Monday 5th October - Our First Night!!
Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer
Although best-known for their instrumental skills with Scottish Smallpipes, accordion and even Swedish Nyckelharpa, the duo are well recognised for their songs arrangements too. With their blend of traditional material and contemporary interpretations, they have developed a sound that is both familiar and fresh.
We were extremely pleased that Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer opened our first night and damned fine evening it was too...
See www.smallpiper.co.uk for details
Monday 2nd November - Emma Scarr/Chris Sarjeant
Emma Scarr has been active on London’s live scene for approaching two decades. A proficient performer on guitar, fiddle and banjo, in recent years she has concentrated on song craft.
Her pedigree includes a long association with the hugely popular Northern Celts, widely celebrated for their upbeat, feel-good performances at pubs, festivals, sessions and ceilidhs in and around London. The Celts’ stock in trade is a mixture of folk music, bluegrass and country, both traditional and contemporary.
See www.myspace.com/emmascarr
Chris Sarjeant has been recently described as,"….a very major addition to the British Folk Scene…” by BBC Folk-musician of the year Tom McConville who added that his guitar work is “…impeccable…” and that he possesses, “….one of the best voices ever!” Chris has forged this enviable reputation despite only launching himself onto the Folk scene two years ago, since then he has been steadily winning audiences over with his arrangements and interpretations of Traditional English song.
See www.myspace.com/sarjeanttaylor
Monday 7th December - Rún/Steven Finn
Rún collect and arrange old folk songs written in the ancient language of Erin. So far, thanks to Nora from Donegal, they have a nice wee collection of well-known ditties and are now adding to their repertoire with some unusual old forgotten songs from the province of Ulster. Rún are five fantastic lassies who perform four-part vocal arrangements of old Gaelic songs like ’An Cailín Rua’ (the red-haired girl), ’Casadh an tSúgain’ (twisting the hayrope) and ’Bo Na Leath Adhairce’ (the one-horned cow). Rún is the Gaelic word for ’secret, wish or love’ (cf. rune). See http://www.myspace.com/runceol
Steven Finn’s ears were filled with the music of Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Johnny Cash and old time country music. Aged 15 he began teaching himself the guitar, learning songs like Leadbelly’s ‘Bourgeois Blues’ and Charlie Daniels’ ‘The devil went down to Georgia’. On hearing Bob Dylan songs Finn started to write his own words and in doing so found a lifelong passion for Jazz and Folk Blues, a getaway car he could drive.
See
http://www.myspace.com/stevenfinn for more details
Monday 1st February - Oliver Talkes, Matthew Ord, and extra special guest Lily Neill
Matthew Ord is a London based singer and guitarist performing the traditional music of the British Isles and North America. A dedicated musician with a deep passion for folk music from an early age, his repertoire reflects the length and breadth of these traditions, drawing together the Delta and Piedmont blues, Scots and English Ballads, jigs, reels, slow airs, nursery rhymes and protest songs, all skilfully performed with warmth and conviction.www.myspace.com/mattheword
Oliver Talkes is a highly regarded Singer Songwritertaking his influences from unashamedly from the Folk/Country genre and was a front man for the Southern Tenant Folk Union until recently
See www.myspace.com/olivertalkes
We are extremely pleased to announce that (currently) Helskini based Lily Neill has very kindly offered to open proceedings on this evening in advance of her date at the Green Note on the 15th so make sure you arrive nice and early.
'Lily Neill is recognized as “…part of the new Harp revolution extolling aspects of harp music never previously heard,” 2005 Irish Music Magazine. She was a prize-winner at the All-Ireland Harp competition and has won numerous awards, honours and scholarships for her technical and artistic abilities as well as her original compositions. More recently, Lily was named LiveIreland.com's “2006 New Female Artist of the Year.”'
See www.myspace.com/lilyneill or www.lilyneill.com
Monday 15th February - Lily Neill and support from Paul Mickletwaite- special show at The Green Note, Camden
MondayMonday is very pleased to be hosting this performance by Lily Neill, and on this occasion we are very pleased to be spending the evening at Camden's highly regarded Green Note - see www.greennote.co.uk. Lily Neill is recognized as “…part of the new Harp revolution extolling aspects of harp music never previously heard,” 2005 Irish Music Magazine. She was a prize-winner at the All-Ireland Harp competition and has won numerous awards, honours and scholarships for her technical and artistic abilities as well as her original compositions.More recently, Lily was named LiveIreland.com’s “2006 New Female Artist of the Year.” Lily’s musical style is at once rich in tradition and uniquely her own.
Her experiences working with artists from different genres and backgrounds, from folk to classical and rock spheres, have played a major part in shaping and continuing to shape Lily’s music. Central to Lily’s style is her utilization of techniques and repertoire from instruments other than her own. In defining Lily’s style, The Green Man Review writes, “It is delightful to welcome a new talent and one that is brimming with ideas, creative energy and yet has a [vice-like] grip on traditional methods and methodology, while pushing the envelope stylistically.”
See www.myspace.com/lilyneill or www.lilyneill.com
Paul Mickletwaite is a London based Singer and Guitarist taking his influences from the likes of Martin Simpson and Chris Woods amongst others, Paul will be opening this evening - see www.myspace.com/paulmicklethwaite
Monday 1st March - The Kittiwakes/Black Peak and support spots from Raven, Roosevelt Bandwagon and Charlotte Sterland
See http://www.myspace.com/kittiwakes
See http://www.myspace.com/blackpeak
Monday 15th March 2010 - Wendy Arrowsmith and support from The Road
Born and raised in the suburbs of Glasgow, Wendy’s musical influences as a child were mostly Trad Jazz or Church hymns! Although she learnt Burns and other traditional Scottish songs at school, it wasn’t until she moved to England to marry that she began to really delve into traditional folk music. Wendy has sung many different styles of music – ranging from large scale classical choral works, operetta and musicals to backing vocalist for a prog rock band! But with folk music she has found songs that come from the heart and allow great emotional expression and social commentary. She describes herself as “a singer who plays guitar”, but this shouldn’t detract from Wendy’s musical abilities not just on guitar, but also on whistles, bodhran, mandolin and most recently accordion.See http://www.myspace.com/wendyarrowsmith
"THE ROAD is an acoustic Folk/Blues band, newly formed from old friends. We play original compositions together with American and British Traditionals freshly arranged!
