Interested in Americana see
and 
Americana 1(ahab to Robert McEntee) See Americana 2 |
and ©All the photos are the copyright of Roger Liptrot ©
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ahab February 2011 Mix the tight harmonies of the Eagles and the energy of Old Crow Medcine Show and you're on the way to experiencing Ahab. Better still go and give them a listen! |
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ahab May 2013 Bob Harris described ahab as “blistering” while Simon Mayo has called them “the real deal - top-notch UK Americana featuring tight four-piece harmonies” all I can say is that they just get better and better. They are seen here at Wath Festival where their tight sound and wonderful harmonies on mainly their own compositions, coupled with their obvious love of performing had the audience cheering for more.
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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. |
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Elles Bailey has a talent for crafting and seamlessly weaving rootsy blues, country, and soulful rock with a contemporary edge. What’s more fate has blessed her with a ‘smoky vocal’ style that perfectly fits her music, after a stint in hospital as a child changed her voice forever. Reviewers have been wowed by Elles and her debut; Maverick Magazine gave Wildfire top marks calling every song “Fresh and Original”. |
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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! |
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In 1986 Sam was traveling by train in Peru when a bomb from a terrorist group exploded right next to him. The little girl he'd been talking to was killed along with half a dozen others, and his own injuries required 18 operations. His mangled left hand was rebuilt, work on his ears left him with a loud ringing that never stops, though he says he's made his peace with it. His shows are a joy to behold, he is seen here accompanied by Carrie Elkin and Chip Dolan at shaw Playhouse.
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Just some of Sam's reviews "An artist worth waiting for" - NPR All Things Considered; "The Bard of the Workaday World" - Wall Street Journal;"Every composition has the inescapable ring of life and death" - New Yorker; "One of the finest of the modern-day veteran Texas troubadours" - American Songwriter; "He takes fragments of poems and hymns and discarded memories and weaves 'em together." - NPR Here and Now |
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In November 2015 Sam Baker was joined by good friend, Carrie Elkin, on his tour, 'Love Songs and Duets' which included covers of songs they love and, of course, a selection of everyone's favourite originals. |
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In February 2018 Sam Baker returned to The Bury Met with his fifth album, 'Land of Doubt', laying aside his acoustic guitar and picking up an electric one. In just the same way he moves from camera to paintbrush in his art, it's a seamless change which still captures that beauty he seeks. This time around he was accompanied by Mike Meadows who can be found playing regularly with Shawn Colvin amongst others. |
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Sam Baker and Radoslav Lorkovic In early 2020 Sam toured to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of 'Mercy', the release that started his career in music, accompanied by the wonderfully talented and classically trained Radoslav Lorkovic on keyboards and accordion. |
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Sam Baker, Ashlie Wallace and Tim Lorsch Sam Baker makes people happy. The characters in his songs face many challenges – alcoholism, car wrecks, racism, drug addiction, a mother’s abandonment – but they persevere. Much like Sam himself. |
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An independent folk, Americana, and alt-country singer-songwriter and musician. So far, Del has won two Western Canadian Music Awards (for Independent Album of the Year and Roots Solo Recording of the Year). He's pictured here on his first trip ot the UK but I'm sure it won't be his last. Another to look out for! |
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Emily Barker and The Red Clay Halo Australian Emily Barker is a compelling songwriter with a gift for weaving melody and words. Together with her band The Red Clay Halo, she has recorded three albums, dazzled audiences at music festivals and seen her song 'Nostalgia' become the Bafta-winning theme tune to BBC One drama Wallander. |
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Seen here on his 2010 UK tour accompanying Tom Russell, Thad demonstated some wonderful accompaniment on both guitar and vocals as well as some great blues numbers. |
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Has already caused a stir at Celtic Connections with Americana UK describing his performance as “gruff and tender with a poet’s voice… do yourself a favour and catch this true American troubadour” and followed this by being voted their Male Performer of the Year in the Readers’ Poll of 2017 |
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The combination of Kerrville 'New Folk Songwriter Award' winner, Jeff Berkley, and stand-out wordsmith, Calman Hart, creates a pairing that has become one of the premier acoustic duos. Every Berkley Hart show is packed with entertainment as the duo combines their natural down-home humor with poignant, delicate, masterfully crafted lyrics delivered with stunning harmony and musicianship |
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Berkley, Hart, Selis and Twang. In July 2014 Eve Selis and Marc Twang were joined by their friends
Jeff Berkley and Calman Hart for a night of acoustic music at Bury Met.
