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Richard
Thompson
Richard Thompson has been described as “the finest rock
songwriter after Dylan and the best electric guitarist since
Hendrix”. We don’t disagree, except to say that his work on
acoustic guitar is also sensational.
Richard holds a
coveted spot in Rolling Stone’s “Greatest Guitarists of All
Time” and counts Lifetime Achievement Awards from both the
Americana Music Association and the BBC among his many
accolades. In 2011, he was awarded an OBE for services to
music. We could not be happier. In 2017, Ivor Novello Award-winning and GRAMMY®
Award-nominated legend Richard Thompson gave himself up to
the music itself. Picking up a guitar, emotions echoed
through his deft fleet-fingered fretwork, poetic
songwriting, impassioned picking. Those transmissions
comprise his nineteenth solo album, 13
Rivers.
“I never really think about what songs mean,” he admits. “I
just write them. Some of them reflect on what happened a few
months ago or even a year ago. It’s a process of surveying
my life and where I was at.”
In 2017,
Thompson
began composing
ideas for
what
would become
13 Rivers
at his
California
home. Off the
road, he focused on writing. As a result of the defined time
period, the music possessed a distinct cohesion.
“I wrote the songs as a group to hang together,” he
elaborates. “They belong together in some way and seem to
possess a commonality since they were written in the same
time and space.”
To capture this vision, he retreated to the famed Boulevard
Recording Studio in Los Angeles. Known previously as “The
Producers Workshop” and once owned by Liberace and his
manager, the locale served as the site for seminal classics
by Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, Ringo Starr, and Joan Baez. It
also hosted the mixing sessions for Pink Floyd’s The Wall.
Notably, this marked the first time Thompson self- produced
in over a decade and he opted to track analog in just ten
days. Engineered by Clay Blair (The War on Drugs), usual
suspects Michael Jerome [drums, percussion], Taras Prodaniuk
[bass], and Bobby Eichorn [guitar] joined
him.
“It’s a funky studio that was quite popular in the sixties
and seventies,” he says. “It used to be Hollywood trendy,
but it fell into total disrepair. It’s still got some gaps
in the walls. I like studios that are honest. It’s about the
décor of the sound, and there’s a specific sound to
Boulevard. Clay is a Beatles nut, so I could grab a Gretsch
off the wall or dial into an amp that had this unbelievable
tone reminiscent of The Beatles. They also say Liberace’s
ghost still haunts the place, but I hadn’t seen him myself,”
laughs Thompson.
13 Rivers commences on the tribal percussion and guitar
rustle of “The Storm Won’t Come” as the artist bellows, “I’m
looking for a storm to blow through town.” The energy mounts
before climaxing on a lyrical electric lead rife with airy
bends and succinct
shredding.
“Obviously it's been a stressful couple of years,” he sighs.
“The song references wanting to change
your
life—but it’s a difficult undertaking. You have to wait for
it to happen naturally. You can’t force
it.”
Elsewhere, “Her Love Was Meant For Me” spirals into an
emotionally charged display of fret
fireworks punctuated by his deep wail. “Tears” shakes
and shuffles from haunting verses towards a hypnotic refrain
“about a friend’s hard and interesting
life.”
Meanwhile, the dreamy “Shaking The Gates” unfolds like a hymnal
as he croons, “I’m shaking the
gates of
heaven.”
“The are 13 songs on the record, and each one is like a river,”
he explains. “Some flow faster
than
others. Some follow a slow and winding current. They all
culminate on this one body of
work.”
In many ways, his career has pointed towards such a statement.
Powered by evocative songcraft, jaw- dropping guitar playing,
and indefinable spirit, this venerable icon holds a coveted spot
on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” and
counts a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music
Association in Nashville, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from
the BBC Awards among his many accolades. 2011 saw Thompson
garner an OBE (Order of the British Empire) personally bestowed
upon him by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. Moreover,
Time touted his anthem, “1952 Vincent Black Lightning,” on its
“100 Greatest Songs Since 1923”
list.
Thompson’s influence can’t be overstated. Everybody from Robert
Plant, Don Henley, and Elvis
Costello to REM, Sleater-Kinney and David Byrne has
covered his music.
Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy jumped at the chance to produce 2015’s Still
- which earned plaudits from Pitchfork, The Guardian, Rolling
Stone, and more. Meanwhile, Werner Herzog tapped him for the
soundtrack to Grizzly Man. He launched his career by co-founding
trailblazing rock outfit Fairport Convention, responsible for
igniting a British Folk Rock
movement.
However, 13 Rivers represents another high watermark. “The songs
are a surprise in a good way,” he leaves off. “They came to me
as a surprise in a dark time. They reflected my emotions in an
oblique manner that I’ll never truly understand. It’s as if
they’d been channeled from somewhere else. You find deeper
meaning in the best records as time goes on. The reward comes
later.”
What
are Skerryvore? They’re like no one else. Epic of melody,
intimate of feeling and plugged into the roots of Scotland but
blasting out to the world. Three time winners of
Scotland’s ‘Live Act of the Year’ award, Skerryvore have evolved
from their humble beginnings to become one of the country’s
leading forces in a thriving live music scene. At the forefront
of a movement that has reinvented and reignited a traditional
Scottish scene for a modern, multicultural audience, the band
have brought their high energy performances to audiences across
the globe. From their early days in Scottish West Coast halls
and bars, to festival crowds in the USA, Canada, Australia and
throughout the UK and Europe, Skerryvore’s wide range of
influences and talent produce a musically expansive, immersive
yet intimate set that excites and captivates audiences.
With a mix of bagpipes, fiddles, accordions, and whistles,
alongside guitar and vocals, underpinned by driving bass, drums
and keys, Skerryvore represent the best in contemporary Scottish
traditional music. Their 6 studio albums demonstrate the wide
range of influences the individual musicians bring to the mix –
a unique fusion of folk, trad, pop and rock. Their
latest studio album ‘tempus’, due for release on April 28, is
already making waves in the UK music scene, with the first three
single releases – You & I, Together Again & Everything You
Need – all having been consecutively chosen to feature on the
BBC Radio 2 new music playlist. To celebrate the release
of the new album, Skerryvore will be bringing the Tempus Tour to
audiences across the UK, Europe and USA.
Celebrating
over 40 years as a live performer, Eddi Reader has effortlessly
developed into one of popular music’s most thrilling and
affecting performers. What sets Eddi apart is the depth and
quality of the emotional performance and ability to not only
move the listener, but connect her experience to that of her
audience. No two performances are ever the same.
Though
first brought into the limelight as front woman for Fairground
Attraction, who’s #1 single, Perfect and parent album, First of
a Million Kisses, both topped the British charts, it was Eddi’s
subsequent solo albums that signaled her ability to assimilate
different musical styles and make them very much her own.
Notably, The Songs of Robert Burns (2003) is a timeless
interpretation showcasing the poems of Scotland’s national bard
and gained her an MBE for outstanding contributions to the
Arts.
From the traditional to the contemporary, Eddi
Reader extinguishes the preordained boundaries of genre,
bringing joyous life to all forms of song. Her rare blend of
meltingly true vocals and towering romanticism combine with an
astute and pragmatic nature to make her a unique and powerful
figure in contemporary British music. With 10 critically
acclaimed solo albums, 3 BRIT awards, a #1 single and an MBE in
tow, Eddi continues to delight audiences worldwide. 2022 proved
to be one of her busiest touring years yet, playing sell out
shows as part of her ‘40 Years Live Tour’ in addition to
appearing as special guest with the Jools Holland’s Rhythm &
Blues Orchestra for an extensive UK tour.
Tom’s
band TRB hit the UK top 10 in 1977 with the punk-era anthem
'2-4-6-8 Motorway' and in 1978 'Glad to be Gay' entered the UK
top twenty despite a BBC ban. Tom, one of the decade's few out
gay musicians, continued to volunteer at the then Gay
Switchboard as TRB's debut album went gold. TRB were founder
members of Rock Against Racism and headlined the famous 1978
Victoria Park concert.
After fleeing to Hamburg to avoid
bankruptcy, Tom returned to the UK top 10 in 1983 with the solo
hit 'War Baby', subsequently collaborating with Peter Gabriel,
Elton John, Dan Hartman and Manu Katché.
