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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

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.

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,

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.

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...

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 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.

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.

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..

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.

“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.”

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.