Kelly Hunter.......... Vocals
Neil McArthur.........Guitar
Graeme Taylor.......Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo
Les Davidson........ Guitar, Mandolin
Michael Gregory.....Percussion.
Between us we have decades of Biographical credits...Michael Gregory and Graeme Taylor played with The Albion Band and The Home Service.
Les Davidson has played with Joan Armatrading, Gilbert O'Sullivan and Mory Kante, among many others.
Neil McArthur has been musical / vocal arranger for Harry Nilsson and Yusuf Islam. He was musical director for the international hit " Five Guys Named Moe "
Kelly Hunter is a Singer and Actress of many years standing, currently leading a double life as she sings in this band and plays leading roles at the Royal Shakespeare Company at the same time..
See The Road on Youtube
Monday 5th April - Katriona Gilmore & Jamie Roberts/Ski Jordan and support spots by Kit & Cutter and Eoin Quiery
"Katriona Gilmore (Rosie Doonan & the Snapdragons) and Jamie Roberts (Kerfuffle) have been performing together on the folk scene since 2006, while studying together at Leeds College of Music. Their self-penned material ranges from blazing instrumentals to songs which have been described as ‘heart-wrenching’, spanning all manner of subjects, to contemporary arrangements of traditional songs. Jamie’s dextrous percussive and lap-style guitar work is a visual as well as a sonic delight, while Katriona’s intricate fiddle playing shifts seamlessly from sensitive to fiery and back again in the blink of an eye." See http://www.gilmoreroberts.co.uk
"a most prodigiously talented songwriter. Imagine the spirit of Woody Guthrie came calling on an Irishman in Liverpool..." LIVESTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL
See www.myspace.com/eoinquiery
Kit and Cutter are a regular feature on the folk scene in South East London, indeed it could be said that they are the folk scene in certain parts of South East London, after many many months of negotiation (and begging) they have agreed to sing a few songs this evening for your pleasure, unfortunately for contactual reasons we are unable to display an image of Kit and Cutter..
Monday 19th April - Chris Sarjeant with Paul Micklethwaite and Raven
A night of traditional and contemporary folk song with Chris Sarjeant and support slotsChris Sarjeant has been recently described as,".a very major addition to the British Folk Scene.." by BBC Folk-musician of the year Tom McConville who added that his guitar work is "...impeccable.." and that he possesses, "...one of the best voices ever!"
Chris has forged this enviable reputation despite only launching himself onto the Folk scene two years ago, since then he has been steadily winning audiences over with his arrangements and interpretations of Traditional English song.
See www.myspace.com/chris.sarjeant To open the evening Raven and Paul Micklethwaite will be performing shorter sets between 8pm and 9pm
See www.myspace.com/ravenfolkmusic
Monday 3rd May - Galley Beggar and Ellen Mary McGee with support spots from Ryan Carr and Garry Smith
www.myspace.com/galleybeggar
www.myspace.com/thecrescentsun
His music is a mix of old-time country and jazz and he just wants to write songs that would make Woody Guthrie proud."
See http://www.myspace.com/ryancarrguitar
See http://www.myspace.com/garrymsmith
Monday 17th May - Lou Brown plus support to be confirmed at The Wilmington Arms, Rosebery Avenue, Clerkenwell, London
"Great, great singer with great songs." - Clive Gregson
"Good songs, great lyrics." - Steve Tilston
"We've got her album, it's really good." - Stu Hanna, Megson & producer for Show of Hands
"She held the audience captivated… with her beautiful songs." - Maverick magazine
See www.loubrownmusic.com or www.myspace.com/loubrownmusic
Monday 7th June - Suntrap/Jason Steel plus support slots at The Wilmington Arms, Rosebery Avenue, Clerkenwell, London
See www.suntrap.org
See www.myspace.com/jasonsteelmusic
Monday 21st June - Freddie Smith & Phil O'Farrell/Jen Doyle and Joe Fowler and support slots from Charlotte Sterland and Ryan Carr
"This award-winning Celtic fiddle and guitar duo have captivated audiences for over a decade with their exciting arrangements of traditional and original tunes."
See http://www.myspace.com/fredandphil
Jen Doyle (fiddle) and Joe Fowler (guitar). Jen Doyle, an energetic and experienced fiddler with a wealth of knowledge and performance experience is accompanied by singer/guitarist Joe Fowler from Aussie folk rock group 'Sham' performing tunes and songs from the folk traditions of England, Ireland and there home country of Australia.
