Singing songs in their Lancashire dialect about current culture such as "Chippy Tea", "eBay Eck" and "He's Turned Emo", gained over 230,000 plays on MySpace by March 2008), the Hotpots have quickly gained a great following as was seen when they featured in Phil Brown's 'Live Drift' on Radio Lancashire in February 2009 where this shot was taken
Singer-songwriter Clive, a solo performer and member of Auld Triangle
(residents at Westhoughton Folk Club) and Bandersnatch, sadly passed away
on 22nd December 2007 after a short illness.
He's seen here during a photo shoot for his cd 'A Northern Man'
Another artist that I first saw at the Fishermans Inn Folk Club in the 70s. I've seen Marie loads of times since and never fail to enjoy her. Recently released her first CD. This photo was taken at Fylde in September 1992
A magical fiddler when either accompanying vocalists, such as here with Tony Downes in The Beggarmen in 1982, or when leading a session as he continues to do round the Middleton area.
Kirsty was recently mentioned in the Times Magazine as one of the 'New Cool Folkies' and I wouldn't disagree. An excellent singer/songwriter with a crystal clear voice that immediately grabs your attention. She is seen here accompanied by Matt Martin on guitar
Michael seen here playing his pipes, is mainly known for his flute playing. His work can be found on his solo albums or with Toss The Feathers, Flook!, Capercaillie or as a session musician
From the intimacy of packed out Northern Quarter venues to the St Patrick's Day marquee in front of Manchester Town Hall to a 'thrilled' audience at the Ramsbottom Festival, to clubs and festivals throughout the North West, to numerous live and recorded radio gigs, Musaic perform original roots-based songs and tunes.
Taken at the Waggon Inn, Milnrow in 1983. New Bracken Bands great harmonies complemented by Des Friel and Dom Williams songwriting talents were well appreciated in the early 80's.
Tunes, song and dance performed by young musicians and dancers from Stockport seen here at the Bridgewater Hall in July 2002
Seen playing together at the Black Lion Folk Club in 1985
In the summer of 1965 a chance meeting between John Howarth and the brothers Larry and Gerry Kearns saw the beginning of years of fun and music for The Oldham Tinkers and all who chanced upon them on their travels.
All these years later, their longstanding career has involved such extremes as performing for the Queen and being championed by DJs Andy Kershaw and John Peel.
Sadly we lost Larry in June 2016 and Dave Howard, who had been the third Tinker for 20 years (prior to which he was the band’s sound engineer) became a permanent replacement.
A familiar face on the Manchester acoustic scene, Katie has supported top ten album selling Beth Rowley, country star Kimmie Rhodes, played alongside Aziz Ibrahim (Stone Roses, Simply Red) and worked with award-winning producer Simon Dine (Paul Weller, Noonday Underground)
I first came across Brian singing with The Taverners
in the late 70's and got in trouble for buying his LP instead of theirs!
After The Taverners disbanded in 1981 he continued with his solo career.
A lovely man with a voice to match and who was responsible for introducing
'Old Pendle' to the folk scene. Unfortunately Brian died in March 2002
This photo was taken at Fylde in 1985
The 'Ossie Bard' seen here during one of his numerous appearances on Radio Lancashire's 'Live Drift' where the audience can be treated to gems from Dylan's vast self penned repertoire either as part of the warm up or during the 'on air' recording. Although Dylan's reputation is based around his comical material every now and then he'll throw in the odd serious number that shows the range of his talent.
Penny Black combines the talents of Lancashire "lads" - John Bond and Pete Skinner supplemented on occasions by one or more of their musical friends or family. They perform Lancashire songs, dialect poems, comic numbers plus instrumentals and raise money for charity in the process. Can't be bad.
Lynne is still very involved in Irish music in the North West. This shot was taken at the Black Lion in Manchester
I first saw Brian at the Waggon Inn at Milnrow in the 80s. This was taken at The Cross Keys in March 2003
Brought together by a series of chance meetings at sessions around the North West of England, bonding over red hair and a shared love of traditional music, Pilgrims Way have been shaking up assorted kitchens, public houses and folk venues ever since.
Graham Price has been playing on the Manchester scene since the late 60's and still plays in the occassional sessions. I first came across Graham in the early 80's playing in Double Trouble. Taken here at his home with his favourite Martin guitar.
Discovered by music legends Bill Leader and John Ellis in a local Irish session in Middleton, Ian released 'Shreds', a unique volume of songs, poems and prose in Spring 2012 and is seen here performing with Paul Cowham.
Taken here after a "Meet" session at The Saddleworth Folk Festival in July 1999. With their close harmonies and the quality of Dave Walmisleys' songwriting definitely not to be missed!.
Follow the picture links for individual shots of the band.
Taken here at Clitheroe Festival 2002, where this popular Band said goodbye to Jayne Coyle, leaving to concentrate on her 'Solo Players' string quartet, and hello to multi instrumentalist and fine singer Ben Walker.
