4th Jan 2019
Sound Tradition
Sound Tradition is an a cappella folk foursome (David, Linda, Catherine and Moose) singing in glorious harmony, with occasional enhancements provided by Indian harmonium or the spoons. Their varied repertoire ranges from lively chorus songs to lilting ballads, and from medieval times to the modern day, but always with an ear for the English folk tradition. Hailing from East Anglia, Sound Tradition is building a reputation that has garnered bookings at clubs and festivals across the country. The historical background to the songs remains an important part of their enduring attraction. Many of the folk songs they sing include the tradition of social commentary and, of course, others are simply about drinking beer or frolicking in the hay.
Damien Barber and Mike Wilson
Two of the finest exponents of Traditional Song in the United Kingdom; it is difficult to accept that these relatively young men, have a combined 40 plus years experience of performing at folk venues. Raised in Norfolk, Damien is a stylish and distinctive singer, either unaccompanied or using guitar or concertina. Though he has lived for a long time in West Yorkshire he retains a strong East Anglian identity. Mike Wilson is the youngest member of the Wilson Family, the powerful Teesside singing siblings who have raised the rafters at many a festival or folk club event. His musical heritage is emphatically that of the North East – rural and industrial folk song both traditional and modern. Together Damien and Mike showcase a rich shared repertoire of traditional songs, plus the work of modern folk writers such as Peter Bellamy, Ewan MacColl and Mike Waterson.
Jess and Richard Arrowsmith
Also well known as half of the Melrose Quartet, a collaboration with neighbours Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, Jess and Richard Arrowsmith are both brilliant singers and musicians (fiddle & melodeon) and well established in the traditional English music scene. They bring you powerful vocals, subtle accompaniments, lively tunes and a broad range of material that will have you laughing, weeping, tapping your feet and joining in the choruses. Jess’s self-penned songs have been performed and recorded by a range of other artists and are entering the tradition in their own right.
15th Feb 2019
James Bros
The James Brothers are not really outlaws, neither are they brothers and only one of them is called James. They come from the lands down under – Australia and New Zealand to be precise; lands in which the traditional songs and tunes of the British Isles have evolved their own unique characteristics, like musical marsupials. And it’s these songs and tunes, and several of their own making, that they have united to play.
The James Brother who is called James is Sydney-born James Fagan – best known as the guitar and bouzouki playing half of Nancy Kerr & James Fagan, whilst the James Brother who isn’t called James is Jamie McClennan – a Kiwi who also appears playing fiddle and guitar in a duo with Scotland’s BBC-award-winning Emily Smith (whom he also married). For Fagan and McClennan this is about bringing their distinct Antipodean-steeped folk to a new audience, with songs and tunes brought to life by a fraternal bond between two very silly, but captivatingly gifted musicians.
1st March 2019
Keith Kendrick and Sylvia Needham
Keith and Sylvia sing mainly English traditional as well as traditionally influenced contemporary songs and work extensively all over the UK, Europe and beyond with collectively over 80 years performing experience (and neither yet walks with a stick!).
Both have a very wide ranging repertoire, strong voices and uncannily compatible and complimentary styles of delivery, affording an exciting enhancement in duo and between them produce a striking a cappella harmony sound. They also frequently accompany themselves, as well as playing lively dance tunes on three different systems of the only English invented musical instrument, the Concertina….. and when they’re not doing that you’ll probably find them in nearest charity shop!
15th March 2019
Pete Coe
Pete Coe has had more than 50 years of music making on the English folk scene. His contributions include traditional song research, song writing in traditional style, the founding of several seminal bands (including The New Victory Band, Bandoggs and Red Shift) plus solo and duo performances, as well as dance calling. A talented multi-instrumentalist, he accompanies himself on banjo, melodeon, bouzouki and dulcimer, but most importantly sings with power and passion. Pete celebrates narrative folk songs, rooted in English traditions, learned from the many characters he’s met over a lifetime on the road. He performs with great skill, presents with authority and good humour, whilst always encouraging audience involvement.
29th March 2019
Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer
Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer effortlessly blend traditional material with contemporary sounds. Their performances showcase new interpretations of old songs alongside original self penned tunes and new contemporary songs that are entirely at home in the tradition. But perhaps where they stand out from many other folk club performers is in their employment of instruments not generally utilised by other musicians! Be entranced by the haunting Swedish nyckelharpa, amazed at the cow horn (one of the world’s earliest communication devices) and meet some of the bagpipes that didn’t come from Scotland. So join them for an evening packed with technical yet tasteful tunes, plus songs of love, death, trains and dressing up (not always at the same time) all presented with sparkling humour and skilful musicianship.
12th April 2019
Alice Jones
Alice Jones is a singer, multi-instrumentalist and dancer from Ripponden in West Yorkshire. Her background is deeply rooted in the English folk tradition and the music that she makes instantly reflects this strong influence. Alice sings mostly traditional songs accompanying herself on the piano or harmonium and sometimes only with foot percussion. The sensitive and intuitive arrangements of each song allow the stories to take centre stage and, inspired by her beginnings as a percussive dancer, they are loaded with a rhythm and energy that portrays her dancer’s heartbeat. Her distinctive voice and innovative style lends a fresh, modern perspective to traditional material and brings new life to old songs.
