Dave Freak

We talk to Shirley Collins about her amazing comeback, new found confidence, her upcoming new autobiography and whether there’s a possibility of another album….

With Sam Beam & Jesca Hoop due to take a trip over the Atlantic this month for a brief run of dates that concludes at Moseley Folk Festival, Birmingham, we caught up with Jesca to talk about their latest collaboration on Love Letter For Fire.

Read our in-depth interview with Billy Bragg about his forthcoming new album ‘Shine A Light: Field Recordings From The Great American Railroad’ on which he re-partners with producer and musician Joe Henry.

With a new album ‘The Glee And The Spark’ recently released we catch up with London-born minstrel Rory McLeod whose music is infused with a myriad of influences, from the blues and folk, to flamenco, Latin and calypso.

We talk to Joe Broughton who leads The Conservatoire Folk Ensemble, he provides an insight into how the Ensemble works, from selecting tunes to fitting on stage…this year they number a relatively manageable 65 members.

We talk to Edward II about their latest album ‘Manchester’s Improving Daily’ inspired by a book by Harry Boardman featuring broadsides about Manchester. They are on tour now.

Dave talks to Nancy Kerr who has played a major part in the acoustic music scene since she was a teen. She shares some great insights about Murmurs (with Andy Cutting and Martin Simpson) and some stories about Towersey Festival. Plus we have a new video from Simpson Cutting Kerr.

We talk to Keston Cobblers’ Club whose new album ‘Wildfire’ is out now. They head out on tour in July performing at festivals across the UK before supporting Bellowhead on their final farewell tour.

We talk to Chris While and Julie Matthews about their latest album ‘Who We Are’ an album that includes songs about a village decimated by the plague in the 17th century and women working in Sheffield’s steel industry during wartime. Plus guest artists: O’Hooley & Tidow, Joe Broughton, Kellie While and Kit Bailey.

FRUK talks to Stornoway’s principle songwriter, guitarist and Doctor of Ornithology Brian Briggs about their new album Bonxie an album that features the sounds of around 20 different species of bird. We also learn of his love for South Wales where he currently resides.

Dave catches up with Éamonn Coyne to talk all things Treacherous Orchestra. They are spending the summer performing live across the UK concluding with their first appearance at Towersey Festival. “Bring it on; we are really looking forward to it spreading the T.O. message ‘down south’.”

We catch up with The Dovetail Trio who aim to present ‘England’s traditional songs with a bold and fresh approach.’ Featuring Jamie Roberts, Rosie Hood and Matt Quinn. They are preparing for the release of their debut album. In the run up to the release, the band will be performing across the UK, including Towersey Festival.