.comE rapunzel@playingrapunzel.comT +44 (0)7989 598949W www.quicksilverbarndance.comE haighchris@hotmail.comT +44 (0)7759 680533W www.rabnoakes.comE noakesrab@gmail.comT +44 (0)141 423 9811Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 61
Rachel Taylor-BealesRaeven IrataRavi & AdrianSince her 2004 debut Brilliant Blue, Rachel hasshared stages across the world with leading <strong>folk</strong>,world <strong>and</strong> <strong>roots</strong> artists performing in all sorts oflocations ranging from main-stage 60,000 plusfestivals to tiny outback community halls. Hersuccessive albums have gained much recognition,including BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris describingher Red Tree album as “Highly Recommended”<strong>and</strong> BBC Radio 4 calling her ‘Dust <strong>and</strong> Gold’CD “Musically exquisite <strong>and</strong> enthralling”. Rachelperforms solo as well as with her collective ofhighly talented <strong>music</strong>ians, creating performancesof multi-instrumentation, projected visuals <strong>and</strong>spine-tingling vocal harmony. Her latest release isan 8 track live album titled ‘Rachel Taylor-BealesAnd Her Extraordinary Collective, Live At NewportUniversity 2012’Philippa (performance name Raeven Irata) is froma classical background (grade 7 violin, piano <strong>and</strong>singing) <strong>and</strong> gained interest in <strong>folk</strong> <strong>music</strong> aftermeeting an Irish fiddler in Scotl<strong>and</strong> who taughther some basic <strong>folk</strong> technique. After two yearsof playing in her church b<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> becominga more accomplished improvisor, Philippajoined her two housemates in Hull to form <strong>folk</strong>threesome Gleaning in Judah, performing theirown compositions. Having recently moved toYork, Philippa attends <strong>folk</strong> sessions, busks witha flautist, is a tutor of fiddle <strong>and</strong> piano <strong>and</strong> acomposer embarking on a solo <strong>music</strong> project. Shelearns <strong>music</strong> quickly <strong>and</strong> has played <strong>and</strong> sung as asession performer on recordings <strong>and</strong> with variousb<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> <strong>music</strong>ians.Ravi, who was described by Songlines as “awalking testament to the success of multicuturalism”,is a multi-instrumentalist <strong>and</strong> one of the longestestablished European Kora players. Since 1985Ravi has released over 20 CDs, performed <strong>and</strong>led workshops internationally (including WOMAD<strong>and</strong> Glastonbury) invented the electric/stereokora, worked with luminaries such as NigelKennedy, Ronu Majumdar, Jon Lord <strong>and</strong> BaabaMaal (recording kora <strong>and</strong> throat singing on hisrecent CD, ‘Television’) <strong>and</strong> created projectssuch as ‘The Overtone Choir’, Kora Colours <strong>and</strong>‘Neuneneu’ with Brazilian legend Marlui Mir<strong>and</strong>a,that brought Amazon indians to UK on a CMN tour.His latest duos are with shakuhachi master, AdrianFreedman <strong>and</strong> Danish singer SudhaW www.racheltaylor-beales.comE info@racheltaylor-beales.comT +44 (0)7970 133712W www.philippapearsoncomposer.co.ukE raevenirata@crimsoncreatives.comT +44 (0)7840 956498W www.koratone.comE info@koratone.comT +44 (0)7711 265011Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 62
Ray LangtonReuben’s TrainRich & FamousRay Langton is a virtuoso player of the melodeonalong with being an extremely fine singer. He is awell known <strong>and</strong> highly regarded performer on the<strong>folk</strong> scene playing both <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>and</strong> self pennedtunes. His CD ‘For Curiosity’ features backingsfrom many other talented performers who readilyagreed to work with Ray. Ray has shared stageswith many other well known ‘squeezebox’players <strong>and</strong> is the master mind behind SqueezingShropshire. Along with concert performances,Ray also entertains families <strong>and</strong> children with hiscostumed act as Professor Squeezyjig <strong>and</strong> runsmini melodeon workshops for those aged 8-108!The melodeon player’s melodeon player – RichardJohnson Music on the Marr July 2012.Reuben’s Train are a duo performing mostlyAmerican songs, some <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>and</strong> some notso <strong>traditional</strong>, from the darker side of life. MickWatson <strong>and</strong> Keith Osborne have been performingtogether for the last 15 years in London <strong>folk</strong> clubs,dressing always in black <strong>and</strong> leaving the audiencewondering quite where they are coming from <strong>and</strong>quite how they should react.“London’s most dramatic duo. Sophisticated, funny <strong>and</strong>weird” – Islington Folk Club.“Unusual English duo.......with excellent harmony,guitar <strong>and</strong> banjo, (plus frock-coats <strong>and</strong> impressiveeyebrows)” – Time Out.“Exceptionally entertaining black-clad duo, whosedramatic presentation of American <strong>and</strong> English <strong>traditional</strong><strong>and</strong> not-so-<strong>traditional</strong> classics play up the melodramawith wry humour” – Time OutRich <strong>and</strong> Famous are an acoustic duo playing thesongs of Wayne D. Evans. A highly accomplishedwriter, <strong>music</strong>ian <strong>and</strong> performer Wayne has beenplaying to audiences all over the world sincehis first TV appearance n the 60’s. Wayne playsacoustic parlor guitar, banjo <strong>and</strong> slide resonatorguitar. Richard Kensington plays bodhran, udu pot<strong>and</strong> stamps on things. This pulsing shimmeringinstrumental sound underpins their heartyharmonic vocal delivery of Wayne’s songs. Theserange in subject from greed, snobbery <strong>and</strong> overconsumption to rage at the unrestrained raiding ofa biscuit tin <strong>and</strong> the joys of being ‘young foolish<strong>and</strong> drunk. Their first album ‘Beginners Luck’ isavailable on Yeti Boy Records.W www.raylangton.comE bev.langton@talk21.comT +44 (0)1939 233977W www.reubenstrain.comE reubens.train@btinternet.comT +44 (0)7803 174146W www.yetiboyrecords.com/rich-<strong>and</strong>-famousbeginners-luckE richardkensi@hotmail.comT +44 (0)7957 209930Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 63
Rich McMahonRick ChristianRicky RomainRich McMahon is a songwriter <strong>and</strong> performerbased in Birmingham UK whose songs are largelyinspired by his Anglo/Irish background. He hasgained a reputation as a performer who activelyengages with his audience in a variety of venues,from festivals to <strong>folk</strong> clubs, pubs to concert halls.As well as performing his own songs Rich is anexcellent interpreter of Irish <strong>folk</strong> st<strong>and</strong>ards <strong>and</strong>contemporary material. Since leaving his job at asawdust factory to take up <strong>music</strong> full time he haswritten <strong>music</strong> for a feature film, enjoyed significantairplay around the world <strong>and</strong> recorded with RolfHarris. His latest album, ‘Live at Croc an Oir’,recorded in Tipperary, features sleeve notes byIrish <strong>folk</strong> legend Davey Arthur.Singer/songwriter/guitarist Rick Christianhas huge experience of playing in <strong>folk</strong> clubs,festivals, bars, <strong>and</strong> arts centres, both in the UK<strong>and</strong> overseas. Having recorded a number ofalbums, featuring songs about love, relationships,<strong>and</strong> the environment, he has also appeared onboth local <strong>and</strong> national radio. His songs havegained plaudits from