A singer/songwriter from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Alana released the critically acclaimed album Unsettled Down in 2005 on Universal Music Group. A regular visitor to the UK she's well worth catching!
Celebrating 20 years together in 2022 Le Vent du Nord is a leading force in Québec’s progressive francophone folk movement. The group’s vast repertoire draws from both traditional sources and original compositions, while enhancing its hard-driving soulful music with a broad range of global influences.
The Canadian trio of Tom Lewis, William Pint and Felicia Dale performing at Fylde in September 1992.
Cara left the successful Wailin' Jennys to resume a solo career and her cd 'The Light Fantastic' ably demonstrates her exceptional abilities as a guitarist and her compelling and distinctive vocals. Her live performances have been described as "a joy to behold ", I couldn't have put it better myself!
Flossie is a French born singer-guitarist whose experience as a professional performer started in “La Belle France” 30 years ago. She has been living in the North East of England since July 2002 and sings and plays a wide variety of songs in French, English, Spanish and Portuguese interspersed with a touch of humour which has tones of the late Vin Garbutt, an early mentor.
David
Mallett
A number of people have recorded Dave's songs
including John Denver whose version of "You say that the Battle is
Over" brought Dave to my attention. Dave makes annual visits to the
UK and you should look out for him. A dynamic performer who should be
a household name!
Follow the picture link for more shots!
Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys
Gordie and his boys weave together a refreshing mix of invigorating songs, traditional-leaning ideas, and modern influences infused with solid instrumentation, rockabilly-inspired numbers, and toe tapping reels – all polished by Gordie’s stunning fiddle play and fancy footwork.
Yet another Canadian singer/songwriter with an
exceptional voice singing at Fylde in September 1990
Seen here at Charnock Richard, Chorley in 1976, with their band, Kate and Anna wre two Canadian singer-songwriters from Quebec, who performed until Kate McGarrigle's untimely death in January 2010.
A number of these photos appear in Dane Lanken's 'Songs and Stories' book while ChaimTannenbaum also used one on his solo cd release in 2015
Tift is a fine American singer-songwriter who is well worth looking up, both as a recording and a performing artist. Fortunately her visits to the UK both with and without her superb band are on the increase. Give her a listen.
First introduced to me via Nic Jones singing
of his "Farewell to the Gold" I've enjoyed seeing Paul perform on a number
of occasions both solo and with Cave Canem. Seen here playing with Cave
Canem at Fylde in September 1989.
Seeing Maria on the Bob Dylan 'No Direction Home' film reminded me of her great show in Manchester in the early 80's and had me looking through my archives to recover these shots
Regular visitors to the UK since 2002, I spent the whole of this show with a smile on my face! Their onstage energy, Tom Landa's voice along with smooth harmonies and Tom and Steve Mitchell's songwriting talents made for an unforgettable evening.
A Band that must be destined for greater things!
A folk trio from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, The Once features Geraldine Hollett on lead vocals and percussion with Phil Churchill and Andrew Dale playing a variety of instruments between them. With wonderful three part harmonies and a great rapport with their audience this trio is one not to be missed.
Fans of Tanglefoot, who sadly disbanded in 2009, will be familiar with Al's wonderful voice described by CBC radio as 'halfway between melted chocolate and sex.' In late 2011 Al released his first 'solo' cd and chose this photo from Tanglefoot's 'In the Park' performance for the cover.
Steve, Al and Rob,Tanglefoot's dynamic rhythm and harmony guys are back together again! They've added percussionist Beaker Granger. The four-piece configuration affords the four veteran performers the opportunity to stretch their wings, indulging in musical whims and creating a memorable experience of arresting music, stories, laughter and reminiscence. It's light and shade, irreverent and poignant, gentle as a whisper and rampantly energetic.
Dana
Robinson and Susan Pufahl
Seen here prior to their appearance at The Cross
Keys Folk Club in May 2004. I'd already enjoyed Dana during one of his
earlier visits and hearing him with Susan, who provided accompaniment
on banjo and guitar as well as gorgeous harmonies, was an added bonus.
Catch them if you can!!
Follow the picture link for more shots!
An innovative violist who is putting the sound of West Coast Folk on the map. Her debut album "Reach" was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award and her original writing is winning composing accolades. Zav has toured over here with James Keelaghan.
The American singer/songwriter singing his "No Regrets" at Cambridge in 1985.
Full of fun with an obvious love of the music that she is performing Cathie is a 'must see' for all lovers of crystal clear vocals. The former lead singer of Cherish the Ladies gave an unforgetable performance in Westhoughton's final season where these shots were taken.
