I first saw Dick singing with "Five Hand Reel" always a dynamic performer. This shot was taken at Fylde in September 1992.
Claudia started her career with pop/folk act Lucid, who appeared at three WOMAD festivals, before appearing on her own at Ronnie Scott's. She was brought to Maddy Prior's attention via Abbie Lathe and is seen here during Maddy & Girls Autumn 2005 tour one to watch out for.
I first heard Clive with Any Trouble and I've followed him ever since. Taken here playing at Westhoughton Folk Club.
See John Corcoran's unofficial site for Clive
Kieran is another artist seen playing for the last time at Westhoughton Folk Club as it is closing in 2007. This time he brought Anth Kaley along with him and together they produced an evening that will be remembered long after the club has closed. Try and get to see this partnership!
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Kieran Halpin
and Maartin
Allcock
I first came across Kieran in the early 80's
playing with Tom McConville and saw him more recently with Maartin Allcock,
whom I recall performing regularly at The Ring O' Bells in Middleton about
the same time. Together they produced an unforgettable evening at the
Westhoughton Folk Club.
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"The Rochdale Cowboy" now resident on Wednesdays Radio Two Folk Program taken here at "The July Wakes" Festival Chorley in 1976
The Lindisfarne 'off-shoot' seen performing at Fylde
A regular visitor to Fylde and one of the great characters of the scene, Fred was a Shropshire farmworker and a wonderful singer of traditional songs. Follow this link for an article on Fred
A terrific singer and musician, Sean has a unique style that ensures he captivates an audience from the start. Taken here at Westhoughtion Folk Club in April 2003.
Distinctive harmonies combined with first class musicianship made for a great evenings entertainment from Nancy and James. Look out for them!
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Currently playing in "Show of Hands" with Phil Beer, Steve also includes a number of solo dates during the year. Visit his website for details.
Taken at Fylde in September 1995
Steve Knightley and Jenna Witts
A brilliant musical match, combining one of England’s greatest singer songwriters with the emerging talent of Jenna, whose startlingly mature voice and songs have already drawn comparisons with both Joni Mitchell and Sandy Denny.
Another youngster and Mercury Prize 2005 nominee, Seth Lakeman is continuing to pull more youngsters into the scene. He's even had an interview in the March 2006 edition of Mojo!
Yet another to see locally before he's playing the bigger venues
Abbie is a versatile and accomplished multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter having toured a number of times as one third of 'Maddy Prior and the Girls', where she is seen here. She also gigs on her own and may be visiting somewhere near you. Check out her website for details.
Three of the finest young artists working in traditional music today, featuing the highly rated Kris Dreever on guitar and vocals, award winning Aidan O'Rourke on fiddle the sensational Martin Green on Piano Accordion. Book your tickets!
John Leonard and John Squire
I saw John Leonard and John Squire
at Clubs and Festivals throughout the late 70's and 80's and always enjoyed
their full blooded performances.
Having enjoyed Lindisfarne for most of their
33 years it was sad to hear that their gig on 1st November 2003 was their
farewell performance (It
was captured fully on CD & DVD). This was followed by the final 'acoustic'
tour (March to May 2004) from where these shots were taken.
Good luck to all members past and present and thanks for some great memories!.
Follow the picture link for more shots plus the 'acoustic' tour 2003!
Jez Lowe
I first saw Jez at the Fishermans Inn Folk Club,
Littleborough with Ged Foley and have enjoyed his transition from performing
mainly traditional to his own wonderfully descriptive material. Taken
here at the Kendal Folk Festival in August 1991.
This shot was used on the back cover of Jez's cd 'Tenterhooks The Art Edition' released in 2005.
These photos were taken at the Alison Arms Folk Festival at Chorley in June 2007 where Jez featured a number of songs off his recently released cd 'Jack Common's Anthem'
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When seen either alone or in the company of his Bad Pennies a super evening is guaranteed. Just listen to their 'Live at the Davylamp' CD if proof is needed!. Taken here at Westhoughton Folk Club in November 2000.
Follow the picture links for individual shots of the band.
Seen here with the May 2008 line up of the Bad Pennies, Jez and co gave another evening to remember. Jez, a songwriter of rare quality and a consummate performer with a great Geordie sense of humour backed by first rate musicians, what more could you want?
Follow the picture links for individual shots of the band.