Visit www.myspace.com/jendoylejoefowler
Monday 5th July - Brooks Williams and support from Emma Scarr at The Cross Kings, York Way, London N1
His latest CD The Time I Spend with You is a high-energy, up-beat recording of rootsy originals, blues classics and finger-picked instrumentals (the title track actually written in the UK); a very personal recording it shows an artist at ease with his musical roots, but more than that, a musician who simply loves the music he plays; rooted in the blues but as fresh as any music you are likely to hear. He’s passionate about passing it on to the next generation of guitarists too; his workshops and master-classes as legendary as his concerts; he’s a natural, inspirational teacher and his instructional DVD Guitar Groove: a Session with Brooks Williams in which he shares his unique approach to teaching is out now. It’s pleasantly difficult to pin down Brooks Williams; he’s a diverse and versatile musician who is quite simply one of the most entertaining and engaging performers on the circuit today.
www.brookswilliams.com www.myspace.com/redguitarbluemusic
Monday 19th July - The Ric Sanders Group with support from Sandpaper Tango at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden, London N1
Since 1985 Ric Sanders has been the violinist with the British institution Fairport Convention, touring the world and contributing many instrumental compositions and arrangements that have become fixtures in their repertoire. In 2001 Fairport received the BBC's "Folk on 2" Lifetime Achievement Award. Although considering himself primarily a jazz musician, Ric is equally adept in rock, folk and world music. Early in his professional career he toured with the renowned classical/rock percussionist Stomu Yamash'ta, and then went on to play with the celebrated jazz pianists Johnny Patrick and Michael Garrick. In the late 1970's he was in both The Albion Band (appearing on the classic album Rise Up Like the Sun) and the legendary jazz-rock group Soft Machine. In addition to Fairport, he has worked with a remarkably diverse roster of artists including Rick Wakeman, Dave Cousins (The Strawbs), Jethro Tull, Robert Plant, Roy Harper, Gary Brooker (Procol Harum), Pentangle, Gordon Giltrap, Andrew Cronshaw, June Tabor, Martin Simpson, Charlie Landsborough, All About Eve, The Mission and John Etheridge
Vo Fletcher has recorded and performed with such notable artists as Nigel Kennedy, Touch & Go, Rik Mayall, Dave Swarbrick, Andrew Cronshaw, Martin Simpson, Chris Leslie, Simon Nicol, Donovan and many others. Vo contributes many fine compositions to the Ric Sanders Group repertoire.
Michael Gregory first worked with Ric as a fellow member of The Albion Band during the Rise Up Like the Sun period. His vast experience as both a drummer and percussionist found him working with the Maddy Prior Band, the John Kirkpatrick Band, Home Service, Martin Simpson and the late John B. Spencer. More recently, he has been in demand for film and theatre work where he has played with The Royal Shakespeare Company, The Royal National Theatre, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and in West End productions.
See www.myspace.com/sandpapertango
Monday 2nd August - Christi Andropolis and David Newey and support from You are Wolf at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden, London N1
Hailing from New York State, Christi’s musical influences circle from the Southern States of the US to the UK, exploring connections between roots music on both sides of the Atlantic. Her performance ranges from delta-style blues to Appalachian ballads, and includes her own original, earthy songs - effortlessly blending the traditional with the contemporary, and firmly establishing the breadth and diversity of her talent.
Having... toured the US and the UK extensively in the past five years, Christi is fast becoming one of the most recognisable artists on the scene today. Her voice is extraordinarily powerful and expressive, her fiddle playing a creative and dynamic combination of lead and accompaniment. Christ’s debut album ‘Rust and Holler’ will be available at gigs from January 2010, and on official release from 20th September through Furrow Records.
David is one of the most in demand acoustic guitar players in Britain today. Using a unique combination of flat-pick and finger style techniques, he has performed with many; most recently with 2009 folk musician of the year Tom McConville and traditional songstress Emily Portman. His playing is highly distinctive, from the extremely subtle to rock and roll, taking in some traditional tunes in between. His songwriting is of the personal and the political, and straddles the divide between traditional song and contemporary. David’s new album ‘Cities and Power’ is released this autumn, also on independent Furrow Records.
As a duo, Christi and David produce a huge sound, combining all of their influences, and make for an unprecedented and charismatic performance. Their 2010 schedule will take them all over the UK, playing to a huge variety of audiences; from folk and acoustic clubs and venues, to the main stages of festivals.
See www.myspace.com/christianddavid
See www.myspace.com/youarewolf
Monday 16th August - Matthew Ord & Jacquelyn Hynes at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden, London N1
Along the way he has shared the bill with legendary guitar players Albert Lee, Pierre Bensusan, Martin Carthy and Martin Simpson and respected folk performers such as Seth Lakeman, Tom McRae and Kathryn Williams. He has performed at many of the UK's major festivals including Glastonbury and Cambridge Folk Festival and twice at the SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas.
See www.myspace.com/mattheword
She has supported some of Ireland’s leading musicians including Martin Hayes and Denis Cahill, Michael McGoldrick and Dezi Donnelly, Mary Coughlan, Niamh Parsons, and the scottish singer Karen Matheson, and this summer supported the world famous LUNASA in May and subsequently appeared with Donal Lunny and Friends in concert in Ireland in June.
Her World music project TARABA with Najma Ahktar, Zinga Rabhi, Howard Haigh, Aidan Burke and J.Eoin recieved an Arts Council England Awards for All in 2007.
In 2008/9 Jacquelyn was one of only two recipients of the Katherine McGillivray Fund Awards which allowed her to take up a place at the Irish world Academy of Music and Dance in Limerick where she is currently completing a Masters in Irish Traditional Music Performance.
She has recently been invited to appear as a soloist at the And’Art International festival in Marrakech, Morroco this autumn.
