Americana

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Interested in Americana see

	Matt Andersen Seen here as part of the Canadian Frost tour in November 2007, Matt is a stunning live performer with an amazing voice and must be one of the best guitar players that I've ever seen. If you enjoy blues root out his "Second Time Around" cd, visit his site and look out for his next visit to your area.
	Sam Baker I'd like to thank Bob Harris for my introduction to Sam and his music and to Steve Henderson (Mr Kite) for seeing him 'live' as support to Lucy Kaplansky. Described as "the missing link between Townes Van Zandt and John Prine" Sam went down a storm at The Bury Met on his first, but hopefully not his last, vist in 2007. One to look out for!
	Suzy Bogguss Suzy must be one of the most underrated vocalists of the country music scene. Singinging with a crystal clear voice that is so easy on the ear Suzy has never compromised and has mangaged to cover to blend several musical genres over the years. An artist who rarely visits the UK, when she does catch her if you can.
	Kate Campbell Kate Campbell is blessed with a pure voice which, when coupled with her own vibrant songs, demands your attention. Visit her site, listen to some of her sound bites and catch her on her next visit! She's seen here with Will Kimbrough .
	Canadian Frost Tour 2007 Discovered at the East Coast Music Awards, Dave Gunning, Jessica Rhaye and Matt Andersen, three top notch Canadian singer songwriters, completed a short tour of the UK in November 2007 where I was fortunate enough to catch up with them. Hopefully this will be the start of many great evenings in their company as both individually and together, in the second half of the show, they gave us a 'not to be forgotten' evening
	Mary Chapin Carpenter Writer of a number of great songs to have reached the Folk scene including "The Moon and Saint Christopher" and "Stones in the road". Seen here during her 1999 tour.
	Beth Nielsen Chapman I heard Beth first when someone played me her wonderful 'Sand and Water' album and was immediately struck by the power of her lyrics and her emotive vocals. I've since got my own copy along with her other cd's and, after seeing her in larger venues, was delighted when Pat Batty informed me that she'd booked her for a two night special at Westhoughton Folk Club in November 2006. These photos were taken on the night
	Slaid Cleaves From winning the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival's 'New Folk' competition in the 90's Slaid continues to build up his UK following by regular touring backed up by a number of great recordings, "Wishbones" being his best to date
	Cathryn Craig and Brian Willoughby American singer-songwriter Cathryn Craig and accomplished British guitarist Brian Willoughby are two of the nicest people that you could hope to meet. Cathryns sparkling voice ably accompanied by Brians intricate guitar work make this duo well worth seeing when they're in your vicinity!.
	Crown Top Kings Formed in the Summer of 2007 and featuring Swing Commanders founder members Jesse, Pat and Graham along with multi-instrumentalist Chris, their influences include Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys and Tennessee Ernie Ford amongst others. This band guarantee a great night of American 'roots' music. Give them a listen.
	Gail Davies Described as one of the most influential and important female singer-songwriters to have been involved in country music in the past 20 years Gail is seen here the Hobo's Retreat in Heywood
	Jerry Donahue Jerry first came to my attention when he joined Fotheringay and then went on to play with Fairport Convention. Described as a guitarist's guitar player he's gone on to play alongside the likes of Joan Armatrading, Gerry Rafferty and more recently as one of the Hellecasters. Jerry is also a member of The Gathering - Legends of Folk Rock ,who have some UK dates in August 2007, alongside Rick Kemp, Clive Bunker, Ray Jackson and others. Follow the picture link for more shots!
	Eliza Gilkyson Eliza has been described as "singing well-crafted tunes of defiance, hope, victory and despair"and I wouldn't argue with that. With some great cd's to her credit it's wonderful to hear 'live' the 'stripped down' versions of her songs with just her gravelly vocals and guitar a must to see! Follow the picture link for more shots!
	The Groanbox Boys Michael and Cory play a highly unique blend of what they call Old Time Mountain Gypsy World Folk Blues Music on accordion, acoustic guitar, banjo, harmonica and odd pieces of percussion. They are seen here during their Spring 2008 tour when Paul Clifford guested with them on percussion which include their self made 'Freedom Boot'. Catch up with the Boys as soon as you can and Festival Orgainsers give yourselves a treat and book them.
