Although I've a number of shots of Ashleys bands over the years, I've included this one because it was probably my favourite line-up. Taken at Fylde in September 1996
Follow the picture link for individual shots of the band.
I first came across Maartin performing floor spots at the Ring O'Bells folk club in Middleton in the late 70's and since then I've had the pleasure of seeing on numerous occasions either as a band member with the likes of Fairport Convention and John Wright Band or accompanying artists such as Kieran Halpin or Beth Nielsen Chapman. This photo was taken at Beth's Westhoughton show in November 2006.
Harvey continues to write and perform as well as ever. Go see him!
Taken at Fylde in September 1985.
If the only reason for including the Animals here was because 'House of the Rising Sun' appeared on Bob Dylan's first album to me then that would suffice, but the wonderful evening they gave of Blues and Rock standards at Westhoughton will long remain in the memories of all who where there. Well done to Pat Batty and Westhoughton folk club!
Not only does Ruth play with the Rainbow
Chasers but she is also developing into a fine young singer/songwriter.
I caught up with here playing as part of the John Wright Band at John's
'AGM' and also performing a great solo spot as part of the nights
entertainment. Another to watch out for.
One of the finest voices on the folk scene and a wonderful rapport with his audience - I never tire of seeing Roy. Seen here at Werneth Park, Oldham in June 1991.
For more photos of Roy follow this link
Their interpretations of Traditional and original material would appeal to both folk and rock audiences. Taken here at Fylde in September 1992.
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Currently working in Show of Hands with Steve Knightly this is one of my favourite shots of Phil, listening to Steves' introduction at Fylde in September 1995
The Phil Beer
Band
Listening to this Band I can't help but
think that Phil's been at my record collection. A wonderful mixture of
all types of music from Folk to Rock. For a great night out look no further!
Taken at Shaw Playhouse
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of the band.
Taken at the Cornwall Folk Festival in 1982 Peter was one of my all time favourites on the scene. He had to be seen "Live" and his Kipling show at the Festival will remain an all time memory. A triple CD set has been released by Free Reed as a tribute.
Winners of the 'Best Live Act' award in the 2005 Radio 2 Folk Awards this 11 piece don't disappoint, taking traditional songs and tunes to new places by throwing in bits of funk, reggae and jazz where you least expect it. Fronted by John Spiers and John Boden I found their obvious enjoyment at performing together infectious and, as a result, spent the whole night with a permanent smile. Catch them if you can!
Described as "an attempt to bring to a larger stage the spirit of an after-hours music session" Oysterband's Big Session does exactly that. The photos here include, special guests on the night, June Tabor and The Handsome Family.
The younger brother of Christy Moore, Luka has taken his songs worldwide. With his impassioned live perfomances he easily transforms the largest of venues to an intimate 'folk club' atmosphere.
Bluehorses
With my love of the Welsh bands, (see the
shots of Roam and WWW), I was expecting to enjoy Bluehorses. I just didn't
realise how much I would, come back to the North West soon!
This photo was taken at Fylde 2002.
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of the band.
Peter Bond
A super singer/songwriter from the North East
who was regularly performing in the 70's and early 80's. Pete gave up
performing in 1985 but has recently made a return to the scene. Seen here
doing a 'support' slot in April 2004 he also appeared at the Ormskirk
Festival later in the year. Welcome back!!
Follow the picture link for shots taken at the Black Lion "Song For Ethiopia" weekend in June 1985.
The multi-talented Gregor hails from Inverness and has played in various line-ups including contemporary Scottish folk group Burach and alongside Kathryn Tickell. He he released his first album 'Bowstroke' under his own name in 2006 and is seen her playing as part of the John Wright Band.
Paul Brady for me is Ireland's number one singer/songwriter and terrific interpreter of traditional songs. Taken at Leeds Festival in September 1983.
When Michael Parkinson said of Katie "We think
we've made a real discovery" he hit the nail on the head. Having heard
her perform at The Manchester SWAP Festival, where this shot was taken,
and on her promo cd I was knocked out by her stunning voice.
Visit her website,
listen to her sound bites and see if you don't agree!
Dave continues to be my favourite performer of traditional and contemporary material. With his wonderfull laid back style. Sadly not seen as much as he should be at the clubs and festivals. If you get a chance to see or book him do so, you won't be disappointed
Formed in 1994 have appeared at over 100 Festivals throughout the UK and Europe. Taken here at Stockports "Streets Ahead Festival" in May 1998
Another talented youngster active in the scene! Already Jenn has supported bands such as The Tannahill Weavers and Danu.