Moving into
broadcasting, Tom won a gold Sony Award in 1997 for 'You've Got
To Hide Your Love Away', a radio documentary about queer music.
He has been a presenter on BBC 6 Music since its launch, winning
a second Sony in 2011, and is now regarded as a champion of
emerging musicians while still touring himself at the age of 71.
Cara
Dillon occupies an enviable position at the very top of her
genre. This extraordinary Irish singer has been captivating
audiences and achieving exceptional acclaim for over 20 years.
She has (according to Mojo magazine) "Quite possibly the world's
most beautiful female voice".
Alongside a selection of
favourites from her previous releases, Cara will be performing
material from her new album "Wanderer" which is a collection of
beautiful and moving songs recorded in an intimate setting with
her husband and musical partner Sam Lakeman. Every note and word
sung with a passion and confidence earned through a life of
experience singing traditional songs. Legions of fans will
attest to their impassioned performances with Cara's warm and
natural stage presence something to savour.
Sisters
Charley and Hattie always lead with their close harmony
vocals, accompanied by Hattie’s harp and Charley’s rhythmic
guitar. With their first major label release ‘Daylight
Crossing’, they burst onto the UK music scene via
Mercury Records with ‘Single and Album of the Week’ on itunes
and BBC Radio Two. An album of strong melodies and instrumental
dynamics, drenched in their signature harmonies.
Leonard
Cohen, asked them to join his band on his international comeback
tour, calling Charley and Hattie’s voices and blend ‘sublime’.
The one year plan became a six year adventure playing over 400,
four hour concerts around the globe to over four million people.
Whilst on the road with Leonard, The Webb Sisters recorded
and released their album ‘Savages’ and EP ‘When Will You Come
Home’ , produced by legendary Grammy Award winning producer
Peter Asher. Their song ‘Baroque Thoughts’ went on to win The
International Music Award for ‘Best Adult Contemporary Song’.
Tom Petty asked Kent born The Webb Sisters to join him for
the ‘Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ 40th Anniversary tour,
which included headlining Hyde Park.
In addition to their
own records, The Webb Sisters have given their distinctive vocal
sound to the recordings and live performances with artists
Sting, The Lumineers, The Avett Brothers, Glen Hansard, Goyte,
Steve Martin & Edie Brickell, Natalie Maines (of the Dixie
Chicks), Damien Rice and Elvis Costello.
Hailed
by critics and fans, alike, as a one of the finest songwriters
of his generation, Dean Friedman has achieved legendary status
for chart-topping hits, Ariel, Lucky Stars, Lydia and more.
"Soundtrack of our lives!" – NYTimes;
“Entirely
unique and utterly brilliant” – ThreeWeeks.
Join Friedman
for an evening of powerful, poignant, hilarious songs about the
ordinary and extraordinary lives we share.
For
over 25 years now Kiki and Carmelo have been touring their
spellbinding acoustic live show across the UK and Europe.
Performing in this stripped back fashion allows each of their
exceptional talents to shine through and create a wonderful and
warm sense of intimacy for the audience.
Kiki has
recently celebrated her 55th year in the music industry and has
cemented her status as one of the UK’s finest and most revered
vocalists, always moving forward with the music that she creates
with Carmelo . Kiki says Carmelo is her favorite guitarist , and
he co-writes and produces all their songs.
The duo’s
latest critically acclaimed album THE LONG RIDE HOME was
released in 2022 , and is full of haunting, emotional and
stunning songs that will hopefully please their army of fans.
Join Kiki and Carmelo for an acoustic journey of their songs
and stories which also include some tracks from the new album ,
unique covers of songs by artists such as Kate Bush and Frank
Sinatra and of course Kiki’s own hits “Don’t Go Breaking My
Heart”, “I Got The Music In Me”, “Loving & Free” and the
stunning “Amoureuse”.