	Dave Gunning Dave is a wonderful storytelling Canadian singer songwriter in the Gordon Lightfoot and Stan Rogers mould. A gifted guitarist and a great raconteur I caught up with him on the Canadian Frost tour soon after the release of his fifth cd “House For Sale” in November 2007 and I'm already looking forward to his next visit.
	Risa Hall Growing up in New York City Risa came to the UK in 1983 touring as a professional actor. She started writing music in plays like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with William Gaunt and Joe McGann as well as musicals with Sinitta.. Her music has been described as original, energetic with an alt-pop edge and she was taken here supporting Jess Klein in January 2007. With her first cd due later this year and more performances to come visit her website for details and sound samples.
	Andrew Hardin Usually seen over here playing alongside Tom Russell, where his impressive guitar work continues to win him new fans, Andrew has also acquired a reputation as a record producer with a number of albums to his credit. He also has recorded cds of his own.
	Lucy Kaplansky One of my all time favourites since seeing her on her first visit to Westhoughton Folk Club in December '99. This photo was taken on her visit to Bury Met in Decemeber 2007 where a great number of the audience were members of the sadly missed Folk Club. Follow the picture link for more shots!
	Will Kimbrough Having caught Will twice now, firstly supporting and backing Beth Nielsen Chapman and secondly seen here performing the same role with Kate Campbell, it can only be a matter of time before he's 'topping the bill' in his own right. A first class songwriter and guitarist he's one to watch out for! Follow the picture link for more shots!
	Jess Klein Now here's a girl that sings from the heart with a versatile voice that moves comfortably from folk to country to downright rock without any problem whatsoever. One of the most powerful performers I've seen in long while!
	Julie Lee Not having heard Julie's material, prior to her appearance at St Bede's in September 2004, I was immediately won over by her pure vocals and intricate fingerpicking. I'll certainly be looking out for her future visits to the region! Follow the picture link for more shots!
	Alana Levandowski Yet another gem from Canada, arriving in the UK for her first visit in January 2006 Alana appeared as part of the 'Rounder' tour supporting Dar Williams as well as some dates supporting Jess Klein. Judging from what I've heard of her, it certainly won’t be her last trip.
	David Mallett Another artist that should be far better known, Dave visits the UK annually to do a short tour and my advice is look out for his next one!. A wonderful 'live' performer who captivates from the first song in, singing 'self penned' songs with a superb guitar and harmonica accompaniment. Follow the picture link for more shots!
	David Mallett and Michael Burd Dave has been performing regularly at Westhoughton Folk Club since 1995, always giving an evening packed with well crafted songs and minimal chat. For the Club's final 2007 season, he brought along his long time friend Michael Burd who accompanied him on bass. Come on you club organisers and let's see more of this wonderful singer songwriter over here. He remains an undiscovered gem in this country and deserves far better recognition! Follow the picture link for more shots!
	Robert McEntee A talented guitarist and vocalist who has played regularly with Dan Fogelberg, Robert is pictured here supporting Eliza Gilkyson on a 2007 tour of the Uk. He performed a great 'solo' spot featuring some tracks off his wondergful 'The Coin of the Realm' cd before joining Eliza and provided superb harmony vocals along with wonderful guitar accompaniment that featured both unobtrusive backing and stunning solo breaks. Well worth seeing.
	Tift Merritt Three of my favourite singers are Emmylou Harris, Nanci Griffith and Suzy Bogguss and, with Tift I can hear echoes of all three with a big slice of Tift thrown in. This was taken at her awesome British debut at Manchester's Star & Garter in July 2002. Follow the picture link for more shots!
	Kevin Montgomery The Nashville singer with his own brand of rock and country that has delighted his UK audiences both as a solo artist or with his touring band 'The Road Trippers' which includes Robert Reynolds and Paul Deakin of 'The Mavericks'. One to watch out for!
	Tom Pacheco Described as 'One of America's Greatest Songwriting Treasures ' Tom regularly visits the UK on tours. Why he isn't playing to packed houses I'll never know as I rate him up there with the best singer songwriters that I've heard and I've heard a few. Do yourself a favour visit his Myspace site, listen to his music, view his tour dates and get along to see him!
