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Just some of the many wonderful performers who have played for us.
For a list of everyone who has played at the Concerts and Café nights click here

DECAMERON
Decameron began when Johnny Coppin and Dave Bell met at Cheltenham Art College in 1968. By 1969 they had been joined by guitarist Al Fenn and cellist Geoff March and, with Jasper Carrott as their agent, the four of them started building up a solid following around the folk clubs.

They soon developed their trademark sound - vocal harmonies reminiscent of Crosby, Stills and Nash, multi-instrumental virtuosity, with Dave's poetic lyrics set to Johnny’s melodic tunes.

By 1973 Decameron’s first album "Say Hello to the Band" had been released, they were appearing at bigger UK venues, touring in Holland, Germany and Belgium, playing bigger venues in the UK including the Cambridge Folk Festival, and Dik Cadbury had joined on bass, guitar and violin.

1974 saw the release of "Mammoth Special", regarded by many as their finest hour, and a promotional gig at the Commonwealth Institute in London with an orchestra. A year later “Third Light” came out and the band were playing to houses of up to 1,500 people a night. They had become one of the best live bands on the scene.

In 1976, the band’s fourth album "Tomorrow’s Pantomine" emerged, with Dik Cadbury’s influence taking Decameron in a more rocky direction. However this highlighted the differing objectives among band members and within months Decameron decided to call it a day. Although they were earning a living, the costs of touring a six-piece band in bigger venues were prohibitive.

The various members got involved in other musical projects and Johnny Coppin launched a successful solo career as a singer/songwriter which continues to this day.

"In a class of their own" - Sounds, "The thinking man's Lindisfarne" - New Musical Express web site

GORDON GILTRAP
Over the past forty years, Gordon Giltrap has graced the music business with his dedication to his craft and his affection for his audience. As one of the UK's most respected guitarists, he has consistently proved the adage that respect cannot be bought. It must be earned.

Gordon's self-titled debut album was released in 1968 and in the late 1970s, Gordon enjoyed a brief spell as a pop star, with a hit album (Perilous Journey) and two hit singles ('Heartsong' and 'Fear of the Dark'). 'Heartsong' was nominated for an Ivor Novello award, and is fondly remembered as the theme tune to the BBC's Holiday programme. 'Fear of the Dark' was the first 12-inch colour picture disc to be released in the UK, and featured a heavily-made-up and unflattering image of what was then being marketed as The Gordon Giltrap Band. All the musical trends at the time were moving away from acoustic music, and Gordon retreated gracefully from the pop spotlight.

Over the years, Gordon has worked with an amazingly broad range of artists, from rock musicians such as Brian May, Rick Wakeman and Midge Ure to the jazz virtuoso Martin Taylor, the classical guitarist Raymond Burley and the London Symphony Orchestra. In 1996, Gordon realised a dream of playing guitar alongside Cliff Richard, on stage in Cliff's West End musical Heathcliff. As well as performing in the role of The Troubadour, Gordon arranged the overture and wrote two pieces of music.

Gordon's music continues to evade categorisation, influenced as it is by the rock guitar of Hank Marvin and Pete Townshend, the folk guitar of Bert Jansch and John Renbourn, and the classical guitar of Julian Bream and John Williams. He has released 25 original studio albums, plus numerous live albums and compilations. There is currently no sign of Gordon hanging up his guitars, and he still performs dozens of concerts a year around the country, earning the respect of fans and fellow musicians alike.
web site

KRISTA DETOR
With her highly acclaimed album, Mudshow (“A Small Miracle..” Rolling Stone) Krista Detor was established as a gifted player on the world stage. Together with partner and producer, David Weber, she’s since released the follow-up album, Cover Their Eyes (“One of the best albums of the year..” Revolver) continuing to push the edges of genre while remaining close throughout to the lyrical thread that defines her work.

She’s reached #1 on the Euro-Americana chart and her music’s been featured at the Cannes Film Festival, on NPR, PBS, the BBC, as well as countless U.S. and European National, Regional & Local radio shows. She’s appeared on both U.S. and European television and collaborated on the Emmy nominated PBS Special Wilderness Plots.

Most recently, she was honoured to be chosen to be a part of the Darwin Songhouse with 7 other songwriters in Shrewsbury writing for 7 days and completing a live CD to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin in his hometown. The event and subsequent concert were covered extensively by the BBC.

She will be performing with Dave Weber (guitar, vocals) and Mike Lindauer (bass guitar, vocals).
web site | MySpace | YouTube

CHRISTINE COLLISTER
Throughout her 20 year career Christine has mesmerized and astounded with her unique blend of soul, blues, pop, jazz, country and folk, and today she remains as powerful, subtle and effortless as ever. Her live performances have always been wonderfully magical experiences and her solo albums have seen her convincingly interpret Smoky Robinson, Nick Drake, Robert Wyatt, Tom Waits, Paul Simon, U2 and Lal Waterson, amongst many others - whilst with every year her own self penned or co-written compositions have developed a distinctive quality - one which connects on a very personal level.

She first came to national attention singing the 1987 theme for the BBC Television series The Life and Loves Of A She Devil. Following a fruitful association with The Richard Thompson Band, Christine enjoyed a period of critical and commercial success in a seven year partnership with Clive Gregson. She also toured and recorded with the female super group Daphne's Flight.

Over the course of her career Christine has become a familiar name on the UK 'live' scene and at all major festivals from Glastonbury to Winnipeg to Cambridge. With a gravity defying voice, assured and impressive live performances and great personal charm she is a phenomenal live act.

'".boundary breaking is routine for Collister and makes her one of the finest grown-up vocalists on the planet..." - Q Magazine
'Christine Collister has a killer voice. As full as Dusty Springfield or as blue as Alison Moyet' - Froots
" … a voice personally delivered by God." - The Times
"Christine Collister can sing the birds down off the trees and send them back with a tiny flick of her vocal chords." - Mojo
web site

CHRIS DIFFORD
We are delighted to present this special concert featuring Chris Difford who was one half of the legendary songwriting partnership behind all of the great Squeeze hits such as Cool for Cats, Up the Junction, Black Coffee in Bed, Tempted, Take Me I'm Yours, Another Nail In My Heart and Pulling Mussels From A Shell. Difford's lyrics combined with Glenn Tilbrook's melodies to create classic songs that still receive regular airplay around the world. Last year's compilation "The Big Squeeze" went straight in to the charts at number 8 proving the timeless quality of their music.

During his time away from Squeeze Chris has written with Elton John, Marti Pellow, Lamont Dozier and many others. He also wrote songs with Tilbrook for fellow Squeeze band member Jools Holland and two years ago his lyrics for the film "Still Crazy" won an Ivor Novello Award.

After 25 years, 13 albums, numerous American and UK tours, and trips around the globe Chris left Squeeze in 1999. He released his first solo album, "I Didn't Get Where I Am" in 2003.

web site

BENNY GALLAGHER
For sheer quality and distinction you need look no further than the career of Benny Gallagher. One half of hit makers and songwriters Gallagher & Lyle, he began his career as a staff writer with the Beatles music publishing company, Apple writing songs for Apple Records' biggest artist Mary Hopkin under the constant encouragement of Paul McCartney.

In 1970 his and Graham Lyle’s astute composing ability propelled the band McGuinness-Flint to the top of the charts with hit songs "When I’m Dead and Gone" and "Malt and Barley Blues". Then came the duo’s own string of successes – the richly romantic "Heart on my Sleeve" and "I Wanna Stay With You". Their Breakaway album was a huge success – even more so when the title track was covered by Art Garfunkel. Garfunkel also later recorded the duo's "A Heart In New York" and performed it at Simon & Garfunkel's famous concert in central park, New York, to an audience of 500,000.