See http://www.myspace.com/jacquelynhynes
Monday 6th September - The Askew Sisters and support from Laura Victoria at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden London NW1
"Hazel's rich gutsy voice and inventive melodeon playing combined with the skill of Emily's singing fiddle or soulful cello are a new force to be reckoned with!" Stirrings Magazine
"What the Askew Sisters do so well is tell the story and allow the music accompanying to help that story-telling along." EDS Magazine
See myspace.com/lauravictoriamusic
Monday 20th September - Darren Black/Louise Jordan at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden
See www.darrenblack.net or www.myspace.com/darrenblackmusic
Louise Jordan is a young folk singer who provides an enchanting twist on the traditional British folk song. Louise has an “individual approach to traditional songs, firmly keeping alive the spirit and beauty of each, whilst adding her own personality and fresh interpretation.” (Dennis Homes) Having lived, worked and studied in Wiltshire, Birmingham, London and Essex, Louise draws on her varied experience to tell songs of love, loss and betrayal with a “beautiful sweet rippling voice and delicate guitar style.” (Havering Folk Club)
As a performer Louise has an enormous capacity to empathise and immerses herself in a story as if it were her own. Recently Louise has been working on original material which reflects the injustice, inequality, courage and resilience of the marginalised communities she has been working with in East London. See http://www.myspace.com/skijordan
See www.myspace.com/skijordan
Paul Micklethwaite is a London based Folk Singer and Guitarist taking some of his influences from the likes of Martin Simpson and Chris Wood
See www.myspace.com/paulmicklethwaite
Monday 4th October - Steve Tilston and support from Raven at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden
Steve Tilston is one of our most celebrated song-smiths, with many of his songs adopted into the tradition. His 35 year career has been marked with the release of a 5-CD boxed-set; Reaching Back: the Life and Music of Steve Tilston. Featuring classic, rare, previously unreleased and new recordings, Reaching Back is a timely celebration of one of our finest performers. Not one to stand still however and with “Madame Muse” at his heels Steve is “reaching forward” with a new collection of songs and a new CD Ziggurat.
“When our generation of songwriters is assessed on our contribution to our time, Steve's work will rank alongside much better known artists.” Ralph McTell
www.stevetilston.com & www.myspace.com/stevetilston
See www.myspace.com/ravenfolkmusic
Monday 18th October - Josienne Clarke/The Imaginary String Band with support from Helen and Katie (Kit and Cutter) at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden
Josienne's musical awakening began at a young age, learning parts to sing along with her father as he played folk and ballad classics on his Spanish guitar. Growing up in a world of singing and playing, Josienne was always a musician, and her natural authenticity and easy communication on stage owes much to these early experiences of performance and interaction. Later, she was drawn to other styles of music and studied classical singing. The influence of this can clearly be heard in the clarity of her voice and the attention to detail in her compositions. From the early choral music she learned in various choirs, to the guitar bands she would listen to with friends, via jazz and experiment, and never losing her love of the traditional music she learnt in her native Sussex, Josienne gathered ideas everywhere she listened. The sum of these many parts are expansive works of skill and beauty, executed with dexterity and charisma.
www.myspace.com/mondesirmusic
The Imaginary String Band never existed, you just imagined they did. They play songs about apples and macroeconomics; their tunes have words and their words don’t have tunes. They play folk music from all around the world through the classic string band combination of banjo, fiddle and guitar.
Breton Mazurkas, Jigs, Waltzes, Humours from Ireland, Mysterious Welsh tunes from obscure collections, Minor Morrises, 19th century banjo pieces, English Hornpipes and darn fool ditties. A string band like this could never have existed, but perhaps it already did?
See www.myspace.com/kitandcutter for a video of Kit and Cutter in action
Monday 1st November - You are Wolf, Firefly and support from The Keston Cobblers Club at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden
See www.myspace.com/youarewolf
firefly's alt-folk songs of love, death and the sea have been captivating audiences across London over the last year. With a unique line-up of piano, strings, guitar, Javanese gamelan and voices, their carefully crafted music is fuelled by the driving post-minimalism of John Adams, the wonky pop of Sufjan Stevens and the emotionally direct lyricism of Joni Mitchell. Their songs are rich with close vocal harmonies, infectious rhythms and delicate atmospheric textures. firefly are Bea Hankey (voice), John Barber (piano, gender), Sam Glazer (cello) James Redwood (violin) and Jack Ross (guitar).
www.myspace.com/fireflyburning
The Keston Cobblers Club are a London based combo embracing contemporary styles and traditional melodies
www.myspace.com/keston_cobblers_club
Monday 6th December - Pete Morton and support from Sarah Jane Miller at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden
Starting out as a busker on the streets of Europe, he has entertained all over the globe with his unique and involving style of song-writing and traditional singing. Pete sings from the heart, delivering songs that tell compelling stories and speak of the human condition from a very unique perspective. With a passionate, strong voice and strident guitar style, traditional songs often rub shoulders with Pete's current writing with remarkable ease. His songs are an unruly mix of humour, politics, love and social comment, wrapping their way around the folk tradition.
With support from Sarah Jane Miller, see www.myspace.com/sarahjanemillermusic
Monday 20th December - Dogan Mehmet and support from Laura Victoria at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden
See myspace.com/lauravictoriamusic
Monday 17th January - The Raven/Jacquelyn Hynes and support from Geri van Essen at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden
Caz comes from a family of musicians, and has been singing since she was very young. She was introduced to folk music in her teens and has enjoyed performing solo and in groups ever since.
See www.myspace.com/ravenfolkmusic
“Inventive flautist” Time Out (Critic’s Choice)
“Fine music” The Times
“Rare charisma” The Stage
Jacquelyn Hynes plays flute, sax and piano and composes. She has appeared
at the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Barbican Centre with Howard Haigh,
toured the UK with Musique et Espectaculo and Guyanese jazz flautist
Keith Waithes, and across the globe from India to Norway.
She has performed in countless theatre productions and has composed
for Kaos Theatre, Snap Theatre and the Arcola Theatre.
She has supported some of Ireland’s leading musicians including
Martin Hayes and Denis Cahill, Michael McGoldrick and Dezi Donnelly,
Mary Coughlan, Niamh Parsons, and the scottish singer Karen
Matheson, and this summer supported the world famous LUNASA in
May and subsequently appeared with Donal Lunny and Friends in
concert in Ireland in June.
In 2008/9 Jacquelyn was one of only two recipients of the Katherine McGillivray Fund Awards which allowed her to take up a place at the Irish world Academy of Music and Dance in Limerick where she recently completed a Masters in Irish Traditional Music Performance. She has recently performed at the And’Art International festival in Marrakech, Morocco.