BBC
Folk Singer of the Year Bella Hardy has sung unaccompanied
ballads at a sold-out Royal Albert Hall, learnt the songs of
Chinese farmers during her time as British Council Musician in
Residence in Yunnan Province, and spent a year in Tennessee as a
ranch hand, looking after horses, fiddle-singing in the diners,
and immersing herself in the music culture of Nashville. With
unflinching courage, Bella has explored and blurred musical
boundaries from a mastery of traditional music to pop production
and electronics, releasing ten solo records including her 'Best
Of' in 2019. With her acclaimed, mesmerising voice and earthy
fiddle accompaniments, Bella now writes and composes in her
beloved Peak District, conjuring and twisting stories that call
straight to the heart.
“Brit folk's finest” Mojo Magazine
• “Enduringly seductive” The Telegraph • “A fine, no-nonsense
interpreter of traditional music and an excellent songwriter”
The Guardian • “An aura of sophistication that will win over
listeners who never set foot in a folk club” The Sunday Times •
“…a shining star in the folk scene’s firmament” fRoots Magazine
Joshua
Burnell has sparked the interest of the folk world with his
ambitious Seasons Project which saw him release one of his
folk-rock arrangements of a traditional song or tune every week
for a year. Fourteen favourites now form Joshua’s next release,
Songs From The Seasons, to be released on the 4th May. Fatea
Magaizne described Joshua’s music as, “quite definitely a step
up from traditional folk, and quite definitely worthy of a
mention in any progressive rock hall of fame.”
Amongst
recent accolades, the Seasons Project earned Joshua the Highly
Commended Best Performing Artist award at the York Culture
Awards 2017 and he and his band won the The Great British Folk
Festival audience poll for favourite act by an overwhelming
majority when they performed this year. They will be returning
to play on the main stage on December 1st 2018.
Joshua
Burnell’s debut album Into the Green was widely praised on its
release in 2016. Acoustic magazine called it “A welcome blast of
originality in our serious world, it’s a hugely impressive work
and a lot of fun”. Classic Rock commented: “The Incredible
String Band would be proud.” And R2 magazine in its Best of the
Year, concluded “One way or another, this exciting young artist
is certainly going to make himself heard.”
Craig
Joiner has been a professional musician for over 25 years, doing
his first ever spot at the Cellar Folk Club in Old Hemel
Hempstead when he was 16.
In recent years Craig has returned to the Folk Club scene
gaining an impressive following and honing the songs for his
debut solo album ‘Art Of Landing’.
He kept himself busy during the pandemic recording a second
album due out early next year.
He also did several shows during the pandemic supporting artists
such as Kitty Macfarlane and The Magpies and more recently he
has supported Charlie Dore and performed a double header with
Odette Michell.
In 2021 Craig won on the Introducing Stage at the Great British
Folk Festival and build on that success at folk clubs and
festivals around the country later this year and in 2023.
British
folk and roots duo, Honey & the Bear, combine delicately
interweaving vocal harmonies with emotive and evocative
songwriting. With a diverse range of sounds and textures, and
rhythms that flow from the fast and furious to gentle ballads,
their live performances are spirited and dynamic. Conjuring
stories in song, they tell tales of Suffolk folklore, courage,
passion and heartbreak. The multi instrumentalist pair,
comprised of songwriters Jon Hart (guitar, bass, bazouki) and
Lucy Hart (guitar, ukulele, bass, banjo, mandolin & percussion),
have been writing and performing together since early 2014,
having met at a songwriting event two years previous. Since
then, they have played at many revered venues and festivals
across the UK as well as travelled across the channel for their
first European tour. 2019 sees the release of their first full
studio album ‘Made In The Aker’ with a UK tour to follow in
October.
Gaelforce
are a superb Celtic Folk Rock Band from Yorkshire .
with
Chris Dyson – fiddle, vocal
Geoff Taylor – electric guitars
Sammy Dowgill – bass, vocal
Jim Brierley – drums, vocal
Voted winner on the Great British Folk Festival introducing
stage Jan 6th 2023 at Skegness, by public vote.
Rocked up traditional folk & original songs with some jigs n
reels. Dont miss them.