On record he has worked with Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Pete Townsend, Ronnie Lane, Ronnie Wood, Gary Brooker, Georgie Fame, Mary Hopkin, Elkie Brooks, Ralph McTell, Sandy Denny and Fairport Convention. Between song-writing visits to Nashville, and composing soundtracks for film and television he has toured Australia, the Middle and Far East, Europe and the U.K. as bassist and vocalist with The Manfreds and Dennis Locorriere – "The Voice of Dr. Hook".

Artists who have recorded Benny Gallagher songs include Art Garfunkel, Bryan Ferry, Colin Blunstone, Don Williams, Elkie Brooks, Fairport Convention, Garth Brooks, Judith Durham, Mary Hopkin, Phil Everly, Ringo Starr, Ricky Nelson, Rita Coolidge, Simon and Garfunkel, Status Quo and Jim Capaldi.
web site | Myspace

BOO HEWERDINE
Boo is one of this country's finest singer/songwriters and also something of a local legend.
In 1985 Boo formed cult band "The Bible" before choosing to pursue a solo career. "Ignorance", Boo's first self-produced album was released in 1992, followed by "Baptist Hospital" in 1996 and "Thanksgiving" in 1998, both made with Nick Drake producer John Wood. "Anon" was released in 2002, gaining a 4 star praise worthy review from "Q" magazine and "Mojo". For his latest album, "Harmonograph", Boo resolved to record his own versions of 12 songs from the 400 he had written for, and often with, other people.

One of his most enduring collaborative links has been with Eddi Reader for whom he wrote "Patience of Angels" and was credited with an Ivor Novello nomination. His songs have also been recorded by many other singers including KD Lang, Brian Kennedy and Paul Young, he has toured with Clive Gregson and produced for The Corrs. He also wrote the film scores to the movies Fever Pitch and TwentyFourSeven with Harmonograph’s producer, Neil MacColl, who was also in The Bible. In 2004 Boo was asked to re-record Thanksgiving’s “Bell, Book And Candle” for a climactic, award-winning death scene on the TV soap Emmerdale. More recently in 2003, Boo produced Eddi's album "Eddi Reader Sings the Songs of Robbie Burns".
web site

MARTYN JOSEPH
Martyn's 20 year career has embraced some notable achievements including 5 Top 50 UK chart positions, with such songs as 'Dolphins Make Me Cry', 'Working Mother' and 'Let's Talk About It In The Morning', and appearances and tours with, amongst others, Suzanne Vega, Marc Cohn, Joan Armatrading, Clannad, Chris De Burgh, Jools Holland, Art Garfunkel, and even, Celine Dion.

His touring work and appearances over the years, on both sides of the Atlantic, have helped to establish this gifted and gracious Welshman as one of the foremost singer/songwriters of his generation. Across a 10 year cycle of albums from the Sony days of 'Being There' to his recent two volume live compilation 'Don't Talk About Love', Martyn's song catalogue is an awesomely impressive archive of our times, our tribulations, our wonder and our wounds. web site

HENRY PRIESTMAN
After 30 years in the music business – and with a credit list longer than both your arms – Henry Priestman has finally made his debut as a solo act. He sold three million albums with The Christians and wrote all the songs on their 1987 triple-platinum debut, he shared a mic and a number one single with Paul McCartney, he played on sessions for Lightning Seeds, Johnny Marr, Ian McCulloch, Pete Wylie, Ian McNabb and Echo & The Bunnymen, and provided vocals on Jools Holland/Tom Jones’ 2004 CD.

Last year Henry played his debut solo gigs: in May he supported 10cc at London’s 02 Arena and in July supported Jools Holland at the 10,000-seater Liverpool Echo Arena. He describes his new album, The Chronicles of Modern Life, as a collection of "scruffy pop songs of pith, wit and poignancy".  

"It really is a fabulous album...gorgeous" - Janice Long, BBC Radio 2

"This album is just great, it's real with great songs on it" - Johnnie Walker, BBC Radio 2

"An album of rough-hewn charm that will appeal to listeners for whom thumping disappointment and bloody minded stoicism are the new rock ‘n roll" *** - Sunday Times

"A solo album full of wit and love and disappointment and vitriol… perfect pop decorated with spikiness and anger" **** - Rock n Reel
web site | MySpace

PHIL BEER
Phil Beer is best known for his multi-instrumental virtuosity in Show of Hands who are widely acknowledged as the finest acoustic roots duo in England. Knightley, who writes most of their inspired material and Beer, a dazzling multi instrumentalist, have built up a huge following which has seen them twice sell out the Albert Hall, headlining at major festivals from Glastonbury to WOMAD and playing all over the world, from Europe to America, Australia and India. Voted Best Live Act by the public at the 2004 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, the jury is still out on just what kind of music they play. A genre defying mix of rock, roots, blues, country, trad, and often influenced by the music of other countries, it is played out on an array of instruments from slide guitar to fiddle, mandolin to South American cuatro.

Phil's passion for acoustic music was especially stirred by the Davey Graham album 'Folk Blues and Beyond'. He played his first gig when he was fourteen and by the time he was sixteen he was performing regularly. Phil worked with Paul Downes as a duo and also in Arizona Smoke Revue. He joined the Albion Band in 1984 and stayed with them until 1991, touring extensively at home and abroad, and recorded many albums. Show of Hands became a full-time partnership from 1991.

The Phil Beer Band are one of the most entertaining groups on the scene and are a big draw everywhere they play. His other musical involvements are no less prestigious and include playing with Mike Oldfield and The Rolling Stones.
web site

CLIVE GREGSON
Clive is an accomplished singer, musician and record producer who started in the music business in the 1970s as the leader of Any Trouble, a band that made five albums and performed hundreds of gigs but which broke up at the end of 1984. Clive then released his first solo record, "Strange Persuasions", described by Hot Press as "a truly exceptional piece of work." The record featured the voice of Christine Collister, and between 1985 and 1992, Gregson & Collister formed a partnership that Rolling Stone called "the state of the art in British folk-rock". Their first four albums all achieved chart success and numerous tours of the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan further established Clive's world-wide reputation as an innovative leader in the world of British folk-rock.

Throughout this period Clive was also a member of the Richard Thompson Band and by October 1992 was performing as a solo artist again. He developed a fruitful songwriting partnership with Boo Hewerdine and they toured the UK in the spring of 1993 as a fascinating trio completed by Eddi Reader.

Over the years Clive has continued to tour the world and release outstanding albums. In 2005 His participation in the recording sesions for Nanci Griffiths' Hearts In Mind album led to Nanci asking him to join her touring band, The Blue Moon Orchestra. Nanci's version of Clive's song I Love This Town, (performed as a duet with Jimmy Buffet) was released as a single and became a radio hit in both the USA and the UK.
web site | MySpace

HARVEY ANDREWS
Harvey Andrews has been writing and performing his own songs, monologues and stories for over 35 years. In that time he has travelled the world, been on "The Old Grey Whistle Test", done sessions for John Peel, appeared in a solo concert at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall, been voted Canada's International Artist Of The Year 1996, produced 14 albums, and had his songs recorded by over 50 artists ranging from Christy Moore to Max Boyce, The Houghton Weavers to Mary Hopkin. He wrote and sang the Theme tune to the Hit TV series "Golden Pennies" and the twelve songs for the musical play "Go And Play Up Your Own End" which sold out 13,000 seats in a week's run at the Birmingham Hippodrome in 1999.

A night with Harvey Andrews is a night to put you in touch with yourselves, with your past and your present, with parenthood and childhood, with work and play. With humour and insight Harvey examines our lives and reminds us what it's all about. He's as fine a raconteur as he is a singer and a writer, so turn up and prepare to be seriously entertained by someone who can genuinely claim to have done it all successfully since becoming a full-time professional in 1966.
web site | MySpace

CLIVE CARROLL
Clive Carroll has established himself as a world class acoustic guitarist. Acoustic Guitar magazine called him "Probably the best and most original young guitar player in Britain" and John Renbourn described his first album as "a milestone on the journey of the steel-string guitar".