A Scottish singer songwriter who should be right up there with Karine Polwart in your cd collection, Yvonnes'songs combine moving lyrics with creative melodies, demonstrating a voice that can be both fragile and intense.
Combining traditional songs of Scotland with their own self penned songs and great harmonies Gill and Karine look to have a bright future ahead of them. Taken at Westhoughton in February 2000.
Dougie's songs have been covered by singers such as Mary Black, Frankie Miller, Kathy Mattea, Dolores Keane and even a marching pipe band but just hear Dougie perform them himself to hear definitive versions. If you can't get to see him 'live' get hold of a copy of "The Essential Dougie MacLean" from his website.
He's taken here at Blackrod in April 2007.
Taken during a superb set at Leeds Festival in September 1983.
Described as "the golden voice behind Capercaillie", Karen,
as a solo performer, has been involved in various collaborations including
the award winning BBC series Transatlantic Sessions, where she recorded
tracks with Emmylou Harris, The McGarrigle Sisters, Nanci Griffith, Rufus
Wainright and a host of respected musicians.
If you haven't heard her 'live' you don't know what you're missing.
Essex band Mawkin have a string of festival and concert appearances
under their belt and have joined with Jim Causley and his baritone voice
is the perfect foil for their the cleverly textured tunes and energetic
performances.
A unique collaboration not to be missed.
The hilarious musical duo taken at Fylde in September 1992. Mitch is also currently playing with Lindisfarne.
Performing 'Swing' versions of popular hits, The Mighty Peas are a three-piece band from Bath. A great 'live' act their enthusiasm is infectious - give them a listen.
Seen elsewhere in the Galleries as a member of Lindisfarne and Maxie and Mitch, Billy is seen here on his 'Backtrackin' tour where he performs his own songs along with those of some of his (and my) favourite artists including Alan Hull, Bruce Springsteen, Warren Zevon and Loudon Wainwright. Don't miss it!
One of the finest guitar players in Ireland, playing and recording with the likes of Christy Moore, Paul Brady, Donal Lunny, Liam O'Flynn and playing with groups such as Planxty, Patrick Street and De Danann.
Pete arrived in Manchester from Leicester in the mid 80's and knocked us all for six. Since then his career's took him all over the globe!. A wonderful singer/ songwriter and a dynamic performer.
Damien, from Northern Ireland, plays guitar, tenor banjo, whistle
and sings. He has been playing on the folk scene for many years and has
reached the All Ireland tenor banjo competition on three occasions and
once on the whistle.
He is pictured here guesting with Flook at the 2008 Big Whistle Weekend
Oysterband
Oysterband celebrate their 25th year together in
2003 and along with special guest June Tabor they performed songs old
and new plus a selection from their joint venture 'Freedom And Rain' and
a knockout version of Jefferson Airplane's 'White Rabbit'
Follow the picture links for individual shots of the band.
George Papavgeris came to the UK in 2000 started to write songs the following year. His songs show great powers of observation and have already been picked up by the likes of Andy Irvine and Martyn Wyndham-Read. Martin Carthy describes him as "something special"and who am I to disagree. An engaging and powerful performer that shouldn't be missed.
Having enjoyed seeing a number of Irish singers over the years, including the likes of Mary Black, Dolores Keane and Moya Brennan, I can honestly say that Niamh Parsons' performances at Fylde were up there with the best of them. With an exceptional voice and great banter with the audience she's well worth catching!
Taking time out from the Notting Hillbillies, this shot of Steve was taken at Fylde in September 1995.
I first came across Karine as half of MacAlias and since then she's come on in leaps and bounds with her solo album 'Faultlines' scooping her three awards at Radio 2's Folk Awards. She's followed this up with 'Scribbled In Chalk' and this also deserves to grab a raft of awards. She's taken here at The Railway in Greenfield where she gave a stunning performance in the company of Inge Thompson
Saying farewell to Kate Rusby this Poozies line up included both Kate and the latest addition to the band Eilidh Shaw, on fiddle and vocals. Taken in October '99.
Follow the picture links for individual shots of the band.
Maddy Prior is seen here with Abbie Lathe and
Claudia Gibson during their 2005 Autumn 'Under the Covers' tour where
they harmonized beautifully on songs ranging from covers of contemporary
songs from the likes of Sting, PJ Harvey and Mark Knopfler to traditional.
These were sung either a cappella or superbly accompanied by Nick Holland
on keyboards.