Some comments from GBFF
Just seen gaelforce at Butlin’s. Awesome. Zoe-Anne
Wadey
great set today at Centre Stage Butlins. I
am no really into folk but you converted me just a bit Karen
Wood
Thrifty Malone was born from a group of
people with a true passion for music. A 4-piece group based
in Gibraltar. On the gigging circuit they play an animated mix
of Irish, Folk and Country, along with an ever-expanding
original track listing of upbeat folk and Irish songs, creating
a distinctive sound. They have a great reputation for their
live performances in Gibraltar and Andalucia and have also
played back home in the UK. They recently performed at the
Gibraltar Calling MTV Music Festival alongside Liam Gallagher,
Take That, Steve Harley and have just released their fourth
original song which is currently being played on Radio stations
in the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Gibraltar and Australia. With
more to come from their original catalogue of popular songs.
Indomitable folk musician and ornate
songstress, Lizzy Hardingham, is paving her way as a powerhouse
performer with "beautifully delivered songs that sing straight
to the heart". This paragon of vocal vigour and songwriting
sorcery has supported the likes of Lady Maisery, Gilmore&Roberts
and Bob Fox (to name a few) and is emerging gracefully into the
world of headline shows. 2019 saw her storm the UK folk club and
festival scene, including Cambridge Folk Festival, while in 2020
she captivated online audiences with "a voice that could fill a
stadium and the sensitivity to bring a room to attentive
silence". During 2021 Lizzy worked closely with the English Folk
Expo and Michael Hughes, focusing on "firmly nailing her place
as one of the rising stars of the folk scene”.
The Superphone are an original 4 piece folk band. Having
developed and performed their style of folk music around the
venues in Manchester, including sell out shows at Night and Day,
The Roadhouse and many more, they have performed around the UK
at some of the most iconic venues in Manchester, Liverpool and
London to name a few.
Their sound which has been
described as ‘if The Eagles met The Beatles’ is one not too
missed.
Their unique song writing style makes their music
easy to listen to, easy to sing along to and more importantly
easy to love. Their set is one not to be missed as they deliver
a superb live performance every single time.
Anna Renae is a pop/folk
singer-songwriter, weaving musical stories inspired by life's
complexities. Her debut album 'Skin' was released in March
2020, and her follow-up EP 'Speaking Her Mind' was released in
October 2021, which both feature songs written between the ages
of 13-21, telling stories that encapsulate aspects of Anna's
teenage and early adult life. Anna's music has received glowing
reviews and has attained radio play around the world, including
multiple plays on BBC Introducing. She has a host of new
material which she hopes to release soon. "If Anna Renae isn't a
star one day I'll know I should have retired long before now"
It’s not often you come across a voice
with such controlled power: even at the emotional heights and
depths of the songs, Rob’s voice retains a purity and focus that
is all too rare. Wherever his songwriting leads him, his voice
adapts to the genre, from pop through folk and roots. A classic
voice for classic music.
Displaying an incredible vocal range
with a distinctive all-round style, which can effortlessly leap
from earthy and soulful raw emotion to soaring and ethereal
angelic tones, Hayley has been likened to Eva Cassidy, Joni
Mitchel, LeAnn Rimes and Kate Bush. Hayley has co-written with
twice Grammy-nominated songwriter Jan Buckingham (Whitney
Houston) in Nashville, performed in Bob Harris’s home studio for
his Under the Apple Tree sessions, and has supported Tom Jones,
Albert Lee, Scouting for Girls, Martha Reeves and Hazel
O’Connor. Hayley recently performed at the UK’s biggest Country
festival C2C Festival at the 02 Arena London and Glastonbury
Festival for the third time running. Her band also headlined the
Introducing stage at Hardwick Live ahead of The Stereophonics.
Some of Hayley’s other notable festival appearances include The
British Country Festival, Folk on the Dock, Lindisfarne
Festival, and The Americana Summertyne Festival at The Sage
Newcastle where Hayley was selected as featured artist.
Like the
expressionistic brushstrokes of a landscape painter, Katie
Spencer conjures vivid landscapes through the medium of song.
Curating intimate studies using her unique finger picked
acoustic guitar style and an assured warm voice, Spencer
underlines the sense of space that surrounds her home by the sea
in Hornsea, East Yorkshire. The striking imagery that rings
through her ethereal songs creates a universe of sound and
storytelling. Hermesmerising live performances have seen her
playworld-renowned stages, at the likes of Cambridge Folk
Festival and Celtic Connections as she assembles a dedicated
fanbase from all corners of the country.