He gained a 1st Class Honours degree in Composition & Guitar from Trinity College, London and throughout the college years was awarded many prizes and recorded Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjuez' with the Trinity orchestra.

In 1998 he recorded his first solo album, "Sixth Sense", and over the next two years toured with John Renbourn all over Europe and America. SInce then he has toured as a solo performer and has also played alongside many great artists in the traditional Irish, acoustic, and pop/rock worlds. His long awaited second solo album, "The Red Guitar" was released in 2004 and featured eleven original pieces as well as works by Gilbert Biberian and Wayne Shorter. 2008 saw the release of his third solo album "Life In Colour".

"Clive Carroll looks marked for greatness" - Guitarist Magazine

"Compositionally assured, with a breathtaking mastery of techniques and antecedents from Benjamin Britten to Nick Drake (both specifically acknowledged with Michael Hedges) and from Renbourn himself through Gordon Giltrap to Pat Metheny, this is stunning and eminently listenable stuff." - Mojo

"a richly talented player and composer who should be applauded for his eclecticism as much as his virtuosity" - Get Rhythm
web site | MySpace

JOHNNY DICKINSON

STEVE TILSTON
Ask anyone on the English folk scene who is their favourite guitarist, singer, songwriter and entertainer and nine times out of ten the same name will crop up in the top three of every department. Steve Tilston is one of our most celebrated song-smiths; widely recognised within the world of folk and contemporary music: the words, arrangements and subtle but quite superb guitar playing could be no one else.

A celebrated artist in Britain and abroad, winning accolades in Europe, Australia and the USA, his songs have been recorded by Fairport Convention, Dolores Keane, and The House Band. Here’s to Tom Paine is the adopted theme song for the Tom Paine Society of America and it’s been rumoured, has featured in Bruce Springsteen’s live shows. His music has also featured on radio and TV. He is also the writer of the classic songs The Slipjigs and Reels, The Naked Highwayman and Here’s to Tom Paine.

Steve has toured with John Renbourn’s Ship of Fools, in a stunning musical partnership with traditional singer Maggie Boyle; as guitarist with Ballet Rambert with Maartin Allcock and Pete Zorn in WAZ! and with Brooks Williams in A Transatlantic Song-Swap.
…that very rare combination of singer, songwriter and guitarist who actually excels in all departments…” - FRoots
web site | MySpace

KIM RICHEY
American singer/songwriter Kim Richey has been a Grammy nominee for writing hit songs for others, and has refined her own distinctive version of Americana to draw together strands of rock, country and folk. With a versatile and stylish voice and songs that draw the listener into tales of loss, heartbreak and redemption, she has drawn comparisons with k.d. lang, Lucinda Williams, Shawn Colvin and Joni Mitchell.

She has been plying her brand of insightful song craft since arriving in Nashville in the early '90s and is known as a tunesmith with a wide stylistic range. She has written or co-written songs for Mary Chapin Carpenter and UK pop sensation James Morrison, and wrote huge country hits for Trisha Yearwood ("Believe Me Baby (I Lied)") and Radney Foster ("Nobody Wins"). She's also made five acclaimed solo albums and had her music featured in films and television shows such as For The Love Of The Game, Angel, Alias and Grey's Anatomy.
web site

MEGSON
The combined talents of northerners Stu Hanna and Debbie Palmer make the award winning duo 'Megson'. With three albums under their belts they are fast making waves amongst the British folk / roots scene with captivating songs, beautiful harmonies, northern humour and impeccable musicianship. They were nominated for best duo at the BBC Radio Folk Awards.

Megson’s 2007 album "Smoke Of Home" received critical acclaim across the board with a host of strong reviews. It also gained radio play from DJs such as BBC Radio 2’s Mike Harding and Bob Harris, the latter inviting them to perform an exclusive live session at the BBC.

The biggest strength of Megson, however, is their stunning live performances. The duo have played at numerous folk festivals including Shrewsbury, Sidmouth, Gosport and Fareham, Wimborne and Cambridge, which led to a review in County Music People describing them as ‘enthralling’. They toured with Seth Lakeman on his ‘post Mercury nomination” tour and also with award wining roots duo Show Of Hands both in the UK and also throughout Germany.

“This is first rate - if you don’t like this music you have a problem! Megson are a couple of potential stars, peaches and cream harmonies, melodic roots consciousness and a huge sense of individuality. ” - fRoots
"How gorgeous is that? Absolutely beautiful.... An excellent new duo!" - Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2.
“Fresh, melodic and bushy-tailed.” - Mojo
web site | MySpace

RACHEL HARRINGTON AND ROD CLEMENTS

MUNDY-TURNER
Catherine Mundy and Jay Turner are an internationally-touring acoustic, original songwriting duo based in Brisbane, Australia. Both performers are impressive vocalists, able to inject melodies with affecting depth and pathos. Their instrumental work is equally expressive. Jay is a versatile acoustic guitarist, alternately driving and delicate and Cath plays lyrical violin and piano in a cross between classical, folk and rock styles. Together their live performances are characterised by strong original material, intricate harmonies, humorous story-telling, and powerful arrangements. They are influenced by a melting pot of musical styles - folk, blues, rock, country, classical, gospel, acappella, pop.... "Mundy-Turner are something special" - NetRhythms. web site | mp3

BOB RAFKIN
American Bob Rafkin was much in demand as a session musician in the 60s and 70s but it is in the last 10 years that he has come into his own as a premier singer, songwriter and guitar finger stylist.

KEVIN DEMPSEY & JOE BROUGHTON
Joe is a classically trained violinist and in 1997 won the prestigious Conservatoire Composition Prize at Birmingham Conservatoire. Between 1987 and 1992 Joe worked in circuses, at which time the BBC made a short film about his diverse talents. In 1997 he joined the legendary Albion Band whose leader, Ashley Hutchings, described him as a "massive individual talent".

Kevin is a guitarist, singer and producer second to none. Having worked with everyone from Percy Sledge to Dando Shaft he became well known as the guitarist with Whippersnapper and for his later collaborations with both Chris Leslie and the legendary Dave Swarbrick. Together they perform their own compositions along with folk tunes from Turkey, Bulgaria and Ireland, and the occasional song from Dempsey.
web site | mp3

BRIAN HOUSTON
Brian Houston is from Belfast and is one of the UK's finest singer/ songwriters. As heard live on Radio 2's Bob Harris show his brand of lively and passionate folk rock demonstrates his finely tuned melodic sense and clever, astutely commercial writer’s ear. Houston is a natural communicator, an extremely unpretentious artist, and a definitive crowd-pleaser. He ensures that there is heartfelt lyrical substance behind every song, a glimpse of his easy humorous rapport with an audience, ensures that they always leave with a copy of his CD and a smile.

He has opened for people such as Elvis Costello, Dr John and Van Morrison and in 2004 released the acclaimed album Thirteen Days which was declared Alt Country album of the year by BBC Radio Ulster. Again garnering airplay on Radio 2, this album also lead to a glowing review in Paste Magazine in America. His new CD Sugar Queen is already his biggest seller.

"Sugar Queen is bristling with hope joy love and fabulous songs" - Mojo
"A writer of considerable warmth and wit" - Uncut
"An Irish treasure waiting to happen" - Maverick
web site | MySpace

CARA LUFT
Canadian Cara Luft was a founder member of The Wailin' Jennys and is turning heads with her blend of roots, folk, rock and country music. With her unique Alt-Roots sound, Luft has a richly deserved reputation for her powerfully elegant guitar work, imaginative songwriting and a distinctive voice that penetrates to the core.

