Playing here with Whippersnapper at Fylde in September 1987.
Dave Swarbrick and Lars Kjaedegaard
This photo of Dave and Lars was taken prior to Dave's show with Martin Carthy at Bury Met in January2008.
One of the most exciting bands I've seen in
ages, this North West based band with their own brand of Jump Jive, Blues,
Boogie and Western Swing could perform at any Folk, Jazz or Country Music
event and go down a storm. If you've not caught them yet you don't know
what you're missing, get your dancing shoes on and look them up!
The Swing Commanders (July 2007)
July 2007 brought a new look Swing Commanders to the Hobo's Retreat with Peter and Gaynor from the original band being joined by The Laverne Sisters and Simon Brady on stage. Whilst the personnel had changed the music was as infectious as ever and a great night was had by all!
The wonderful interpreter of both contempory and traditional material seen here at Swinton Festival in 1990 .
One of our best songwriters, John is seen here in November 2005 where his set included a number of songs from his latest album 'The Reckoning' completing his trilogy which started with the award winning 'Unity' and continued with 'Home', each one should be in your collection!
I first saw John in his days with Home Service
and since then have seen him time and time again and never beeen disappointed!
If you've never seen him and Barry together go and see them, if you have
I'll be preaching to the converted
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When John and Barry made what will be their last appearance at Westhoughton Folk Club, the club is closing for good in 2007, it was an emotional night for all concerned. John has enjoyed many happy evenings at the club over the years and it was obvious to all that he will miss it as much as any of the audience
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Another artist making a final visit to Westhoughton Folk Club in November 2007, Allan has been a great favourite at the club since his first visit in 1972 and the appreciative audienec were treated to songs old and new to represent his many visits.
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One of Britain's finest singer/songwriters. This photo was taken at the Horwich Folk Festival in March 1983 in between helping out with George Butterworth's Leather Stall. For more recent photos follow the picture link.
Despite his songs being sang and recorded worldwide, Richard Thompson remains 'one of modern music's best kept secrets'. Seen here at Leeds in the early 80's, Richard remains one of my favourite singer songwriters.
The wonderful Northumbrian piper playing at Fylde in September 1991
Joe Topping and Joe Wright
Another couple of youngsters on the scene. Joe Topping's own songs are well crafted, just listen to his cd 'Take Me Home' where he's backed by the likes of Chris While, Julie Matthews, Chris Leslie and Maartin Allcock, whilst their instrumentation and vocals would put many 'better known' acts to shame. Give them a chance!
Chris and Kellie While
Having enjoyed many great nights listening to Chris over the years, from her 'solo' shows in the North West's Folk clubs to the bigger stages as part of the Albion Band and with Julie Matthews amongst others, it was great to see her finally performing with daughter Kellie producing the type of harmonies that only singing together for many years can produce.
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Following in mum Chis' footsteps Kellie has
performed with The Albion Band, e2K and more recently The Reel and Soul
Association as well as performing solo. Another young talent to look out
for!
Seen here accompanying Jez Lowe at Fylde in 1988
The only photo that I managed to take of this folk institution at Fylde in September 1982.
Norma Waterson, Mike Waterson and Martin Carthy.
Martin Carthy, simply the finest singer/ guitarist the English folk scene has ever produced, Norma Waterson, a breathtakingly powerful singer of traditional songs and her brother Mike Waterson, one of the great interpreters of English song and a fine songwriter himself, are seen here supporting Peggy Seeger in May 2008.
Having seen Wild Welsh Women, Roam and Bill Jones recently there's still great talent emerging on the Folk scene. Taken here at Fylde where WWW blew me away. Their CD "Isle of Mon" has been constantly played since, seek it out!.
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Once seen never forgotten the superb Wilson Family taken at Fylde in September 1995.
Kathryn Williams and Neill MacColl
Individually Kathryn and Neill are great but together they are superb, they first met at the Daughters of Albion concert where they had been paired to perform “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”, they just clicked and played like a duo that had been performing together for years. Seek them out, if you haven't already.
I first saw Robin with the Incredible String Band at the Bickershaw Folk Festival and have seen him many times since. A unique performer of songs and stories. This shot was taken at Fylde in September 1995.
Seen here accompanying Steve Knightley in January 2008, Jenna is a young North Devon based Singer Songwriter who was discovered by Steve. Many of her songs reflect and are inspired by her native Devon, and her voice and songs have already drawn comparisons with both Joni Mitchell and Sandy Denny.
Joe Wright
Yet another multi talented youngster! Currently
Stewart Hardy's replacement in the John Wright Band, Joe will soon be
performing in a new trio
(Kenny Speirs & Real Time)
along with Kenny Speirs of the JWB and Judy Dinning of Jez Lowe's Bad
Pennies.
Watch out for their dates!
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John Wright Band (December 2007)
December 2007 brought the 'big' band to Shaw Playhouse with John's final duo of Pete Abbott and Gregor Borland being joined by Joe Wright and Fraser Speirs as I witnessed one of his best gigs ever, sadly we lost John in February 2008 shortly after his unforgetable appearance at Westhoughton Folk Club's retirement party.
John Wright Band (March 2007)
In March 2007 as well as Pete Abbott John introduced the multi-talented Gregor Borland. Greg a multi talented addition to the band who thrilled fans throughout Germany and Holland when he toured with John for the first time in autumn 2006.
John
Wright Band (December 2006)
Taken at John's 'Party-time' at the Worden Arts Centre, Leyland where
John was joined by a number of special guests at what has become affectionately
known as his Annual General Meeting. The 'band' line-up included Joe Wright,
Pete Abbott and Ruth Angell from Ashley Hutchings' Rainbow Chasers.
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John Wright Band (2004)
Joe Wright and Joe Topping formed John's band at Shaw Playhouse in December 2004 and what a splendid night it was with the two multi talented Joes adding superb musical and vocal accompaniment to John's vast repetoire.
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Terrific reviews wherever they played. Johns unique vocal style ably accompanied by Stewart Hardy's tasteful fiddle and Kenny Speirs driving guitar and vocals made this trio well worth a listen. Taken at Fylde in September 2000.
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A wonderful evening in the company of two of my favourites! Allan became John's 'Band' for the evening and John in turn provided stunning harmonies for some of Allan's songs. During the final song, the Shirelles 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow', Allan said "I don't want this to end" - neither did we!