Each duo sang separately and then joined each other on songs they’d written
together. |
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Once hailed as “the best live act I have ever seen” in a Maverick magazine review, The Bills have blown away concert-goers and festival crowds around the globe with their instrumental virtuosity, tight vocal arrangements and exuberant live shows. Their music draws on influences from a combination of European traditions, Latin American rhythms and Romany melodies to produce evocative new material and innovative interpretations of traditional tunes. |
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JT Nero (JT & the Clouds) and Allison Russell (Po' Girl) combine beautifully as the band 'Birds Of Chicago'. The combining of their singular voices provides organic harmonies and magical vocals and, while they sing as a duo, they write individually which gives bags of variety to their songs as each brings their own influences to bear. |
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Seen here on their debut tour of the UK in January 2009 The Bittersweets were a revalation. From the pop sound of 'Wreck' to the plaintive 'When The War Is Over' sang in fornt of the mics they won over the audience in no time at all. When someone shouted"You're fantastic" I could only agree and came away with copies of their ' Goodnight San Francisco' and limited edition 'Live' cds. |
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Blackheart combine the unforgettable lemon and honey voice of Chrissy Mostyn and jaw-dropping acoustic guitar playing of Rick Pilkington with highly entertaining audience interaction as they tell the stories behind their songs. |
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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. |
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Described as having "a voice that could melt the hardest of hearts" Alyssa is pictured here supporting Raul Malo during his autumn tour of the UK in 2010. Her performance captivated the audience and ensured further visits will be on her Calendar. Look her up! Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Michael Scott Boudreaux, born and raised in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, is a singer/songwriter and accomplished guitarist whose 2020 debut turned the heads of country music listeners |
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Described by Rolling Stone as "One of England's best kept musical secrets", this sums up Devon based Peter Bruntnell's career so far but for those that take the time to check out this softly spoken songwriter the rewards are plentiful. I first came him courtesy of Bob Harris and finally caught him 'live' supporting Richmond Fontaine in February 2010, I wasn't disappointed. |
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A critically acclaimed artist hailed by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver as a big influence and most often associated with the alternative country movement, Richard is very much in the mold of the Lubbock, Texas, school of mavericks, including Butch Hancock, Terry Allen, and Jimmie Dale Gilmore.
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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 . |
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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 |
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Caitlin Canty delivers her songs with a dusky alto and a 1930’s Recording King guitar. Her breakout record Reckless Skyline, produced by Jeffrey Foucault, featured an all-star band on twelve songs that veer nimbly between country ballads and straight-up rockers, dark blues and sparsely arranged folk. The San Francisco Chronicle lauded her, “casually devastating voice and unshakable poise,” and her “easy way with folk, blues and country motifs.” She is seen here supporting Dalingside on the first, of many I hope, visits to the UK. |
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Willi Carlisle is a folksinger, songwriter, and playwright hailed as "powerful" and "down-home and brainy" by The Washington Post. He's seen here performing at the Rochdale Folk Festival in June 2022 where he also acted as Caller at a Square Dance Workshop and joined Canadian duo Mama's Broke for a show. |
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In a feature profile of the band, the Sunday Times says that, while the band's sets may feature plenty of traditional string-band music from the Piedmont of North Carolina, "this is a group determined to prove that the past is not another country." So, says writer Clive Davis, for the Carolina Chocolate Drops and the "vivacious potpourri" of music it makes, "file under quality music, rather than nostalgia." |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Seen at the Hobo’s Retreat in August 2015, Cosmo’s Dream, described as an Americana/Bluegrass trio, provided an evening to remember with their top notch musicianship backed up with a great three part harmony sound and some great self-penned songs to boot. Come back soon! |
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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!. |
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Based on looks alone, Chatham County Line conjures up a sepia-toned timelessness by huddling around a single microphone on stage, playing traditional string band instrumentation while clad in suits and ties. But for nearly two decades, the Raleigh, North Carolina based outfit has consistently crafted top-notch, original modern acoustic music that draws upon American roots forefathers like bluegrass inventor Bill Monroe and folk innovator John Hartford while acknowledging its own members’ backgrounds in rock ‘n’ roll bands. |
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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. |
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After wowing audiences at 2017 Celtic Connections and stealing the
show at Cambridge Folk Festival 2016 where their “Crosby, Stills, Nash
& Young harmonies earned an ecstatic reception and turned them into instant
stars” – Daily Telegraph, Darlingside are seen here at Bury Met in June
2017. |
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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 |