Cara's playing style combines rhythmic grooves, fleet fingers and a commanding resonant sound on the guitar, branching out into mandolin and clawhammer banjo. Her writing is a blend of social commentary, imagination and musical intensity. In performance she balances pathos with joy, telling hilarious stories between songs.

In 2002, Cara joined forces with two other female artists to form The Wailin’ Jennys. Along with a third of the songwriting duties, she was the instrumental anchor and a major contributor to their renowned vocal harmony arrangements. Two Jennys’ albums resulted - the second of which, "40 Days", was awarded a Juno Award for Best Roots Album (Group) in 2005.

She returned to solo performing in 2004 and her most recent album "The Light Fantastic" was been nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award - Outstanding Roots Recording of the Year.

“a rich roots travelogue whose traditional heart beats with a wholly contemporary pulse. It spans the distance between the mists of English folk balladry and Middle East mysticism, through to the Mississippi Delta and the rustic wonders of the Appalachian Hills, with a certain fearless reverence and no small amount of soul." - Ottawa XpressGilmore
web site

PETE SMITH
Thirty five years playing experience has made Pete Smith an extremely versatile and accomplished musician. Jazz, Blues, Folk, Ragtime, Calypso, Baroque and Bluegrass all get treated to his blistering fingerstyle technique and become playgrounds for his lightening improvisational skills.

Rated as one of the UK's finest guitarists he has gained a national reputation not only as a phenomenal player but also as a teacher and story teller. Regularly receiving standing ovations at top international Jazz, Blues and Folk Festivals, few musicians appeal to such a wide audience which is testament not only to his outstanding musicianship but also for being genuinely entertaining

Having rediscovered his love of the acoustic guitar in 1999, he has since gained international recognition for his unique arrangements and dazzling playing and in 2005 was hand picked by Bob Taylor to represent Taylor Guitars in the UK.

In 2008 Pete became UK Clinician for Larrivee Guitars (USA) and regularly performs throughout the UK, Europe and USA.
web site | MySpace

RACHAEL SAGE (USA)
Independent Music Award Winner Rachael Sage writes what The Village Voice calls "lovely and literate folk-pop-rock". An innovative, improvisational keyboardist, she performs over 150 dates a year throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia. A Grand Prize-Winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Sage has earned a loyal following for her infectious melodies and poetic lyrics, and has shared stages with such artists as Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Judy Collins and Ani DiFranco. She has one of her tracks included in the soundtrack of the remake of the film Fame.

"Genuine talent...Sage has a knack for writing melodies that will break your heart without makingyou feel manipulated in the process... Where there's poignancy there's also subtlety, unforced passion and knowing observation" - RollingStone

"...rich vocals, sparkling piano and yearning poetry" - Time Out New York

"Pop music isn’t crafted as expertly as this anymore and Sage is the stitch between the great rock and pop traditions of the past and what those traditions have wrought – albeit almost invisibly – in the hypermodern world of the present." - Billboard
web site | MySpace

DANSMALL
Consisting of Dan Plews and Guy Fletcher, Dansmall is Dansaul's (Saul Rose/Mark Woolley) diminutive brother. Since 1994 Dan & Guy have appeared throughout Europe and the UK performing Dan's award-winning songs at festivals and music clubs, including appearances this year in the USA and at Cambridge Festival Folk Festival.

Individually their touring and recording CVs include names like Jon Boden, Eliza Carthy, Tickled Pink and Ashley Hutchings, but it's as Dansmall that they have appeared most often. Their years together may have sharpened their ear for a good tune, but their playing and communication remain intuitive and spontaneous, often resulting in onstage excitement which is immediate and contagious.

Multi-talented Dan Plews possesses one of the most beguiling voices of any singer/songwriter on the UK scene. Since cutting his professional teeth touring with the Kings of Calicutt and Mercury Prize nominee Eliza Carthy, on whose first album he played guitar, Dan has made numerous appearances on national radio and TV, and regularly tours solo in the UK, Benelux, Germany & Scandinavia . His guitar and bouzouki accompaniments are often singled out for praise - space for ideas to breathe, or driving rhythm and runs-as well as tunes. Peppered with anecdotes, his live concerts are typified by his incisive lyrics and stunning versions of trad songs and well-chosen covers, and feature some of the best 'acapella-singing-while-changing-a-string' you'll ever hear!

Over recent years Dan has formed a musical alliance with fiddler and drummer Guy Fletcher who also plays with Little Johnny England. Guy is a great straight ahead tunes player, but really comes into his own in songs where he can give his imagination full reign, building up a wall of sound through his use of effects.
MySpace

DOUG MACLEOD
Doug was born in New York City and was in his teens when his family moved to St. Louis where he first heard the blues. In the mid-60s he began to play acoustic country blues in coffee houses and following a return to these roots in 1977 he began to make his reputation as a superb guitar player performing with such blues giants as Pee Wee Crayton, Lowell Fulson, Big Mama Thornton, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, and Big Joe Turner.

Over the years Doug has appeared at many top blues festivals and continues to tour and play countless clubs throughout the world. He has shared the stage or toured with many current artists including David Honeyboy Edwards, John Hammond, Homesick James, Dave Alvin, Charlie Musselwhite, Keb Mo, Taj Mahal, Gatemouth Brown, and Shemekia Copeland.

The high calibre of Doug's compositions (now numbering nearly 350) is evident on his ten albums and the works of other artists. His songs have been recorded by Albert King, Albert Collins, Son Seals, Joe Louis Walker, Papa John Creach, Dave Alvin, Eva Cassidy, Coco Montoya, Tabby Thomas, Chris Thomas King, Sun Records veteran Billy Lee Riley and James Armstrong. His material continues to be found on the TV screen in numerous shows and made-for-television films. Several of his songs continue to be featured in the long-running hit series In The Heat of the Night.

"Doug MacLeod, now there's a man who can really play the blues"- David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Delta Blues Legend.
"Cross an extraordinary acoustic blues guitarist with a savvy singer/songwriter, and you've got Doug MacLeod."- Living Blues
"MacLeod is not a mere imitator of a style, but one of the vibrant voices that will keep this sound alive into the next century." - Blues Revue
"Compositions that substantially expand the blues repertoire and at times push it out of its traditional confines." - Acoustic Guitar
web site | mp3

JOHNNY COPPIN
Johnny Coppin is a singer/songwriter, composer and poetry anthologist. Formerly with the folk-rock band Decameron, his many solo albums include "Forest & Vale & High Blue Hill" (Songs of Gloucestershire), "Edge of Day" - a collaboration with world-famous writer Laurie Lee, "Force of the River", "A Country Christmas" "The Shakespeare Songs" and his most recent albums "Keep the Flame" and "The Winding Stair". His clear voice together with his ability to write fine songs make his music essentially English in character while having universal appeal.

Johnny has supported Gerry Rafferty, Jasper Carrott and The Albion Band on tour and has appeared at Festivals in Britain, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Holland and Belgium - including the prestigious Cambridge, Edinburgh, Lisdoonvarna and Nyon Festivals. He has played on the European folk scene for many years, and makes a long overdue return to Scotland this May before beginning a UK tour of "Edge of Day" - his tribute to Laurie Lee, the writer of "Cider with Rosie".

TV appearances include his own programme "Song of Gloucestershire" for the BBC, "Stars in a Dark Night" for Channel 4, and the recent "Music Writers on TV" for HTV, while his radio work includes "Kaleidoscope" for Radio 4, "West Country Christmas", the Arts Programme and "Folk on Two" for Radio 2, as well as many appearances on British local radio shows.

His music for theatre includes "Songs on Lonely Roads" (the story of composer/poet Ivor Gurney) with David Goodland, The Shrewsbury Theatre Guild's production of "Arthur's Plough", as well as writing and directing the music for the Festival Players Theatre Company and their touring productions of Shakespeare which culminate in the Three Choirs Festival. He has edited two poetry anthologies - "Forest & Vale & High Blue Hill" and "Between the Severn and the Wye" - poems from the border counties of England & Wales. His 3rd book was"A Country Christmas" - a collections of prose, poetry, carols, songs and folklore.