Jacquelyn is currently Flute and Folk on Fridays lecturer at Morley College.
Her debut CD She Moves Through The Fair will be available for sale this evening.
See www.myspace.com/jacquelynhynes
"Geri sung in choirs from an early age. She became fascinated by old folk music after discovering a Joan Baez album with recordings from 1959.
For many years the only song she could play was 'Mary Hamilton', then busy years of studying left her guitar very dusty! In 2008, friends encouraged her to sing in public, and the lack of folk clubs in The Netherlands brought her to London."
See www.myspace.com/gerichants
Monday 24th January - Lily Neill - CD Launch with support from Jacquelyn Hynes at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden
Lily Neill is recognized as “…part of the new Harp revolution extolling aspects of harp music never previously heard,” 2005 Irish Music Magazine. She was a prize-winner at the All-Ireland Harp competition and has won numerous awards, honours and scholarships for her technical and artistic abilities as well as her original compositions.
More recently, Lily was named LiveIreland.com’s “2006 New Female Artist of the Year.” Lily’s musical style is at once rich in tradition and uniquely her own.
See www.myspace.com/lilyneill or www.lilyneill.com
Jacquelyn Hynes plays flute, sax and piano and composes. She has appeared at the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Barbican Centre with Howard Haigh, toured the UK with Musique et Espectaculo and Guyanese jazz flautist Keith Waithes, and across the globe from India to Norway.
“Gifted and innovative flute-player” Irish in Britain
“Inventive flautist” Time Out (Critic’s Choice)
“Fine music” The Times
“Rare charisma” The Stage
See www.myspace.com/jacquelynhynes
Monday 7th February - David Ferrard and support from Louise Jordan at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden
Born to a Scottish father and an American mother, David Ferrard is a veritable 'one-man transatlantic session'. He broke onto the British folk scene in 2006 with his rootsy folk songs which, whilst contemporary, evoke the 60s folk revival when singer-songwriters original output blended with traditional material. His strong, catchy melodies and commitment to social issues make his music both accessible and meaningful.
David performs with his guitar both solo and with other instrumentalists. Wherever David plays he attracts new fans and often sells out venues. His show Scottish Folk Roots & Offshoots sold out 24 consecutive nights at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2007.
David's songs are covered by other artists including Roy Bailey, Sheena Wellington, and Michelle Burke (Cherish The Ladies). See www.davidferrard.com
See www.myspace.com/skijordan
Monday 21st February - The Hut People and support from The Reverenzas at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden
www.myspace.com/thehutpeople
See www.myspace.com/thereverenzas
Monday 7th March - Ian King/Jen Doyle and Joe Fowler and support from Chloe Swain at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden, London N1
www.myspace.com/jendoylejoefowler
Opening the evening we are very pleased to welcome for the first time Americana/Folk Singer Songwriter Chloe Swain
See www.myspace.com/chloechloeswain
Monday 21st March - The Ric Sanders Group and support from Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden, London N1
Since 1985 Ric Sanders has been the violinist with the British institution Fairport Convention, touring the world and contributing many instrumental compositions and arrangements that have become fixtures in their repertoire. In 2001 Fairport received the BBC's "Folk on 2" Lifetime Achievement Award. Although considering himself primarily a jazz musician, Ric is equally adept in rock, folk and world music. Early in his professional career he toured with the renowned classical/rock percussionist Stomu Yamash'ta, and then went on to play with the celebrated jazz pianists Johnny Patrick and Michael Garrick. In the late 1970's he was in both The Albion Band (appearing on the classic album Rise Up Like the Sun) and the legendary jazz-rock group Soft Machine. In addition to Fairport, he has worked with a remarkably diverse roster of artists including Rick Wakeman, Dave Cousins (The Strawbs), Jethro Tull, Robert Plant, Roy Harper, Gary Brooker (Procol Harum), Pentangle, Gordon Giltrap, Andrew Cronshaw, June Tabor, Martin Simpson, Charlie Landsborough, All About Eve, The Mission and John Etheridge
Vo Fletcher has recorded and performed with such notable artists as Nigel Kennedy, Touch & Go, Rik Mayall, Dave Swarbrick, Andrew Cronshaw, Martin Simpson, Chris Leslie, Simon Nicol, Donovan and many others. Vo contributes many fine compositions to the Ric Sanders Group repertoire.
Michael Gregory first worked with Ric as a fellow member of The Albion Band during the Rise Up Like the Sun period. His vast experience as both a drummer and percussionist found him working with the Maddy Prior Band, the John Kirkpatrick Band, Home Service, Martin Simpson and the late John B. Spencer. More recently, he has been in demand for film and theatre work where he has played with The Royal Shakespeare Company, The Royal National Theatre, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and in West End productions.
Josienne's musical awakening began at a young age, learning parts to sing along with her father as he played folk and ballad classics on his Spanish guitar. Growing up in a world of singing and playing, Josienne was always a musician, and her natural authenticity and easy communication on stage owes much to these early experiences of performance and interaction. Later, she was drawn to other styles of music and studied classical singing. The influence of this can clearly be heard in the clarity of her voice and the attention to detail in her compositions. From the early choral music she learned in various choirs, to the guitar bands she would listen to with friends, via jazz and experiment, and never losing her love of the traditional music she learnt in her native Sussex, Josienne gathered ideas everywhere she listened. The sum of these many parts are expansive works of skill and beauty, executed with dexterity and charisma.
www.myspace.com/mondesirmusic or www.josienneclarke.co.uk
Monday 4th April - Black Peak/Sharon King and the Reckless Angels and support from David Shevelew at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden
See www.myspace.com/blackpeak
See www.davidshevelewmusic.com
Monday 18th April - Laura Victoria and Sarah Jane Miller with support from Jake Wilson at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden
www.myspace.com/sarahjanemillermusic
Laura Victoria performs 'songs of love affairs, tea, shipwrecks and imaginary worlds accompanied by cello playing that veers between moving melancholy airs, punchy rock riffing and slap bass'.