a number of writers <strong>and</strong>performers worldwide. For many years, Rickalso co-presented Essex Folk for BBC Essex, inaddition to other community radio stations, aswell as contributing to The Guinness Who’s WhoOf Folk Music, <strong>and</strong> other <strong>music</strong> publications, as aresearcher. He also ran Maldon Folk Club, <strong>and</strong> theMaldon Folk Festival, for many years.Ricky Romain has performed nationally <strong>and</strong> inEurope. He has also been involved in a widevariety of collaborations <strong>and</strong> recordings withClassical Indian <strong>music</strong>ians, <strong>and</strong> has worked withpractitioners from other <strong>music</strong>al <strong>and</strong> artistic genresincluding Jazz, Rock, Folk, World <strong>and</strong> WesternClassical Music, Dance, <strong>and</strong> Movement. Rickywas a founder member of Jazz fusion group ‘Na-Da’ recording <strong>and</strong> co-writing with jazz saxophonistTony Roberts the album ‘Breath of Fire’, <strong>and</strong>founder member of the fusion b<strong>and</strong> ‘Dhani’,recording ‘Between Two’. For the last twelve years,with Jon Sterckx (tabla), have performed classicalIndian Music, they have produced two CDs: RagaAhir Bhairav <strong>and</strong> Raga Kirvani – ( Live Recording).Photo, Asian Arts Agency.W www.richmcmahon.comE richmcmahon@blueyonder.co.ukT +44 (0)7891 743098W www.rickchristian.co.ukE rick.christian@virgin.netT +44 (0)7754 586002W www.indian-<strong>music</strong>.orgE ricky@indian-<strong>music</strong>.orgT +44 (0)7905 714783Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 64
Robb JohnsonRobert HarbronRobin CampbellRobb’s widely recognised as one of the UK’s finestsongwriters. He has played pubs, clubs, pavements,pickets & benefits, arts centres & festivals, appearedon local radio, BBC Radio 3 & 4, Belgian Radio 1,Nicaraguan TV & Channel 4 & BBC4, & generally nowgigs in the UK, Belgium, Germany & the USA. Hissongs are covered by many singers, from <strong>folk</strong> legendRoy Bailey to cabaret diva Barb Jungr. He’s alsowritten Tony Benn’s favourite song, <strong>and</strong> translatedseveral songs by Jacques Brel. Robb usuallyperforms with a solo acoustic guitar but sometimesalso with a full electric b<strong>and</strong>.Robert Harbron is one of the country’s leadingplayers of the English concertina, with a distinctivestyle which showcases the instrument’s fullrange of timbre <strong>and</strong> harmony. He is also a multiinstrumentalist,playing fiddle, guitar, m<strong>and</strong>olin<strong>and</strong> banjo, an experienced harmony singer, <strong>and</strong> anarranger <strong>and</strong> composer.Rob currently works with Jon Boden <strong>and</strong> theRemnant Kings, <strong>and</strong> Fay Hield <strong>and</strong> the HurricaneParty. He is a member of the English AcousticCollective with whom he has collaborated withstoryteller Hugh Lupton. Rob has extensiveexperience playing for <strong>traditional</strong> dance, <strong>and</strong> hasworked as a composer <strong>and</strong> performer with MorrisOffspring <strong>and</strong> on the EFDSS project Spring Force.Robin Campbell’s <strong>folk</strong> career started in 1968,as a <strong>traditional</strong> singer/guitarist, in Glasgow duo‘Lomond Folk’. Robin has worked with many of the‘late <strong>and</strong> great <strong>folk</strong>ies’ of his era in concerts, pubs<strong>and</strong> clubs, <strong>and</strong> on radio <strong>and</strong> TV in various parts ofthe UK <strong>and</strong> abroad. He has several albums/CDs tohis credit. Robin is available for solo performances<strong>and</strong> with Hertfordshire based ‘Celtic Krystal (Folk‘n Fiddles)’. Robin sings Scottish <strong>and</strong> Irish ballads,songs by Burns <strong>and</strong>, when accompanied, playsjigs <strong>and</strong> reels. The bus pass now comes in h<strong>and</strong>yfor touring <strong>and</strong> festivals!W www.robbjohnson.co.ukE info@irregularrecords.co.ukT +44 (0)7960 182601W www.robertharbron.co.ukE robertharbron@gmail.comT +44 (0)7973 717786W www.robincampbell.orgE robin@robincampbell.orgT +44 (0)7860 667557Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 65
Rod Caird, PiperRod DavisRoscoe LipinRod Caird has been playing the highl<strong>and</strong>bagpipes since starting to learn as a schoolboyin Scotl<strong>and</strong> in the 1960s. He is still learning,teaching at local schools <strong>and</strong> playing atweddings, birthdays, Burns Nights, New Year’sEve <strong>and</strong> any other event where the sound of thepipes sounds right. He has played gigs in Florida,Scotl<strong>and</strong>, London, Suf<strong>folk</strong>, Nor<strong>folk</strong>, Essex, Crete,Dubrovnik <strong>and</strong> Amsterdam.A childhood friend of John Lennon, Rod Davisstarted his <strong>music</strong>al career as a banjo player withJohn’s first skiffle group, The Quarrymen, in whichhe was replaced by Paul McCartney. Skiffle <strong>music</strong>sparked an interest in British <strong>and</strong> American <strong>folk</strong><strong>music</strong>, especially Old Timey <strong>and</strong> Bluegrass. In1957 Rod switched to guitar <strong>and</strong> his laid-backpicking has featured in various lineups. Since theoriginal Quarrymen re-formed in 1997 Rod hasappeared with them worldwide <strong>and</strong> also performssolo, most recently in Irel<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Italy. Hismaterial, ranging from skiffle to rock ’n’ roll, hasbeen collected over fifty years <strong>and</strong> is interspersedwith anecdotes about the early days in Liverpool.He also performs in French, Spanish, German <strong>and</strong>Italian.“Roscoe has an entirely unique lyrical style to his playing<strong>and</strong> tells delicate stories with each song in his old-soulvoice”. Roscoe plays modern <strong>folk</strong> <strong>music</strong> from theheart on his Kinkade acoustic guitar. Influencesinclude Delta blues, Flamenco, John Martyn,Bert Jansch, John Renbourne <strong>and</strong> Bob Dylan.His album ‘Princes of the Hollow Tree’ gainedinternational airplay <strong>and</strong> he is currently workingon the follow up due for release in the new year.One of the best singer songwriters in the Englishtradition.W www.bealingsbagpipes.co.ukE rodcaird@yahoo.co.ukT +44 (0)7785 331217W www.scorpweb.co.ukE rod@scorpweb.co.ukT +44 (0)1895 846707W www.krazyroscoe.comE roscoesemail@yahoo.co.ukT +44 (0)7983 118551Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 66
Rosie NimmoRouhangeze &MichaelRoy ClingingWith comparisons with Billie Holliday <strong>and</strong> DoryPrevin, Rosie has a voice of clarity <strong>and</strong> depth.Rosie has been singing jazz <strong>and</strong> blues for severalyears, most recently at the Edinburgh InternationalJazz <strong>and</strong> Blues Festival. Praised in the British<strong>music</strong> press including The Guardian “a dynamicsinger”, Blues Matters “… utterly enchanting” <strong>and</strong>The List,”…a haunting collection of spare, subtle songsmeditating on the magic <strong>and</strong> trials of life” <strong>and</strong> by IanRankin “....like it a lot. Great voice, nicely produced”<strong>and</strong> Peter Asher (James Taylor). Fiddle playerMairi Campbell is one of several outst<strong>and</strong>ing<strong>music</strong>ians, including the albums’ producer MarcPilley of Hobotalk, who perform on both Rosie’sdebut album <strong>and</strong> her latest album ‘Home’ –released in October 2010.Mauritian Creole, French chanson, <strong>folk</strong>, blues,jazz <strong>and</strong> soul: Rouhangeze is totally at ease withall of these genres, <strong>and</strong> has an extra special feelfor the blues! Born <strong>and</strong> raised in Mauritius, aged16, Rouhangeze wrote songs with Pipo Nairac fora trilogy of French/Creole <strong>folk</strong> ballads, ‘Nostalgiedes Iles’, ‘Nostalgie Creoles’, <strong>and</strong> ‘Nostalgie desIles 2’, subsequently released to critical acclaimthroughout the Indian Ocean territories. Nowaged 25, after moving to the UK in 2009, shehas teamed up with Michael, who started outplaying <strong>folk</strong> <strong>and</strong> blues influenced by Martin Carthy<strong>and</strong> Davy Graham, subsequently developing hisrepertoire to include country, pop, jazz, soul,reggae <strong>and</strong> world <strong>music</strong>. Available as a duo, orwith additional <strong>music</strong>ians.Acknowledged for his thoughtful <strong>and</strong>accomplished concertina <strong>and</strong> guitaraccompaniments, Roy is well known throughoutthe festival <strong>and</strong> <strong>folk</strong> club scene as a fine interpreterof <strong>traditional</strong> songs. His repertoire is by no meansconfined to the tradition, <strong>and</strong> encompassesbroadsides, contemporary songs <strong>and</strong> an arrayof material from his native Cheshire. In additionto his regular <strong>folk</strong> club <strong>and</strong> festival appearances,Roy has an ongoing commitment to <strong>music</strong> in thecommunity, with an involvement in history <strong>and</strong>heritage projects, <strong>and</strong> adult health <strong>and</strong> well-being.He has recorded four albums, <strong>and</strong> compiled<strong>and</strong> edited the book, ‘Cheshire Folk Songs <strong>and</strong>associated traditions’. Roy is currently touring withMick Ryan in ‘The Pauper’s Path’.W www.rosienimmo.comE rosyblue99@yahoo.co.ukT +44 (0)7891 673407W www.rouhangeze<strong>and</strong>michael.co.ukE mikecollins4@mac.comT +44 (0) 20 8888 5318/+44 (0) 7984 029734(Michael)W www.royclinging.comE roy.clinging@tesco.netT +44 (0)1244 319509Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 67
RSVP BhangraRussianBalalaika!Sam DraiseyRSVP have been spearheading the renaissance oflive Bhangra in the UK, opening doors for otherartists, <strong>and</strong> introducing Bhangra to mainstreamaudiences for the first time. From massive stagesat Glastonbury (5 years in a row) <strong>and</strong> Womad toconcert venues around the country, they’re alwaysguaranteed to get even the most reluctant ontheir feet, <strong>and</strong> leave audiences breathless withexcitement. Every set comes with an introductionto Bhangra dance – everyone’s included withRSVP’s emphasis on partying Punjabi style.With <strong>music</strong>ians drawn from one family, this isthe ultimate celebratory <strong>music</strong>, wholly rooted ina living tradition, yet unafraid to innovate. Highlyrecommended!Bibs Ekkel – balalaika maestro. World experienceincludes being arrested by both KGB <strong>and</strong> PolishSecurity Police. Soloist & b<strong>and</strong>leader - runs small& large balalaika ensembles. Multi-instrumentalist:gusli, domra, Russian button accordion, spoons(3-spoon Russian style), 7-string guitar & piano.Multitude of performances worldwide: concerts,cabaret, films, TV, radio, soundtracks alsocomposing/arranging. (“Bin zer – dun zat!”)Russian, Polish & Romany speaker. Translator.Possesses vast <strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> record archives onRussian Folk & Gypsy <strong>music</strong>, also extensivehistorical information on costumes, instruments -Russian everything. Published: Mel Bay BalalaikaTutor & Russian Gypsy Songbook. (Perfs.: ‘EasternPromises’; ‘Enemy at the Gates’; ‘Lost Prince’,Last Night of Proms 2006; Elton John’s Ball; UStours, Moscow TV, etc.)Sam Draisey is an ‘Acoustic Folk-Pop’ artist fromthe West Midl<strong>and</strong>s, Engl<strong>and</strong>. Over the past fewyears Sam has entertained audiences around theUK with his own br<strong>and</strong> of insightful <strong>and</strong> thoughtfulsinger/songwriter <strong>music</strong>. He has graced the stageat Bakewell Acoustic Music festival 3 years in arow, Baggeridge Folk Festival <strong>and</strong> many otherlocal <strong>and</strong> niche festivals around the Midl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong>beyond. He now has a monthly residency for him<strong>and</strong> his friends at Noddy Holder’s ‘The Robin 2’named ‘The Sam Draisey Sessions’. Sam hastwo studio albums out to date, both of which areavailable from his online store.W www.rsvp<strong>music</strong>.co.ukE judge@rsvp<strong>music</strong>.co.ukT +44 (0)7825 220210W www.bibsekkel.comE bibsekkel@hotmail.comT +44 (0)7970 161002W www.samdraisey.co.ukE samdraisey@live.co.ukT +44 (0)7949 595891Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 68
S<strong>and</strong>y BrechinSarah McQuaidScottish AndrewS<strong>and</strong>y is one of Scotl<strong>and</strong>’s best-lovedaccordionists, known for his work with the b<strong>and</strong>s:Burach, Seelyhoo, The S<strong>and</strong>y Brechin B<strong>and</strong>, TheSensational Jimi Sh<strong>and</strong>rix Experience, MacGregorBrechin & O hEadhra, The Wendy WeatherbyB<strong>and</strong>, among many others. S<strong>and</strong>y set up his ownrecord label, Brechin All Records, in 1996, nowone of Scotl<strong>and</strong>’s fastest growing independent<strong>folk</strong> labels. The BAR label has released threevolumes so far of The Complete Songs of RobertTannahill, a five-volume series which, for the firsttime, intends to record all the works of Paisley’smost famous son. S<strong>and</strong>y is also a respectedteacher <strong>and</strong> is the accordion tutor at The NationalCentre for Excellence in Traditional Music <strong>and</strong> hasreleased two teaching DVDs.Sarah McQuaid is a gifted <strong>and</strong> captivatingperformer whose warm, haunting alto is delicatelycradled by her “sparkling guitar” (Sing Out!). Bornin Spain, raised in Chicago <strong>and</strong> now living in ruralEngl<strong>and</strong>, Sarah has released three solo albums –When Two Lovers Meet (1997), I Won’t Go Home’Til Morning (2008) <strong>and</strong> most recently The PlumTree <strong>and</strong> the Rose (2012) – in addition to CrowCoyote Buffalo (2009), released with co-writerZoë under the b<strong>and</strong> name Mama. She is alsothe author of The Irish DADGAD Guitar Book,described by The Irish Times as “a godsend toaspiring <strong>traditional</strong> guitarists.”“A great songwriter <strong>and</strong> <strong>traditional</strong> singer, <strong>and</strong> awonderful guitarist.” — Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2Scottish Andrew <strong>and</strong> the Wild Geese Ceilidh B<strong>and</strong>.A three piece ceilidh b<strong>and</strong> with ScottishAndrewon electric fiddle <strong>and</strong> calling, Steve on guitar<strong>and</strong> vocals <strong>and</strong> marc on drums. We have playedat venues big <strong>and</strong> small all over Scotl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong>further afield. Our experienced caller will walk <strong>and</strong>talk <strong>folk</strong>s of all ages <strong>and</strong> nationalities through aspecially selected set of 20+ dances. Andrew isalso a contemporary electric violin player playingaccompaniment in Blues, R&B, Rock <strong>and</strong> Trance<strong>and</strong> can play session work <strong>and</strong> improvise inalmost any contemporary idiom <strong>and</strong> also hasa solo set with contemporary backing trackscalled Jazzmetaz. I am a featured composer withSkyrocket records.W www.brechin-all-records.comE s<strong>and</strong>y@brechin-all-records.comT +44 (0)7831 253228W www.sarahmcquaid.comE bookings@sarahmcquaid.comT +44 (0)7977 470498W www.reverbnation.com/scottish<strong>and</strong>rewE scottish<strong>and</strong>rew@btinternet.comT +44 (0)1333 428921Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 69