"Strong, clear vocals, and songs of substance" - Daily Telegraph
"One of the finest voices in its field" - Q Magazine
web site

MIKE SILVER
Now based in Launceston, Cornwall, Mike Silver has been writing and playing music for more than 30 years, enjoying a quiet success story throughout the UK and in various territories around the world. Signed to Elton John’s Rocket Records in 1973, Silver was based in the States for a while and toured the USA with the likes of Dory Previn and Ashford & Simpson. His ability to write and perform songs, which transcend many guitar and musical styles, has been recognised by the likes of The Moody Blues’, Ray Thomas and Justin Hayward who recorded Mike’s song, “Maybe It’s Just Love?" on his solo album Night Flight.

Mike is a consummate guitarist and always catches his audiences by surprise with that little extra bit of dexterity, just when they least expect it. His voice is full and crystal clear and his skill with an audience is outstanding. His songs are of longing, love and loss, perceptive and thoughtful, with haunting melodies and heart stopping lyrics.

Mike has recorded several sessions for BBC National Radio (including two, Radio 1 “In Concert" programmes and has also made numerous appearances either in interview or playing live for many BBC and independent local radio stations. Mike was also delighted to represent the United Kingdom at the European Broadcasting Union festival in Kiel, Northern Germany.

Variously reminiscent of James Taylor, Phil Collins, even Sting, Silver matches the talent of his better-known peers; his beautifully restrained delivery is especially noteworthy. Silver produces the goods - something that will come as no surprise to his loyal fans. For anyone else, if songwriters who can really sing and play are your thing, discover Silver with haste.
web site

ROD CLEMENTS
Rod Clements co-founded Lindisfarne at the age of 21, playing bass, slide guitar and fiddle. He went on to write some of the band's best-loved and enduring songs, including their Top Five hit "Meet Me On the Corner", "The Road to Kingdom Come" and "Train in G Major."

After the death of Alan Hull in 1995, Rod took on the mantle of frontman and main songwriter for the band, and Lindisfarne forged on, strengthened by Rod's assured contribution. In 1998, Lindisfarne released their classic comeback album "Here Comes the Neighbourhood". Produced by Sid Griffin, Rod contributed most of the material. Apart from his significant achievements in Lindisfarne, Rod's career reads like a who's who of contemporary British folk roots. In 1974 he played bass on Ralph McTell's Number One hit "Streets of London" and in the 1980s, Rod toured Europe and the USA with the legendary Pentangle. Collaborations with Bert Jansch, Kathryn Tickell and Thea Gilmore, along with his recent emergence as a superb instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, have more than earned Rod a reputation as "a fascinating mosaic which makes more than a satisfying whole" (Folk Roots).

Rod's first solo album "Stamping Ground" was released in 2000 and is a collection of contemporary and finely-crafted songs which owe much to Rod's blues roots, his love for the folk tradition, and the history of his native Northumberland in North East England.

"John Sebastian meets Ry Cooder meets Richard Thompson." Sing Out (USA)
"Superb...very rootsy...a great feel." - Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2
"A tremendous performer, Rod plays acoustic guitar and resonator guitar with real power and passion and has the songs and the voice to go with them.....a master of his trade at the peak of his powers." - Llangors Music Festival
web site

CHARLIE DORE
Charlie Dore has looked at the songwriter's art from both sides now. Initially a highly original, much vaunted solo artist (her self-written single Pilot Of The Airwaves reached number 13 on the Billboard chart back in 1980), she went on to ply her gifts for inspired melodies, big harmonies, and clever, quietly subversive lyrics in the wider commercial marketplace, and with great success: Tina Turner, Celine Dion, George Harrison, Lisa Stansfield, Jimmy Nail, Sheena Easton and Hayley Westenra are just a handful of the diverse artists to have had major hits with her compositions, or to have included them on platinum or multi-platinum-selling albums.

Originally trained as an actress, Charlie has worked in TV, Theatre, Radio and Film, starring opposite Jonathan Pryce In the award-winning "The Ploughman's Lunch", with Eric Idle in "Behind the Crease", and even improvising alongside Robin Williams at the Hurricane Comedy Club, which she co-founded and performed at regularly for seven years. After the 1979 debut album "Where to Now?", made in Nashville and London and it's successor two years later, "Listen", there was a thirteen year gap before the third album- "Things Change".

With Julian Littman she composed music for two series of "Two Thousand Acres of Sky" for BBC1, plus two films, "Roman Road" and "Under". A screenplay, two productions with The People Show, a short film, "Low Noise" and countless bespoke songwriting assignments later, Charlie found her own voice again, and in 2005 "Sleep All Day And Other Stories" was released. With this album Charlie hit a new vein of creativity, drawing freely on her acoustic folk/country roots. Written simply and organically with Julian Littman, the album drew unequivocal media praise and many new fans. Charlie says, "Sleep All Day'" opened up several avenues in terms of finally allowing myself to rinse out all commercial considerations (the complete opposite of what's required when I write for other artists) and dare to write more personal stuff."

Charlie will be joined by Graham Henderson on dobro and mandolin, and Dudley Philips on double bass.

"A clever songwriter with a dream of a voice that glides from folk and country to jazzy cabaret" - The Telegraph
"The surety of Dore's singing helps highlight the elegance and candour of her songs" - The Observer
"a genre that is original and entirely her own - Charlie Dore takes artistry to a whole new level" - Maverick
web site | MySpace

BENJI KIRKPATRICK
Described by Time Out as a 'fretboard wizard', Benji Kirkpatrick is a gifted guitar player and an engaging and experienced performer. Over the decade or so that he has been working on the folk scene, he has honed a distinctive style which has rare energy.

As well as being a soloist, Benji has also collaborated with peers and veterans of the scene on various ventures. He is one third of Faustus and has also worked with Nationwide Mercury Prize nominee Seth Lakeman. The two of them have played duo gigs together and featured on each other's albums. (Benji appears on Seth's Mercury Prize nominated; 'Kitty Jay' as well as top selling 'Freedom Fields'). Oysterband invited Benji to join them on their Big Session tours of 2001 and 2003, alongside Cara Dillon, Eliza Carthy and Jim Moray. He was a founder member of folk/funk/jazz/soul big band, Bellowhead, who are now established as one of scene's most popular live acts.
web site | MySpace

BELLA HARDY
Acclaimed singer Bella Hardy, twice nominated in the BBC Folk Awards 2008, has a voice marked as '...mesmerising' and '...faultless'. Having spent ten years playing some of folk's biggest stages with festival regulars The Pack and Ola, she launched her debut solo album "Night Visiting" in Autumn 2007 to overwhelming critical support. Bella has now established herself as one of the finest young folk acts around, singing unaccompanied ballads, or entwining her hypnotic voice with her own fiddle accompaniment to breathtaking effect.

In 2004 she entered the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards as a solo artist. She got through the semis as an unaccompanied singer and went into the finals as a fiddle singer. In 2008 she performed at the BBC Folk Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.

Her 2009 album "In The Shadows of Mountains" won plaudits for its original settings of familiar folk songs and her increasingly accomplished and eclectic own material. Bella’s latest album "Songs Lost & Stolen" showcases twelve original songs that range in subject matter from fairytales to English working class history, via childhood nostalgia, myths, murder and the human condition.