'Originally from Northumberland, and now based in London, her debut EP 'Acting Up' was released last year through Cherry Red Records. fRoots said "Both quirky and strangely irresistible".
lauravictoriamusic.com
Monday 25th April -Genticorum - London CD Launch and support from Jacquelyn Hynes
GENTICORUM has become one of the most sought-after exponents of Quebecois musical culture, having now performed and toured across North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania – more than 15 countries in all. ...Firmly rooted in the soil of their native land, this energetic and original power trio also incorporate the dynamism of contemporary North American and European folk cultures into their music. They weave precise and intricate fiddle and flute work, gorgeous vocal harmonies, energetic foot percussion, and guitar and bass accompaniment into a jubilant musical feast. GENTICORUM’s distinctive sound, sense of humour and stage presence make it a supreme crowd pleaser – though never at the expense of the music.
GENTICORUM’s second album, Malins Plaisirs, released in Canada in 2005, won in the Best Ensemble category at the Canadian Folk Music Awards and was nominated for Juno (Canada) and Félix (Quebec) awards. Now released in Europe (in collaboration with the Weatherbox label), the album is getting rave reviews on the other side of the Atlantic. The trio’s brand new album, La Bibournoise, was released in Canada in April 2008 to critical acclaim. This work builds on GENTICORUM’s trademark sound, combining rollicking interpretations of Quebec folk songs with original instrumentals written in the traditional style. Energetic yet folky, its harmonized songs sublime, its frenzied rhythms mesmerizing, its arrangements fresh and unique – this is La Bibournoise, and sometimes it’s hard to believe it is the work of just three band members !
See www.genticorum.com or http://www.myspace.com/genticorum
“Inventive flautist” Time Out (Critic’s Choice)
“Fine music” The Times
“Rare charisma” The Stage
As a soloist Jacquelyn Hynes has supported some of Ireland’s leading musicians including Martin Hayes, Michael McGoldrick, Mary Coughlan and Lunasa. She has also performed with Donal Lunny in concert, and for President Mary Macaleese. She has collaborated with Guyanese Jazz flautist Keith Waithes and his Macusi players, Asian singer Najma Akhtar, and Tunisian Master percussionist Zinga Rabhi in Musique et Espetaculo, Taraba and other projects.
Her work has been broadcast by RTE and Clare FM.
She was awarded an Arts Council England Awards for All grant for her Irish/ World music project “Taraba” in 2007 and in 2008 awarded the Katherine McGillivray “Get A Life Fund” (given to two musicians a year) which allowed her to take up her studies in Irish music.
She has recently performed solo and supporting Lily Neill at London’s Green Note and is currently completing her debut album “She Moves Through The Fair” to be released by Hobgoblin Records.
See www.myspace.com/jacquelynhynes
Monday 2nd May - Clive Gregson and Support from You are Wolf at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden
Mary Chapin Carpenter named him as one of her favourite songwriters. Melody Maker described Any Trouble, as the most exciting new rock 'n' roll group since The Pretenders and according to Guitar Player, he is one of the 1000 great guitarists. Artists who have recorded his songs include Fairport Convention, Claire Martin, Norma Waterson and Nanci Griffith, who recorded I Love This Town on her number one chart topping album.
www.clivegregson.com www.myspace.com/clivegregson
See www.myspace.com/youarewolf
Monday 16th May - Ewan McLennan and support from The Raven at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden
"Only once in a while do you hear a new voice, a new sound that is really worth listening to, Ewan McLennan is one such!” Martin Simpson
See www.theraven.me
Monday 6th June - Pete Morton and support from Sarah Jane Miller at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden
With support from Sarah Jane Miller, see www.myspace.com/sarahjanemillermusic
Monday 20th June - Jeff Warner and support from Kit and Cutter at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden
Kit and Cutter are a South London duo who will be opening the evening with their fine interpretation of traditional English Songs..
Monday 4th July - Suntrap/Tir Eolas and support from Richard Hawkins at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden, London N1
This great Anglicana quartet bring you gorgeous harmonies, fantastic fiddles, and an array of beautifully crafted songs. With material ranging from straight folk to unique original compositions their music is invigorating and at the same time deeply emotional. Not to be missed.
Suntrap are Mary Wilson (voice, violin), Paul Hoad (voice, guitar, harmonica, kick drum), Elisa Bergersen (violin, viola) and Sara Byers (voice, accordion, guitar, whistles, bohdran). Together they perform a mesmerizing array of music including their own material and the best of the traditional and contemporary folk repertoire. Songwriters Sara and Paul create original, innovative works drawing on English song tradition and American Folk & Country.
See www.suntrap.org
Tir Eolas are a contemporary folk group formed of three students at the Royal College of Music. The group comprises Philippa Mercer (Vocals, Flute), Laura Snowden (Guitar, Vocals) and Ruairi Glasheen (Bodhran, Percussion).
Tir Eolas draw on various folk traditions, particularly Irish and Breton. As well as their own arrangements of folk music, the group also performs original compositions....
Monday 18th July - Louise Jordan/Jen Doyle and Joe Fowler and support from Stuart Forester at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden, London N1
As a performer Louise has an enormous capacity to empathise and immerses herself in a story as if it were her own. Recently Louise has been working on original material which reflects the injustice, inequality, courage and resilience of the marginalised communities she has been working with in East London.
See www.louisejordan.co.uk
Stuart Forester is a South London singer songwriter in the folk storytelling tradition. Using mainly modal tunings such as DADGAD and DAAEAE on guitar and DDAD tuning on the dulcimer, his songs recount tales of gypsy funerals, fox hunting, North Sea trawler fishing, the Grim Reaper, 16th century prostitutes, emigration, piracy on the Irish Sea and a protest rant for good measure.