Salsa Celtica November 2009
In November 2009 I had the great pleasure of enjoying the company of Salsa Celtica as they played the second of two dates at Manchester's Band on the Wall. This gallery reflects my images of the night, the band were on great form and shortly after recorded their Universal Hall, Findhorn concert in Scotland. To get an idea of just how good they are visit their website and seek out the live album "En Vivo En El Norte" containing some of my photos of the band.
Salsa Celtica October 2010
Seen here during their Autumn Tour where they created a terrific atmosphere at Bury Met with their fusion of Scottish and Irish traditional music with all the Latin American elements of salsa. Their combination of virtuosity and energy has made them one of the most exciting groups on the world music circuit today. Put on your dancing shoes and give them a listen!
Oliver
Schroer
Oliver was a unique fiddler and composer whose visits to the UK were in
the company of his long time friend James Keelaghan. In May of 2004, Oliver
made a pilgrimage through France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain and
recorded music for his cd, Camino, in some of many old chapels and churches
he visited along the way.
Sadly we lost Oliver in July 2008 after a year-long battle with leukemia
For samples of his work visit his website.
A much loved and respected icon of the folk movement as well as a fabulous performer. Half-sister of Pete Seeger and the widow of Ewan MacColl, singer/songwriter Peggy has continued her family's long history of championing and preserving traditional music.
I waited 20 years for Alan to appear in the North West again and finally caught up with him in Manchester's Albert Square as part of the Streets Ahead Festival. His one hour set was brilliant. Hurry back!.
Tanglefoot (Westhoughton March 2007)
Another great favourite seen here playing at Westhoughton Folk Club's final season and producing their best ever performance at the club, in my humble opinion.
From Ontario Tanglefoot are now a much welcome sight around the Folk Clubs and Festivals. I defy anyone witnessing their wonderful harmonies and tight musicianship not to be fully entertained!. Seen here at Standish with latest addition Sandra Swannell.
Follow the picture links for individual shots.
Tanglefoot (in the Park - June 2005)
Seen here at Vale Park New Brighton in between their 'Folk in the Park' sets. If there's a better way of spending a Sunday afternoon than sitting outdoors watching these guys perform I'd like to know it!
For decades Chaim Tannenbaum played with one of the most celebrated families in contemporary music, the McGarrigle sisters - Kate and Anna, Loudon Wainwright III, Rufus Wainwright and Martha Wainwright among many others.
In 2015 he stepped to centre stage, after years of playing on other people’s records, and made one of his own. Now everyone's wondering what took him so long. Seek him out
Described as the mesmeric Po’Girl singer Awna will be touring the UK in September 2012 and will be performing songs from her back catalogue as well as most of her forthcoming solo album
Trio Dhoore is a band of three brothers who play contemporary instrumental folk music from Flanders, in a very modern way! Their repertoire is made up of self-penned tunes and you can expect an atmospheric landscape where folky grooves, melancholic melodies and close interplay, combined to create a unique sound.
Seen here in their 2008, and in my opnion best yet, line up with Heather Masse and Jeremy Penner replacing Annabelle Chvostek, the Jennys continue to produce knock out harmonies and wow the Uk audiences. Give them a listen
I first saw Loudon on the "Old Grey Whistle Test" in the early 70's singing Samson and the Warder and have been hooked ever since. Definately one of the best live acts, I've seen a number of his concerts over the years and enjoyed every one!.
Follow the picture links for more shots.
Loudon Wainwright III and Chaim Tannenbaum
After following Loudon for years the chance of seeing him and his long time buddy Chaim Tannenbaum in the intimate setting of Hebden Bridge Trades Club was too good to miss and we weren't disappointed. Chaim backed Loudon for a part of his set providing some great close harmonies and their on stage banter reflected the many hours spent in each others company
Lucy Wainwright Roche is literally following in her illustrious family's footsteps, her father Loudon Wainwright III, her mother Suzzy Roche (The Roches), not to mention her brother and sister Rufus and Martha Wainwright - Lucy Wainwright-Roche is stamping her very own indelible mark on the music scene.
As well as being one fifth of Canadian Band Tanglefoot Bryan is a fine singer songwriter in his own right. If you enjoyed 'The Songwriter' on Tanglesfoot's 'Dance like Flames' cd, this was written in collaboration with Joe Grant, and would like to hear more of the same then get hold of a copy of Bryan's debut ep titled ' Bryan Weirmier' and do yourself a favour.
Taken at Fylde in September 1985 at a 'Meet' session. Shortly after this was taken Martyn left the stage and sang to a packed Hall 'Unplugged', a superb performer.
After originally playing and singing with the legendary Alan Stivell, Gabriel has gone on to make his mark as a solo performer. Taken at Fylde in September 1991