"...Bella Hardy is more than a new generation folk revivalist... Her potential is massive. Meanwhile this is an exciting, accomplished debut." - fRoots
“one of Britain’s most expressive young singers.” - Mojo
“a fine traditional singer… an impressive set…” - The Guardian
“Her uncompromising, June Taboresque alto and imaginative, original material — from ye olde narrative ballads to modern love songs — are enduringly seductive.” - The Telegraph
“Bella’s third album confirms the arrival of a major new British talent. Highly recommended.” - Daily Express
web site | MySpace

MARTHA TILSTON
Martha Tilston is an enigmatic singer songwriter whose pure voice has been described by critics as "sending shivers down the spine". Having grown up in an acclaimed musical family, she's emerged from the underground festival music scene over the last couple of years to forge her own distinctive style and career in the world of folk music.

Soon after leaving Drama school she was out on the London gig circuit. She formed acoustic duo Mouse with guitarist Nick Marshall and they enjoyed a couple of years touring all over the UK and Europe. This cult duo gained huge respect and a dedicated following both in the underground festival scene and also the contemporary acoustic culture. They released 'mouse-tales' the album which is still gathering rave reviews around the world.

At the end of 2002 Martha supported Damien Rice on tour round Ireland and this was really the start of her solo career. Since then she has headlined many gigs around the UK and enjoyed successful festival appearances at Glastonbury, Cambridge, Guilfest, the Big Green Gathering, Towersey, Broadstairs, among others as well as numerous radio shows.

'A sparkling repertoire of self-penned songs' -Time Out

'As political as often as she is romantic, her voice weaves magic... ...sounding redolent of wet leaves and spider-webbed hollows... ...The Tilston name seems fair set to dominate the English folk scene for another generation. ' - Netrhythms

'Martha Tilston is on her way to being considered one of Britains finest young singer-songwriters' - Orpheus magazine/Virgin
web site | MySpace

LANDERMASON
Northumbrian based song-writing duo Landermason are Fiona Lander (vocals, piano, saxophone, whistles, clarinet and recorder) and Paul Mason (vocals and guitars). Together they have developed a unique sound which combines both traditional and contemporary folk with jazz and other styles. They have recorded and produced 4 CDs to date. Their most recent albums "The Reason" and "Angel of the North" have both gained national airplay on BBC Radio 2 and 3 and their own striking version of "When the Boat Comes In" was included in the MOJO top 10 Playlist.

"Great album!" - Lucy Duran BBC Radio 3
"Strongly melodic, thoughtfully crafted, skillfully managed and admirably classy" - Froots
web site | MySpace

ADAM LEVY
Adam Levy is best known for his tenure as the featured guitarist in Norah Jones' Handsome Band. He played on her breakout 2002 disk Come Away with Me, her '04 follow-up Feels Like Home, and her latest CD Not Too Late. In his downtime between steady gigs with Jones, Levy has been onstage and/or in the studio with Rosanne Cash, Amos Lee, M. Ward, and up-and-coming Aussie artist Eran James.

In addition to Levy's skills as a player, he is a gifted songwriter. He penned "In the Morning" for Jones' Feels Like Home, and other artists have recorded his songs as well. There's no doubt, though, that the best way to hear Levy's folk/pop/blues gems is straight from the source.
web site | MySpace

ANTJE DUVEKOT
Antje Duvekot is one of the fastest rising stars of the American folk scene and we are very lucky to have her play for us as part of a short trip that includes being Bob Harris’s studio guest on his BBC Radio 2 show.

She was born in Germany but America became her home at the age of 14 when her family moved there. After deciding to make music her career the big break came when the famous Irish group Solas decided to record an album of contemporary songs and included one of her hers. This led to Seamus Egan from the group producing her first studio CD, "Big Dream Boulevard" which The Boston Globe hailed as “the most convincing debut by any local songwriter since Dar Williams". The review went on to say that her “provocative, dark-eyed ballads are becoming the talk of the folk world.” Antje has won the New Folk Award at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas, just as Nanci Griffith and Steve Earle did and is now getting rave reviews everywhere she plays.

“Antje Duvekot could well emerge as the major find of 2006" - Maverick Magazine (UK)
web site | MySpace

JENNIFER CROOK BAND
A finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Tradition Award in 1993, Jennifer has appeared on national tv and radio, and worked in a variety of acclaimed acts. Her collaborations have ranged from the virtuosic hammered dulcimer and harp duo Cythara (who performed the soundtrack for BBC series ‘The Private Life of Plants’) to the festival mayhem of world-dance fusion band Elephant Talk, taking time to form the lively pop-folk outfit Madigan, and a top class duo with multi-instrumentalist Henry Sears along the way.

However, in a brave new departure, ‘A Few Small Things’ is Jennifer’s first completely solo project and the first to contain entirely original material. Her beautifully evocative songs are enhanced by her rather unconventional ensemble: Robert Harbron on english concertina, Bethany Porter on cello and Maclaine Colston on hammered dulcimer.

"A special talent" - Maverick
"Spellbinding"- Acoustic Magazine
"An enchanting album...repeatedly delights and captivates..." - fRoots
web site | MySpace

REBECCA WORTHLEY
Rebecca is a young singer/songwriter who is causing heads to turn wherever she performs. Her career took off when Bob Harris invited her to play a live session on his Radio 2 show last year after hearing her first album. It was a homemade recording that displayed the poetry of Joni Mitchell, the pathos of Damien Rice and the vocal depth of Kate Bush

Her new album, "Morning Comes to Those Who Wait", features Rebecca on banjo, music box, singing bowl, classical and acoustic guitars and has songs that are rich with emotion, quirky melodies and passionate lyrics.

"I am quite entranced"  - Jeremy Vine, BBC Radio 2
"It's a lovely CD, I'll be playing more..." - Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
"If Dido and Enya had a love child, and Tori Amos became the godmother in a ceremony on her English countryside estate surrounded by wood nymphs and fairies, chances are this amazing new being would be British singer-songwriter Rebecca Worthley" - Liza Monroy, Indie Music
web site | MySpace

SHEENA GROBB
Sheena Grobb made an unforgettable impact on the Canadian music scene in 2007 when the virtually unknown artist was nominated for Outstanding Pop Recording at the Western Canadian Music Awards for her debut EP Safe Guarded Space. That same year, Sheena was recognized by the Los Angeles Music Awards with a nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year, and she was a semi-finalist at the 4th annual Williamsburg Live Songwriters Competition in New York.

Inspired by the likes of Sarah Slean, Damien Rice, David Gray, and other literary performers, Sheena’s songs are underscored by vocals that rip and soothe simultaneously. She has honed her emotionally stirring performance style with an impressive repertoire of original songs. Her fan base has now exploded from her Manitoba roots and has forged throughout Canada and internationally into the USA, UK, and Australia.
web site | MySpace

STEVE LOCKWOOD & CHRIS NEWMAN
Steve met Chris about six years ago when he turned up for a studio session for an album Chris was putting together. They found much in common and the magic was there. Their music is an eclectic mix of both original and cover songs from the last 80 years, although you may not remember the first time they were released they have timeless appeal.
The range of styles are beautifully packaged in a seamless roller coaster ride through traditional music. These international musicians have recorded and toured extensively over the last 20 years.

Chris Newman is an outstanding blues guitarist who started performing in the mid 70s, Chris has an impressive musical CV. He has been a member of the John Slaughter Blues Band, toured as support for the Climax Blues Band and been a member of the Soul Survivors with Vinnie Jones. In 2003 he played at the Cambridge Folk Festival with guitarist Eric Roche and harmonica player Steve Lockwood. He has recorded an acoustic tribute album to Rory Gallagher which got rave reviews and is now working on material for his own acoustic album. web site

Steve Lockwood’s achievements over the last 20 years include 50 albums as a performer and session musician. He has played with acts from Larry Adler to Screaming Lord Sutch and has recorded with both the Royal Philharmonic and the City of Prague Orchestra. Steve achieved a music degree from APU, Cambridge, specialising in harmonica and has gone on to compose and play music for film, television and radio. His dynamic and versatile playing incorporates both traditional and avant-Garde techniques to an amazing level. web site | mp3

POLLY PAULUSMA
Polly Paulusma released her first album "Scissors In My Pocket" in 2004 to international critical acclaim. Nic Harcourt from LA’s prestigious KCRW radio show The Morning Becomes Eclectic called it “the best album from the UK this year”. Veteran DJ Howard Mandshein in Canada dubbed her “the best British female singer-songwriter in a decade”.

