KAREN TWEED – Essentially Invisible To The Eye – MAY MORNING ADVENTURES MMA6327002

“A novel, an autobiography, a casserole and as close to a self portrait as I am able to create”: Karen Tweed’s own words on the cover of this remarkable solo album. Traditional tunes, original compositions and music from all over the world come together in five long sets.

For the autobiography we must start with ‘Edelweiss’ and ‘Que Sera Sera’, part of ‘Karine’ – all the tracks are named after people, a homage to The Enigma Variations, perhaps – which we can imagine as part of Karen’s childhood. In fact, Karine might really be Karen and Aidan O’Rouke’s ‘Mattie And Karine’s’ from which the set takes its name might just be a happy coincidence.

KT Tunstall to Headline CHAGSTOCK FESTIVAL 2012

CHAGSTOCK FESTIVAL takes place FRIDAY 20th – SATURDAY 21st JULY 2012 and is one of the Westcountry’s best-loved festivals. Set in 45 acres of farmland on the northern edge of Devon’s beautiful Dartmoor, Chagstock is renowned for its stunning location, diverse line-up of artists and family-friendly atmosphere. 

Acts recently confirmed for the eclectic family-friendly festival include a Friday night acoustic stage headline performance from KT Tunstall, plus performances from the critically acclaimed Juan Zelada, Cornwall-based singer-songwriter Ruarri Joseph, Jools Holland favourite Big Boy Bloater and alt-folk troubadours The Travelling Band. Many more acts, including the main and acoustic stage Saturday night headliners are yet to be announced.

IONA – Another Realm (Open Sky Records OPENSKY 16)

I’ll only mention it once (and believe me, it’s a compliment) that when Clannad released their album “Robin Of Sherwood” in 1984 they were to prove inspirational not only to me but they also opened the door to a far wider demographic than ‘folk music’ could ever achieve on its own. The reason I mention this is that for lovers of this genre of music Iona have now accepted the baton of stylish folk-rock that I did not expect to see revived. Since the band formed in 1989 I have for some reason only enjoyed peripheral knowledge of their CD releases…but, from now on…

A new Albion Band album and UK tour…

Alongside Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention, The Albion Band are one of the “Big Three” of English Folk Rock, fusing traditional British songs and tunes with contemporary instruments and sounds. All three were formed by legendary band leader Ashley Hutchings. Generally considered one of the most important groupings in the genre, The Albion Band has contained or been associated with a large proportion of major English folk performers from Richard Thompson to Martin Carthy in its long and fluid history.

Until 2011, the one constant has been Albion Band leader and bass player Ashley Hutchings but, on the fortieth anniversary

ACOUSTIC STRAWBS – Rock Plaza, Sevenoaks 04.02.12

Our friends’ at Brandywine Music are putting on some tremendous acts at venues across Kent and Sussex and tonight was no exception. OK, so it might not perhaps have been the full punnet of Strawbs but it proved more than enough for the attendant audience on what turned out to be an extremely bitter February night. Without a word of pomp or ceremony the intrepid trio of

Folk by the Oak festival – Sunday 22 July 2012

Folk by the Oak will be celebrating their 5^th festival in 2012, and will once again be filling Hertfordshire’s beautiful Hatfield Park with equally beautiful folk and acoustic music. Sunday 22 July 2012 will certainly be a date for the diary, as the organisers announce another fabulous line-up.

Artists confirmed include: Headliners: Show of Hands, The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Cara Dillon, Breabach, Chris Wood, Nancy Kerr & James Fagan, Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo.

CALLING ALL EMERGING FOLK ACTS!

BRISTOL FOLK FESTIVAL RELAUNCHES NATIONWIDE MUSIC AWARD

~ Winner offered two UK festival appearances, Songs from the Shed session and Folk Radio UK airplay ~

Bristol Folk Festival has relaunched its popular Isambard nationwide music award which will give one winner a high profile platform at the event this May – and much more!

Last year, organisers staged the inaugural contest to celebrate the first Bristol Folk Festival in 32 years with Welsh band Under the Driftwood Tree emerging as winners.