	Alice Peacock Seen here during her debut tour of the UK as support to Lucy Kaplansky, Alice gave a superb support slot and then followed it up by providing exquisite harmonies to Lucy's encore of "Guinevere".
	Gretchen Peters You may not know the name but you'll certainly know her songs. As a writer artists such as Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill and Bonnie Raitt have covered her songs. A regular visitor to the UK, get out and see her live you won't be dissapointed! Follow the picture link for more shots!
	Pierce Pettis Described as 'one of this generation's most masterful songwriters' and with over 20 years of songwriting and performing behind him, Pierce's appearance at Chorley's St Bede's Club had his audience enthralled with his unique sound. Come back soon!! Follow the picture link for more shots!
	Rod Picott After hearing Rod on Bob Harris' show I decided to seek him out and made the 3 1/2 hour trip to Ashbourne's Beresford Arms for what was a wonderful evening. He's seen here with Andy Nice at Chorley's St Bede's in September 2004. Follow the picture link for more shots!
	Rod Picott and The Gun Shy Dogs In my opinion Rod Picott should be playing to full houses every time he tours. Described by Maverick magazine as "The man who sets the standard for Americana, singer songwriter genre" and I wouldn't disagree, I've seen Rod solo and in various combinations and every time he comes up with the goods. Do yourself a favour and catch his next tour!
	Jeff Plankenhorn Better know as a sideman, backing the likes of Eliza Gilkyson and Slaid Cleaves on their UK tours, Jeff has also released an album "Plank" which illustrates that he is also a fine songwriter. He is seen here playing alongside Eliza Gilkysonat Bury Met. Follow the picture link for more shots!
	Wyckham Porteous Vancouver based singer-songwriter Wyckham is causing a stir already with his version of The Beatles 'Please Please Me'. He's pictured here at The Wordern Arts Centre in September 2007 where he gave a great support slot including songs from his 'sexanddrinking' cd.
	John Prine and Steve Goodman The only time that I ever got to see both John Prine and the late Steve Goodman was at the Chorley Folk Festival in 1976. One of the first photos that I took it still brings back special memories. Follow the picture link for more shots!
	Jessica Rhaye Jessica Rhaye is a stunning singer songwriter who is seen here on the Canadian Frost tour of the UK where she performed a number of tracks from her highly acclaimed "Short Stories" cd which I thoroughly recommend. At times she reminded me of a young Sarah McLachlan, give her a listen.
	Tom Russell A fine singer-songwriter of many ‘western-themed’ story songs, a number of which are now classics. Tom backs up his acclaimed recorded work with captivating ‘live’ performances, usually in the company of Andrew Hardin. A must see! Follow the picture link for more shots!
	Tom Russell and Andrew Hardin Performing at Westhoughton Folk Club in October 1999. Their set featured a number of songs from Toms excellent "Man from God Knows Where" CD and, for the second occasion, they gave us an evening to remember. Follow the picture link for more shots!
	Bob Seger One of my first 'live' shots and still one of my favourite shows was Bob with the Silver Bullet Band in Manchester in the late 70's Follow the picture link for more shots!
	The Swing Commanders (December 2007) Six top musicians - five voices - thirteen instruments, The Swing Commanders are one of the best live bands you will see anywhere. Western Swing, Jazz, Cowboy Blues and a host of other genres for good measure. Do not miss them….
	The Swing Commanders This North West based band play more traditional style Country Music giving it their own treatment. Jump jive, Western Swing and blues all feature as they grab their audience from the outset. Catch them if you can!
	The Wailin' Jennys If you enjoy three-part harmonies then you won't find better than The Wailin' Jennys. These three Canadian contemporary singer/songwriters, established artists in their own right, combine to produce some of the finest harmonies I've heard in ages. Check out their cd '40 Days' and catch them on their next visit!
	The Wallbirds This Doncaster band reminded me of the 'Old Crow Medicine Show' with fewer members but the same amount of energy whilst playing their own brand of country rockabilly. These shots were taken supporting Lucy Kaplansky where they went down so well they ran out of cds to sell. Visit their Myspace site, give them a listen and give them a booking. You won't regret it

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