Bjork’s label One Little Indian and Sony/ATV in the USA signed her. Uncut Magazine gave ‘Scissors In My Pocket’ **** and The Independent heralded Paulusma “the most literate songwriter of her generation”. As a result she toured the UK, the US and Europe continuously through 2004-5 supporting Bob Dylan, Coldplay, Jamie Cullum, Marianne Faithfull, The Divine Comedy and Joseph Arthur, playing Glastonbury, Glasgow’s Tea in the Park and Cambridge Folk festivals, amongst many others. She plans to record her third album later this year.

"complete, pure and personal" **** - Mojo
"outstanding...and passionate" - Daily Telegraph
"An enchanting debut of understated, intelligent folk pop" - Rolling Stone Magazine (USA)
web site | MySpace

ABBIE LATHE
Abbie Lathe is a versatile and accomplished multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and inspiring voice workshop leader. Having completed four national tours and two highly successful albums as one third of 'Maddy Prior and the Girls', Abbie is enjoying a flourishing solo career. She recently released her fourth album, "Low Summer", which she is showcasing at gigs around the country. Taking in folk, pop and highly original material, Abbie's distinctive vocal and guitar style hints at elements of Kirsty MacColl and Joni Mitchell, but Abbie transcends easy categorisation.

The musicians accompanying her on her new album and upcoming gigs are Jane Griffiths on violin, Colin Fletcher on bass and guitar and Claudia Gibson on vocals.

"A major new talent on the block ... we'll see a lot more of Abbie in 2004" - BBC Radio 2. "Abbie Lathe has delivered a charming, accessible debut, stacked with melancholy, charm and beauty as well as intelligence, melodically and lyrically" - Folk Roots.
"Looks like English folk just found itself another rising star" - NetRhythms
"Lathe mixes her own lively songs with assured interpretations of traditional classics. Highly promising." - Mojo
web site

THOMAS LEEB
One of the world's finest exponents of fingerstyle acoustic guitar Thomas Leeb was born in Austria in 1977 and has played more than six hundred concerts in Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, England, Ireland, Brazil and the USA since his first stage appearance at the age of fifteen.

He has also recorded four solo CDs and taught workshops and masterclasses internationally during these years. Although originally self-taught, he earned a BFA in Music from the California Institute of the Arts in 2003 where he studied guitar with Miroslav Tadic and Larry Koonse and Ghanaian dance/drumming with the Ladzekpo family.

Thomas' natural sense of rhythm and melody, combined with a tasteful use of gravity-defying extended techniques takes listeners on a National-Geographic-style musical rollercoaster.

He is still not entirely sure what kind of music he actually plays and has recently resorted to calling himself 'the bastard child of acoustic Fingerstyle'. Thomas is currently located in California.

"Thomas' technique and compositions have certainly put him into the 'world's greatest unknown guitarists' category ... He has to be seen to be believed. - Guitar Techniques Magazine
web site

JOHN LESTER
John Lester is an artist on the rise in Europe. Since relocating from San Francisco in 2003, he has gained the recognition and appreciation of audiences and critics in the UK, The Netherlands, France, and Germany. A gifted singer, bassist, and guitarist, he uses jazz, folk, blues, reggae, and world music to paint soundscapes for his well-crafted lyrics. His mastery of the upright and electric basses has also enabled him to create a unique performance style, whether it be with his band or as a solo act.

He has created a strong and loyal following and has shared the stage with such talented and diverse acts as Grammy-nominated songwriter Gretchen Peters, funky jazz songstress Erin McKeown, punk rock’s poet laureate Patty Smith, bass virtuosos Michael Manring and Steve Lawson, and French pop singer Jacques Higelin.

"His bass/vocal approach is intriguing and innovative but never gets in the way of the song itself. Genre-defying music." - Gretchen Peters
"John Lester's voice is strong and well accompanied with his solo bass. More important than just having a great voice, he is a voice. Great songs that really communicate." - Russ Jennings KPFA Radio, Berkeley California.
“An extraordinary collection of beautifully crafted and perfectly executed songs.” - Bass Guitar Magazine
web site  | MySpace

JULIE ELLISON
The positive response to Julie Ellison’s debut solo CD, “At Last”, has cemented her position as one of Britain’s most exciting acoustic musicians. She has an impressive range of guitar styles; ragtime, country blues, jazz, classical, folk and rock, all on solo acoustic guitar. Combine this instrumental ability with a vocal style which has been compared to the likes of Joni Mitchell, then add her exceptional original songs and you begin to understand what sets Julie Ellison apart.

Julie started playing guitar at the age of 9 and gave her first public solo performance at the age of 11. Since then she has found an outlet for her talents in a number of folk, jazz, rock, country and indie bands as well in small theatre companies. However it is as a solo artist that she really shines. Her blend of original songs and guitar instrumentals, including innovative arrangements of guitar classics such as a ragtime version of the traditional Spanish classical piece “Romance”, have earned her a reputation as an outstanding contemporary acoustic artist.

She has appeared at Folk and Acoustic Music Festivals across the UK, including Cromer’s Folk on the Pier Festival, Holmfirth Folk Festival, the Arundel Fringe Festival and Gainsborough Folk Festival. She frequently holds guitar master classes and workshops as a precursor to a live performance. She has made live radio broadcasts since her teens, appearing for Radio Sheffield, Radio York, Radio Medway and BCB Radio Bradford as well as a TV appearance on Yorkshire TV’s Calendar magazine programme as part of BBC Music Live.

She has been asked to perform support to a number of leading performers including Ralph McTell, Steve Tilston, the late Isaac Guillory and her personal guitar hero, New York-based Woody Mann. For those new to Julie Ellison’s music, she can be justifiably described as a “real find”. A beautiful voice, compelling original songs and a mastery of the acoustic guitar which lifts her performances to another level.
"One of Britain’s most talented and versatile guitarists.” - Arundel Festival
web site

PAUL CURRERI
This twenty-eight year old guitarist and songwriter from Virginia, USA, first came to attention when singer/guitarist Kelly Joe Phelps took him on tour as his opening act and produced his album "Songs for Devon Sproule". Phelps said of him: "Paul's songs were incredible, the guitar playing was amazing". Capturing the spontaneity and power of Curreri's incredible live performances the resulting album is a freewheeling collection of stories, spirited wordplay and stunningly expressive finger-style guitar work. "Paul Curreri gives us what few other songwriters can - real stories to follow, real words to listen to, all bound tight in invigorating guitar" - The New Yorker.
web site

ADRIAN BYRON BURNS
His music is a subtle blend of Blues, R&B, Jazz and Rock and throughout Europe he is considered to be one of the most exciting performers around today. In 1969, while living in his native America, he opened shows for Neil Young and Ritchie Havens on the East Coast which led to a European tour in 1971. Since then he has shared the stage with many great blues and folk musicians and recently worked with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings. He continues to gain fame as a solo artist, both for his fabulous voice and for his incredible acoustic work and was twice voted "Acoustic Artist of the Year" by the British Blues Connection and Blueprint Magazine. "On this form, Adrian Byron Burns could well be mentioned in the same breath as Keb 'Mo, Alvin Youngblood Hart and Eric Bibb"- Paul Jones. R&B Show BBC Radio 2. web site | Real Audio

BOB CHEEVERS
Bob has earned a place in the landscape now called Americana Music having charted Top 20 in that genre with his last two CDs. Bob grew up in Memphis and got a soul full of music not only from the icons of his youth such as Elvis, Jerry Lee and Johnny Cash but also from his Mother, who was a radio star during the Great Depression performing with the Big Bands of that era. From an early age, Bob’s creative feet were firmly planted in Mississippi Delta mud, and his songs began to feature characters whose lives reflected the life style along the rivers of the South over the past hundred years. As a producer, publisher, singer, songwriter and seasoned performer, Bob has found his own voice spinning rootsy, blues-flavoured tales of the Delta in a conversational language of the heart. web site

ANGIE PALMER
In recent years Angie's potent mix of country, blues, and folk, served up with equal measures of aggression and tenderness, has led her to be called the British Lucinda Williams. Her music is now being championed by Bob Harris who recently chose her as one of only two female singer-songwriters on his recent Best of British show, calling her "one of the greatest British songwriters."

