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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.

SOLID ENTERTAINMENTS Presents... UK WEST COAST FOLK FESTIVAL