Greg Russell

Drawn from an oral history project Danny Pedler conducted in the South Holland region of Lincolnshire, it’s hard to think of anything quite packing Field and Dyke’s emotional punch this year. An excellent and highly recommended album from Danny and Greg Russell.

Part Three of our Best Folk Albums of 2018 includes Landless, Gwenifer Raymond, Jim Ghedi, Stick in the Wheel, Ross Ainslie, Fara, Sarah Louise, Jack Hayter, The Left Outsides, Nathan Bowles and more.

Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar give us an insight into the songs on their latest album ‘Utopia and Wasteland’ which “explores a formidable range of human emotions and political ideas, and one that flits easily between the minuscule detail and the grand statement.”

Utopia and Wasteland explores a formidable range of human emotions and political ideas, and one that flits easily between the minuscule detail and the grand statement. An exceptional album from one of the most exciting duos not just in folk but in any genre.

With passion, respect, and immense musical talent, Shake the Chains have created a powerful and inspiring album, which deserves to be heard on the streets as well as indoors.  Listen, sing, and go and change the world.

To the people who think politics has no place in music, Inclined To Be Red is a timely reminder that the opposite is true. It proves that music still can – and indeed must – engage with the world in a positive way. A gentle affirmation of the power of song.

Watch Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar’s new live video for The Silent Majority. The BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winning duo will reunite again next month as they head out on tour. You don’t want to miss this.

The Shake the Chains cast along with special guest Martin Simpson gave a performance to lift the most sullen heart in these trying times and to point the way to a better future. With a finale which saw everyone singing We Shall Overcome, the evening was a potent reminder that together we could be harmonious and unvanquishable.

The 40th-anniversary all-star revival of Peter Bellamy’s ‘The Transports’ starts this month taking it dates at Celtic Connections, Cecil Sharp House and more. Watch this excellent short documentary about the ballad folk opera.

As Shake the Chains kicks off on tour next month featuring new and classic protest songs from Nancy Kerr, Findlay Napier, Hannah Martin, Greg Russell & Tim Yates with special guests we talk to Greg Russell about the project and have our first listen.

Touring in February 2017 – Shake the Chains – featuring new and classic protest songs from Nancy Kerr, Findlay Napier, Hannah Martin, Greg Russell & Tim Yates with special guests Peggy Seeger, Steve Knightley, Martin Simpson and Boff Whalley.

Peter Bellamy’s 1977 masterpiece Ballad-Opera ‘The Transports’ to be re-told featuring The Young’uns, Faustus, Nancy Kerr and members of Bellowhead together on stage. Plus we have a CD giveaway of the original release.