KATIE SPENCER
Steamtown are two harmonizing
songwriters influenced by Punk, Americana and Dance music.
They use banjo, accordion, and acoustic
guitar to produce a sound that fatea magazine described as
“modern folk containing some exceptional storytelling”

Discover the heartfelt, soulful melodies of London-Irish folk
singer Linda Moylan.
A natural songwriter and storyteller,
Linda's earthy and beautiful voice intertwines with moving,
relatable narratives. Drawing comparisons to Kirsty McColl &
Natalie Merchant, her unique musical blend adds an enchanting
Irish troubadour twist.
Dive into her evocative sound and let
your spirit be stirred.

Palmerston`s reputation has rapidly
grown over the last few years and has seen the band sharing
stages with the likes of, Ralph McTell, The Moulettes, Eve Selis
and country guitar legend, Albert Lee, who said of them….“The
gentlemen of Palmerston guarantee you an exciting evening of
music, the music is fresh, invigorating, all theirs and a must
see-and-hear”
Whilst performing their music described as
British Americana at festivals & theatres around the country,
they have also played many live Radio broadcasts, and recorded
three albums and two EP`s.
This, alongside the recording of a DVD
capturing their “Birmingham Town Hall” appearance whilst on tour
with Albert Lee, shows that these guys are not afraid of hard
work.
 
From
Suffolk via Italy, Hannah Scott performs contemporary folk music
and is building a loyal following thanks to her distinctive
voice, strong melodies and thought-provoking lyrics.
Her music
has been heard in hit TV series, Grey’s Anatomy, on BBC Radio
2 and 6 Music including a live session on Dermot O’Leary’s show,
while praise for her work has arrived from publications such
as MOJO, The Guardian and Clash Magazine.
Hannah has
been selected to take part in English Folk Expo’s highly
competitive Artist Mentoring Programme this year.
Her
arresting live performances have earned her support slots for
the likes of Seth Lakeman,
Madeleine
Peyroux and 10cc and shows at venues such as London's Union
Chapel.
 
Jon Palmer Acoustic Band is a high
energy 6-piece folk, roots and rock & roll band based in West
Yorkshire.
they have been described as “a cross between
The Pogues and The Oyster Band, with a bit of The Waterboys, The
Saw Doctors and the Bruce Springsteen Seeger Sessions Band
thrown in”. Original material penned by Jon Palmer speaks to
roots in the tradition as well as sharp edged commentary on the
world today.
Accomplished musicians, the band are no
strangers to the intimacy of a club setting, the warmth of a
theatre or a full-blown festival stage. The band’s most recent
album, ‘One Fine Day’ has received plaudits from fans and
reviewers alike. Building on its success they are currently
working with producer David Crickmore (Steve Tilston, Pete
Coe) on a new album called “Vacca Wall” set for release in
Summer 2023.
Jon Palmer Acoustic Band
MARTIN HEATON
Is an award winning singer
songwriter of contemporary folk from Pateley Bridge, North
Yorkshire with four CD albums of original songs played in his
own inimitable wry style.
He travels far and wide to ply his
trade at festivals, folk/roots clubs, charity events and
wherever the music takes him...
JOHN WILLIAMS
Singer Songwriter based on the Wirral,
Involved in Folk and Acoustic music across Northern England &
Wales, performing Clubs, Festivals,& Theatres.
John specialises in performing
with his Cellomandolins,Tenor Guitars, crafted by top luthiers
David & Nick Oddy.
Although being a relatively later
starter in the folk & acoustic music world, the seed was
firmly planted after visiting his first local folk club in 2010.
His performances and popularity has grown rapidly performing at
the Guitar Festival of Great Britain for the last three years,
with a busy November calendar performing in Chester,
Wirral, Ruthin and his penultimate concert supporting “Nick
Harper”, before heading off to the The Great British Folk
Festival.
ADAM NORSWORTHY
Adam is best known as the lead singer,
guitarist and songwriter of The Mustangs, and the guitarist in
The Milk Men, two of the UK’s most established blues rock bands.
The Mustangs four-time British Blues Award nominees, and The
Milk Men’s last album reached Number 32 on Amazon’s national
album chart.