SheenaWellingtonShinjigSimon BradleyTrioOne of Scotl<strong>and</strong>’s leading <strong>traditional</strong> singers,Sheena Wellington was born in Dundee into afamily of singers who gave her many of the songswhich she sings today. Sheena’s repertoire coverseverything from Burns to ballads to the best ofcontemporary songwriting, drawing from therich Scottish tradition passed from <strong>music</strong>ian to<strong>music</strong>ian through the ages.Shinjig are the rockingest ceilidh b<strong>and</strong> you are everlikely to see. Their pedigree includes individualmembers of the b<strong>and</strong> working in a range of genreswith a host of giants such as Jerry Donahue,Alistair Hulett, Gary Boyle, Chris Norman, GinaLeFaux, members of Chumbawumba, The WhiskyPriests, <strong>and</strong> a contribution to Steve Tilston’saward winning song at this year’s Folk Awards.Re-booked at The Great British Folk Festival 2012,their last appearance was described as “a notablehighlight” by Folkcast online magazine. A fusion of<strong>traditional</strong> <strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> classic rock played a wickedsense of humour has resulted in a powerful,tuneful <strong>and</strong> toe-tapping sound. So what are youwaiting for? Go to see them now! Just rememberto take your dancing shoes.Matheu Watson, Anna Wendy Stevenson <strong>and</strong>Simon Bradley are renowned performers in theCeltic <strong>music</strong> scene <strong>and</strong> teach for the University ofthe Highl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> Isl<strong>and</strong>s in Scotl<strong>and</strong>. They playvarious stringed instruments creating a swinging,polished <strong>and</strong> lush sound. Their CD ‘GrogarryLodge’ comprises of original material written bySimon whose previous compositions have beenperformed by many top acts. A book ‘Buncrana toBaleshare’ has also been published containing allSimon’s tunes. “There are several wind-farms’ worth ofenergy in the playing, <strong>and</strong> an exceptional tightness to thewhole album, <strong>and</strong> the quality is just what you’d expectfrom such a talented threesome. This is a CD whichshould be in everyone’s collection.” – Living TraditionIssue 91W www.sheena-wellington.co.ukE info@sheena-wellington.co.ukT +44 (0)1382 221242WEwww.shinjig.commail@shinjig.comWEwww.simonbradleytrio.comsimonbradleytrio@hotmail.co.ukMusicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 70
SkerryvoreSkyhookSomayeSkerryvore first formed on the tiny lsle of Tireeoff Scotl<strong>and</strong>’s west coast in 2005. Originallythe b<strong>and</strong> consisted of Tiree-born brothersDaniel Gillespie (accordion) <strong>and</strong> Martin Gillespie(bagpipes, whistles & accordion) with Fraser West(drums & vocals) <strong>and</strong> Alec Dalglish (lead vocals &guitar.) Following their 2005 debut album, ‘WestCoast Life,’ Barry Caulfield (bass & vocals) <strong>and</strong>Craig Espie (fiddle) were added in time for theirsecond album, ‘On The Road’, in 2007. Theirself-titled third album, ‘Skerryvore,’ won a stringof prestigious awards. In June 2012 the b<strong>and</strong>released their fourth album ‘World of Chances.’Uplifting <strong>and</strong> reflective, the result is a brighter,breezier, feel good sound that looks set to broadenthe b<strong>and</strong>’s appeal even further.“Intelligently realised Celticry... highly <strong>music</strong>al <strong>and</strong>guaranteed to bring a smile to face <strong>and</strong> feet” – fRoots.Twin fiddles, guitar, voice, bouzouki, viola –beautifully arranged old <strong>and</strong> new tunes <strong>and</strong> songsrooted in the traditions of Scotl<strong>and</strong>, Irel<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong>Cape Breton. skyhook are Cath James, finalist inthe 1995 BBC Young Tradition Award <strong>and</strong> 2008Niel Gow International Fiddle Composition Award,Martin Harwood, ex-Caravanserai, <strong>and</strong> EoinTeather, accompanist to some of the giants of Irish<strong>music</strong>, including Tommy Peoples. “consummateperformers… wonderful <strong>music</strong>.” – Linda Wild,Wimborne Folk Festival. “wonderful fiddle harmonies,unparalleled vocals … played with grace, emotion <strong>and</strong> aquality of <strong>music</strong>ianship that is a rare commodity. Subtle,accomplished <strong>and</strong> extremely entertaining.” – Rob Shaw,Rockingham Arms <strong>folk</strong> clubWith a voice that has been known to bringaudiences to tears <strong>and</strong> extraordinary versatilityon the tombak (Persian drum), Somaye’s <strong>music</strong>represents the fresh sound of the Iranian diaspora,fusing East <strong>and</strong> West. Her unique arrangements ofjazz st<strong>and</strong>ards on the tombak create a captivatingsound that can only emerge from London’scultural melting pot <strong>and</strong> as a skilled producerher soulful voice blends seamlessly with thebeautiful instruments of the East to create uniquesoundscapes that st<strong>and</strong> out within London’s urban<strong>music</strong>al jungle. Born to Iranian parents in London,Somaye spent three years living in Iran beforefleeing <strong>and</strong> returning to London. Her <strong>music</strong>alblend is the expression of a life torn between twocultures.W www.skerryvore.comE info@skerryvore.comT +44 (0)7823 337710W www.skyhook<strong>music</strong>.comE bookings@skyhook<strong>music</strong>.comT +44 (0)7714 761869 / +44 (0)1142 320421W www.somaye.infoE somayeartiste@gmail.comT +44 (0)7981 125918Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 71
Southern TenantFolk <strong>Union</strong>Spinach forNormanCeilidh B<strong>and</strong>Stephen BullThe most highly acclaimed <strong>folk</strong>/bluegrass b<strong>and</strong>in the UK today, STFU have just released theirfifth album. Appearances on BBC Radio 4’s‘Loose Ends’ & national Irish TV (RTE’s The View)alongside great reviews in The Guardian, SundayTimes, Mojo, Uncut <strong>and</strong> Independent has seenthe b<strong>and</strong> light up the <strong>music</strong> scene. A sevenpiece all acoustic b<strong>and</strong> with banjo, m<strong>and</strong>olin,fiddle & harmony vocals they perform with ’soul& beauty’ on their murder ballads or tear it upwith ’Hootenanny sawdust-kickers’, all that plusamazing <strong>music</strong>ianship, heartfelt storytelling &their special br<strong>and</strong> of honest intelligent <strong>music</strong>.Artistically successful, award winning as well asbeing a captivating/exciting live act they now sellout arts centres <strong>and</strong> theatres across Europe.I play Bass Guitar/D.Bass/Guitar & playwith Spinach for Norman ceilidh b<strong>and</strong> –UK,Irish,Yiddish <strong>traditional</strong> dance b<strong>and</strong> with acaller, Poisson Rouge – original & <strong>traditional</strong> dance<strong>music</strong> from Brittany & France & Kevara klezmerceilidh b<strong>and</strong> – European Jewish dance <strong>music</strong>. Allb<strong>and</strong>s perform for weddings, private functions &public events (Festivals etc.)I am a professional freelance <strong>music</strong>ian. I play -Guitar, Violin, Bass, Piano <strong>and</strong> I also sing. I writesongs, lyrics <strong>and</strong> instrumental melodies <strong>and</strong> c<strong>and</strong>o so to order. If you like the examples of mywork <strong>and</strong> want to discuss a booking, recordingsession or rehearsal please call me. Genres - Folk.Country. Songwriters. Ballads.B<strong>and</strong>s - Beatles.U2. Eagles. Mowtown.W www.southerntenant<strong>folk</strong>union.comE info@southerntenant<strong>folk</strong>union.comT +44 (0)7986 485048W www.spinachfornorman.netE m.henning@talk21.comT +44 (0)1837 871498W www.myspace.com/stephenbull<strong>music</strong>E stevie_bull@hotmail.co.ukT +44 (0)1294 468359 / +44 (0)7929 323383Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 72