Monday 25th July - Harpeth Rising with support from Emma Scarr at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden, London N1
Billed as an “Americana Sensation” by WSM 650, this group of young classically trained musicians is making an immense impact wherever they play. The quartet brings an exciting and distinctive sound to the Americana genre." With a banjo and fiddle, you might think they’re traditional bluegrass, but think again: cello and hand drums round out the group, creating a truly new sound.
A little bit bluegrass, a little bit folk, a little bit classical and whole lot of original, Harpeth Rising is a band to watch.
”An Americana Sensation” – WSM 650
“The future of original string music…” Keith Harrelson, Moonlight on the Mountain
See www.harpethrising.com for more details.
"Emma Scarr is a singer-songwriter from Leytonstone, East London, writing folk music with an Americana flavour.....
Emma has been active on London’s live scene for approaching two decades. A proficient performer on guitar, fiddle and banjo, in recent years she has concentrated on song craft.
Her pedigree includes a long association with the hugely popular Northern Celts, widely celebrated for their upbeat, feel-good performances at pubs, festivals, sessions and ceilidhs in and around London.
Monday 8th August - David Newey and support from Anna MacDonald at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden, London N1
David Newey is one of the UK's most in demand acoustic guitarists, songwriters and singers.
David was inspired by his headmaster to start writing songs and playing the guitar aged 10. Since then, he's never really stopped, playing pubs and clubs around his native Hampshire until the age of 18, when he moved to Newcastle to study Folk and Traditional Music.
Under the tuition of such established names as Chris Nemman, Martins Simpson and Carthy, and John Renbourn, David honed his style. His guitar playing is unique and unrivalled, encompassing both the flatpick and fingerstyle techniques with power, fluency and control. David often blurs the boundaries between Acoustic and Electric styles, coaxing out sounds normally associated with rock and roll, jazz and country, and placing them within his more folk based playing. As such, he's in high demand as a collaborator, playing with BBC Radio 2 Folk Musician of the Year Tom McConville on a regular basis, and touring and recording with other luminaries and peers such as Christi Andropolis, Emily Portman, Sandra Kerr, and many others. He was a finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Musician of the Year in 2003, and has appeared all over magazine and radio, including BBC Radio 3's 'Late Junction', BBC Radio 2 Folk Show with Mike Harding, and in the Froots playlist and cover CD.
As a songwriter, David has two albums to his name - 2005's 'A List of Names' and 2009's 'Cities and Power', the latter receiving a range of plaudits including a five star review from Rock n Reel, being called 'brave and imaginative' by Tom Robinson, and given numerous outings on national radio. His songwriting is political and personal, original and austere, echoing Richard Thompson, Boo Hewerdine and Chris Wood, but remaining entirely unique, and as a solo performer he likes to challenge and involve an audience.
Monday 15th August - Imogen Gunner and The Imoband at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden London NW1
"...a sublimely talented and adventurous composer and musician...” – John O’ Regan (Irish Music Magazine)
"Highly recommended!” - Time Out (London)
Drawing on a unique blend of original and traditional instrumental music from England,
Ireland, Scotland and beyond, Imogen Gunner has been described as “ An exceptional
musician and a superb interpreter of traditional music from these Isles..” Sean McGee
(Rock ‘n’ Reel).
With a winning combination of energy, verve, originality and instrumental
prowess, plus more than a touch of musical magic, Imogen Gunner and the Imoband’s
captivating live performances never fail to leave their audiences spellbound.
See www.myspace.com/imogengunnermusic
“Inventive flautist” Time Out (Critic’s Choice)
“Fine music” The Times
“Rare charisma” The Stage
Jacquelyn Hynes plays flute, sax and piano and composes. She has appeared
at the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Barbican Centre with Howard Haigh,
toured the UK with Musique et Espectaculo and Guyanese jazz flautist
Keith Waithes, and across the globe from India to Norway.
She has performed in countless theatre productions and has composed
for Kaos Theatre, Snap Theatre and the Arcola Theatre.
She has supported some of Ireland’s leading musicians including
Martin Hayes and Denis Cahill, Michael McGoldrick and Dezi Donnelly,
Mary Coughlan, Niamh Parsons, and the scottish singer Karen
Matheson, and this summer supported the world famous LUNASA in
May and subsequently appeared with Donal Lunny and Friends in
concert in Ireland in June.
In 2008/9 Jacquelyn was one of only two recipients of the Katherine McGillivray Fund Awards which allowed her to take up a place at the Irish world Academy of Music and Dance in Limerick where she recently completed a Masters in Irish Traditional Music Performance. She has recently performed at the And’Art International festival in Marrakech, Morocco.
Jacquelyn is currently Flute and Folk on Fridays lecturer at Morley College.
See www.jacquelynhynes.co.uk
Monday 5th September - Inlay/The Raven and support at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden London NW1
See www.myspace.com/inlaymusicuk
See www.theraven.me
Saturday 17th September - Lily Neill at The Gallery Cafe, 21 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PL
Lily Neill is recognized as “…part of the new Harp revolution extolling aspects of harp music never previously heard,” 2005 Irish Music Magazine. She was a prize-winner at the All-Ireland Harp competition and has won numerous awards, honours and scholarships for her technical and artistic abilities as well as her original ...compositions. More recently, Lily was named LiveIreland.com’s “2006 New Female Artist of the Year.”
Lily’s musical style is at once rich in tradition and uniquely her own. Her experiences working with artists from different genres and backgrounds, from folk to classical and rock spheres, have played a major part in shaping and continuing to shape Lily’s music. Central to Lily’s style is her utilization of techniques and repertoire from instruments other than her own. In defining Lily’s style, The Green Man Review writes, “It is delightful to welcome a new talent and one that is brimming with ideas, creative energy and yet has a [vice-like] grip on traditional methods and methodology, while pushing the envelope stylistically.”
