August 2021

Watch Craig Fortnam, composer for North Sea Radio Orchestra and Arch Garrison, performing ‘German Ocean’ live. A quirkily brilliant single that invites repeated plays; taken from his first solo album ‘Ark’.

Folk duo Ye Vagabonds have been planning a very ambitious and novel trip for over a year now, and soon they will take to the inland waterways of Ireland for over a month for their ‘All Boats Rise’ tour.

David Ferguson, a Grammy Award-winning recording engineer who has collaborated with the likes of Johnny Cash, John Prine, and Sturgill Simpson, releases his debut album next month. Watch him performing “Hard Times Come Again No More,” accompanied by Sierra Hull. This really is something else, a sure winner.

As an exciting last-minute addition to the eclectic line-up for this week’s Sidmouth Folk Festival Online, musician Paul Sartin will interview Richard Thompson about his intimate autobiography, Beeswing: Fairport, Folk Rock and Finding My Voice 1967-75.

Featuring the core trio of John McSherry and Detroit natives Tyler Duncan and Michael Shimmin, our Song of the Day comes from ‘the olllam’ who continue to push the envelope in blending funk, jazz and tradition.

Coughlan’s Live Promotions announce ‘The Great Beyond’, a new two day festival with live music and comedy in the stunning surrounds of Ballinacurra House, Kinsale, Co. Cork. Featuring BellX1, Lisa Hannigan, Wallis Bird, Marc O’Reilly, Laura O’Mahony, Naked Animals, Paddy Dennehy, Ultan Conlon, Cry Monster Cry & more.

Irish traditional flute player Fintan Vallely’s 1979 album “Traditional Irish Flute Music” and “Back to the Starry Lane” with Mark Simos have been remastered and are now available via Bandcamp.

Taken from her latest EP ‘Swallow Me’, watch Rachel Sermanni performing ‘Brighton House’ live. Don’t miss her upcoming tour dates in November and early December as well as two Campfire Club dates in August this month.

Following his highly acclaimed debut album and upcoming UK tour announcement, watch Josh Okeefe performing the traditional ballad “I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day”. The song has been covered by the likes of Archie Fisher, The Pogues, The Dubliners and Jeannie Robertson.

Shawna Caspi’s “Hurricane Coming” is a sincere offering, bursting with sentiments and heart-on-sleeve emotions that will resonate with many. It’s her most personal set of songs and best album to date.

Cecil Sharp House are once again looking forward to hosting music-loving audiences in a packed Autumn/winter season including John McCusker, Thea Gilmore, Heidi Talbot & Boo Hewerdine, Kitty MacFarlane, Leveret, Sam Sweeney, The Rheingans Sisters, Spiers & Boden, LAU and lots more.

On Josienne Clarke’s ‘A Small Unknowable Thing’, the songs are so direct, showing an immediacy born of frustration and inspiration. Unshackled creative freedom screams out of every song…ripe with raw artistic expression combined with music of surefire melodic and dramatic purpose.

Celebrated Scottish Gael Mary Ann Kennedy is following in the footsteps of St Columba, embarking on an epic journey of musical discovery as part of a landmark collaboration with Scotland’s singing festival, St Andrews Voices.

Mellow down with Ric Robertson’s smokey vocals and let his soulful, country-tinted melodies carry you along. Carolina Child makes for a sweet listen.