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Della Mae were IBMA’s Emerging Artists of the Year in 2013, GRAMMY Nominees in 2014 for their debut album on Rounder Records, named among Rolling Stone’s “10 bands to watch for in 2015,” and have since traveled with the US State Department to over 18 countries spreading peace and understanding through music. Versatile instrumentalists and vocalists, they draw from a bottomless well of roots influences to create vibrant original music that conveys expansive musical vision. |
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The Delines is made up of Richmond Fontaine members Willy Vlautin, Sean Oldham and Freddie Trujillo, with vocalist Amy Boone (The Damnations, TX) and the keyboard and horn work of Cory Gray. The band had only been together a week when they went into the studio and cut their first record, which Uncut gave 9/10 stars and praised for its “widescreen romanticism”, calling it “the richest collection of songs Willy Vlautin has written.” |
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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. Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Tania is pictured here playing alongside Mary Gauthier where, at times, her stunning fiddle playing brought back echoes of the late great Oliver Schroer whom I had the pleasure of hearing on a number of occasions. Having co-founded the critically acclaimed group The Duhks in 2001, and founder of her own independent labelTania has toured Canada, the U.S., China, Australia and Europe on a full-time basis for over 10 years and is a two-time Grammy award nominee (one win) and a four-time Juno award nominee (one win). Look out for her! |
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A celebrated songwriter, author, and poet, Simone Felice has emerged from his pivotal roles in The Felice Brothers and The Duke and The King to bring his literary music to the Uk with the BBC quoting "Dylan and Leonard Cohen are brought to mind, such is the depth of emotion wrought by Felice's careful approach... Shows the power of music to lift your spirits and make your heart full – absolutely fantastic." and who am I to argue? |
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A live performer with a charismatic presence, Mary's songs are right up there with Bob Dylan and John Prine's. If you've not heard her before, visit her 'MySpace' site, have a listen and get along to her next show in your vicinity. You won't be disappointed. |
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Mary Gauthier and Tania Elizabeth Mary is seen here teaming up with Tania Elizabeth to promote Mary's 'The Foundling' cd, on which Tania guested, and it was great to see how well they gelled both as musicians and friends |
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Mary Gauthier (2014) Louisiana born singer/songwriter Mary Gauthier returned to Bury Met with songs from her album Trouble and Love. Mary Gauthier (pronounced Go-shay) has received countless accolades over the last decade for her six studio albums, with her songs praised by both Bob Dylan and Tom Waits and recorded by Jimmy Buffet, Blake Shelton, Mike Farris, Candi Staton and others. |
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Mary Gauthier and Michele Gazich (2018) This tour featured music from Mary's tenth album, Rifles & Rosary Beads, where she focused solely on the experiences of others. The songs featured on the record were all co-written as part of Songwriting With Soldiers, a non-profit program that facilitates retreats bringing professional songwriters together with wounded veterans and active duty military. Participants have shared that the experience of songwriting was life changing for them, some even said life saving. She was accompanied by Michele Gazich on violin and piano.
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Rhiannon Giddens and Leyla McCalla (of The Carolina Chocolate Drops) In October 2013 after a flurry of projects with T-Bone Burnett (The Hunger Games soundtrack), producer Jac Holzman (Chimes of Freedom, Amnesty International's Bob Dylan Tribute), and The Chieftains, Leyla and Rhiannon returned to Bury Met to tantalise us with their solo material as well some Carolina Chocolate Drops' classics. |
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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! |
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Eliza Gilkyson October 2012 Returning to Bury after a three year break, Eliza gave a fine show that lasted over 2 1/2 hours, performing requests from the audience for most of the second half. As her song says "Welcome Back!" |
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In May 2014 Eliza returned to Bury Met with songs about the exuberant nature of love and life with meditative tunes about the world's rich mysteries. Eliza released her latest album, The Nocturn Diaries, in January 2014.
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Drawing comparisons with Ryan Adams and even a young Bruce Springsteen, Ben hails from Northern Ireland relocating to Nashville in 2009. The quality of the writing is excellent and a stunning voice to boot, Ben comes highly recommended! |
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I guess I'm a sucker for female three part harmonies - The Roches, The Wailin' Jennys and the Good Lovelies are up there with the best of them. Seen here on their first of hopefully many visits to the UK in May 2011 their wonderful harmonies and on stage banter won many friends. |
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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. |
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Picured here doing for Raul Malo what Flaco Jimenez did for Ry Cooder, Michael has built quite a resume, playing with Texmaniacs, the Tex-Mex Experience, Texas Tornados, the Krayolas and Rick Trevino. Thanks to Raul for bringing this great talent to my attention!
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Rachel Harrington and Zak Borden Rachel's publicity says it all, “I am absolutely enchanted with this record! A brilliant debut ... already a leading contender for Album of the Year in my opinion!” ~ Bob Harris, BBC Radio. With a captivating blend of folksy, bluegrass Americana, Oregon-born singer-songwriter Rachel is pictured here with mutli-instrumentalist Zak Borden at one of Radio Lancashire's 'live' Drift shows.