Advance tickets available from at www.wegottickets.com
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Monday 19th September - Rún and support from Geri Van Essen at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden London NW1 - CD Launch! - 8:00pm start
The London-based act formed in 2007 and has gone on to perform at many folk clubs and venues including the Royal Festival Hall Foyer, the Union Chapel, the National Theatre Foyer, the Front Room at the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Camden Irish Centre. In 2009 their summer festival tour took them to Upton Folk Festival, Glastonbury, Lewisham People’s Day, Lovebox and Lambeth Country Show. IN 2010, they returned to Upton and Lambeth Country Show and also performed at Crawley Folk Festival and Rhythms of the World. They have supported a variety of high-profile folk artists including John McSherry, Zoe Conway and Martin Simpson.
See www.runceol.com
See www.myspace.com/gerichants
Monday 3rd October - Alan Reid and Rob van Sante and support at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden London NW1
Rob Van Sante is a guitarist of exceptional skill and subtlety. He was born in the Netherlands and begun playing guitar at an early age. As his interest in music developed, he became influenced by the best of Folk, Rock, R&B and Blues.
In this collaboration Alan Reid & Rob van Sante present an evening of both old and new music, featuring Alan's compositions, Battlefield Band favourites and Rob's own songs. Their show combines the solid open tuned guitar style of Rob, the keyboard, guitar and accordion of Alan and the fine harmony singing of both, ensuring an excellent night's entertainment.
See www.reidvansante.com
“Inventive flautist” Time Out (Critic’s Choice)
“Fine music” The Times
“Rare charisma” The Stage
Jacquelyn Hynes plays flute, sax and piano and composes. She has appeared
at the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Barbican Centre with Howard Haigh,
toured the UK with Musique et Espectaculo and Guyanese jazz flautist
Keith Waithes, and across the globe from India to Norway.
She has performed in countless theatre productions and has composed
for Kaos Theatre, Snap Theatre and the Arcola Theatre.
She has supported some of Ireland’s leading musicians including
Martin Hayes and Denis Cahill, Michael McGoldrick and Dezi Donnelly,
Mary Coughlan, Niamh Parsons, and the scottish singer Karen
Matheson, and this summer supported the world famous LUNASA in
May and subsequently appeared with Donal Lunny and Friends in
concert in Ireland in June.
In 2008/9 Jacquelyn was one of only two recipients of the Katherine McGillivray Fund Awards which allowed her to take up a place at the Irish world Academy of Music and Dance in Limerick where she recently completed a Masters in Irish Traditional Music Performance. She has recently performed at the And’Art International festival in Marrakech, Morocco.
Jacquelyn is currently Flute and Folk on Fridays lecturer at Morley College.
See www.myspace.com/jacquelynhynes
Monday 17th October - Lucy Ward and support from David Shevelew at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden London NW1
We are extremely pleased to be welcoming Lucy Ward on one of her rare concerts in the capital, Lucy was a finalist in the BBC Young Folk Awards in 2009 and since then has gained an increasing audience on the folk scene, having supported the likes of Seth Lakeman, Mawkin Causley, Jez Lowe, Phil Beer, and recently supported O’Hooley & Tidow on their 2010 tour.
"Lucy is a 20 year old acoustic artist from Derby. She plays guitar but... considers voice to be her first instrument and has been performing regularly since she was 14.
Her sets are an eclectic mix of traditional and modern folk interpretations, interspersed with her own songs.
Lucy has the ability to still an audience with the strength and purity of her voice, which she uses to great effect on the unaccompanied songs that sprinkle her set."
See lucywardsings.com, www.myspace.com/lucywardsings or http://www.youtube.com/user/lucywardsings1
See www.davidshevelewmusic.com
Monday 7th November - Zoox and support from Rob Corcoran at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden London NW1
Zoox (Linda Game, Jo May and Becky Menday) are a superb trio serving up a cocktail of new melodies and traditional tunes with a delicate balance of strings, wind, percussion and voices.
Be prepared for a fabulous array of instruments from contrabassoon to congas.
Exciting arrangements, great musicianship and infectious energy typify the performances of Zoox in a show which is guaranteed to entertain and enchant.
Their rich and varied influences include Celtic, Appalachian, Klezmer, African, Cuban, rock, and classical.
“Dublin native Rob Corcoran is a young performer with an old soul, whose personal take on vintage Irish and American folk songs is matched by a self-penned, contemporary repertoire that offers a heartfelt nod to the past.”
Monday 21st November - Matthew Ord and support from Paul Micklethwaite at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden London NW1
Matthew Ord is a London based singer and guitarist with a fresh take on the traditional music of the British Isles and North America. A dedicated musician with a deep passion for folk music from an early age, his repertoire reflects the length and breadth of these traditions, drawing together the Delta and Piedmont blues, Scots and English Ballads, jigs, reels, slow airs, nursery rhymes and protest songs, all skilfully performed with warmth and conviction. After graduating from university in 2005, Matthew has pursued a career as a gigging musician, a journey which so far has taken him to Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Norway, the southern US and the far north west of Canada.
Along the way he has shared the bill with legendary guitar players Albert Lee, Pierre Bensusan, Martin Carthy and Martin Simpson and respected folk performers such as Seth Lakeman, Tom McRae and Kathryn Williams. He has performed at many of the UK's major festivals including Glastonbury and Cambridge Folk Festival and twice at the SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas.
Paul Mickletwaite is a London based Singer and Guitarist taking his influences from the likes of Martin Simpson and Chris Woods amongst others, Paul will be opening this evening -
See www.myspace.com/paulmicklethwaite
Monday 5th December 2011 - Uiscedwr and support from Kate Denny at The Green Note, Parkway, Camden
Kate is joined by Charlie Skelton