This photo of Jenn, daughter of my good friends George and Janet, was taken at Fylde in September 2001 where Jenn was heavily involved in the youth Workshops.
One of the originals of the '60s English folk revival, and still going strong. Taken here at Fylde in September 1982.
Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick
Martin and Dave have worked together on and off for more than 40 years and have achieved a musical empathy and intimacy that those who have been lucky enough to witness them over the last few years will testify to. I had the good fortune to catch up with them at Bury Met in January 2008 and a great time was had by all.
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The guitar and voice of Michael Chapman first became known on the Cornish Folk Circuit in 1967 and his album 'Fully Qualified Survivor', featuring the guitar of Mick Ronson and Rick Kemp's bass, was John Peel's favourite album of 1970. Since then he's continued to play to packed houses performing a fine mix of songs and instrumentals, he's seen here at The Railway at Greenfield supporting Bridget St John in 2007.
The unique singer/songwriter taken during his well received set at Fylde 2000.
With a vast repertoire of traditional & original songs, dance tunes & dances playing bouzouki, melodeon, dulcimer, banjo & step percussion, Pete's been a professional musician since 1971. Taken here at Fylde in September 1993
Taken here singing with Clive Gregson at Fylde in September 1987, she's continued to make her presence felt since embarking on a solo career in 1992.
The magical accordian player seen here playing with Silly Wizard at The Free Trade Hall, Manchester in 1982.
I first heard Cara singing with Equation and was won over immediately. Her pure vocals coupled with a lovely personality provide a show that's well worth seeing. Don't miss her!
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Paul Downes
and Phil Beer
A real blast from the past! Paul and Phil seen
here during their reunion tour. Their set included both old and new favourites,
I especially enjoyed their version of Jonathan Kelly's "Cursed Anna's
Stare". More of the same please!
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Another young talent, Kris has played with John McCusker, Kate Rusby, Eddie Reader and Karine Polwart among others. He's also helped form the groups Fine Friday and Lau making him one of the most in demand players in Scotland today. With his his accomplished guitar playing and fine vocals he performs both contemporary and traditional material in his own inimitable way.
Featuring the combined talents of Steve Gibbons,
PJ Wright,, Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg and Gerry Conway (who was missing the
night I caught up with them!) along with the music of Bob Dylan you're
always guaranteed a great time!. Pictured here with Pat Batty of the award
winning Westhoughton Folk Club and the Auld Triangle
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of the band
When Ralph McTell described Julie as " a terrific guitar player who also writes great songs" he wasn't joking and in July 2007 Julie joined Martin Taylor, Doyle Dykes, Gordon Giltrap, Martin Simpson and Simon Mayor as a regular columnist in 'Acoustic' magazine.
To promote the column Julie undertook a tour of Borders stores in the UK, presenting a series of guitar clinics and playing live in-store to some lucky audiences. These shots were taken during her set at the Manchester branch. A great talent to look out for.
Fairport
Convention - Acoustic
Seen here at Westhoughton Folk Club in April
2004. I've enjoyed Fairport on a number of occasions over the years and
this night was no exception!
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Taken at Fylde in September 1991. Although I've seen all three members of the Fishers in various guises over the years, this is the only time that I've managed to catch all three together.
Julie is a Scottish folk singer and multi-instrumentalist who sings primarily in Scottish Gaelic and she scooped the Radio Two 'Folk Singer Of The Year' prize at the Folk Awards of 2008, she also won the Horizon award in 2006.
A fine Manchester singer songwriter who places an emphasis on his lyrics, Liam has gone from performing in front of a hardcore local fanbase to wowing crowds nationwide and being signed by Sony's new independent label Lavolta Records. Nowadays you are more likely to see him performing with his band The Slowdown Family but these shots were taken during an acoustic set he did exclusively for Manchester's 'Channel M' tv channel. Seek him out!
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Taken at Fylde in September 1989. Although I've
got most of his albums, Vin must be seen live to really enjoy this unique
performer.
Taken at the last night of the Westhoughton Folk
Club in November 2007. It was fitting that Vin, who played the original
Club in 1972, was there for the finish of a Club which holds so many great
memories for both performers and audiences alike.
The Gathering includes musicians from the best
folk-rock bands of the past 30 years. Jerry Donahue (Fairport Convention),
Rick Kemp (Steeleye Span), Clive Bunker (Jethro Tull, Pentangle), Ray
Jackson (Lindisfarne), Doug Morter (Magna Carta, The Albion Band) along
with Jerry's daughter Kristina Donahue.
Together they performed songs from their back catalogue, traditional and
new ones. Catch this band while you can!
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