Follow the picture links for more shots of the band at the festival.
A fine mixture of traditional and contemporary songs both as a solo performer and accompanied by Ken Howard. Taken here at Fylde in September 1988.
Rochdale-based band The Scattering play a mixture of traditional celtic, Irish rock, sea shanties, folk and country and played six dates over the two main weekends of the 2018 Manchester Irish Festival.
Look out for them!
Sue and Liz are one of the leading female duos in the UK described by the Sidmouth festival Director as having"Fine harmonies, good music and excellent presentation- Splendid". Look out for them near you!
Not only Simon Cowell can spot talent. Seen here taking first stage appearance supporting Cathryn Craig and Brian Willoughby at Shaw Playhouse 2 Katie's going to be one to watch out for. Watch this space!
Once part of Therapy with Dave Shannon, she appeared on a number of Max Boyce's TV shows. Solo since 1983, she's seen here at Fylde in September 1985.
Sisters in Arms Rapper are an award winning Women's rapper team based in Salford, they are seen here performing at Bury Met.
A great singer/songwriter, Helen's seen here supporting 'The Gathering - Legends of Folk Rock '
A band formed by Pete Belston, a friend of mine. This photo is one of a number of promotional shots that I took for their cassette cover and poster. Taken at Toad Lane, Rochdale in 1994.
Mike Sweeney’s Manchester Beat
Broadcasting legend Mike Sweeney and his band Manchester Beat seen here in in a show packed with 60’s classics, featuring the biggest hits of all the great Manchester bands of that decade. As lead singer of The Salford Jets, Mike had a string of hit singles in the 70’s and 80’s including Who You Looking At and Gina I’ve Got A Cortina. He is currently the host of BBC Radio Manchester’s Morning Show, where his absolute authority on music (particularly the sounds of the 60’s) coupled with his funny and straight-talking views unsurprisingly draw flocks of fans every day
A distinctive voice accompanied by guitar or concertina, Bram always provides good entertainment. Taken at the Black Lion, Salford at the "Song for Ethiopia" weekend in June 1985.
Following his rise upon the UK indie scene over the past few years, Brandon has released his debut single ‘I’m Not Gonna Wait’ – a heart-warming and beautiful sounding piano driven song about loss. He's seen here performing at Bury Met
Salford based, Dai plays festivals, concerts and clubs all over the U.K.His blues material is drawn from the likes of Charley Patton, Blind Willie McTell, Leadbelly & Robert Johnson
Ethan first started playing guitar when he was seven years old. He
started to perform in venues around his home county, Cumbriain his first
year at Fylde Folk Festival (2008) he won
the Tallyman Trophy, where I first saw him.
He's pictured here supporting Daimh at Bury Met in June 2012.
Chris Pyam and Ken Punshon got together in August 09 to write songs and enjoy themselves. They're seen here supporting Lady Maisery at Bury Met.
A member of the 'Tom Topping band' and also seen accompanying John Wright as part of his band but also an exceptional young singer-songwriter in his own right Joe already has 2 solo CD’s to his name and a very bright future ahead. Another to look out for!!
The main man of the Tom Topping Band, Tom is seen here at Shaw's Playhouse Two where he supported Joe Topping and Joe Wright along with fellow Band member Colin Henderson. An excellent performer with a terrific sense of humour
Playing a mixture of traditional and self-penned songs combined with some great instumentals Trebuchet are well worth a listen. They are seen here performing at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester (well the Foyer!) as part of the 'A Little Bite Music' season.
Bill Tucker
One of the best to get the show on the road.
Bill has succesfully ran many clubs over the years including Rochdales
Tap and Spile, Royton Assembly Hall and Oldhams Coal Ole. Taken here at
the Rochdale Folk Festival in 1988.
In the 70's and 80's I spent many a fine evening in the Company of Martin Lynott and Tony Downes performing as the Two Beggarman and their 'Flowers of Manchester' LP was well worn. Nowadays both are still active on the scene and, amongst other things, are regular attendees of the Monday night sessions at the Oddfellows Arms in Middleton while Tony often appears with The Hometowners.
UKE TOO is an Oldham Music Centre community initiative that took off
in 2013. Adults of all ages from 18 right through to senior citizens.
No previous experience is necessary - they cater for absolute beginners
and more accomplished players who can already play the Ukulele. Follow
the weblink for more details.
Seen here at Shaw Playhouse 2 in April 2013
Singing here with Plan B at the Black Lion, Salford in June 1985
Another singer that was popular in the Manchester area in the 70s and 80s. This shot was taken in my front room in May 1984 to be used a publicity shot.
"The Bolton Bullfrog" taken here at Fylde in September 1990. I've always enjoyed seeing Bernard although more recently I've seen more of him on the TV than "Live".