Steve TylerThe BanjoLounge 4The BlackDiamonds SkiffleB<strong>and</strong>One of the foremost English hurdy gurdy players<strong>and</strong> a core member of medieval <strong>music</strong> b<strong>and</strong>sDaughters of Elvin <strong>and</strong> Misericordia. He iscurrently playing with Jackie Oates B<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> withsinger/guitarist Andy Clarke. Previously he hasprovided <strong>music</strong> for a puppet show for Puppetcraft,played for French dances with The Wendigo <strong>and</strong>with Jon Swayne <strong>and</strong> Becky Price, provided<strong>music</strong> for radio, television <strong>and</strong> films <strong>and</strong> beeninvolved in more experimental projects such as AnEnglish Journey Reimagined (also involving ShirleyCollins, Alan Moore, Iain Sinclair, Susan Stenger,F.M.Einheit...). He also teaches hurdy gurdy,running workshops or giving individual lessons,<strong>and</strong> is currently recording his own multitrackedproject involving gothic harp, cittern, percussion,reed organ <strong>and</strong> more.The Banjo Lounge 4’s speciality is to sprinkle theirown br<strong>and</strong> of bluegrass dust over classics fromacross the decades in a way that is both original<strong>and</strong> imaginative. With the 4 members comingfrom <strong>music</strong>al backgrounds that include Funk,Bluegrass, Folk, Ska, Latin <strong>and</strong> Pop they havethe most eclectic & diverse blend of influenceson the live <strong>music</strong> scene in Scotl<strong>and</strong> today. Sinceinception in 2007, The Banjo Lounge 4 havebeen honing their sound by playing the likes ofthe Wickerman, Insider <strong>and</strong> Kelburn Festivals inScotl<strong>and</strong>, Club Vegas, Film <strong>and</strong> Theatre Awardparties, <strong>and</strong> a whole host (70 last count) of othershows from Soho to Perthshire.“Impressive…thisinventiveness makes me smile” – Laura Barnett, TheGuardianThe Lonnie Donegan Skiffle tribute show. TheBlack Diamonds are proud to present a lively <strong>and</strong>highly entertaining tribute to “The King of Skiffle”<strong>and</strong> the 1950’s British Skiffle boom. Featuring:Vocal harmonies, banjo, washboard, tea chestbass, guitars, drums & percussion, authenticcostume, humour & lots of witty banter! Thetribute show includes the hits: Rock Isl<strong>and</strong> Line,Putting on the style, Does your chewing gum loseits flavour, My old man’s a dustman, Cumberl<strong>and</strong>Gap, Freight train & Don’t you rock me Daddio.The show’s perfect for theatre, corporate events,clubs, festivals & private parties. This professionalfour piece b<strong>and</strong> based in Berkshire, are availablefor bookings nationally <strong>and</strong> internationally.W www.myspace.com/stephenjtylerE sj.tyler@virgin.netT +44 (0)1837 849030 / +44 (0)7522 041630W www.thebanjolounge4.co.ukE info@thebanjolounge4.co.ukT +44 (0)7880 965624W www.theblackdiamondsb<strong>and</strong>.co.ukE office.imlproductions@gmail.comT +44 (0)1189 371471 / +44 (0)7801 555969Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 73
The BurdockB<strong>and</strong>The CastThe Dai PriceQuartetThe Burdock B<strong>and</strong> comprises an inspiring groupof professional <strong>music</strong>ians from classical, <strong>folk</strong> <strong>and</strong>rock backgrounds, playing driving renditions ofCeltic <strong>music</strong> from the British Isles <strong>and</strong> France,adding to the mix <strong>traditional</strong> Eastern Europeanmelodies. Audiences are drawn into intricatelywoven harmonies on fiddle, whistles, accordion,<strong>and</strong> guitars over grooves on bodhran <strong>and</strong>djembe. Additional hurdy gurdy <strong>and</strong> viola helpus to create a fresh sound for well loved tunes.For ceilidhs, our charismatic caller Dan bringstogether all generations <strong>and</strong> dispositions in a spiritof laughter <strong>and</strong> fun, enabling everyone to accessthese wonderful dances. As one happy couplecommented “You were great. We couldn’t have chosena better way to get our guests to mingle”.David Francis <strong>and</strong> Mairi Campbell have beenworking as The Cast since 1992. They haveproduced three CDs in that time. In 2007/8 Mairiwas voted ‘Singer of the Year’ at the Scots TradMusic Awards. In 2011 she released under herown name an album of new songs written by theduo. She is also a popular teacher <strong>and</strong> was votedMusic Tutor of the Year at the 2011 Trad MusicAwards. She is MD <strong>and</strong> arranger for Sangstream,a community choir based in Edinburgh, <strong>and</strong> asought after session <strong>music</strong>ian. Among otherprojects, David Francis currently directs CeòlMòr, a youth big b<strong>and</strong> based in Aberdeen, <strong>and</strong>runs Distil, a professional development project for<strong>traditional</strong> <strong>music</strong>ians.Dai Price is a guitarist, singer <strong>and</strong> songwriter.He grew up in Newport, South Wales, where hestudied guitar with renowned Welsh fiddler <strong>and</strong>guitarist Mike Lease. His songs reference earlyAmerican <strong>folk</strong> <strong>music</strong>, zydeco <strong>and</strong> 50s R&B. Dai’squartet is made up of some of the finest <strong>folk</strong><strong>music</strong>ians in London: Alan Dunn on piano <strong>and</strong>accordion (Richard Thompson, Loudon WainrightIII), Rupert Gillett on double bass (Kuma Lisa, TheDead Victorians) <strong>and</strong> Bob Loveday on fiddle (NickLowe, Penguin Café Orchestra, Van Morrison). Anadventurous <strong>music</strong>ian with eclectic tastes, Dai’ssoulful <strong>and</strong> sincere voice, powerful songwriting<strong>and</strong> rocking live shows have gained him areputation as an act to watch out for.W www.theburdockb<strong>and</strong>.co.ukE dan@theburdockb<strong>and</strong>.co.ukT +44 (0)7910 395249 or +44 (0)121 440 5745W www.the-cast.org.ukE davidfrancis@the-cast.org.ukT +44 (0)131 669 8824W www.daiprice.comE davidchrisprice@gmail.comT +44 (0)7789 506063Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 74
The DavidLatto B<strong>and</strong>The DrystonesThe HalsteadClanThe David Latto B<strong>and</strong> are a dynamic Scottishduo comprised of songwriter David Latto <strong>and</strong>instrumentalist Gavin Brady. Their original soundtaps into the vastness of Americana from auniquely Scottish perspective exploring the<strong>music</strong>al links shared by both countries. Theirfirst E.P release - ‘Three Thous<strong>and</strong> Miles fromNashville’ was well received by fans <strong>and</strong> criticsalike gaining repeated spins on national radio<strong>and</strong> excellent reviews. ‘Latto evinces the ability totap into a culture 3000 miles from his homel<strong>and</strong><strong>and</strong> imbue it with vitality’- Americana UK. Theireponymous debut album is set for release inSeptember 2012 with a subsequent UK tour in thepipeline.A new young <strong>folk</strong> duo who have been creatinga stir in the West Country. Ford Collier <strong>and</strong> AlexGarden both just 15 proved their broad appealwhen they became the first acoustic act to win theMid-Somerset News Battle of the B<strong>and</strong>s contestin 2011. Throughout summer 2012 they haveplayed in festivals, pubs, functions, jubilee