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Hearing Headwater is like listenening to the West Coast of Canada in song. Freewheeling, fierce, sentimental and sexy, the Vancouver, B.C., quartet has earned its reputation as one of the finest acoustic roots groups around the old-fashioned way. Taken here at their Radio Lancashire 'Live Drift' appearance in October 2010 |
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Are the one of the most globe-trotting, hard swinging trios on the planet. Jazz collides with country, creating an amazing sound that's half hoe-down half boogie-woogie. They have appeared at festivals, in clubs and theatres and featured on radio and TV including BBC TV's Later with Jools Holland. |
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A popular singer/songwriter with fans including Bob Harris, Brian has worked with Van Morrison, Elvis Costello, Nanci Griffith and Robert Plant amongst others. I was fortunate to catch him on a double bill with Pierce Pettis in October 2009 and can highly recommend seeking him out! |
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Considered by many to be South Carolina's best kept musical secret, Danielle Howle is a punk rock girl with the voice of a honkeytonk angel. Opening for such diverse acts as Bob Dylan, Ani Difranco, Fugazi, and Indigo Girls, she has garnered worldwide acclaim while somehow remaining under the radar of mainstream America. Now is the time for South Carolina to share it's secret with the rest of America and the UK! |
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Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O'Donovan crossed paths many times throughout their careers - so it comes as no surprise that, after an impromptu performance at the 2014 Telluride Bluegrass Festival, all the pieces fell into place for these three acclaimed musicians to collaborate. |
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Daughter of Eve Selis, this talented singer/actress took a break from singing with her band 'Requiem for the Rockets' to support Eve on her 2012 UK tour where therse photos were taken. |
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Jill spent the latter part of 2006 in Nashville where she performed at the legendary Bluebird Café and was referred to by the Nashville press as the “Scottish songbird”. Having completed a currently on a 50 States in 50 Days Tour of the US in the company of Kevin Montgomery she is pictured here during her January 2009 tour of the UK. |
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Jude Johnstone is an American singer-songwriter whose songs have been covered by Laura Branigan, Trisha Yearwood, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler, Johnny Cash, Stevie Nicks, Mary Black, and others. She is seen here as part of Kevin Montgomery's UK tour in 2024 where she wowed the audiences wherever she performed.
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Having featured on a BBC Four "Live at the Barbican" concert , as part of the BBC documentary on Americana Music, Diana has been compared to the likes of Iris DeMent and Gillian Welch. Diana combines an awsome voice with lyrics from the heart. Give her a listen. |
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Lucy
Kaplansky Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Will
Kimbrough Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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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! |
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Julie
Lee Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Yet another gem from Canada, Alana is a singer songwriter from Winnipeg who has started to build up quite a following over here with regular tours. Catch her if you can!
Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Los Pacaminos were formed in November 1992,and comprises of seven members, some of the best known names in the music industry, with the the best known being Paul Young. They are one of the UK’s most popular live touring bands,playing the very best in Tex Mex Border music, from The Texas Tornadoes and Ry Cooder to Los Lobos and even Roy Orbison
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Madison Violet (aka Madviolet) are a Toronto based duo, consisting of Lisa MacIsaac (vocals, guitar, fiddle, mandolin) and Brenley MacEachern (vocals, guitar, banjo, harmonica). Together, they've been touring the globe non-stop for 9 years and are well worth catching at a venue near you! Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Jesse Malin whose career has blurred life as a singer-songwriter with that of a punk rocker. He’s revered by a number of iconic musicians and has attracted the likes of Bruce Springsteen to appear on his records. Jesse he was joined here by Derek Cruz on keyboards and guitar. |
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David
Mallett Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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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. Follow the picture link for more shots! |
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Raul is seen here accompanied Michael
Guerra by on his Autumn tour of the UK in 2010, touring in support
of yet another fine batch of songs from his "Sinners & Saints." cd. |
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Swedish/Canadian songwriter, Sarah MacDougall is a storyteller, entertainer and pop-troubadour with a haunting voice and songs to match. She is seen here supporting Po' Girl in June 2009. |
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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. |
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Sarah Gayle Meech was raised under the influence of country, evergreens, and the Columbia River. She moved to Nashville in 2010 to pursue her music career further and finally arrived in the UK in July 2015. Her debut show at Heywood's Hobo's Retreat featuring the 'Meech Boys' (A great band of Brits) was a great success leaving the audience looking forward to her return!. |
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©All the photos are the copyright of Roger Liptrot ©