After spending her early years busking and travelling around Europe she met Paul Mason in Paris and struck up a songwriting partnership and together they wrote her album "romantica obscura". Her next CD "Road" was released in 2003 and featured songs that have strong European influenced narratives - philosophy, literature, cinema. From Mojo to Maverick the music press received Road with 4 and 5 star reviews and she has been compared by many with Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell thanks to lyrics described by reviewers as intelligent and literate.

Her new CD "Tales of Light and Darkness", which like "Road" made the long-cut for the Mercury Music Prize, is a more musically diverse record, with longer storytelling songs rubbing shoulders with shorter simpler songs about love, loss, and redemption, again drawing heavily on literature.

"a writer of considerable distinction...one to be played at regular intervals." - Mojo
"A lyrically sharp album with gritty vocals and powerful music that makes you sit up and listen! A wonderful diverse collection that should get her even more critical acclaim." - Maverick Magazine
web site | MySpace

EDWINA HAYES
Edwina Hayes is an English singer/songwriter described by Nanci Griffith as “'the sweetest voice in England”. Her version of "Feels Like Home" was featured in the major motion picture "My Sister's Keeper" starring Cameron Diaz. Touring the folk and acoustic circuits extensively, Edwina spends most of her time on the road performing her songs to an ever-increasing audience of fans. Her influences include Mindy Smith, Ray Charles, Carole King, Van Morrison, Nanci Griffith, Richard Thompson, Patty Griffin and Bob Dylan.

As well as her own gigs, Edwina is often invited to support major artists on tour and over the last few years has opened shows for Van Morrison, Nanci Griffith, Roger McGuinn, Jools Holland, Gretchen Peters, Ricky Ross, Loudon Wainwright III, Roy Harper, Tommy Emmanuel, Sam Baker, Julie Fowlis, Sandi Thom, John Tams & Barry Coupe, Daniel Beddingfield, Chris While, Julie Matthews, Tom Baxter, Boo Hewerdine, KT Tunstall, Clive Gregson, Chris Difford, Glenn Tilbrook, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Justin Townes Earle, Isla St Clair, Eric Bogle, Ruby Turner and Lulu.

In 2005 Warner Brothers released Edwina's debut album "Out On My Own" produced by Clive Gregson and John Wood, and her song "I Want Your Love" from the album was included on the No.1 bestselling CD "Acoustic Love".

In 2008 Edwina released her well received second album "Pour Me A Drink"and Nanci Griffith covered the title track from this album on her  album "The Loving Kind".

Edwina’s third album "Good Things Happen Over Coffee" was released in February 2011.

"Haunting honeyed solo songwriter" - The Guardian
"A wonderful young woman, so gifted and full of song, with a voice as sweet as the angels" -Nanci Griffith
"A very talented young lady" - Michael Parkinson
web site | MySpace

AMRIT SOND
Grammy Award winner and Solid Air Records (USA) recording artist, Amrit Sond has graced the same billing with the world's most renowned guitarists. He is an extraordinary fingerstyle guitarist who draws on elements of Jazz, Classical, Folk, Rock and New Acoustic techniques to create his unique melodically driven compositions. Whether tapping the neck with both hands, slapping the body to create percussion or using the unusual e-bow, his playing has to be seen to be believed. "Pink Guitar", the music of Henry Mancini CD that featured Amrit's version of the Mancini classic "Two for the Road", was awarded a Grammy in the Best Pop Instrumental category. "A virtuoso, New Age, acoustic guitarist." - Time Out.
web site | MySpace

ROLAND CHADWICK
A composer and player of the Classical Guitar, Steel String Acoustic Guitar, Dobro Slide Guitar, Mandolin, Electric Guitar and Synthesiser Guitar. Born in 1957, in Wollongong, Australia, Roland made his Sydney Opera House debut in 1988 and has since built a reputation as one of Australia’s master Guitarist/Composers. Since moving to the UK in 1997 he has presented Concerto, World Music and Chamber concerts with the Royal Liverpool Phiharmonic Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia and the Boston Symphony Orchestra as well as performing with the bles band Native Tongue.

"Tuneful, eclectic and energetic, the styles switch between English folk melody, South American syncopation and soft rock" - Classic FM Magazine, "fantastic compositions" - Tommy Emmanuel. web site | mp3

DERRIN NAUENDORF & DAVE DOWNING
Derrin and David are from Australia and have now firmly established their unique soundscape of roots, folk, blues and country styles. Derrin writes and sings superbly melodic songs, plays astonishing acoustic guitar, while Dave supplies subtle, complimentary percussion. The result is a compelling and once seen, never forgotten act, which stuns audiences with the intensity and diversity of their music and charismatic stage presence. "excitement, brilliant guitar, dramatic drumming” - Live Wire, "sound that breaks the rules” - Blueprint web site

ARIEL THIERMANN
Vocalist, pianist, and songwriter Ariel Thiermann from the USA is a dynamic performer with a unique gift at blending fresh poetic imagery with evocative melody. On her latest CD, "Behold", she mixes pop, jazz, folk, and rock to create an authentic sound all her own.

Fran and Mike perform a unique acoustic mix of folk-blues and hauntingly original self-penned songs featuring Fran’s soulful vocals accompanied by her bass and flute combined with Mike’s intuitive and inventive guitar and resonator playing. They started playing folk, roots and blues venues in the late 1970s and appeared at the Cambridge Folk Festival in 1977. After years of playing in blues bands they returned to their roots in acoustic music in 2004 and are now getting rave reviews everywhere they play.

“Very impressive” - The Guardian

"The material is beautifully, grippingly balanced - heartbreakingly poignant one minute, rousingly upbeat the next - and the acoustic settings give it all an illuminating freshness" -fRoots

"Absolutely lovely and gorgeous” - Blues in Britain Magazine

Mike’s restrained resonator guitar and Fran’s earthy voice make an intriguing combination that puts a new twist on old music." - Blues Matters Magazine
web site | MySpace

BOB COLLUM
This roots-rock-pop-singer-songwriter from Tulsa, Oklahoma is a great favourite at Acoustic Routes. His latest album "The Boy Most Likely To" has been heralded as some of Bob’s finest work to date and features thirteen carefully crafted songs with strong melodic hooks and those famous Collum lyrics that refuse to leave your head and make you realise you’ve just heard something truly special. His previous release "Low Rent Romeo" got rave reviews and he was described by Fish Records as "one of the very best singer/songwriters around".

Singer-songwriter Jess Morgan makes roots music that is a half-way-house between British Folk music and Americana. Jess is a narrative songwriter and aims to pack as much power and intrigue into simple melodic stances as possible.Jess has a distinct voice and style and an approach to song-writing that is extremely evocative and much of her repertoire involves plots and characters anchored in real places and times. Jess has been championed by DJ Steve Lamacq and has toured with Ben Taylor and done support slots for Teddy Thompson, Megson, Lau and others.

"Every so often you come across a little gem like this!" - Steve Lamacq, BBC Radio 2
"Catchy and Melodic with a roots edge" - Acoustic Magazine
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