events<strong>and</strong> beer festivals. The boys have developed arichly textured, fast-paced <strong>and</strong> engaging sound.Audiences often remark that it sounds as ifthere are at least four <strong>music</strong>ians, not just two,on the stage. While always taking their <strong>music</strong>seriously, they enjoy a humorous rapport with theiraudiences <strong>and</strong> are never really happy until they getpeople on their feet <strong>and</strong> dancing.Comprising of Nigel Gary Broadbent <strong>and</strong> Matthew“Spraff” Broadbent, The Halstead Clan are a father<strong>and</strong> son duo based in Bradford, West Yorkshire.They major in <strong>folk</strong>, country <strong>and</strong> blues influencedoriginal songs. Their lyrics <strong>and</strong> arrangementshave a very modern slant <strong>and</strong> vocal harmoniesare heavily featured. Think Fleet Foxes, Mumford<strong>and</strong> Sons <strong>and</strong> Richard Hawley <strong>and</strong> you’ll be in theright area. Between them they play guitars, bass,m<strong>and</strong>olin, ukulele, woodwind <strong>and</strong> percussion.They also perform a few <strong>traditional</strong> songs <strong>and</strong>deliver awesome interpretations of other people’ssongs. They are in the process of exp<strong>and</strong>ing toa four piece. Their work can be heard on SoundCloud.W www.davidlatto<strong>music</strong>.comE info@davidlatto<strong>music</strong>.comT +44 (0)7950 869514W www.thedrystones.co.ukE info@thedrystones.co.ukT +44 (0)1749 678949W www.nigelgarrythesinger.comE nigelgarry@hotmail.comT +44 (0)1274 413581Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 75
The Hut PeopleThe InnocentThe JasmineMoon EnsembleThe Hut People are constantly gaining more ofreputation as one of the most entertaining acts toappear on the <strong>folk</strong> scene in a long while. In theirsurprisingly engaging <strong>and</strong> often hilarious show,they perform a truly unique high-octane blendof <strong>folk</strong> <strong>music</strong> from around the world - perfectlyformed & embellished with a foot stompingaccordion <strong>and</strong> mind-boggling array of exoticpercussion (with some Quebecois foot percussion& dancing thrown in for good measure too!). Ahugely entertaining duo getting unbelievablefeedback from audiences, festival organizers <strong>and</strong><strong>music</strong> press alike. Our first album came out inJanuary 2010 titled ‘Home is where the hut is’ onFellside Records. Our second album ‘Picnic’ is outon the 9th April 2012.The Innocent are a four-piece alternative <strong>folk</strong>-rockb<strong>and</strong> hailing from Shropshire, UK. If you haveever been to Shropshire, you will underst<strong>and</strong> whythe majority of their songs are in the minor key.They started life in late 2010, garnering praisefor their exquisite harmonies <strong>and</strong> evocative <strong>and</strong>mesmerising live sets, <strong>and</strong> have since played invenues all over the UK <strong>and</strong> had main stage slotsat a number major festivals, supporting acts asdiverse as The Jam, Example, Gregory Alan Isakov<strong>and</strong> Po’Girl, as well as headlining their own UStour. Drawing influences from the likes of CountingCrows, The Swell Season <strong>and</strong> Bon Iver, their <strong>music</strong>is emotionally <strong>and</strong> artistically compelling, attractingthem fans from Seattle to Serbia.Forged in the vibrant Midl<strong>and</strong>s world <strong>music</strong>scene <strong>and</strong> steeped in the <strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> culture ofChina, the authentic <strong>and</strong> original Jasmine MoonEnsemble (Dizi, Guzheng, Yangqin <strong>and</strong> Piano)present Traditional Chinese Music....Made inBirmingham. From celebratory Chinese New-Yearconcerts (MAC-Birmingham) through to spellbindingfestival appearances (Shambala 2011) theensemble have cemented their reputation as oneof the UK’s well respected Chinese Folk MusicEnsembles. With a background in TraditionalChinese Musical upbringing <strong>and</strong> Western Classical<strong>and</strong> Folk <strong>music</strong>, they explore <strong>and</strong> perform a hugerange of Chinese <strong>music</strong>, guiding their audiencefrom the ancient times to the modern <strong>and</strong> fromthe heart of the Yangtze Delta to the mountainsof Yunnan, on a magical <strong>music</strong>al journey acrossChina.W www.thehutpeople.co.ukE thehutpeople@gmail.comT +44 (0)7721 502659W www.theinnocent.co.ukE info@theinnocent.co.ukT +44 (0)7734 666614W www.youtube.com/jasminemoontrioE thejasminemoontrio@gmail.comT +44 (0)7832 159911Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 76
The KevinO’Regan B<strong>and</strong>The LindaWatkins B<strong>and</strong>The Oakl<strong>and</strong>Brothers b<strong>and</strong>Kevin’s <strong>music</strong> is a heady cocktail of <strong>folk</strong> witha hint of blues, a dash of country, a splash ofrock washed down with a large measure ofhis characteristic exuberance. He has writtensongs that are guaranteed to have an audiencesinging, songs of great wit <strong>and</strong> modern balladsof extraordinary sensitivity, drawing on his acuteobservation of the way we live <strong>and</strong> his Irish <strong>roots</strong>.On stage, energy <strong>and</strong> enthusiasm burst from theb<strong>and</strong>. Kevin Ward’s five string fretless bass is aninstrument in its own right not just a backgroundsound, Malcolm Wood’s percussion adds drive<strong>and</strong> sharpness <strong>and</strong> Olivia Clarke brings fine fiddleplaying, second vocals, flute <strong>and</strong> sax…not tomention youth <strong>and</strong> beauty!Welsh born songbird Linda Watkins is joined byMike Moyse <strong>and</strong> Peter Ball – a rare collection of<strong>music</strong>al chameleons! Their <strong>music</strong> is deliveredexpertly on a selection of instruments includingPortuguese guitar, cittern <strong>and</strong> welsh harp,alongside the more familiar <strong>folk</strong> st<strong>and</strong>ard guitars,accordion, m<strong>and</strong>olin <strong>and</strong> violin. Their br<strong>and</strong> of wit<strong>and</strong> humour adds yet another dimension to theirperformances which truly captures their audience.Linda’s original songwriting is complemented bycareful arrangements which add subtleties thattouch your heart. Couple this with the quirkinessof songwriter Peter Ball’s lyrics <strong>and</strong> the memorablemelodies prepared by them both <strong>and</strong> you have arecipe for a veritable <strong>music</strong>al feast!The Oakl<strong>and</strong> Brothers - comprising of fiddle,double bass, guitar <strong>and</strong> vocals - play a widevariety of songs <strong>and</strong> <strong>music</strong> from different genres<strong>and</strong> decades with their own unique twist tothe songs. Add in a few originals from GrahamCorbould <strong>and</strong> we can guarantee an evening ofentertainment <strong>and</strong> enjoyment different from otherb<strong>and</strong>s. Accomplished <strong>music</strong>ians; Richard Moore(also known as Leroy) has just completed a degreein Violin studies <strong>and</strong> has been mentored by noother than Nigel Kennedy; Denver is a skilleddouble bass player <strong>and</strong> Sheldon is no slouch onguitar (was 2009 Guitar Tutor of the Year). Youraudience will not be disappointed at the st<strong>and</strong>ardof playing or level of entertainment. Based in Kentbut happy to travel.W www.kevinoregan.co.ukE kevinoregan54@btinternet.comT +44 (0)1280 702300W www.lindawatkins.co.ukE lindawat1@hotmail.comT +44 (0)7808 258223W www.grahamcorbould.co.ukE graham@grahamcorbould.co.ukT +44 (0)7771 661012Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 77