26th April 2019
Floor Singers Concert
Join us for a special evening featuring our regular floor singers in concert. Although we are proud to welcome some of the top names in folk music to our Guestnights, it’s the people who stand up to give us a song or a tune at the start of the evening that make our club something very special. Tonight these talented performers have the opportunity to be centre-stage themselves and perform a short set showcasing their varied repertoires. Furthermore they will perform for free so that all proceeds from tonight will be donated to our chosen charities.
3rd May 2019
Wildwood Jack
Wildwood Jack are husband and wife Adam Piggott and Jayne Freeman, brought together by a love of music when they first met in 1991 at Hull University and they’ve been travelling on musical journeys ever since. ‘Wildwood Jack’ is their name for the independent spirit of music that knows no boundaries and their wide repertoire draws from an eclectic songbook as well as instrumentals and heart warming original songs. Their melodic songs blend the acoustic guitar and ukulele with outstanding fingerstyle playing, drawing influences from folk, country and world music.
17th May 2019
Rosie Hodgson & Rowan Piggott
This young duo show a musical maturity beyond their years, their collective talents creating a beauty and warmth that is enthralling. Rosie is a folk singer/songwriter from Midhurst, West Sussex, who grew up surrounded by traditional music and dancing. Her voice possesses great vibrancy and character that brings a ruby-richness to lyrics new and old. Rowan grew up in the foothills of the Burren on the west coast of Ireland surrounded by traditional music. Both his father, Charlie (of De Dannan) and his mother, Frances (who taught him the fiddle) were key figures in his musical development. A familiar face in ceilidh bands across the UK and a constant of the Irish session scene, not only does he demonstrate a deep understanding of and ‘feel’ for tradition, he also exhibits a fine ability to add his own edge to this music.
31st May 2019
Jack Rutter
Still in his mid 20s, Jack Rutter is a highly respected singer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist making music within the British folk tradition. Jack grew up in the Holme Valley area of West Yorkshire, a place steeped in a wealth of traditional song and he’s gone on to forge a hugely successful career playing music professionally in various guises across Britain and Europe. In this new solo outing, the BBC award winning musician delivers folk songs with a rich, unassuming Yorkshire charm and an easy going stage presence that captivates audiences with simplicity and warmth.
Gilmore and Roberts
Gilmore & Roberts combine award-winning song writing with astounding musicianship and their trademark harmonies to create a powerful wall of sound. Nominated three times at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Katriona Gilmore (fiddle, mandolin) and Jamie Roberts (guitar) met while studying at Leeds College of Music and released their debut album in 2008. The couple recently returned to performing following the birth of their first child.
20th September 2019
Granny’s Attic
We welcome the return of the amazing trio who performed to a full house on the opening night of Burton Folk Club in Sept 2017. Two years on Granny’s Attic have built a big following and best of all celebrate the release of their second CD. Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne plays melodeon, concertina and provides vocals, whilst George Sansome sings and plays guitar. Lewis Wood plays violin and mandolin and is also the band’s principal tune writer
27th September 2019
Floor Singers Concert
Come and join us for a night that will showcase Burton Folk Club’s wealth of floorsingers who do a great job supporting our guests.
Tonight the spotlight is on them plus all proceeds will go to our chosen charity. Suggested donation £5
11th October 2019
Shackleton Trio
The Shackleton Trio are Georgia Shackleton (fiddle, vocals), Aaren Bennett (guitar) and Nic Zuppardi (mandolin). Natural talents of the folk tradition, their self-penned material blends seamlessly with their imaginative yet authentic re-workings of traditional folk standards, influenced by British, American and Scandinavian folk traditions, with a regional twist from the group’s native East Anglia.
25th October 2019
Jim Causley
Join Jim for a very special night celebrating the autumnal season with a feast of West Country songs, medieval and secular carols from around the British Isles, poems and contemporary songs which reflect on this magical season at the setting of the old year. Expect some spooky numbers, some jolly ditties and some moving ballads which will leave your insides as warm as a bonfire or a freshly-lit pumpkin on a cold autumn night!
22nd November 2019
Dovetail Trio
The Dovetail Trio have been exploring folk narratives with musical skill and a passion for their heritage since forming in 2014. Effortlessly combining the distinctive voices and acclaimed instrumental talents of Jamie Roberts (guitar & vocals), Rosie Hood (vocals), and Matt Quinn (duet concertina and vocals). This will be Jamie’s second visit to our club this season following his appearance with Gilmore Roberts in September.
29th November 2019
Ninebarrow
We are delighted to welcome back one of the biggest acts on the folkscene who played to a full house at our club in 2018. Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere combine breath taking vocal harmonies and melodies, delivering original songs that are inspired and rooted in the landscape and history of the British Isles. As well as crafting unique and engaging original material, Ninebarrow also take a wide-range of traditional folk songs and rework them in their own, distinctive way.
6th December 2019
Sarah Matthews & Doug Eunson
This talented pair have been playing English Acoustic Folk Music together since 1995. They both sing – in superb harmony, with Melodeon and Fiddle / Viola . This will be a special performance of Winter/Christmas songs and tunes., embellished by seasonal tales to bring warmth to a chilly evening.
20th December 2019
Green Matthews
Our special Christmas Concert is a brand new retelling of the best loved Yuletide adventure of them all – Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”. Using new lyrics and traditional English folk tunes, Chris Green and Sophie Matthews (with special guest Jude Rees) use a bewitching blend of voices and instruments to create a musical retelling of this seasonal favourite.