However, his solo albums and concerts
lean more heavily on his folk influences, inspired by his
mother, a professional folk singer in the 60s.
A veteran of well over 1,000 live
concerts, Adam’s on stage charisma and charm are matched by his
songs. From strikingly honest songs of heartbreak and loss to
vivid historical tales of Cleopatra and Stradivarius, Adam’s
moving lyrics are sung over unforgettable melodies, with his
nimble guitar picking underscoring many tracks.
WILL RIDING
In 2016,West Lancashire-born, Chester-
based Will Riding started gigging his own songs, after many
years attending folk clubs and singing standards. Encouraged by
the reception these songs received, he continues to write and is
getting his songs out to a wider audience. He has slowly built
up a body of songs inspired by people, places and the common
experiences we all share.
He has self released two EPs, 2016’s
“Ferry Lane EP” and 2019’s “Venus In Mohair EP”. He plays
regularly round N.W England and North Wales and has supported
Julie Felix, Harp And A Monkey, Emma Stevens and Mark
Radcliffe’s Galleon Blast as well as put in numerous festival
appearances.
He has also featured on BBC6Music’s Tom
Robinson’s Mixtape.

LOUISE & CHRIS ROGAN
Louise is singer and songwriter of the
highest quality with parallels for many of Joan Baez and Julie
Felix. Her arrangements of traditional and original material
suit her “pure and soaring voice” (David Jones, Folk Northwest
Magazine). She sings with an ease and a quality that is
“unrivalled on the current Folk Scene” (John Owen, Hungry Horse
Folk Club). Her original songs are quite something too and she
collaborated with John McCusker for Evie’s Lullaby (his music,
her lyrics).
In January 2023, she won the Great
British Folk Festival’s Introducing Stage Audience Vote. It’s
the sort of reception she gets wherever she plays. In March she
was invited to perform with McCusker, McGoldrick and Doyle at
The Waterside, Sale and The Crescent, York. As a duo with her
Dad Chris, she released an album of 12 songs - ‘Things That
Matter’. His intricate guitar work and smooth vocal sits easily
with her voice and piano. Together they come across as as
relaxed duo who enjoy performing live and are regularly asked
back..
JOE BAYLISS
Based in Staffordshire, Joe creates a
soulful, thought provoking musical experience.
Writing from the
heart, unafraid to share life's experiences but performing with
an overwhelming feeling of warmth and humour that drags you in.
Joe is really at home interacting with
his audience. Weaving humorous stories of life's experiences
with sensitive thought provoking lyrics and soothing melodies.
His music sits somewhere amidst a cross
section of John Martyn, Damien Rice a Nick Drake. Whilst
imaginative metaphors, intersperse, carefully crafted lyrical
pictures.
HESLOP & STRINGER
“Mark Heslop and Matthew Stringer
are an acoustic, folk duo performing original songs, based on a
mixture of Northern history and their own personal experiences.
Hailing from Cleckhuddersfax West
Yorkshire, their live performances feature guitar, mandolin
(Stringer), violin (Heslop) and harmony vocals, bringing their
stories to life.
After releasing debut album “New
Beginnings” in November 2022, the pair set out to introduce
themselves to the people of Yorkshire and beyond.
Earning spots at Filey, Robin Hood’s Bay
and Holmfirth Folk Festivals, the duo have performed for several
of the county’s famous folk clubs, culminating in a support for
Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman at Leeds Carriageworks Theatre.”
CHLOE CHADWICK
Hailing from Staffordshire in the heart
of central England, Chloë Chadwick is a career musician who has
built her reputation through unadulterated passion for her craft
and genuine grit.
Her formative years saw a wealth of
performance experience develop as she played the club and
festival circuits across the French Alps, Italy, Balearic
Islands and at home in the UK.
With a love of the open road, Chloë is
never closer to home than when performing onstage. She has a
long history of live performance with many hundreds of gigs
under her belt.
Chloë’s diverse appeal has seen
her perform at C2C Festival at Londons 02 Arena, and other
countless festivals, sharing the bill with The Shires, Ward
Thomas, Nikki Lane, Sam Outlaw, and many other familiar names.
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