The PaulMcKenna B<strong>and</strong>The Silver FishThe UnusualSuspectsSince being awarded the title of “Best Up <strong>and</strong>Coming Artist of 2009” at the MG Alba Scots TradMusic Awards; The Paul McKenna B<strong>and</strong> havegone from strength to strength touring extensivelythroughout USA, Canada <strong>and</strong> Europe. Combiningtheir love for Folk <strong>and</strong> Traditional <strong>music</strong>, as well asoriginal songs <strong>and</strong> tunes; The Paul McKenna B<strong>and</strong>from Scotl<strong>and</strong> has been captivating audienceswith live performances of their second album,titled ‘Stem the Tide’, out now on GreentraxRecords with a third release due in 2013. Theexciting sound of The Paul McKenna B<strong>and</strong> iscreated through outst<strong>and</strong>ing Vocals, drivingGuitar <strong>and</strong> Bouzouki, intense Fiddle playing, awarm pairing of Flute <strong>and</strong> Whistles <strong>and</strong> dynamicBodhrán <strong>and</strong> percussion.The Silver Fish from Belfast have a unique style<strong>and</strong> play fun, accessible original <strong>folk</strong>/jazzy/latinmaterial. The b<strong>and</strong>’s repertoire offers that rareattraction – songs that appeal to children withlyrics that keep adults involved. The Silver Fishhave performed in many interesting <strong>and</strong> variousvenues including – the Crescent Arts Centre,Four Swans Festival, Feile an Phobail, the UlsterMuseum, St George’s Market, Europa Hotel as wellas performances on Radio Ulster. Their new album“Cerebellum” was launched in February 2011The Unusual Suspects of Scotl<strong>and</strong> are a 17-piecewho happily travel the world taking their massive<strong>music</strong>al ‘juggernaut’ with them. This will be theirtenth year of performing, <strong>and</strong> they have a newshow ready for summer 2013. The powerhouserhythm <strong>and</strong> brass section are the best in thebusiness; players called upon by the likes of RayCharles, Joe Cocker, Elton John, String Sisters,Eric Bibb <strong>and</strong> Martha Reeves, Gil Evans - the listgoes on... And the scottish heart of the b<strong>and</strong> hasalways been kept beating by the most outst<strong>and</strong>ing<strong>traditional</strong> players in the country. “...a beautifulnoise. A jigging, reeling juggernaut... the putative‘Scottish National Folk Orchestra’.” The HeraldW www.paulmckennab<strong>and</strong>.comE paul@paulmckennab<strong>and</strong>.comT +44 (0)7703 740721W www.reverbnation.com/thefishsilverE popplestoneb@aim.comT +44 (0)2890 565279W www.unusualsuspects.uk.comE us@corrinahewat.comT +44 (0)1875 320442 / +44 (0)7711 512 692Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 78
The WierdstringB<strong>and</strong>Threepenny BitTiptoe HillThree men, fourteen strings <strong>and</strong> a whole lot ofWeirdness. An intriguing combination of fiddle,double bass <strong>and</strong> acoustic guitar playing songs<strong>and</strong> tunes from around the globe. Their repertoireencompasses the wide ranging genres of <strong>folk</strong>, ska,swing, rock <strong>and</strong> pop, together with contemporaryoriginal material. Expect amazement,confoundment, exhilaration, dancing, singing,silliness, st<strong>and</strong>ing up <strong>and</strong> sitting down. Wierdstringhave earned accolades <strong>and</strong> a dedicated followingthrough their own br<strong>and</strong> of <strong>music</strong>al comedy,audience participation <strong>and</strong> the famous Wierdstringceilidh, incorporating <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>and</strong> silly dancesfor all kinds of venues from festivals to weddings.A young <strong>and</strong> vibrant addition to the <strong>folk</strong> scene,Threepenny Bit <strong>folk</strong> <strong>and</strong> ceilidh b<strong>and</strong> was formedfrom an unlikely combination of student-typesin Southampton in 2010. Consisting of suitcasepercussion, fiddle, flute, guitar <strong>and</strong> clarinet, theyplay a wide range of Irish, English, Cornish,Breton <strong>and</strong> Scottish diddly-dee <strong>music</strong> with a hintof klezmer! Threepenny Bit set the trend for ‘HalfPrice Busking’ in the Summer of 2011, when theyembarked upon a busking campaign to spread <strong>folk</strong><strong>music</strong> to the four corners of Southern Engl<strong>and</strong>.This included playing at the Winchester Hat Fair,St Mary Bourne Festival, Sidmouth, Bath <strong>and</strong>Wimbourne Folk Festivals <strong>and</strong> obtaining a buskinglicense for Covent Garden.Tiptoe Hill – progressive <strong>folk</strong> b<strong>and</strong> fromleicestershire formed in 2009 after a chanceencounter with a set of gallows. Fronted by singer/songwriter Carl Bakewell, aka ‘the poet thatdidn’t know it’ with Anna Sagona on keyboard<strong>and</strong> Pete Russell on bass guitar & kazoo. Withboth <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>and</strong> contemporary influences,their original songs tell tales of death <strong>and</strong> generalmayhem from the dark side of <strong>folk</strong>.W www.wierdstring.co.ukE info@wierdstring.co.ukT +44 (0)7884 232092W www.threepennybit.netE bookings@threepennybit.netT +44 (0)7855 963667W www.reverbnation.com/tiptoehillE tiptoehill@gmail.comT +44 (0)7849 274889Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 79
Tom &Barbara BrownTony MorrisTwo Left FeetTom & Barbara Brown specialize in English<strong>traditional</strong> <strong>music</strong>. They sing, both solo <strong>and</strong> inharmony, either a capella or accompanied byTom on guitar, m<strong>and</strong>ola, English concertina ormelodeon. They have also written a series ofhighly acclaimed themed shows sometimes inmulti-media or multi-discipline formats. Full-timeprofessionals, they tailor their work to the hirer’sor audience’s requirements. Their style of runningsingarounds <strong>and</strong> open mic events has beendescribed as “often emulated, but never surpassed”(Roy Harris). They offer a series of workshopson various aspects of the English tradition –from singing to mumming, from vernacular styleto specialist types of song. They also create,programme <strong>and</strong> manage events <strong>and</strong> festivals.Does not play or sing covers. An originalentertainer. An all round creative, <strong>folk</strong> song writer<strong>and</strong> performer. Only performs his own songs <strong>and</strong><strong>music</strong>. Traditional style unaccompanied vocalsplus ‘Lyre Songs’ ranging from the tragic to thesurreal/absurd. Plays, principally, Lyre, AmeryndFlute, Fujara, Koncovka. Spoken Word Artist.Guest Artist at 2012 Saltburn Folk Festival. Usessong <strong>and</strong> <strong>music</strong> to tell stories, often with historic,industrial, human setting. Commissions takento write songs, record spoken word <strong>and</strong> add<strong>music</strong> from his weird instruments! Listen to his<strong>music</strong> on his websites (links to Amazon, iTunes,Routenotes <strong>and</strong> SoundCloud). Member of Equity<strong>and</strong> the Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong>. For full information seewebsites.Fiddle led ceilidh/barndance b<strong>and</strong> with caller,working in the North West <strong>and</strong> beyond. We havea large selection of Irish, Scottish, English <strong>and</strong>American tunes played on fiddle, flute, guitar <strong>and</strong>bass. New Year’s Eve, Burns Night, St. Andrew<strong>and</strong> St. Patrick are all old friends, plus umpteenweddings, corporate dos, birthdays, anniversaries<strong>and</strong> christenings- you name it we play for it. Theb<strong>and</strong> always comes with an entertaining caller,who talks the audience through the dancesbeforeh<strong>and</strong>, so no previous experience is required.The <strong>music</strong> is fast <strong>and</strong> lively, <strong>and</strong> can be slanted tobe predominantly Scottish, Irish, American HoeDown or a mixture of styles. We always aim toprovide an entertaining <strong>and</strong> enjoyable evening.W www.umber<strong>music</strong>.co.ukE tom<strong>and</strong>barbara@umber<strong>music</strong>.co.ukT +44 (0)1271 882366W www.tonymorris.org.uk www.amerynd.co.ukE tonymorris.org.uk@gmail.comT +44 (0)1947603757 / +44 (0)7749505283W www.thebarndanceb<strong>and</strong>.comE thefiddler@thebarndanceb<strong>and</strong>.comT +44 (0)151 648 7764Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 80