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Maddy Prior and
the Carnival Band
Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band bring Christmas
early to Manchester with a stage filled with a mix of medieval and modern
instruments. Together they put their inimitable stamp on a range of familiar
and not-so-familiar festive material.
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With Kenny Speirs and Joe Wright (ex John Wright Band) and ex Bad Penny Judy Dinning, Real Time perform traditional, contemporary and self penned material. My favourite had to be Fairport's 'Crazy Man Michael' where Joe's fiddle and Judy's vocals brought back memories of Sandy and Swarb at their best!. Go see them!
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I first saw Kathryn singing with Kate Rusby and Sean alongside his brothers Sam and Seth, I then saw them together as as part of their band Equation. They also perform as a duo with a fine repertoire of traditional and contemporary songs from the likes of Tom Waits and Peter Bond. Catch them if you can!
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A wonderful interpreter of Traditional Song
with a warm voice that was so easy on the ear Tony sadly passed away in
June 2002.
He is seen here performing at Fylde Festival in the early 80's
Getting great reviews wherever she plays.
("The Best Female Folk Singer I've Ever Heard" - Andy Kershaw).
I took this shot at Fylde in September 1998.
Probably best known for the three albums she recorded between 1969 and 1972 for John Peel's Dandelion record label, Bridget toured regularly on the early UK college and festival circuit and credits her friend John Martyn as her guitar mentor. She is seen here at The Railway at Greenfield in 2007 where she was also accompanied by Michael Chapman, well worth a listen.
Colum Sands
The singer /songwriter from County Down seen here
in full flow during his recent visit to Westhoughton. With great songs
and great patter, Colum gave us an evening to remember
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Steve Knightley and Phil Beer taking folk music into the millennium with superb performances, a terrific web site, mailing lists and self promotion they deserve to reap the rewards for their efforts. Taken here at Fylde in September 1995.
For more shots of Show of Hands
see my 'Artist Index'
These shots were taken during Steve and Phil's 'Backlog' tour in October 2007.
For more shots of Show of Hands
see my 'Artist
Index'
A journeyman on the folk scene for a good number of years, I've spent many a good time listening to Mike perform both on his own and with Alan Taylor. As Bob Harris and Terry Wogan have now picked up on his music, here's to a bright future
Martin Simpson
From Scunthorpe to New Orleans he's displayed
his magnificent talents. Not here often enough, make sure that you catch
him when he is!. Taken here at The Railway Inn, Greenfield in April 2004.
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Martin Simpson and Andy Cutting
Winner of best album and best original song in the 2008 Folk Awards, Martin was joined here by accordionist Andy Cutting, BBC Radio 2's Folk Musician of the Year 2008, for a night of top class musicianship.
Hot on the heels of Kate Rusby and Bill Jones is yet another youngster with massses of talent performing self penned and traditional numbers. When not appearing solo Emily can be found as part of the wonderful Phil Beer Band
Sloe
Gin
I came across Sloe Gin at a medieval themed wedding that I was photographing.
They were providing the music and entertainment and a fine job they did
too!. They are a Midlands based trio of musicians, follow their web link
for more details, contacts,etc.
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What better way to start your Christmas than a visit to see St Agnes Fountain in concert. The two Chris's, Julie and Dave provide a great evenings' entertainment that would get even Scrooge in the mood! Don't miss them!
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Reminding me of a young John Martyn, John Smith is yet another fine talent emerging from the Devon area. Currently based in Liverpool his 'support' spots on the recent Cara Dillon tour, where he also performed as a member of her band, received rave reviews. His rasping vocals along with his virtuoso guitar playing must lead to greater things so visit his website, buy a copy of his cd and enjoy!
One of my first ever photos taken of the wonderful Steeleye Span at Manchester's Free Trade Hall!
Calum was raised with traditional music in the family home, where the Fiddle and Piping traditions of Scotland were the earliest influences in his playing. He is now based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and is seen here accompanied by Andy May in October 2008.
Strawbs
(Acoustic)
I first saw Dave Cousins and co at Manchester's
Free Trade Hall and the photos displayed here may have been taken from
the same seat (some of the FTH's seats have been resited at Shaw's Playhouse
Theatre). A wonderful night it brought the memories flooding back!
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Dave Swarbrick and Chris Leslie
This photo was taken at Fylde in September 1987
when they were both members of Whippersnapper.