Vicki Swan &Jonny DyerWaiting forSusanWayne RobertDavies ‘Whitedog’Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer have developed astrong reputation for delivering consistently greatperformances time <strong>and</strong> time again. With clearvocals <strong>and</strong> instruments as diverse as the SwedishNyckelharpa <strong>and</strong> Scottish smallpipes, Vicki &Jonny have a sound that is both familiar <strong>and</strong>fresh. They effortlessly blend <strong>traditional</strong> materialwith contemporary interpretations whilst alsocreating original self penned tunes <strong>and</strong> songsthat are entirely at home in the tradition.“Twofine <strong>music</strong>ians <strong>and</strong> singers” (<strong>folk</strong> North West 2011).Strong believers in letting the <strong>music</strong> tradition live<strong>and</strong> breathe through sensitive interpretation; VickiSwan & Jonny Dyer allow the melody to singwithout any constraints: “Vicki & Jonny treat all theirmaterial with care <strong>and</strong> are an absolute delight <strong>and</strong> joy tohear” (Around Kent 2011).Waiting for Susan (Chris, Rach <strong>and</strong> Ian) are aunique, refreshing three-piece group featuringguitar, violin <strong>and</strong> m<strong>and</strong>olin beautifully interwovenwith three part harmonie. Taking songs thateveryone knows <strong>and</strong> loves – the latest, biggesttunes as well as much loved modern classics –<strong>and</strong> add a twist or two of their own creating asingular sound that leaves a lasting impression.It’s simply a refreshingly new approach to covers.From the Monkees to The Killers stopping off atJessie J in-between Waiting for Susan are raisingeyebrows by bridging the gap between <strong>traditional</strong><strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> modern pop. Throwing their own tunesinto the mix the b<strong>and</strong> are bending the perceptionof <strong>folk</strong> -<strong>roots</strong> <strong>music</strong> <strong>and</strong> leaving smiles behindthem.Wayne Robert Davies aka ‘Whitedog,’ is a singersongwriter with an Alternative <strong>folk</strong> <strong>and</strong> Countryfeel. Born in 1972 in South East Engl<strong>and</strong> he drawson a variety of songwriting styles to create aunique blend of original material. Previously with‘Dance to Tipperary,’ where he enjoyed a top tensingle in Irel<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> supported Van Morrison atEarls Court. And, ‘Monkeynuts,’ a 9 piece Skab<strong>and</strong> who toured the London circuit for 5 years.Whitedog is currently recording a debut album inthe UK. Onstage he performs both solo <strong>and</strong> with ab<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> is engaging, endearing <strong>and</strong> charismatic.W www.swan-dyer.co.ukE vicki@swan-dyer.co.ukT +44 (0)7721 519719W www.waitingforsusan.comE ian@waitingforsusan.comT +44 (0)7795 842161W www.whitelectricdog.netE info@whitelectricdog.netT +44 (0)1278 641565Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 81
WendyArrowsmithXenia Horne,HarpistYou Are WolfWendy Arrowsmith “has a voice which can stopyou in your tracks” (R2). Originally from Glasgow,Wendy is now based in North Yorkshire fromwhere she travels across the UK delightingaudiences at <strong>folk</strong> clubs <strong>and</strong> festivals with herbeautiful voice, accomplished guitar-playing,gentle humour <strong>and</strong> variety of material. Her growingfan-base recognises her skills as an interpreter of<strong>traditional</strong> songs <strong>and</strong> as a fine writer of originalmaterial. Wendy has released 3 CDs to date,‘Now Then?’ (Arrowsmith Music 2007), ‘Seeds ofFools’ (Arrowsmith Music 2009), <strong>and</strong> ‘Life, Love &Chocolate’ (Wee Dog Records 2011). A new CDwill be out in 2013.Xenia trained at Dartington College of Arts, withharp <strong>and</strong> voice as equal first instruments. Sincethen she has been in much dem<strong>and</strong>, working ina wide range of styles <strong>and</strong> settings. She regularlyperforms at festivals both as a solo artist <strong>and</strong> incollaboration with other <strong>music</strong>ians . Xenia has apowerful playing style <strong>and</strong> her repertoire crossescultures <strong>and</strong> continents. She has collected piecesfrom Classical <strong>music</strong>, Celtic <strong>traditional</strong> tunes,<strong>music</strong> from Georgia <strong>and</strong> Russia <strong>and</strong> her ownversions of contemporary rock <strong>and</strong> pop anthems.She plays both the Gr<strong>and</strong> Concert <strong>and</strong> CelticHarps. Xenia also regularly composes for radio,film <strong>and</strong> theatre. ‘The voice of an angel with thepower of a tsunami!’You Are Wolf weaves ancient songs with moderntechnology, singing mostly <strong>traditional</strong> songswith looped vocals <strong>and</strong> assorted instruments.She has performed at the V&A Museum, theQueen Elizabeth Hall, <strong>Union</strong> Chapel, King’sPlace, Cambridge Folk Festival, Latitude, DealFestival <strong>and</strong> Truck Festival <strong>and</strong> supported MartinCarthy at Leigh Folk Festival this year. She wascommissioned in 2011 by Radio 3’s The Verb towrite a new song <strong>and</strong> was an EFDSS/Magpie’sNest Folk Rising Artist in 2010. Her new songproject, funded with a PRS for Music FoundationWomen Make Music award, is ‘birdlore: murders,charms <strong>and</strong> murmurations’, which explores Britishbirds <strong>and</strong> <strong>folk</strong>lore. You Are Wolf is also known asKerry Andrew, a composer <strong>and</strong> performer based inLondon.W www.wendyarrowsmith.comE wendy.arrowsmith@live.co.ukT +44 (0)7798 866779W www.myspace.com/xeniahorneharpE info@ukharpists.comT +44 (0)7866 568872W www.youarewolf.comE kerryyouarewolf@gmail.comT +44 (0)7816 479134Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 82
Zhok Hora!Zhok Hora! is a sparkling new 6 piece klezmerb<strong>and</strong> based in Sheffield. Lindsay Aitkenhead is theviola player, <strong>and</strong> holds a Ph.D. from the Universityof Sheffield 2006, dissertation Folk Viola: AnEthnography. Specialist in Klezmer, East European<strong>folk</strong>, Gypsy Jazz, also plays fiddle, keyboards<strong>and</strong> double bass. B<strong>and</strong>s include Zhok Hora!,East H<strong>and</strong>ed <strong>and</strong> Tashbain. In 2012 devised <strong>and</strong>recorded the klezmer soundtrack for Molly Orange(Arts Council funded), 2009-10 toured as MD withArtizani Street Theatre Company (Arts Council/Olympics funded).W www.zhokhora.co.ukE lindzfiddle@gmail.comT +44 (0)77844 68956W www.theMU.orgE <strong>folk</strong>@theMU.orgT +44 (0) 2920 456585Musicians’ <strong>Union</strong> - Folk, Roots <strong>and</strong> Traditional Music 83
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